[from The A.V. Club Chicago / September 1, 2009]
Following Monday night’s loss in Minneapolis—the White Sox’s ninth in the last 11 games—general manager Kenny Williams declared most of the team’s veterans for sale, and found takers for two of them. While pitcher Jose Contreras punched his ticket out of town some time ago, the trade of 39-year-old designated hitter Jim Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers comes as a surprise, considering his near-uselessness in the field, crippling lack of speed, and the National League not even having a designated hitter position. (The Sox will also send cash considerations and receive minor league infield prospect Justin Fuller in return from LA.) Still, Thome gives Los Angeles a much-needed left-handed power bat off the bench, while Los Angeles has a chance to give Thome a possible last shot at a World Series victory—something the Sox just can’t do.