Black Sox Blog

Here’s a good story on Jim Thome from AP Writer Rick Gano.  I know we gave up a lot for him, but if the White Sox end up repeating, one of the reasons will most likely be the trade for Jim Thome.

PECOTA isn’t too optimistic.  Probably a blend of his age and last year’s injury, his weighted average mean has him at only 341 at bats and 18 homeruns with a .263/.386/.505 line.  If that’s where Thome ends up, this could be a disappointing season.  The good news is, Thome has a 26% breakout rate and a 42% improve rate, so BP is hedging themselves here by saying Thome has a solid chance of beating his projections.  The bad news is, he has a 39% collapse rating.

I’m expecting 40 homeruns from Thome this year.  He’ll be benefiting from being a DH so he shouldn’t have as much wear and tear throughout the season and in addition, he’s playing in a homerun ballpark.