Even I can’t distort this quote from Ruben Amaro into a full-blown Best Shape of His Life post, but it’s close -- more of a “best shape of the decade” thing -- and it is notable all the same. From Jon Paul Morosi:
“Our medical people are surprised at the shape he’s in,” Amaro said. “They think he might be better now than he was when we first signed him in 2002.” Amaro said it’s conceivable that Thome could play first base as often as four or five times per month.
He’ll get his chance to show it as Ryan Howard heals from his achilles injury, though the first base at bats will also go to John Mayberry and Ty Wigginton. Still, I hope Thome can play a decent amount of first base so that he’s more of a “Jason Giambi in Colorado” kind of player this year than he is a “Mike Sweeney in Philly” kind of player. More Thome in your life is always a good thing.
