As the Indians celebrate Jim Thome Night at Progressive Field, it's only fitting that the veteran slugger provide the party's highlight. Thome hit his 15th homer of the year (and 604th of his career) this evening, which led to an obligatory curtain call for the Cleveland fans.
Here's the latest about the Indians and Reds, including one item about Thome himself…
- Thome says he's physically capable of playing another season, reports The Associated Press. Thome says he'll discuss things with his family this winter and he currently isn't leaning one way or the other towards retirement.
- Ubaldo Jimenez has regressed from his 2010 form, but MLB.com's Jordan Bastian argues that it is far too early for Tribe fans to give up on the right-hander.
- Dontrelle Willis "would love" to pitch for the Reds in 2012 and praised the organization for giving him a chance to resurrect his career, reports MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Willis is an intriguing veteran depth option for any team, and since his asking price won't be too exorbitant, it wouldn't be a shock to see him re-sign in Cincinnati.
- The Reds' coaches will all return in 2012, Walt Jocketty tells John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link).
If the package the Rocks were asking the Reds for Uba were true, I am glad they didn’t pull the trigger for him … as much as I’d like to see him do well for the Tribe, I am not convinced he will return to form any time soon
Pomeranz. Is he good?
As long as the Reds realize that Willis is only suited for LOOGY duties (though he’s very well suited for that)…
Honestly Willis has not pitched all that bad during most of his starts for the Reds this season. The big problem I saw on his starts is he got horrible run support. Now I am not saying make him a starter out of the gate but I think he might be worth keeping around especially if the rotation falls apart like it did this year.
Thome looked like he had plenty of gas left in the tank tonight.
Why would you ever give up on Ubaldo??? True, he has not played up to his level but doesn’t that say something? His numbers are solid and he is only 27. I think he will return with a vengeance in 2012.