All indications are that Ryan Howard, a strong candidate for National League rookie of the year, will be playing first base and hitting in the middle of the Phils' order on opening day 2006. But what about Jim Thome, the slugging first baseman whose signing three winters ago was hailed as one of the greatest days in franchise history? To help lure Thome to Philadelphia, the Phillies gave him a no-trade clause. Would Thome, 35, accept a trade so the Phillies can seamlessly go forward with Howard? Or will he use his no-trade rights to force the Phillies to seek other options with Howard? Thome declined interview requests in recent weeks because he did not want to become a distraction as his teammates unsuccessfully attempted to break a playoff drought that rose to 12 years Sunday. His agent, Pat Rooney, says it's premature to ask if Thome would waive his no-trade clause. "The first thing we want to hear is the Phillies' plans," Rooney said yesterday. "There's no mistaking that Ryan Howard has done a wonderful job, and that's put them in a tight position. We need to find out where Jim fits in, based on the emergence of Ryan Howard."