Video via David Hale of the Wilmington News Journal

I don’t know why, but I’m getting more ansty about the 2012 season each day.

Chase Utley’s knee may have fallen off. Ryan Howard experienced a setback. And the man who will spend time filling in for The Big Piece, Gentleman Jim Thome, hasn’t traveled with a baseball glove for the past, oh, half a decade.

Speaking to reporters today following a few innings at first base during a minor league game, Thome was asked if he even carried a glove during his time as a DH in the American League:

"I didn’t. No. No. No, because I was always told I was just the DH. Not that I wouldn’t have went out and done it, I just never have done it." 

Did the Phillies need to order you some?

"I had a bunch of [gloves] still left, so…"

 


Sweet.

Thome fielded a chopper cleanly, but fell over like an awkward puppy pawing at a beach ball on the lone ground ball that was sent his way (:40 mark).

He played one game at first base with the White Sox in 2007, and three games in 2006.

Thankfully, we have a long way to go before the season starts.