Paul Konerko News: Pro Sports Daily

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March 10

Chicago Sun-Times

"It is still very early into Cactus League play for Paul Konerko to have a truly good idea of what kind of offense the White Sox will be unleashing this season. But the team captain knows what they won't have, and he likes it. ''Offensively, we feel the release of the obligation to hit for power,'' Konerko said Tuesday. ''Where you felt like we had to keep up with the big power-hitting teams, I feel like, 'OK, we're punting on that idea.' We're not that type of team anymore, and it's kind of refreshing to be a team that goes into a game with that kind of mind-set because it was always the other way around. It was no one's fault; it was just the pieces we kind of had here. It's a good thing ..."

Sox notebook: Cpt. Konerko hits spring training

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February 27

Chicago Sun-Times

"At least Paul Konerko is consistent. The team captain made his first official visit to spring camp on Friday – the first day position players were expected in – and will handle this contract year the same way he handled it heading into free agency back in 2005. "My whole approach is to identify what I can control and can't control and know the difference of those two, and I think I do,'' Konerko said. "I've been down that road before and it's kind of simple from my end. I'm under contract. I can't do anything. I can't go anywhere. Talking about contract right now, the ball is in their court. Which is perfectly fine. I understand how the game is played. You just control what you can ..."

Is Paul Konerko on his way out?

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February 27

Chicago Sun-Times

"At least Paul Konerko is consistent. The team captain made his first official visit to spring camp on Friday - the first day position players were expected in - and will handle this contract year the same way he handled it heading into free agency back in 2005. "My whole approach is to identify what I can control and can't control and know the difference of those two, and I think I do,'' Konerko said. "I've been down that road before and it's kind of simple from my end. I'm under contract. I can't do anything. I can't go anywhere. Talking about contract right now, the ball is in their court. Which is perfectly fine. I understand how the game is played. You just control what you can ..."

Sox's Konerko prepared for uncertain future

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February 27

Chicago Tribune

"Paul Konerko has entered his 12th and perhaps final spring training with the White Sox. "The ball is in their court on that front, and they have the right to conduct their business the way they want to do it," said Konerko, who is in the fifth and final year of a $60 million contract. "No problems there with me." Konerko seemed prepared for any scenario, saying he can only control his performance on the field but would listen if the Sox wanted to negotiate an extension. "I've enjoyed my time here," Konerko said. "You're always going to pick up the phone if that happens. They might call tomorrow. They might call in the middle of the season. They might never call. "That's very possible. If ..."

Konerko knows days with Sox could be numbered

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February 27

Chicago Tribune

"There are a long list of boxes that have to be checked before Paul Konerko could return after the 2010 season. That there's actually a list provides some encouragement for the captain as he prepared Friday for his 12th spring training with the White Sox. "I've enjoyed my time here," Konerko said. "They might call tomorrow (with a contract extension offer), they might call in the middle of the season, they might never call. That's very possible. "And if that happens, fine. That's great. We've had a great run. I know what I can control and I don't foresee whatever the ending is being bad because I see both sides wanting to handle it the right way.'' The Sox aren't closing the door. General ..."

Could Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee be on their way out of Chicago?

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January 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."

Could Konerko and Lee be on way out?

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January 24

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."

Konerko focused on upcoming season

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January 18

MLB.com

"If a Major League Baseball primer exists concerning how to handle impending free agency as a player, then Paul Konerko probably contributed to that manual back in 2005. The White Sox first baseman addressed this possible foray into the open market before the memorable regular season began and then basically tabled all further discussions until shortly after the World Series championship parade came to a close. Konerko fielded serious offseason offers from other teams, such as the Angels, but ultimately returned to the White Sox via a five-year, $60 million deal. Although the money and possibly even the demand might not quite be the same for the White Sox captain, who turns 34 on March 5, ..."

White Sox's Konerko surprises Thome at benefit

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January 18

Chicago Tribune

"For the 15th Joyce Thome Benefit for Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Andrea Thome decided to bring a few special guests -- White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. "There are not too many things that will get past me, put it that way," said former Sox slugger Jim Thome. "For them to take the time and come in like this, it's humbling. It means a lot."

Big package needed to acquire Adrian Gonzalez

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November 18

SI.com

"Adrian Gonzalez: Any acquiring team would have to put together a tremendous package for the superstar player with the most reasonable multiyear contract in baseball ($10.5 million over the next two years). The silliest rumor so far had Gonzalez possibly going in a three-way trade with Paul Konerko going to the Angels and prospects to the Padres. Beyond the fact the Angels have a great first baseman in Kendry Morales, Konerko's high contract makes him a giveaway at this point."

