Orioles Trade For Thome
UPDATE: The two players headed to Philadelphia are minor league catcher Gabriel Lino and Single-A pitcher, Kyle Simon, reported by Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman respectively. In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated pitcher Zach Phillips for assignment, according to Dan Connolly.
It has yet to approach July 31st and the Orioles made their first trade of the season. Reported first by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, O’s added some much needed pop to the lineup in Jim Thome. Dan Connolly from the Baltimore Sun added that two Single-A prospects would be heading back to Philadelphia to complete the deal. This deal was made after Nick Johnson hit the disabled list due to a wrist injury. In 62 at bats this year, Thome has five home runs and 15 runs batted in. Sources indicate that the announcement will officially come after the Orioles and Phillies games conclude. The Orioles were in the middle of the pack when it came to first base production; and while it is not known if Thome will be a starter, this is a good acquisition for the team. This move came together quite quickly, yet it was a great move for a veteran GM like Dan Duquette to improve the team.
