Thome or Howard in '06?

[grammysboy]

I'm curious to see if anyone has heard anything about the Phil's plans for first base for '06. Are they shopping Thome?

[cordscords]

Nov 4 Jim Thome a Twin? The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the Twins have had conversations with the Phillies regarding a possible trade for first baseman Jim Thome, where the Phillies would have to pick up a good share of Thome's contract. Thome is still owed $43.5 million over the next three years.

Views: There is no way the Twins can afford Thome's salary, so Philly would definitely have to pick up a large portion of it. Thome is expendable since the Phillies seem prepared to move forward with Ryan Howard, who hit .283 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI in just 312 at bats as a rookie. Thus, if it's not the Twins, Thome will likely be dealt somewhere this winter.

[onionman1]

From phillies.com...
The possibilities have been well documented -- trade one of them, play Howard in left, and either move Bobby Abreu to center or trade Abreu or Pat Burrell. One thing is certain: Gillick will figure something out, by the trading deadline at the latest, though that might be the least attractive option.



General consensus in Philly is that Howard should stay, although moving Abreu and praying that Howard can figure out the OF would be a popular move as well. Anyone who watches Abreu regularly realizes that he puts up the numbers, but he they generally are empty stats. Granted he was banged up at the end of the season, but the number of times he came up small during the wildcard chase will be difficult to forget.[/i]

[Pogotheostrich]

Last I heard Gillick said Howard would not be moving to the OF. My guess is Thome is dealt after Konerko signs.

[bronxxbomber]

as much as lazy bum abreu is in that outfield there's no way gillick will move him. it would be a pr disaster. philly fans like the guy a lot. he does a lot things for kids in philly. so they have 2 choices; trade thome or trade howard.

[SAV]

Howard, hands down

[chadlincoln]

Howard and don't look back. Guy is going to be a beast.

[BamaZouLou]

Thome Got Traded For Aaron Rowand