White Sox stun Twins 4-2

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September 3

Chicago Tribune

"The comeback was so unpredictable, so stunning Wednesday that Paul Konerko summed up the transformation. "We own this place," Konerko quipped while flipping his cap to a clubhouse attendant after the Sox scored four runs with two outs, two strikes and the bases empty in the ninth inning to forge a 4-2 victory over Minnesota in their final game at the Metrodome. "How crazy is this thing?" manager Ozzie Guillen said after the Sox snapped a five-game losing streak by winning for only the second time in their final 13 games at the Metrodome. "Now we figure out how to win in this place, and now we can't come here no more." This marked the only time the Sox have rallied from a two-run deficit in ..."

Pena gives up walk-off HR to Ortiz; Konerko calls for smart play

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August 27

Chicago Sun-Times

"It's becoming routine: ''Sweet Caroline'' plays at Fenway Park in the eighth inning, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen points to his bullpen for fresh meat, and before you know it, you have another National Lampoon comedy in a series with so much at stake. Problem is, no one's laughing in the White Sox clubhouse. After Scott Linebrink served up late-game batting practice in Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox, Tony Pena was the White Sox' latest reliever-and-a-prayer, allowing David Ortiz to turn a well-played ballgame into another heartbreaking walkoff loss, this time by a 3-2 score. And this came a day after Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik said it's time ''to start taking the field with a little ..."

Indians lose to Chicago White Sox, who get three homers and seven RBI from Paul Konerko

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July 8

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The White Sox established two things Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Not only do they enjoy facing Jeremy Sowers, but they enjoy facing new Indians relievers. After Sowers left with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, Paul Konerko hit his eighth career grand slam, this one off Chris Perez, to lead Chicago to a 10-6 victory over the Indians. It was quite a night for Konerko, who homered three times and drove in a career-high seven runs. It was a far different kind of night for Sowers. He allowed four runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings to fall to 0-4 against Chicago this season. He's 0-6 in his career. Perez allowed Konerko's slam on a 2-0 pitch that turned a 3-1 Indians lead into ..."

For Chicago's Konerko, beating the Cleveland Indians as easy as 1-2-3

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July 8

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Jeremy Sowers might finally be headed to the bullpen. All it took was another middle-inning failure, a three-homer night by Paul Konerko and a bullpen flop punctuated by long drives into the July night. "We're going to have to see what our options are with Jeremy," said manager Eric Wedge, following the Indians' 10-6 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. "Normally, in that situation, you give a guy a chance to get through it. But time and time again he's struggled to get through that so you go to the bullpen and that doesn't work either." Sowers took a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning. He'd allowed one run, Konerko's first homer, and appeared to be in charge. Then it ..."

Konerko: Never mind foe, just win

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July 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko and his teammates aren't going to apologize for suddenly playing the bully. Feasting on American League Central also-rans Cleveland and Kansas City during their seven-game winning streak makes it seem the Sox are fooling themselves into thinking they're better than they might be. But not so fast. In taking series from Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs and Cincinnati, the Sox showed they could handle teams with records of .500 or better. Considering where the Sox were in May, Konerko said there are only two columns to look at every day -- and the winning percentage of the opponent isn't one of them. ''That's why right now you're solely looking at games behind and ..."

Sammy Sosa story irks Paul Konerko

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June 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko wants names. When the White Sox team captain hears those names, then -- and only then -- will he validate the story linking Sammy Sosa to performance-enhancing drugs. ''To me, it's just not a story,'' Konerko said Wednesday. ''Some guy writes an article, the sources aren't public. One of two things needs to happen: Either whoever is going to report, these sources, put your name behind it and put your face out there and tell people who you are. Or someone admits to it and that's what happened in the Alex Rodriguez thing. ''That's the only two ways that this becomes a story. Obviously, you guys [the media] are standing here, so it's a story. But I just think it's just sad it has ..."

