No Thome yet
PITTSBURGH — There was only one change to Manuel's Saturday lineup from opening day; Laynce Nix started at first base. The manager said he wanted another lefthanded bat, but opted for Nix over Jim Thome.
No Thome yet
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PITTSBURGH — There was only one change to Manuel's Saturday lineup from opening day; Laynce Nix started at first base. The manager said he wanted another lefthanded bat, but opted for Nix over Jim Thome.
Manuel hopes to play Thome at least once a week. It's possible his first start comes Monday in the home opener, but Manuel said Thome could start Sunday.
Restraint, of course, is required with the 41-year-old's bad back in relation to his workload at first base, a position he hasn't played since 2007.
"I think about him every day," Manuel said. "I'll play Thome when I want to."
Manuel praised Nix's work at first base. Nix made his seventh career start at the position Saturday. When asked who his best defender there is, Manuel dodged the query.
"Not at the moment," he said. "I don't want to say it."
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Play him. He is a man, he can handle it, and we need his bat.
— NCNovaguy- I'm willing to bet Manuel wants to give Thome the benefit of one last time in the starting lineup for a home opener. If that's the case, it's a pretty classy move.— riles1875
- I don't really like the idea of Nix playing first. In these low scoring games, they can't afford to take chances with a guy who's played very little first base.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- Rico Brogna is tanned , rested, and ready— NewMick314
- Why isn't Perre playing? They scored 1 run yesterday. Charliue is clueless.— wmontanez27
- The clueless guy can spell and won 102 last yr.— NewMick314
- One game and the armchair critics are crying again. They won dopey ! Charlie managed them to a win. Quit bitc-hing. !
It's amusing how you BLAME Charlie for a win. Shame on you Charlie. How dare you win ?— phineas 
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