CHICAGO, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday agreed to deal first baseman Jim Thome and cash to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Aaron Rowand.
ESPN.com reported that the deal is subject to the players passing physicals.
Thome, 35, who spent most of the 2005 season on the disabled list because of a back injury, was expendable because of the quick development of Ryan Howard at first base. In three seasons with the Phillies, Thome hit 96 homers and drove in 266 runs. He also missed time in 2004 due to a wrist injury.
"Jimmy is like my son. I've been around him his whole career, and I've been a part of all the places that he's been," said Philadelphia Manager Charlie Manuel. "I hate to see him leave, but I know he's going to bounce back in Chicago."
Howard was the National League Rookie of the Year after batting .288 in 88 games with 22 home runs and 63 RBI.
