Jim Thome May Return Tonight

According to whitesox.com, Jim Thome may return tonight. In 105 games played this season, Thome has hit .294 with 36 homeruns, 91 RBI, 81 walks, and 94 runs scored.

Obviously, adding a bat like Thome's to the lineup is nice, but it has it's down side as well. For the second year in a row, Jermaine Dye has been a great number three hitter. However, just like last year, Ozzie will not let him bat there unless the DH, be it Frank Thomas in 2005 or Jim Thome in 2006, is injured. Furthermore, the White Sox have been more agressive on the bases and at the plate since Thome has been injured. They need to avoid becoming passive and waiting for the long balls. That is a losing proposition.

Hopefully, we will instead see a carry over effect from the past few games, and the White Sox will be very agressive at the plate and on the bases. If they can combine this with the additional power Thome provides, and if the starting pitching improves, this team is capable of a division winning hot streak. Precious time is running out. Hopefully, Thome's return is the key to victory.