The Angels Still Want Konerko

After the White Sox won the World Series in 2005, I remember being afraid that they wouldn't re-sign Paul Konerko. He'd just had an outstanding postseason, and I knew the Angels were going to throw a ton of money at his feet.

They did, but thankfully it wasn't enough as Paulie decided he'd rather stay in Chicago for less money. Much like Mark Buehrle did, both players realize how much they're loved in this city and don't want to leave.

That doesn't mean the Angels don't still want Konerko.

The Angels, who have had trade talks with Texas regarding first baseman Mark Teixeira, have also resumed their pursuit of Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who turned down a five-year, $62-million free-agent offer from the Angels after 2005 to remain in Chicago.

According to several industry sources, the Angels, looking to add a power bat to their sagging offense, have inquired about Konerko, who is batting .261 with 22 home runs and 61 runs batted in.

Konerko has a limited no-trade clause and is signed through 2010, but he has a good relationship with Scioscia and would probably waive the clause to come to Anaheim. But the White Sox, who are 14 1/2 games back in the American League Central and are in a selling mode, haven't decided whether to trade Konerko or right fielder Jermaine Dye, who can become a free agent at the end of this year.

I can't help but feel that this is nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of the Angels. Yes, the White Sox are shopping some players, but they're looking to deal players that are going to be hitting free agency soon. Konerko is signed through 2010, and has been the best player on the team this season.

Of course, that doesn't mean the Sox won't make a trade with the Angels in the near future. Los Angeles is also interested Jon Garland, Javier Vazquez, and Jose Contreras as well. It's a lot more likely one of them will end up in LA than it is Paul Konerko.