Love You Long Thome

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 13, 2006 8:10PM

Thome did it again! In today's 13-9 White Sox victory over the Detroit Tigers, newly acquired DH Jim Thome homered for the 4th game in a row.

That gives him 6 homers on the season and we're not even 10 game in yet. Those power numbers along with a .393 batting average and 10 RBIs are sure making Sox GM Kenny Williams look pretty smart.

When he traded Aaron Roward for Thome over the winter, many wondered whether Thome would regain his sweet swing following an elbow injury last year. It limited him to just 59 games, and he hit just 7 home runs. That was the big question mark. Seeing as Thome was effectively replacing the injured Frank Thomas, it made little sense if the new guy was also slowed by injury. The Sox seemed convinced that Thome would be healthy, and have worked to ensure he stays that way.

We're not foolish enough to believe he can keep up this pace -- he'd hit 108 homers and drive in 180 runs -- but his initial production certainly implies that he'll provide quite an offensive boost for the Sox in the middle of their lineup. And with much of their lineup slumping so far, his bat has been key in their climb back above .500.