After signing Jim Thome, the Twins' front office was probably given the sense of confidence and security that most receive when purchasing an insurance policy. For $1.5 million, it's hard to disagree with them.

Thome provides an excellent left-handed bat off the bench and the ability to smash right-handed pitching. Because most relief pitchers are right-handed, Thome will provide power to a Twins' bench that was largely devoid of any late-inning pinch-hitting threat last season. Although 39 years old, Thome clearly has the ability to play at a high level, which his 23 home runs last season will attest to.

The slugger's ability to play in the field, though, is clearly lacking. Thome hasn't played a defensive position with any regularity since 2005. (His most recent defensive assignment came at first base on June 13, 2007 in an interleague game, when being a designated hitter wasn't an option.) Thome likely won't be able to spell any of Minnesota's outfielders, but he could conceivably be available at first base if Justin Morneau ever needs a day as a designated hitter.

Where Thome will play is a question that has yet to be fully answered. The Twins have said that they view Thome as a bench bat, but his .847 OPS last season clearly shows that he is capable of much more than that. Minnesota obviously already has an excellent left-handed designated hitter in Jason Kubel, and finding Thome at-bats may prove to be a difficult endeavor. That is, unless Delmon Young struggles offensively in left field. With a proven veteran waiting in the wings, Young will feel the pressure to perform. Because of his great performance to end the 2009 season, Young has been given the benefit of the doubt and will receive another chance in 2010, albeit with an incredibly short leash.

Should Young fail to build off his strong finish to last season, manager Ron Gardenhire will yank him in favor of Kubel and slide Thome into the designated hitter position.

Assuming he gets playing time, Thome will help the Twins in 2010, which is all a fan can ask for.

Though solidifying the bench was a good move, there were other positions that should have held priority over this relatively minor move. Don't get me wrong, Thome will prove to be a great addition, but he won't be able to solve the Twin's deficiencies at second base, third base, or in the second position of the batting order. By reportedly offering $5 million to Jarrod Washburn, the Twins revealed that they still have space available on their budget, something fans aren't forgetting anytime soon.

There is little not to like about the low-risk Thome signing. If his acquisition prohibits the Twins from addressing a position of more urgent need, however, perhaps Minnesota could have better allocated their resources.

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