Twins rumors: Minnesota interested in Jim Thome

It was reported last week that the Minnesota Twins expressed interest in free agent designated hitter Jim Thome earlier in the offseason. Now, Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 is reporting there is a "mutual interest" between Thome and the Twins, though not all Minnesota officials are on board with the potential signing.

Wolfson adds that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is a fan of Thome and wants the DH on his team. But it sounds like some front office officials may not be as interested in acquiring the slugger.

Whatever the case, Wolfson says one "big" hurdle remaining is Thome's desire for a major league contract. Last week, La Velle E. Neal III of The Star Tribune speculated that interest in Thome would pick up if the veteran lessened his demands to a minor league deal that carried with it a good chance to break camp with a big league team.

Thome's serious about continuing his playing career, as he's continuing to work out in Arizona while he waits for an offer. He spent the 2012 season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. After hitting .242/.338/.516 over 71 plate appearances with the Phillies, he was traded to the Orioles. The 42-year-old went on to hit .257/.348/.396 in 115 plate appearances with Baltimore.