Thome has respect for Thomas

DETROIT -- When the White Sox traded for designated hitter Jim Thome less than a month after winning the 2005 World Series, Frank Thomas' days on the South Side were over.

Thomas, the most productive hitter in Sox history, was not happy about being replaced, and he didn't try hiding his displeasure.

Thome hasn't had much to say about Thomas' messy departure, but the 37-year-old DH on Wednesday spoke of his admiration for the Big Hurt.

The night before, Thome hit his 520th career home run. He is tied with Thomas for 18th place on baseball's all-time list.

"When I came up, I hit left-handed and Frank hit right-handed, but we were very similar,'' Thome said. "He was already an MVP, and I tried to look at his numbers and think: 'If I could even come close to doing that, it would be great.'

"You look at what Frank did year after year. He'd hit .300, score 100 runs, draw 100 walks, hit 30 (home runs), drive in 100. He was the guy, when I came up, that you tried to pattern yourself after.''

Thomas broke in with the White Sox in 1990 and Thome debuted with the Cleveland Indians for good in 1994 after getting brief looks from 1991-93.

They are tied in home runs, but Thomas still leads Thome in walks (1,654-1,495) and RBI (1,701-1,431).

Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays in late April. He was quickly picked up by the Oakland Athletics, but the 40-year-old DH is on the disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.

With his next home run, Thome moves into a tie for 16th place in baseball history with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey.

"It's very humbling,'' Thome said. "These names keep getting thrown out there and that's something, as a player, you come into the league and never imagine being in a group of guys like this.

"I mean you're talking about Ted Williams, Willie McCovey. I think when it's all said and done and I look back, I'll say, 'Wow. You're in the same company as those names.'

"Let's face it, baseball has so many ups and downs. It's very humbling to be put in a category with those guys, whether it's home runs or whatever they've done. It's a huge compliment, but you also respect it a lot.''

Before going 0-for-3 in Wednesday night's loss to the Tigers at Comerica Park, Thome was 7-for-18 in his last six games.

"We're working on some things, trying to get better,'' Thome said. "I think my approach is better. If you're having a good approach, having good at-bats, eventually you'll find some holes.

"I think the main thing is for me is I've hit a couple balls to left field and that tells me I'm staying on the ball a lot better.''