Thome signs with Phillies

Jim Thome, who has hit 604 homers, and the Phillies agreed on a one-year, $1.25- million free-agent contract Friday, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The deal is contingent on his passing a physical.

Thome, 41, said last month he hoped someone would give him another shot at an elusive World Series ring. "I'll keep playing," Thome said. "I just need teams to call me. I can't go play in the backyard by myself.''

Thome, a Phillie from 2003-05, considers Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel his second father. -- AP