Paul Konerko News

Konerko back in lineup, field
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September 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"With the aid of trainers and a brace on his right knee, Paul Konerko returned Tuesday night to the White Sox's starting lineup. When he suffered a sprain of his right medial collateral ligament on Sept. 9, Konerko initially feared the worst. "Thoughts cross your mind about being ready for spring training, let alone this year," Konerko said before collecting singles in his first two at-bats against the Yankees' Andy Pettitte. "It was very scary in my mind when I did it." As recently as last week, Konerko didn't believe he could return until this weekend in Kansas City. But Konerko wasn't patting himself on the back for his return, and he wasn't lamenting the fact he missed five games and ..."
MRI reveals only mild sprain for Konerko
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September 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"What was White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's first reaction when he saw first baseman Paul Konerko crumble to the ground in the fifth inning Tuesday night? ''I think he was out for good,'' Guillen said. ''I think he was that football player, the guy who kisses all the good-looking girls.'' But Konerko is no Tom Brady, and that's a good thing for the Sox in this case. Results from an MRI exam Wednesday morning confirmed the club's optimism Tuesday night that the team captain has a mild sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. How quickly he returns to the field remains to be seen. ''I have no idea when I'll get back in,'' Konerko said. ''If this happened in April or May, ..."
Konerko says he'll gut out injury for playoff push
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September 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"The next day or so could tell whether first baseman Paul Konerko will rejoin the White Sox as soon as this weekend. "If this happened in April or May, you might wait until there was no pain," Konerko said Wednesday after an MRI confirmed a sprain of the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. "But I'll just wait until it can function. And if there's some pain, that's fine. It's that time of year when you have to get back in there. We're fighting for a spot in the playoffs. But it has to be able to function. "There's only a couple of weeks left. And if you get in [the playoffs], it'll be worth it. And if you don't, you have four months to rest." Konerko's biggest issue may involve ..."
Konerko hot at the right time
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September 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"A season that started poorly for Paul Konerko and brought his first lost time on the disabled list in June is turning into a positive one for him, and more important, for the White Sox. Konerko's bat always has played a central role in the Sox' offensive production, but his revival at the plate couldn't be coming at a better time since the loss of Carlos Quentin to a fractured wrist. He has homered in three straight games, including Sunday -- his first such streak since hitting homers in four straight games Sept. 4-7, 2005. Konerko is hitting .421 (16-for-38) in his last 10 games and .373 (31-for- 83) in his last 26. His average has climbed from .212 to .247. He's an even healthier .426 ..."
Konerko delivers big in the clutch
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August 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"It will go virtually unnoticed because of the controversy that ended the White Sox's victory over Tampa Bay, but the biggest hit Sunday might have belonged to Paul Konerko. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Sox down by a run and Brian Anderson on second base, Konerko was summoned to hit for Juan Uribe. After working a full count, Konerko singled to left and Anderson scored the tying run, though it took catcher Shawn Riggans juggling the throw to make it successful. Relegated to part-time player because of a poor season, the Sox's captain became important again. "That was great," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Everybody was excited for him. I think his confidence is back. I ..."
Sox's Konerko on fence over instant replay
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August 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox captain Paul Konerko is "in favor of it in theory" but figures he has an extra home run because cameras were not installed for replays last year as they will be in September. "It was last year or the year before," he said. "I hit a ball foul [at the Cell] and [umpires] called it a homer. … I didn't know [it was foul], but guys on the bench said it was and the replay showed it was." So he'll take it? "I'll take five or six of them right now," he said. "With these stadiums, it's just tough because there's so much going on with outfield fences and fans. It's not the umpires' fault. It's not fair to them to be asked to make all these calls.""
For odd man out, it's an odd night off
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August 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"A glance at the lineup card in the White Sox clubhouse required a double-take Saturday afternoon. Yep, no Paul Konerko at first base. This is the way the lineup card was supposed to look on most days since Ken Griffey Jr. was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the early hours of July 31. The blueprint called for Griffey to play center field, Nick Swisher to move to first base and Konerko to get comfortable for an extended stay on the bench. ''That was the thought,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said, ''but that wasn't reality.'' In fact, Saturday marked just the second time since Griffey arrived that Konerko hasn't been in the starting lineup. The other time was Aug. 1 -- Griffey's first game ..."
