Resurgent Thome in high demand
When the American League All-Star team became available for interviews Monday, the Philadelphia press corps swarmed to one man.
Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome didn’t mind. Back at the All-Star Game after an injury-filled 2005 season, he wanted to savor everything the game had to offer.
“I was telling my wife the other day, for me at this point in my career and having been fortunate to attend some All-Star games, this one for me will be special because you never know when you’re going to get back,” said Thome, traded from Philadelphia to Chicago during the off-season. “Going through the injuries I went through, if you would have said, ‘You’re going to be here this year,’ I couldn’t say that. That’s why at this stage, I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.
“I know there’s a lot of first-year guys (here), but for me this is really, really neat from what I went through a year ago.”
What Thome – who became a full-time player in 1995 – went through a year ago was his worst major league season. Lower back and elbow injuries limited him to 59 games with the Phillies. He hit just .207 with seven homers and 30 RBIs.
But Thome has flourished as Chicago’s DH. He began Saturday hitting .297 with 30 homers and 77 RBIs.
Steinbrenner speaks out
George Steinbrenner likes Bobby Abreu. That’s not just a rumor. That comes directly from The Boss’ mouth.
On his way out of Yankee Stadium, Steinbrenner spoke briefly, but he said enough to reinforce indications that the Yankees will pursue the Phillies right fielder.
Asked whom general manager Brian Cashman should target on the trade market, Steinbrenner said, “He knows what he’s doing. There’s a guy I prefer, but I’m not going to talk about it now.”
Asked if that guy is Abreu, the principal owner said, “Sure I like Bobby Abreu.” Then he added, “Everybody likes Bobby Abreu.”
But not everybody can afford him.
The multitalented Abreu is owed $20 million next season, plus a $2 million buyout for his $16 million 2008 option.
The Yankees are closely monitoring developments in Philadelphia. There’s definitely a fit there: The Bombers could use another bat, Abreu could slide into Gary Sheffield’s salary spot next season and the Yankees could afford him.
Torre ranks as graybeard
Yankees manager Joe Torre will turn 66 on Tuesday. Only two other managers, Felipe Alou and Frank Robinson, are older.
Torre may be of retirement age, but he is hardly the retiring type. Given the injuries and inconsistencies he has faced, it can be argued that he has been very successful in New York.
Torre has even found common ground with Steinbrenner, repairing a relationship that was fractured at this time a year ago.
Blue Jays fight infections
The Toronto Blue Jays disinfected their clubhouse after being forced to place right-hander Ty Taubenheim on the 15-day disabled list with an infection in his left foot, the second Toronto player to be placed on the DL because of a staph infection.
Right fielder Alex Rios still hasn’t rejoined the club since suffering a staph infection in his lower left leg in late June.