Jim Thome is a good acquisition for the White Sox

The White Sox's trade of Aaron Rowand and two minor leagers for the Phillies' first baseman Jim Thome and $22 million of the remaining $46 million on Thome's contract is a good acquisition. Take a look at Thome's career stats as listed at Baseball-Reference.com:

Rowand will be missed, as he was a good, but not great, hard-nosed player who played all-out in centerfield while providing stellar defense. However, Thome is worth the loss of Rowand. Although Thome was injured last year and there have been rumors of possible steroid use, Thome put up suberb offensive numbers from 1996-2004, averaging 40 home runs and 115 RBIs per year. If he comes even close to producing similar numbers in 2006, he will be more than worth the trade of Rowand. Moreover, the acquisition of Thome provide the White Sox with insurance in case the team is unable to re-sign their current 1st-basemen Paul Konerko. And if the Sox can re-sign Konerko, Thome would be a great DH.