There's been a lot of talk about what the Phillies might to do to replace Ryan Howard if he can't be ready to start next season. Today, they may have found an answer to that question. The Phillies agreed to a one year deal with former Phil and future hall of famer Jim Thome. Financial terms haven't been released, but Todd Zolecki reports that it's likely a "low risk" signing.
Thome's job next will primarily be a left handed power bat off the bench, but could potentially play some first base early in the year if Ryan Howard isn't healthy. That said, Thome has played exactly one inning of defense since 2007. So it's very likely he'd see limited time at best in the field.
Interestingly enough, it was an injury to Thome that allowed Ryan Howard to stake his claim to the job at first base for the Phillies. When Thome was injured in 2005, Howard filled in and went on to win the NL rookie of the year award. Before that though. Thome had some monster years in Philadelphia. He signed with the Phils after the 2002 season and hit 47 home runs in his first year. He would end up hitting his 400th career homer the following year at Citizens Bank Park. In fact, you can still see a plaque commemorating that HR in the left field seats.
The 41 year old Thome currently sits at 8th on the all time HRs list with 608. This looks to be his last shot for a World Series ring.