Jim Thome is MLB's active leader in walks (1,747) and strikeouts (2,548) and is second in homers (612), and he hopes to pad those totals further in 2013. The slugger told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that he is not retired and is open to playing next season.
"I’m not retired," said Thome. "If someone wants me to play, I’d consider it for sure. I feel good. If I didn’t feel good, I wouldn’t even consider it. But I feel good. I’d like to play."
Thome, 42, acknowledged that he fits best as a DH, but he is willing to consider a role with an NL team if the opportunity presents itself. "I still feel like I can give a team a veteran presence and get a big hit off the bench," he added.
Just last week we heard that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and Orioles GM Dan Duquette were unsure if Thome would continue playing. The former Indians first baseman split last season between Philadelphia and Baltimore, hitting .252/.344/.442 with eight homers in 186 plate appearances while also missing time with back problems. Thome started four games at first base in 2012, his most action in the field since 2005.
