Jim Thome's elbow is doing well:

"[My elbow] has been coming along good," said Thome, the only position player for whom the Sox sought permission to report with the pitchers and catchers because of injury. "Herm has done a terrific job. I've spent a lot of the winter in Chicago. I've gone back and forth to Cleveland (his off-season residence) and Peoria (his hometown). It has been the circuit for me. I have tried to work very hard from Day One since I've had the surgery, so it's great."

Thome then stepped into the covered batting cage and started hitting balls that were flipped to him by Thomas for about 30 minutes, with Thome taking a break to pick up balls or talk briefly to Schneider or right fielder Jermaine Dye, who made a brief visit.

Thomas sometimes would flip balls that were low and outside, and then high and inside. Thome showed no signs of favoring his elbow as he displayed a fluid swing.

Although Thome is expected to face live pitching this weekend, he already has hit off batting practice pitchers at U.S. Cellular Field without any discomfort.

"You can't simulate a game situation, but you can come close," Thome said. "I've been feeling good. I really have. I feel nothing [in the elbow]."