Even with more than 600 home runs under his belt, Jim Thome is old enough and wise enough to realize that he will not be an everyday player with the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I know my role. I'm here, I'm a bench guy. Maybe me being on the bench late in the game will change what the manager does with a pitcher or how to bring in a guy," said Thome, who signed with the club in November. (via CSNNE)
The slugger added that he needs to prepare himself "to play first base, be ready." But it's unlikely the Phillies will make much use of Thome's glove -- he has not played in more than three games as a first baseman since the 2005 season. Thome said he didn't know how many days he will actually play first base, noting that it's up to manager Charlie Manuel to decide how often he will start and play the field.
In limited at-bats last season, Thome managed 15 home runs and 50 RBI, showing that he still has enough pop to make a difference off the bench.
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