I don't want to do it, but as a die-hard Phillies fan, I guess I have to hate Jim Thome now that he's a Dodger.
This is a totally forced hatred that I'm still coming to terms with. I've admired the country-strong slugger since even before he signed with Philly in 2003. He's carried himself like a true professional throughout his 19-year career, something few athletes these days that say. There's nothing to link him to any kind of performance-enhancing drugs (at least, not yet).
Thome's arrival in the City of Brotherly Love marked the team's transition from perpetual bottom-dweller to eventual World Series champion. He hit 96 of his 564 career dingers in red and white pinstripes, and helped pave the way for Ryan Howard at first base.
When Thome left for Chicago in 2006, I was sad to see him go, even though I knew it was the right move for a team ready to make its move. I followed him from afar as he blasted balls out of US Cellular Field.
But now that he's on a team that will certainly give the Phils their biggest challenge en route to another pennant? I feel I have to root against him, even though I secretly want him to keep on slugging. I want to see him get to 600 career home runs, but if accomplishing that feat means I have to see him in Dodger blue, deep down I'll be a little angry. After all, Los Angeles already has an historically good power hitter.
I wish Thome all the best, at least until he faces his former team again in October.
-Dan
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