MLB notebook: Thome doesn't want Chief Wahoo on Hall of Fame plaque

[February 03, 2018]  The Cleveland Indians are removing the controversial Chief Wahoo logo from their jerseys and caps in 2019, but new Hall of Famer Jim Thome isn't planning to wait that long to rid it from being associated with him.

Thome said Friday that he will speak to the Hall of Fame to request that the Indians hat on his plaque displays a block "C" and not the Chief Wahoo logo.

"We're going to have some thoughtful conversation once we go there," Thome said while speaking at an event in Cleveland. "I know my decision would be to wear the 'C,' because I think it's the right thing to do and I fully support the way the Indians, through this week, have done the decision that they've done. That's what I support. But, to be thoughtful, I think I need to have a conversation with the Hall of Fame, because of all the history and everything involved. I just think that's the right thing to do."

Thome, who was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this month, spent 13 of his 22 major league seasons with the Indians and the club used the Chief Wahoo logo on the caps for most of that time. The logo has been deemed as offensive to Native Americans.

--Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto lost his arbitration case with the club and will have a salary of $2.9 million this season.

Realmuto had requested $3.5 million after making $562,500 in 2017. Realmuto batted .278 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs last season.

 

First baseman Justin Bour won his case against the Marlins and will make $3.4 million. Miami offered $3 million. Bour batted .289 with 25 homers and 83 RBIs in just 108 games last season when he made $552,500.

--The Chicago White Sox signed right-handed reliever Bruce Rondon to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to multiple reports.

Rondon, 27, was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers on Dec. 1. He posted a 10.91 ERA over 15 2/3 innings in 21 relief appearances with the Tigers last season. He spent much of the season in Triple-A.

In 2016, Rondon was 5-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 37 appearances. Rondon owns a 5.00 ERA with 133 strikeouts and 52 walks over 111 2/3 innings while collecting just seven saves through four major league seasons, all with the Tigers.

--Field Level Media

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