Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - First baseman Jim Thome, perhaps the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, met with the
Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
"It's going to be a long process, and we're going to look at different angles," said Thome as he was leaving the Phillies clubhouse. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't interested. We enjoyed talking to a lot of different people.
Thome, who has played for Cleveland in all 12 seasons of his career, hit an Indians-record 52 home runs, with 118 RBI and a .304 batting average last season. For his career, Thome has recorded 334 home runs, 927 RBI and has a lifetime .287 average.
The 32-year-old met with Phillies general manager Ed Wade, assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr., manager Larry Bowa and several coaches.
"We talked about length of contract, (Thome's) role on the club, geography, teammates, reasons why we believe we can win and so forth," said Wade. "We will make sure that (Thome's agent) Pat Rooney has a very significant offer from Philadelphia at the appropriate time."
Thome visited Veterans Stadium and took a virtual tour of the Phillies' new ballpark, which will be ready to open in 2004. He was greeted at the construction site of the new stadium by electricians, who wore messages on their hard hats, urging Thome to sign with the Phillies.
"I've heard a lot of great things about Philadelphia," said Thome. "What the people did out there was very heartwarming. It's going to be a fun process."
The Phillies are also reportedly interested in Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine and San Francisco third baseman David Bell. Philadelphia is in position to be a big spender in the free agent market this offseason with the departure of third baseman Scott Rolen, who was traded mid-season to St. Louis, as well as free agent pitchers Robert Person and Terry Adams and centerfielder Doug Glanville, who are not expected to re-sign.
Cleveland is said to be willing to make Thome the highest-paid player in club history, but their reported offer of $11 million per season is expected to be surpassed by the Phillies, who could be offering $15 million.
