Paul Konerko Suffers a Setback

The Chicago White Sox exacted some revenge on the Cubs this weekend by handing their crosstown rivals three straight losses at U.S. Cellular Field, to even the score for what the Cubs did at Wrigley just a week before. Still, much like the Tigers with Magglio Ordonez, some of the celebration has been quelled by the fact that Paul Konerko suffered a setback in his rehab from a strained oblique muscle.

Konerko had been scheduled to join the the Sox Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday before re-joining the team by next week. Then he took a live batting practice session on Saturday...

Continue reading at FanHouse

White Sox Could Lose Paul Konerko

While the biggest reason the White Sox have been able to maintain their lead in the AL Central this season has been their pitching staff, the fact that the team has been able to stay healthy has played a large role as well. While teams like the Tigers and Indians have seemingly been forced to put somebody new on the disabled list every few days, the White Sox haven't needed to use it too often this season. When they have had to, it hasn't been anybody all that vital to the team (sorry, Juan Uribe, but you know it's true).

That could change on Tuesday, though, as there's a very distinct possibility that Paul Konerko is going to miss some time...

Continue reading at FanHouse

Let's Play GM: It's Time to Put Paulie On the DL

While the White Sox have won five in a row, and are back in first place in the AL Central, not everything is quite right just yet. The offense blew up for 13 runs yesterday afternoon, but there just still isn't any consistency to the lineup right now. Though, I don't know how much of a coincidence it is that ever since Ozzie finally changed the lineup around, the Sox are 5-0.

Remember, there were plenty of fans and media folk alike saying that the Sox had to make lineup changes, and that chatter helped lead to Ozzie's rant against the Cubs and the way the Sox are treated. Well, he finally listened, and things have turned out pretty well?

So with that in mind, I have some more advice for the White Sox in general. I was going to write about it on Friday, but didn't have time, though after I discussed it a bit with Silvio over the weekend it's still fresh in my mind.

Paul Konerko has been struggling big time over the last month. As a result, he was moved down from the clean-up spot to the sixth spot in the lineup (fifth over the weekend in San Fran). The reason for Paulie's horrible hitting can be mostly attributed to a pretty bad bone bruise he has on his right hand that probably makes hitting a baseball one of the most painful things on earth.

It hurts just watching Paul swing right now. How many times do I have to see him pop up to first base, and then walk to the dugout with his right arm hanging lifeless at his side. The pain from the bone bruise in his hand shooting all the way up his arm.

It doesn't look fun.

So that's why the Sox should place Konerko on the disabled list as soon as possible. I'm not sure two weeks would be long enough for the hand to heal, but I am sure it's not going to heal if he keeps playing with it everyday.

Plus, moving Paulie to the DL right now could help the Sox in other areas as well. The biggest reason the Sox have so much trouble scoring runs now isn't the fact they can't hit, as they've been hitting again, but it's the fact that they're probably the slowest baseball team ever assembled. They need speed.

So Kenny Williams, if you're reading, here's what I think you should do. At least consider it.

After placing Paul on the disabled list, call up Jerry Owens from Charlotte. I know his bat has cooled down considerably down there, but he has speed the team desperately needs. Jerry doesn't need to play everyday, and I don't want him to. Instead, you can platoon him in center with Brian Anderson, and automatically the Sox defense has improved tremendously.

Nick Swisher can then be moved to first base in the interim.

Then give Charlotte another call and tell them that you want to start playing Josh Fields at first base. Give him a few weeks over there to get a feel for the position. I honestly don't think it will be that hard of a transition for him, because if you can play third base, you can play first.

This will set the team up pretty well for this season and the future, in my opinion. If Fields adapts to first base, Paulie then becomes expendable. You can try to move him at the deadline for some pitching or second base help. If you can't move him at the deadline, let Josh stay at first down in Charlotte for the rest of the season. Then move Konerko in the offseason. The money you save on Paulie's contract can then be put to use re-signing Joe Crede. That extra cash you have that you may have used on Crede, can then be put towards signing a pitcher this off-season (Roy Halladay would be nice, but that's probably just a pipe dream).

Then next season you have Crede at third and Fields at first.

I'm not done yet, though. Right now in Charlotte, Lance Broadway has been outstanding. He's 5-1 with a 1.67 ERA, and his stock has never been hire. Trade him at the deadline.

I know a bunch of you are reading that and wondering why you would trade a young pitcher that could be a part of the rotation next season. It's a good question because you don't want to trade young pitching in this league.

