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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 15, 2003
CLEARWATER -- Jim Thome was in a hurry to put on his uniform and get to work.
When pitchers and catchers began spring workouts Friday, the Phillies' new first baseman was there, sooner than he had to be, showing off a powerful left-handed swing that landed the prize free agent a six-year, $85-million contract.
"I've done this my whole career," Thome said. "Living the winter months in the Midwest, you tend to want to get out of that weather, so getting to Florida a little early is great."
Phillies position players aren't due into camp until Wednesday.
"It's kind of the meet-and-greet day," said Thome, who has telephoned many of his new teammates since signing with the Phillies on Dec. 2. "It's going to take a while to get to know all the clubhouse guys and people in general that I don't know yet. You build relationships with what you put into them."
Another big day could be March 8, when the Phillies travel to Winter Haven for a preseason game against the Indians, his former team.
"I would like to go there for sure," Thome said. "I've built a lot of great relationships there, so I'd like to go back and say hello."
Wearing the No. 25 he wore the past 12 seasons, Thome put on a show in batting practice against new manager Larry Bowa.
"I know it's only spring training and he's hitting off a coach, but some balls he hit were (impressive)," Bowa said.
Thome received the biggest cheers from the dozens of fans at Carpenter Complex.
"It was a little different coming in here, but it was almost like a new kid going back to school for the first time," Thome said. "I'm really excited."
TAMPA -- David Wells can't believe Derek Jeter's work ethic is being questioned.
Wells, a veteran of New York nightlife, read the comments by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and found the statements and the widespread coverage in New York to be out of line.
"That was blown way out of proportion," Wells said. "Derek is not a party guy. He's not out there every night. Trust me."
In December comments to the New York Daily News, Steinbrenner said: "How much better would he be if he didn't have all his other activities? ... When I read in the paper that he's out until 3 a.m. in New York City going to a birthday party, I won't lie. That doesn't sit well with me."
Jeter said the criticism was unfair, and he is angry that when he said he didn't feel any need to change his lifestyle, the Daily News ran a back page headline: "PARTY ON."
"He has every right to be mad," Wells said. "He's not a party guy. I try to get him to go out and he says, 'No, I'm just going to chill.' "
Wells, like manager Joe Torre, said he thinks the comments were an attempt to motivate the shortstop.
"It's just George venting," Wells said. "He means no harm by it. It's like me when I came in. We went toe to toe."
In 1997, in his first season with the Yankees, Wells and Steinbrenner nearly fought when the pitcher suggested the team needed extra security in rightfield after a fan snatched a fly ball by Montreal's Darrin Fletcher. The owner told Wells to worry about his pitching.
"He's lucky I didn't hit him," Wells said. "Some guys might take it way, way differently than how I did and haul off a swing."
DUNEDIN -- Blue Jays closer Kelvim Escobar reported early to camp, ready to go with a new $3.9-million contract.
Toronto signed Escobar to the one-year deal after the right-hander went 5-7 with 38 saves.
"It feels great," Escobar said. "I know what I am going to do and have signed a contract I am very happy with. I'm excited about getting ready for this season."
In the past Escobar has come to camp with no defined role.
"I don't have to worry if I am being a starter or reliever. I'm happy being a closer," he said.