Slumping Konerko will 'make best of it'
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August 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It wasn't the news Paul Konerko wanted to hear Thursday, but ''this is the business I'm in,'' he said. The addition of Ken Griffey Jr. will affect Konerko, the White Sox' captain, more than anyone else on the roster, drastically cutting his playing time in what has been a nightmarish season for the first baseman. He wasn't running from that reality, either. ''I'm pretty sure it will cut playing time, so I'll just do what's asked of me,'' Konerko said. ''I don't know what, where or whenever, but I'll just do what's asked of me. That's it. Make the best of it. We've got a good team here. Just help when I can help. That's all I can do.'' Asked if the trade was a slap in the face, Konerko said ..."
Classy Konerko accepts demotion
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August 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"First baseman Paul Konerko accepted his demotion from the White Sox's starting lineup with grace. "I'm pretty sure it will cut playing time, so I'll just do what's asked of me," Konerko said Thursday after the Sox traded for slugger Ken Griffey Jr. from Cincinnati. "I don't care what, where or whenever, but I'll just do what's asked of me. That's it. Make the best of it. We have a good team here, just help when I can help, that's all I can do." Konerko's playing time will be cut because of his .214 batting average and Nick Swisher getting more time at first base with Griffey playing center field. Konerko didn't view the trade as a slap in the face. "No, this is just the business I'm in," ..."
Benching Konerko not that simple
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July 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's a delicate situation for White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen but one he'll be addressing soon. After keeping Nick Swisher on the bench for the start of Tuesday's game to think about his 0-for-16 slump in his last five games, Guillen will sit team captain Paul Konerko sometime soon. This benching might not be a one-day rest, either. ''I've got to talk to him first,'' Guillen said. ''I'm not going to make a move without telling him what's on my mind. My question is, if I bench Paulie, who's on first?'' When the response was ''Swisher,'' Guillen said, ''And? [Swisher's] .226 vs. [Konerko's] .213.'' Guillen was pushed on the issue of whether the team is better when Swisher is at first base ..."
Body-language gap has Konerko sitting
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July 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"A .215 batting average won't win Paul Konerko many awards. But poor body language? That's what got the first baseman benched Saturday. ''Right now, it's a one-night thing,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''We've been winning, and I know Paulie's been struggling. I'm not going to come here to defend him because that's not my style. The only thing I worry about Paulie is his body language. About hits, obviously everybody's going to struggle. I want him to go out there and play the way he should be playing. I'm not going to give up on him that easy. The only way I will sit Paul Konerko is if there's body language I don't like.'' Right now, there is. Konerko went 0-for-4 in a come-from-behind ..."
Guillen plans to wait out Konerko's slump
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July 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"Paul Konerko's omission from the starting lineup Saturday night was attributed more to the struggling first baseman's 3-for-24 mark against Detroit's Justin Verlander than his season-long hitting woes. Furthermore, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen vowed to stick with Konerko despite growing clamor from outside the organization to bench him. Guillen maintains many of the people who are criticizing Konerko now and calling for him to sit are the same people who were demanding general manager Ken Williams to sign him after the 2005 World Series championship or they wouldn't come to the ballpark. "Just be patient with Konerko," Guillen said. "Hopefully he comes out of this problem, hopefully ..."
Walker says fans who boo Konerko 'negative people'
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July 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"So you want to boo Paul Konerko? That's fine with White Sox hitting coach Greg Walker. But Walker did send a message Wednesday to certain home fans he deems ''negative people.'' ''I'm not concerned because I know Paul is a professional,'' Walker said. ''But it does kind of hurt because I care so much about the guy, and he's scuffling. At the same time, I don't feel sorry for him, either, because he gets paid a lot of money to produce, and he knew it when he signed on with the White Sox. ''The one thing, the people that were booing -- they have a right to boo -- but when they walk into this ballpark and take a look at that statue [the Championship Moments Monument] out there, they better ..."
Ozzie won't say 'or else,' but Paulie worries him
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July 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Ozzie Guillen has too much respect for his team captain to issue a warning to Paul Konerko. But call it a friendly request. Konerko has been lumbering along, fighting through injuries and searching for answers at the plate. Guillen's hope is that coming out of the gate for the second half, Konerko starts doing some damage so the situation doesn't have to reach an ''or else.'' ''Ah, mentally, yes,'' Guillen replied when asked if he was concerned with Konerko. ''Paulie is the type of guy who takes things too seriously, too deep in his heart and brains. But it's something you have to be aware.''"
Konerko returns to White Sox, Swisher back in outfield
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July 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Nick Swisher returned to the outfield for the first time Tuesday night since June 14. Despite the White Sox's success with Swisher at first base, he believes he's a better outfielder than he's given credit for. "No, I'm not your typical center fielder, but I get good reads and I get good jumps," Swisher said. "Sometimes I'll make the unbelievable catch. All in all, I make the routine plays and do everything I'm supposed to do out there." Swisher made room at first base for Paul Konerko, who had been sidelined since June 15 because of a left oblique muscle strain."