But to that I ask you this: When was the last time a home-grown pitcher worked out for the White Sox? If you look at the entire White Sox pitching staff right now, how many of them were actually drafted by the White Sox? Three: Mark Buehrle, Ehren Wasserman, and Boone Logan.

Other than those three, every pitcher on the roster came from another organization.

The Sox just don't have good luck with pitching, so frankly, I'd rather trade Broadway now while his value is high instead of watching him not work out. You can probably use him as part of a deal to land a second baseman like Brian Roberts (not that name again!) from Baltimore.

Just think about it, Kenny.

Joe Crede Still Likes Chicago

While most of the talk surrounding Joe Crede, his back, and his impending free agency that dominated White Sox spring training seems to have died down a bit, it hasn't changed the fact that the White Sox still aren't sure what they'd like to do with their third baseman. Crede got off to a real hot start in April, and is hitting .270/.345/.500 to be one of the only consistently productive hitters in the Sox lineup (though all seven of his homers and 22 of his 25 RBI came in April).

HIs back has also stood up to the beating that comes with playing third base on a daily basis, so overall, it looks like the old Joe Crede is back. So what are the White Sox going to do...

Continue reading at FanHouse

Would the Sox Trade Paulie?

While most of the trade talk in Chicago baseball revolves around the Cubs never ending pursuit of Baltimore's Brian Roberts, and the White Sox trying to get something out of San Francisco worthy enough of Joe Crede.

While I'm not sure what's holding up the Roberts deal, it's become pretty clear that the Crede deal hasn't gone through because the Giants just aren't offering the White Sox something they actually want back. More specifically, a starting pitcher.

With the way Barry Zito pitches last season, and his horrible start this spring, I'm sure the Giants wouldn't mind shedding that huge contract, but at the same time it's still too early to completely give up on him in San Francisco. Besides, the Sox don't want to take on that contract anyway.

They aren't going to give up Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum either, and Noah Lowry hasn't been impressive at all. That leaves Kevin Correia, but he really wouldn't be a marked improvement over what the team already has.

So it's looking like the Sox might be better served to wait on trading Crede. The problem with that is what would they do with Josh Fields? Kenny Williams has already said that Josh is playing third base this season, whether it's in Chicago or Charlotte. Well, Josh isn't going to get much out of another trip to the minors, so that move would be counter productive.

So what do they do? Fox's Ken Rosenthal has an idea.

If the Mets wanted to do something truly extravagant, they could make a run at White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who remains quietly available, according to a major-league source.

Apparently the Mets are looking for some Carlos Delgado insurance, as Delgado struggled last season, and already has a hip problem this spring. To be honest though, I don't see the Mets willing to take on Konerko's $12 million contract just for insurance.

The idea to trade Konerko is somewhat interesting to me, though. More interesting than it has been in the past. Maybe it's just because I'll do anything to keep Joe Crede around as long as possible, or maybe because it actually might make sense for the team.

If the Sox were to trade Paulie, they'd have to do it now. In a few short months his "10 and 5" clause kicks in, and he'll have to approve of any trade the Sox try to make. Paulie is also a big enough bat to bring in a quality middle to upper rotation type of arm in return.

The Sox could then move Joe Crede to first base to help protect his back. Then, if the White Sox are out of the playoff hunt come deadline time, they can still move Crede and get more for him than they can now.

The problem is, who needs a first baseman right now?

The Yankees don't ever seem to mind adding bats to their lineup, and could use an upgrade at first base, but they've made it clear in the Johan Santana sweepstakes that they're not giving up their young arms. They might be able to get Melky Cabrera, which would solve the center field situation, but I'd rather have a pitcher for Paulie.

The Sox and Angels have never been able to work out a deal for Konerko, but maybe the Sox could look on the other side of Los Angeles for a partner. The Dodgers are looking for a little more thump in their lineup, and probably wouldn't mind Paulie next to Andruw Jones in the middle of their order.

Maybe the Sox could pry Chad Billingsley and a prospect or two out of them. I'd start by asking for Derek Lowe, though, and working my way down to Billingsley. Maybe they could even fool the Dodgers into giving up Billingsley and James Loney.

Of course, they could always fall back on the oft-rumored trade with the Angels, but if neither side has agreed on anything up until this point, there's no reason to think they would before the season starts.

Other than those teams, there really isn't anybody else out there that could use Paulie, at least not a team that could offer anything in return. So while the notion to trade Konerko before the season starts is a little appealing, I just don't see any scenario right now that would make sense.

