CLEVELAND -- Jim Thome's agent wants the Cleveland Indians to make the first pitch.

	Thome

Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said Saturday that Thome's agent, Pat Rooney, has recommended to the club that it make a contract offer to the club's career home run leader before he's eligible for free agency.

However, Shapiro said the Indians still haven't decided when they will present a deal to Thome.

"We're still evaluating when is the right time," said Shapiro, who said he began talks with Rooney right after the season ended. "We're taking that into consideration. We'll make our best offer when we feel that the time is right."

Thome hit a club-record 52 homers this season, and is arguably the most popular player in Cleveland's history.

The 32-year-old is eligible to file for free agency 15 days after the final game of the World Series. When the 15 days have expired, other teams can make offers to Thome.

Shapiro said he cannot worry about another team making Thome a colossal offer.

The mid-market Indians are rebuilding and can't overspend on one player or they'll lose all the flexibility to sign young players or add other free agents.

"I can't worry about what other teams might do," Shapiro said. "We're not going to play in the market. We're going to make a great offer to Jimmy, one that shows how much we appreciate him and how much that we want to keep him. But we, as an organization, cannot compete in a free market."

Rooney did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.