L.A. Thome

I know I'm really behind on, well, everything lately, but this one is really important to me so I just had to harp on it at some point. Jim Thome was traded to the Dodgers about two weeks ago, for what amounted to a shiny button and some lengths of string. Thome is, has been, and forever will be my favorite baseball player ever, and to have finally found myself in the same city as him for a few years was an immeasurable treat. True to form, I managed to only catch one game in person, but Jim did not disappoint. I suppose watching him go to Los Angeles is some sort of karmic retribution for failing my fanly responsibilities.

Jim will be relegated to a pinch hitter role for the DH-less Dodgers, until such time as they reach the World Series. As a free agent next year, though, he should get a chance with an AL club and the balance of the universe will be restored. 600 home runs and a guaranteed spot in the hall of fame are within his immediate grasp, and would be an unbelievable cap to an otherworldly career. Here's to seeing you back at The Cell next year, Jim-Bo!

I collected a bounty of fresh, two-week-old links covering the trade for your perusal below. Their contents are left as an exercise for the reader.

• Dodgers add Thome … why?
• Los Angeles Dodgers get slugger Jim Thome
• Dodgers acquire Jim Thome
• Chicago White Sox just giving up
• Put Away the Torches
• Thome and the Coop

Tags: Chicago, Dodgers, Jim Thome, Los Angeles, White Sox