Twins Ink Thome To One-Year Deal

The Minnesota Twins agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent designated hitter/first baseman Jim Thome Tuesday, according to multiple Internet reports.

Thome, 39, will receive a $1.5 million base salary and $700,000 in incentives.

Thome hit .249 with 23 home runs and 77 runs batted in 362 at-bats last season while with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angelos Dodgers last season.

We assume the Twins will use Thome as a pinch-hitter as well as a designated hitter when designated hitter/outfelder Jason Kubel spells the corner outfield.  Thome spent a lot of his career as a first baseman, but has not played that position regularly since joining the White Sox.

Update:  Here are some Twitter updates from GM Bill Smith via Joe Christensen (Star Tribune).

Smith: “The plan is for us to play Young (LF), Span (CF), Cuddyer (RF) and Kubel (DH). … Jim Thome’s a bat off the bench.”

Smith again: “I think Delmon Young’s going to get a lot of at-bats, so no, that isn’t a concern.” (01/26/10)

Shortlink: