How far did Thome's HR fly?
When the ball finally landed over the batter's-eye screen in center field Wednesday night, White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk'' Harrelson estimated the distance at 600 feet.
Paul Konerko has been playing at U.S. Cellular Field since 1999, and he said it traveled "at least 550 feet.''
Jim Thome knew he got hold of one, and that was good enough for the Sox' designated hitter.
In Wednesday's win over the Royals, Thome hit a 2-run homer off Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar that was measured at 464 feet. That is the ninth-longest drive ever hit at the Cell. Joe Borchard's 504-foot HR in 2004 is No. 1.
"I heard some guys saying they thought it was 500 (feet), some said 460,'' Thome said. "I don't know. I don't know about 600, but I think it was a little farther than 460. It felt good.''
Since 2003, the White Sox have been using a home run distance chart compiled by the Illinois Institute of Technology. Konerko questioned the chart's accuracy.
"That's got to be the longest home run I've seen,'' Konerko said. "Definitely to center field, I don't think I've ever seen one hit that far up there. That ball was at least 550 feet.
"I don't know who's doing the numbers. Believe me, that ball cleared the fence by about almost 200 feet.''
Crede held out: After taking a David DeJesus line drive off his right wrist in the 12th inning Wednesday, Sox third baseman Joe Crede was removed from the game and given an X-ray.
There was no fracture, but Crede was held of out Thursday's game.
"It's pretty sore right now, but it's definitely not as bad as it was, or as bad as we anticipated,'' said Crede, who was replaced at third base by Pablo Ozuna. "I'll definitely be in there tomorrow.
"It didn't get any glove, all wrist, plus there's not much muscle and tendons in there, so it's a pretty deep bone bruise right now.''
Settling in: After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Esteban Loaiza was free to sign with the team of his choosing.
It didn't take the veteran pitcher long to decide on the White Sox.
"I like it here,'' said Loaiza, who is signed through the rest of the season for roughly $250,000. "I know a lot of the guys here, and they know me. I had a good season here, too.''
Loaiza was 21-9 for the Sox in 2003, finishing second in Cy Young Award voting. The Dodgers released the 36-year-old righty after he went 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA. Loaiza will pitch long relief for the White Sox and could be used as a spot starter.
"I understand the situation,'' Loaiza said. "I'm up for anything.''