Uribe Gone In 2007?

Shortstop Juan Uribe may have to sit out the entire 2007 season. Due to a run-in with a shooting he has been acused of killing the man. He is set to appear in court twice a month in this year which may force him to sit out.

"Very simply, if it turns out he is in more trouble than we originally thought, decides not to report, or is distracted and can't play at a championship level, Alex will take his job," Williams said via e-mail Saturday night.

Of course, the Alex referred to in Williams' text is Alex Cintron, recently signed to a one-year, $1.9 million deal that avoided arbitration with the Sox. Cintron played in 91 games last year and started 64, but his multi-positional ability was his true value. The switch-hitter made 35 starts at shortstop, 23 at second base and six behind Joe Crede at third base. For his career, Cintron has started 286 games at shortstop, 74 at second base and 39 at third base

This means, Alex Cintron may get to play a little shortstop this year, if the case of Uribe really does turn out worse.

Will Thome Make The 500 Club?

DH Jim Thome has the chance to make it to an exclusive club consisting of over 20 players. This year, 2007, he could make the elusive 500 club.

Going into the season he will have 472 career home runs. He will only need 28 home runs to get to the club. Last year he hit 42 round trippers so he should easily have 507 (35 homers) by the end of the season.

When Big Jim was in Philadelphia he played first base and was frequently injured. Before the Phillies "Slugger Jim" played for the Cleveland Indians. He was also a first baseman there, but did play some DH.

In those times he was injured so much that he couldn't even get to 450 home runs. In 05 for the Phillies he only had 3 due to extensive injuries.

Lets pre-welcome Jim "Big Jim, Jimmy, Slugger Jim, Bopper, Big Stuff, (The) Thominator, Mr. Incredible" Thome to the 500 club