Hey, it's a slow news day and my fingers are numb. Even a Marcus Thames item is enough to get me a little excited. So, what's next for "The River"?

Free agent Marcus Thames, a popular part-time player for the Tigers in recent seasons, is drawing interest from the Indians and Blue Jays, a major league source told FOXSports.com.



Thames

Both teams need right-handed power and have yet to establish clear everyday left fielders for 2010. Thames has averaged 20 home runs per year since 2006, despite the fact that he's never had more than 400 plate appearances in a major league season.

Thames is a better fit in left than right, and he also has experience at first base. Most of his at-bats this year in Detroit came as a designated hitter. Scouts have questioned his defensive ability, but that would be less of an issue in Cleveland's smaller home ballpark than it was in Detroit's expansive Comerica Park.

Thames, who turns 33 in March, will probably be inclined to sign with the team that offers him the best opportunity to get regular at-bats.

Well, Thames could play first base ... but he's started only 34 games at first base in his career.

Yes, he could play left field ... but he's not been even average in left field in his career, and at 33 isn't likely to get better (quite the opposite, in fact).

Thames could certainly DH ... but how often, really?

There's probably a spot for Thames in the majors, if he's willing to work cheap. He does have some power, and he's decent against left-handed pitchers. Regular at-bats, though? I suppose it depends on what you mean by "regular." If that means DHing against lefties or perhaps pinch-hitting in the National League, sure. But if "regular" means starting three or four games per week, well then he's hurting your ball club.

Thames was just good enough to play in his late 20s. His prime. But he's now entering his mid 30s, and over the last three seasons he's got a .298 on-base percentage. Thames might have another useful season or two left in him. Then again, he might not. He chose a tough profession.