Indians on the verge of acquiring Jim Thome from the Twins

This morning we learned that the Indians claimed Jim Thome off revocable waivers from the Twins and now Nick Camino of 1100-WTAM in Cleveland reports that the two sides are very close to a deal.

Thome would fill the void in the middle of the Indians’ lineup created by Travis Hafner’s foot injury, which may end up requiring season-ending surgery.

Thome has slightly out-produced Hafner, albeit in a part-time role, and they bring nearly identical skill sets to the table as patient, powerful left-handed bats with no speed or defensive value.

No word yet on what the Twins would get in return, but presumably it won’t be much. Thome is a 40-year-old impending free agent and the Twins no longer have any leverage or other options to deal him, so a mid-level prospect should do the trick.

Thome, who was drafted by the Indians in 1989 and played the first 12 seasons of his career in Cleveland, has hit .248 with 12 homers and an .842 OPS in 70 games for the Twins, which is among the best production ever for a 40-year-old.

Manny Acta is getting his wish.