I remember in the days of David Ardore early in this board's history around 1998 he was relentless in his criticism of the then 27 year old Thome for building up and losing his agility and ability to play a quality first base position.

Thome started that 1998 season at 133 career home runs.

My memory is a little bit fuzzy but was Thome even that good at 3B?

Besides, the Indians had Matt Williams for 1997 and then Travis Fryman after that. So I think it's fair to say they had 3B pretty well covered.

In Thome's 3rd base years I didn't get to see many games. My recollection for what it's worth is that he was perhaps average defensively at best, and I think he was challenged with accuracy on throws to first. Just what I seem to recall from reading accounts of the games and team.

By 1997 Thome had been transitioned entirely to 1st base, and 1998 was his 2nd season at the position.

Just heard on ESPN that Thome's 599 & 600 in consecutive at bats is the 1st time in Major League history.

J.R. wrote:Thome's milestone:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?conte ... id=cle&v=2

Tigger Fans gave Jim Thome a long standing ovation after #600. Thome's Dad and wife and kid were in attendance and came onto the field at home plate after he celebrated individually with current team mates.

If Thome does go into The Hall, his career stops would seem to see him going in with a Cleveland Indians hat.

Jimenez getting lots of defensive help here in the first....NOT.....bases loaded one out for Adam Dunn....

Coach Baron visit to mound...just strike everyone out from now on and you'll be fine...no worries....

I guess two days off has everyone a bit rusty.

In some sense I "get" the radio broadcast style of the ChiSox announcers but it requires paying a lot of attention in order to know what's going on.

What is the record for strikeouts in a game? 5 or the first 6 Indians have K'd so far!

Ubaldo≠ace

This is ridiculous. Let's get a base runner. This guy isn't this good and we made him look good once before.

Seven of Nine....and not the hot cyborg on Star Trek.....

This is a pennant race. I might fudge a reason to charge the mound against Gavin. Too bad Duncan is not here.....we could sacrifice him.

Whew....

Nice catch by someone in that near triple collision on the right field line.

Donald did a dive, tuck and roll to get over the bodies in front of him.


Harrelson credited Choo with the catch.

Chicago announcers award Manny Acta the AL Manager of the Year Award, on August 16.