Jenks, Konerko back soon
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July 6
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox have said Bobby Jenks' sore left shoulder was not a major concern, but there was more peace of mind Saturday after he underwent an MRI exam and CT scan, and both came back negative. The White Sox have said Bobby Jenks' sore left shoulder was not a major concern, but there was more peace of mind Saturday after he underwent an MRI exam and CT scan, and both came back negative."
Konerko's pain holding up his Sox rehab
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June 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Paul Konerko was too sore to take a flight to join the Charlotte Knights, so the White Sox first baseman's minor-league rehabilitation assignment was delayed at least one day. No timetable was given for Konerko, who is coping with breaking of scar tissue that feels nearly as painful as the strain of the left oblique muscle he suffered June 15. "I wouldn't say it's thrown me for a loop, but it is disappointing," Konerko said Sunday after a workout."
Konerko Working His Way Back
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June 29
Chicago Sun-Times
 (scroll down)
"The other player to get some attention was injured first baseman Paul Konerko, who took batting practice with the team for the first time since going on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. He had some general soreness, but the plan was to send him to Class AAA Charlotte today and let him play there Monday."
Konerko not going with White Sox to L.A.
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June 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"First baseman Paul Konerko won't accompany his White Sox teammates this week to Los Angeles, where he started his professional career with the Dodgers. But Konerko said he would consider playing in a couple of minor-league games on a rehabilitation assignment if it could help him return to the Sox soon. "The sooner the better," Konerko said Sunday after his first workout since suffering a Grade 1 strain of his left oblique muscle. Konerko rode a stationary bicycle for 10 minutes and performed light rotational work."
Sox have to adjust without Thome, Konerko
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June 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"The numbers aren't adding up for the White Sox, especially after Sunday night's 7-1 humbling by the Cubs, which extended their road losing streak to nine games. Javier Vazquez set the tone by walking the first two batters. That led to two runs and a season-high five walks issued. The offense, without Jim Thome in the lineup for the third consecutive game, grounded into three double plays in the first five innings. Thome laced a pinch double in the eighth but, fittingly, was stranded."
DL seems like torture to Konerko
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June 22
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Paul Konerko is ready to get on the exercise bike this afternoon. He's ready to do a rehab assignment next weekend if need be. Heck, he's ready to do something ... anything. How's life on the 15-day disabled list treating the White Sox first baseman? ''I feel like Mel Gibson at the end of 'Braveheart,''' Konerko said Saturday, referring to the torture scene at the end of the movie. ''It's a seesaw in your head. Sometimes I'm able to say, 'It happened, no big deal -- it happens to a lot of players; it will be gone before you know it.' Then the next moment you feel worthless. It took me a long time to get to the DL, but I don't ever want to come back, put it that way.''"
Nothing funny about Konerko being on DL
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June 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Paul Konerko was doing his best not to laugh -- doctor's orders. ''I've spent 14 years playing this game without smelling the disabled list, and now I've been told, 'Don't even sneeze,''' Konerko said, shaking his head and trying to keep a straight face. Just in case he didn't believe his trainers, he did sneeze Tuesday afternoon and said the pain almost took him to his knees. He'll have some time to recover as the White Sox put their team captain on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, with a Grade 1 strain of his left oblique muscle. It's Konerko's first trip to the DL at any level."
White Sox may feel the need for speed
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June 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Before Tuesday's interleague game against the Pirates, the White Sox will decide whether to put first baseman Paul Konerko on the 15-day disabled list with his strained left rib cage muscle. If they do—and it seems a very real possibility—who will take his place? Perhaps outfielder Jerry Owens, although it could also be veteran outfielder Dewayne Wise, who was up earlier in the season, or first baseman Brad Eldred. Wise was not in Triple-A Charlotte's lineup Monday night."
Loss worse than defeat
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June 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Losing two consecutive games at home isn't a reason to worry in the course of a long baseball season. The greater concern for White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen after losing to the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field was the immediate future of Paul Konerko. His cleanup hitter was a last-minute scratch Sunday after straining a muscle near his rib cage taking batting practice, and no one after the game diminished the potential of a move to the disabled list."
White Sox lose game, possibly Konerko too
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June 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"After a double dose of bad news Sunday, the best medicine for the sagging White Sox is rest. "We've been in a tough stretch, and it's good to have a day off at home, relax a little bit and get away from the game," Jermaine Dye said after the Sox lost for the fifth time in their last six gam