Cactus Chronicles 3-5-08

The Cactus Chronicles will be a daily feature at Foul Balls from now until Opening Day 2008.

White Sox 7 Angels 6

The Good

The White Sox offense continued to produce this spring with 13 hits and 7 runs scored. Paul Konerko went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, and is now hitting .714 (10-for-14) on the spring. Nick Swisher also had two doubles and three RBI, including the game winning two-run double in the 9th inning.

The Bad

Jose Contreras didn't look as good in his second start of the spring, allowing two runs in three innings of work. Though the good news is he didn't walk anybody. Lance Broadway didn't help his case much either, allowing two runs in two innings.

On the offensive side of the ball, Juan Uribe got the start at second base, and went 0-3.

The Random

Javier Vazquez flew home to Puerto Rico to be there for the birth of his daughter, and won't be back for a few days.


Brewers 10 Cubs 6

The Good

Kosuke Fukudome really seemed to enjoy being switched to the second spot in the Cubs lineup, busting out of his early spring slump by going 3-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Ryan Dempster overcame a 1st inning run and allowed only two hits in his three innings.

Kerry Wood pitched a perfect 6th inning. Oh, and perhaps the best news of all, Felix Pie recovered from his twisted nut to go 1-for-3.

The Bad

Sean Gallagher continues to not do himself any favors (though I guess if struggling keeps him out of Baltimore he's doing himself a favor), allowing three runs on two homers in only two innings of work. It also doesn't appear that Jose Ascanio is recovered from that ass-kicking at Circle K, because he gave up four runs in the 10th inning.

The Random

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority is preparing to make an offer for Wrigley Field in the next few days.

FanHouse: Hate To Say I Told You So

Remember in my article about the Nick Swisher trade at FanHouse the other day, I mentioned that this move was probably a precursor to a bigger move Kenny Williams was going to try to make? Remember how I then said that the player Kenny's most likely to move would be the biggest trading chip the Sox have left: Paul Konerko?

Well, not only am I incredibly good looking, but it turns out I'm smart too.

Come and get me, ladies!

Paul Konerko Is Well Aware of His Fate

Things are going pretty damn horribly this season with the White Sox. That's not new. It's also pretty common practice that when a team plays as bad as the Sox have this season, they generally make a lot of changes before the next season.

That includes trading a lot of people who were thought to be key players. Players like, say, Paul Konerko.

"Just looking at other teams that are in the same boat, yeah, changes are likely coming this offseason, and everyone in here better be prepared for that,'' first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko said.

''Yeah, you have to be [ready for a possible trade].

''You lose, you know things are going to change. At the same time, I can look in the mirror and say, 'I gave everything I had this season.' As much as it would hurt if I do get traded, if it goes down that road with me giving my all, I can live with that.''

I don't think Paulie really has all that much to worry about. His batting average is below par because of the horrible funk he was in to start the season, but aside from that stretch, he's really been the most "consistent" bat in the White Sox lineup this season. Not to mention that his defense has also greatly improved, and he's a fan favorite like Mark Buehrle.

Kenny Williams saw the type of reaction a possible trade of Buehrle received, and he's aware of what would happen if the team traded its captain.

Also, I already covered Ozzie's latest comments at FanHouse this morning, but that was before I saw this quote. Of all the things Ozzie has said in his tenure here in Chicago, this one has definitely jumped into my Top 5.

''It's the same thing every day. It's like your kid is 2 years old and he likes Barney. And you put that little [expletive] down there for three hours watching that [expletive] back and forth, back and forth, the same song for six hours. That's what I've been doing since April. Same [expletive] thing. Rewind it. 'You OK? Yeah, OK, here's your bottle, keep watching Barney.'''

Am I the only one that thought if Ozzie was going to reference a kid show, he'd go with Dora the Explorer? Does that make me a racist?

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.

Morning Wood - The Cubs Are A Runaway Train

Chicago Cubs 9 Houston Astros 3

Another day, another Cubs victory. The only thing different this time around is that they actually hit a home run. Alfonso Soriano's three-run blast in the 6th inning put this game well out of Houston's reach. Ted Lilly pitched 8 innings and allowed only 1 run and 4 hits. "I respect that lineup, and for us to go out there and the guys to put those kind of at-bats against one of the top pitchers in the league[Roy Oswalt], I certainly wanted to take advantage of an opportunity like that," Lilly said after winning his fourth straight start. Aramis Ramirez also helped out by knocking in four runs of his own. Unfortunately for the Cubs, the Brewers edged out the Rockies to maintain their 3.5 game lead.

