Free agent Thome meets with Phillies

Philadelphia ” Jim Thome walked into Philadelphia’s clubhouse and saw a Phillies jersey with his name and No. 25 hanging in one of the lockers.

The Phillies hope to convince Thome he should wear that uniform next season.

Thome, who hit a club-record 52 homers for the Cleveland Indians this season, met with the Phillies on Thursday. He was set to leave Philadelphia today, but Phillies general manager Ed Wade said he will offer Thome a contract on Tuesday ” the first day teams are allowed to discuss money with free agents from other clubs.

Thome is the most coveted hitter in this winter’s free agent market, and it’s believed the Phillies will offer him about $15 million per season for four or five years.

Mariners re-sign veteran Martinez

Seattle ” Edgar Martinez will end his career with the Seattle Mariners, and both sides couldn’t be happier.

The Mariners signed Martinez to a one-year contract Thursday, a day after declining a $10 million option on their veteran designated hitter.

Martinez will make about $4 million next season, plus the $1 million buyout from his previous deal.

“I hardly can believe I’ve played this long and to have the career I’ve had in Seattle,” said Martinez, who made his major league debut with the Mariners in 1987. “It’s been like a dream.”

Martinez, limited by injuries last season, said 2003 will “most likely” be his final year. He turns 40 in January.

The Mariners also re-signed 34-year-old right-hander Shigetoshi Hasegawa to a one-year contract. Hasegawa went 8-3 with a 3.20 ERA and one save in 53 appearances last season.

Karsay has surgery

New York ” Yankees reliever Steve Karsay had surgery Thursday that repaired a herniated disc in his lower back. The operation was a success, according to team spokesman Rick Cerrone.