Jim Thome hasn't officially retired as a player, but he is already looking towards a potential future in managing.

Thome is currently a special assistant for the Chicago White Sox.

"This is the thing in this job I'm in now -- I want to look at what the next phase is for me getting back on the field, competing at a high level," Thome told the Chicago Sun-Times.

"There is a side to me that wants to manage someday and prepare myself for it if that opportunity came calling. I'd want to be ready."