Baltimore Orioles 7 Chicago White Sox 6

You know, I really don't want to talk about the latest White Sox game in which they took an early 5-run lead and lost. If you want to know, check the Morning Wood tag. There are about 30 other ones where you can read this game's recap. What I will talk about is Paul Konerko. Lost in the fact that this team sucks is the fact that Paulie is now hitting .274. Yeah, not a big deal really, but on the White Sox .274 is like hitting .445 anywhere else. Then when you consider he was hitting .188 on May 17th and you realize how impressive it is. So far in July, Paulie is hitting .405.

Elsewhere...

AL

• Red Sox 9 Blue Jays 4
• Royals 6 Indians 5
• Twins 4 A's 3
• Yankees 6 DRays 4
• Angels 9 Rangers 5
• Mariners 6 Tigers 4

NL

• Phillies 10 Cardinals 4
• Dodgers 8 Giants 7
• Brewers 2 Rockies 1
• Braves 5 Pirates 4
• Marlins 5 Nationals 2
• Mets 2 Reds 1
• DBacks 5 Padres 4

White Sox Irked by ESPN

Yesterday, I told you about that ESPN poll that asked, "Which sports team do you most associate with Chicago?"
The possible answers included the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

There was no mention of the White Sox, and that didn't really make the team too happy.

First baseman Paul Konerko took exception to the Sox's omission during an interview Friday on ESPN News. When asked which team he would vote for, Konerko answered "Bears."

An ESPN spokesman said there was no specific reason for leaving the Sox off the poll, adding the network asked Konerko for a guest interview. The poll conducted in each city was limited to one team from the NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball.

After admitting that he would vote for the Bears, Konerko then ripped out the heart of a beat writer and ate it in front of everybody.

Of course, Paulie wasn't the only member of the team that was angered by the poll. As a team, the White Sox were so angry that they took out all their frustration on the Baltimore Orioles by losing 2-0.

That'll show those bastards at ESPN!

Morning Wood - Paulie!

Chicago White Sox 5 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1

Good news: Konerko had his 21st multihomer game of his career, with a two-run homer in the second inning a seventh-inning shot that made it 5-1. Devil Rays.

Excellent news: Javier Vazquez pitched seven innings of one-run ball to earn his first victory since June 1. (The rotation, by the way, has posted a 2.50 ERA over its last eight games and the bullpen extended its scoreless streak to 10 innings over its last four games.)

Bad news: Jermaine Dye missed his sixth straight game and could go on the disabled list.

No news: Nothing on the Buehrle signing. Well, a little news:

Two sources familiar with the negotiations said the two sides were close to completing a four-year, $56 million contract that could make Buehrle the highest-paid Sox player annually at $14 million per year.

"Hopefully whatever happens, happens quick and move on," said manager Ozzie Guillen. "No matter what that is ... the good one or the bad one. I hope it's more good than the bad."

Regardless, feels like uncertainty is doing wonders for the team's focus.

Elsewhere...

AL

• Cleveland 4 Oakland 3
• Detroit 5 Texas 2
• Minnesota 8 Toronto 5
• New York 8 Baltimore 6 SPD

NL

• Florida 9 Pittsburgh 7
• Houston 8 Colorado 5
• Los Angeles 9 Arizon 5
• Philadelphia 8 Cincinnati 7

Paul Konerko Won't Stop Believing

I wrote about it at The Fanhouse yesterday, and before last night's Sox victory, Ken Williams and Ozzie Guillen had a meeting to discuss what they were going to do about this team. I'm guessing Kenny is about ready to start pulling the trigger, and Ozzie was all about keeping the team intact and getting some bullpen help.

Then there was Paul Konerko. As captain of the White Sox, he was also invited to the meeting, and his voice was heard. The Sox and Kenny aren't giving up yet.

"One of the things that I talked to Paul Konerko about—and I brought him into our meeting because I wanted a player's perspective on this thing—was, 'Do you guys still believe you can win? If you believe you can win, I'm more inclined to stick with it, to ride this thing out, and if we have to go down with the ship, we'll go down together.'

"He expressed to me that this team can still win. But we've got to start to come together in a lot of facets in a very short period of time."

It's a good thing I wasn't invited to this meeting, because I would have shown up with nothing but a ton of dynamite and a smile on my face. Probably a beer too.