GS1

Sox Fans, I would not at all worry about Thome's health. He has been a mad man this off-season in trying to get healthy. He hit 40 HR in 2004 with bad wrists. His back threw him off course last year, but, again, he has been religious about his conditioning program this off season. Don't be surprised if you see a 2003-like season from him... .266/47/131.

Baseball America refers to this kid as not a top prospect but as simply a kid to watch. Comments?

Anything flies out of CBP. On a night with "thin air", look out. I think one of the games I was this year, there was something like 13 HR.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 12:23 AM) That would make some sense. I know you guys wanted a CFer. I remember seeing something about a Vernon Wells for Abreu swap that was talked around a little bit (dont' know how much truth there was to it). The Yanks do want Rowand badly though. They witnessed what he can do in the field. It was probably one of the most impressive defensive displays in a series (especially because two of the great catches came back to back) that I've ever seen. Seemed to be quite a bit of truth about Abreu for Wells. I do not really know what happened, other than to speculate that Gillick wanted to check on the value for Abreu. Right now, I think the Phils are inclined to give Victorino a shot, with Michaels (the cop beater) a shot, too, or at least as a competitive b/u. Abreu and/or Burrell will probably be moved. I believe we went from having the world's worst GM (Wade) to the best (Gillick). Gillick is really in charge in a town for a team that needed a sheriff. Somewhere along the line, Gillick is going to get a #1. Trade, FA, whatever, he is on a mission. By the way, congrats on your WS! I had you guys losing your lead late in the season to the Indians and not even making the p/o's. You guys just hammered Cleveland at the end. Makes it even more impressive.

Rumors in Philly are that Rowand may not be here long. The Yankees may want him, and there is talk of a swap for Pavano.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 12:10 AM) As much as I think we'll all love Thome. I think Aaron is the type of player that we are all sad to go. With that said, you know you guys are getting a great all around guy and a solid all around player. He's signed to a cheap deal and his defense is just a thing of beauty. We have an up and comer at Reading, Michael Bourn, who may be the best defensive Cfer the Phillies will have had since Garry Maddox, who was g-o-o-d! Problem is whether or not Bourn will ever hit above AA.

You guys will love Thome. I, for one, will miss him in Philly. I made the one+ hour trip from Lititz, PA - yeah, where all the wild sh*t is going on right now - many times a year to watch this guy crack 'em. Do not be surprised if he still has 48-52 a year in him for you.