When the Chicago White Sox traded for slugger Jim Thome, a resounding "oh crap!" was heard from 305 miles east in the heart of Detroit. Thome, a former Cleveland Indians first baseman, returned to the American League after a three-year hiatus in Philadelphia. Worse yet for the Tigers, he returned to their division and in the first two games of the opening set in Comerica Park, he has continued to exact his prowess over the team. Thome is 3-for-8 with two home runs (5 for the season) in Chicago's two wins over Detroit. The two home runs give him 44 lifetime off of the Detroit Tigers, most of any team. Through 130 games against Detroit:
427 AB
.309 AVG
.459 OBP
.682 SLG
44 HR
97 RBI
103 R
22 2B
3 3B
He even has three triples against Detroit. THREE TRIPLES! Only Minnesota has yielded as many triples. In fact, prior to this series, the two teams were tied in home runs allowed by Thome at 42. Look for more Thome fireworks in late April when the Twins visit Chicago for a three-game set starting April 21st. The 4-3 loss this afternoon pushed the Tigers to 5-3 overall.
Baseball By Paul 