Most players of a certain stature announce their retirement. Not all. Jim Thome is sort of letting retirement happen to him, though not 100% willingly. He was on MLB Network’s Hot Stove show this morning and said that he’s not officially retired and has not ruled out a comeback.

I suppose it’s entirely possible that Ruben Amaro gives him a call, but barring that Thome’s career is over. And it was damn fine enough career that Thome is 100% allowed to talk about comebacks and do whatever the heck else he wants, be it continue to serve as a White Sox special assistant or mash taters on some high school field someplace.

And, of course, to enter the Hall of Fame when he’s eligible in 2018. Assuming the writers don’t bollocks up the voting.