Marcus

Thames

Offensive coordinator Grady Sizemore is being offered a role within the organization for next season. Katz and Thames are the big names here as the White Sox begin a full-scale makeover of manager Will Venable’s staff heading into his second season at the helm. Katz served as Chicago’s pitching coach for the last five seasons while Thames was with the organization for two seasons as their primary hitting coach.

Thames began his coaching career nearly a decade ago and spent last season as the Angels’ hitting coach. He previously served as a hitting coach with the Marlins (2022) and Yankees (2018-2021).

Thames, the player the Rangers received from the Yankees for Ruben Sierra last season, should get a chance to compete for a spot as a backup outfielder next spring. He’s just a Triple-A player, though.

The Rangers are facing a right-hander, so Thames would have been out of the lineup anyway. Laynce Nix will play center field.

Manager Alan Trammell seems to be willing to give Thames a chance versus left-handed pitching in an effort to boost his team’s outfield production. The Tigers’ outfielders have hit only one home run this month, and Thames, who had 24 homers while playing for Triple-A Toldeo this year, could help in that regard.

In the past, Tigers’ manager Alan Trammell would sit the right-handed hitting Thames against right-handed pitching. However, since Thames is hitting .400 (20-for-50) with six homers and 13 RBI during the past few weeks, Trammell will give him a shot against all types of pitching.

Thames homered last night, but should not be picked up.

The homer was his career-high 11th, breaking his previous mark from 2001. He has three homers and three doubles in his last six games.

Thames, who’s PT has been cut significantly since the return of Dmitri Young, had been just 6-for-33 this month. He added a bases-loaded walk to give him 49 RBI on the year. Even with this solid game, it’s hard to see Thames taking any at-bats away from Young against righties, considering Young is hitting almost .340 in August.

Thames has totaled only 11 RBI in 68 at-bats, but he’s earned regular playing timme while Dmitri Young is out. He should have quite a bit of value in AL-only leagues for the short-term.