This is interesting. The dude, at age 38, is still racking up a .400 OBP. He's the lefty stick you don't realize you miss until he's gone. In our ballpark, he could get to 600 bombs in another two years, and I'd really like to see that happen with the White Sox.
I presume given the youth movement in Major League Baseball, Big Jim wouldn't cost too much to extend. I'd like to see that happen.
This does bring up the whole Jermaine Dye issue, and whether we want to extend him and commit to him in right field, but I think he's rightfully so in line for a rather hefty payday (say a 3 year deal similar to what Ibanez got last year), whereas Thome could be had for less... I would assume.
Anyway, just ranting on an underrated player.