Jim Thome was probably torn because of his loyalty to -- and his popularity in -- Cleveland. But as usual, dollars talk. The bottom line had to be the money.

Although Thome will be switching leagues, he's still capable of hitting 50-plus home runs in either league. The Phillies were eighth in the NL in runs scored, so they should rise a few notches with Thome's on-base percentage and home-run ability coupled with Pat Burrell, who emerged last season.

Last offseason, the Phillies supposedly offered Scott Rolen $140 million over 10 years. And now they get Thome for $87 million and David Bell for $17 million. If they can somehow add Tom Glavine at around $30 million for three years, they would have Thome, Bell and Glavine for about the same amount they offered Rolen, who was traded to St. Louis in July.

The Phillies believe they are getting close to being a contending team, even though they finished 21½ behind Atlanta in the NL East. No one can assess the Phillies' chances until we find out what happens in Atlanta with Glavine and Greg Maddux, and if the Phillies can add Glavine to their young staff.

Yet the Phillies have already upgraded with Thome and Bell, two players with proven track records, and I'm sure Phillies fans are excited about them

Dave Campbell, who was an infielder for eight seasons in the major leagues (1967-74), is an analyst for Baseball Tonight and ESPN Radio.