Free agent slugger Jim Thome will get red-carpet treatment when he meets with the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday.
He will get a tour of the team's new stadium site and be treated to a hockey game and maybe even a Philadelphia cheesesteak.
Thome hit a club record 52 homers this season for the Cleveland Indians. He is the most coveted hitter in this winter's free agent market. Phillies general manager Ed Wade says signing the 32-year-old first baseman is his top priority.