Olney: Thome To Rangers Makes Sense, Olney Does Not

Buster Olney tweeted that the Rangers and Jim Thome are a "potential fit" and "worth watching." 

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Another potential fit worth watching, mentioned in column last month:Jim Thome and the Rangers. LH slugger would be perfect for park, lineup.

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Since his column came out a month ago, the Rangers signed Adrian Beltre. That might have eluded Olney, though. If the Rangers signed Thome, Young would be relegated to 1B full time. Against right handers, two of David Murphy, Julio Borbon and Mitch Moreland would be forced to sit. In 2010, Murphy hit .298/.368/.479 vs right handed pitching, Borbon .284/.312/.348 and Moreland .264/.373/.496. It doesn't make sense to add Thome to bench Murphy or Moreland - and possibly both. 

If Texas were to add a 1B/DH type, it should be a right handed bat, not left handed. Somebody who could handle lefties well - something that the above trio doesn't. It'd make more sense for Texas to sign Manny Ramirez or Jermaine Dye than it would for Jim Thome, but hey, Olney says it's a potential fit.

I've also heard that if Albert Pujols gets to free agency next winter, he'll be a potential fit with every major league team. Don't expect me to reveal my sources, though.