Konerko expects to return on Saturday

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June 13

MLB.com

"Paul Konerko was not in Friday's lineup, but the White Sox first baseman said he expects to be back on the diamond on Saturday. "I'd be shocked if I didn't play tomorrow," Konerko said before the White Sox began a three-game series with Milwaukee at Miller Park on Friday. The team captain left Wednesday's game against Detroit in the seventh inning due a stretched ligament near his right thumb. The sore thumb has been a reoccurring nuisance for Konerko. During Spring Training, he had a similar shot to help deal with the pain of the same thumb. It continued to bother him, and in Chicago, Konerko said he had hoped to put off the shot. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen also said a Saturday ..."

Paul Konerko expects to play Saturday for Chicago White Sox

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June 13

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said he would be "shocked" if he doesn't play Saturday after taking a pain-killing shot on Thursday. "I can feel the pain has subsided," Konerko said Friday before missing his second start because of a sore right thumb. Konerko said he wouldn't attempt to swing a bat but had a good feeling that he would be fine, based on the response after three previous shots. "He's on his own program," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "P.K. knows how he feels because he's been through this for three years.""

Sox' Paul Konerko gets fresh injection in thumb

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June 12

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko knew another needle was in his immediate future, but he was hoping his right thumb would hold up until the All-Star break. That went out the window when he took a second shot in his chronically injured thumb Thursday with the hope of being available tonight in Milwaukee. Key word being "hope." ''My second [at-bat Wednesday] night was the first time I've ever been taking with two strikes,'' Konerko said of how his pain threshold reached maximum level in the 2-1 loss to Detroit. ''That's not a recipe for success, I can tell you that much. I was hoping [Justin Verlander] would throw a ball, and we could move on. That's when I kind of knew, 'OK, let's take a step back here; this ..."

Paul Konerko could return to Chicago White Sox lineup Friday night

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June 12

Chicago Tribune

"First baseman Paul Konerko might return to the White Sox lineup as soon as Friday night, depending on the effectiveness of a pain-numbing shot administered to his ailing right thumb. Of more importance to Konerko and the Sox is how he can manage the discomfort that has nagged him since April 2008. "Sometimes it gets to the point where you can't do what you want to do out there," Konerko said. "That's where it has been the last couple of days, [Wednesday] night for sure." The pain was so bad that in Konerko's second at-bat, he intentionally took a pitch with two strikes and ended up taking a called third strike against Justin Verlander. He took himself out after seven innings. "That's not a ..."

Konerko down with recurring thumb injury

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June 11

MLB.com

"The right thumb pain felt by Paul Konerko, a malady he has battled for the past two seasons, flared up during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Detroit before the fateful at-bat in the seventh inning that led to his exit. In fact, when facing Justin Verlander to lead off the fifth, the consummate hitter turned to a pain-induced offensive approach that he never followed before. "My second at-bat last night was the first time I've ever been taking with two strikes," said Konerko with a wry smile, addressing his injury in the White Sox clubhouse before Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Tigers. "That's not a recipe for success, I can tell you that much," Konerko said. "That's when I kind of ..."

Paul Konerko's thumb injury taxes White Sox's offense

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June 11

Chicago Tribune

"The task of reviving an offense that is only 6 for its last 70 with runners in scoring position became greater for the White Sox with the expected loss of Paul Konerko. Konerko left Wednesday's 2-1 loss after seven innings after aggravating a right thumb injury. Manager Ozzie Guillen said Konerko has a loose ligament that he has coped with "since I can remember." Konerko's thumb problems surfaced in April of 2008 when Mike Mussina jammed him, and he didn't receive a pain-killing shot until a month later. He batted only .240 and hit 22 home runs. The off-season allowed his thumb to rest, But Konerko was reluctant last May to discuss his successful start. Hitting coach Greg Walker, however, ..."

Reversal of fortune for Konerko in '09

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May 21

Chicago Tribune

"Comparing an injury-marred miserable start in 2008 to an impressive first six weeks in 2009 isn't on the top of Paul Konerko's agenda, but the White Sox's first baseman has made some positive strides. Konerko's .319 batting average and eight-game hitting streak entering Wednesday night's game against Minnesota reflects largely on his production when free of the right hand injuries that plagued him last year. "To be honest, I'm not thinking too much about nothing," said Konerko, who hit his sixth home run of the season in the fourth inning Wednesday night. "I'm just trying to attack each day the right way. I know it's a cliché, but it wasn't the right thing in the middle of May to talk ..."

Paul Konerko lays down the blunt: 'We're just not good right now'

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May 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"Who said Paul Konerko wasn't the type of leader who could lay down the law? After the White Sox were shut out for a major-league-leading sixth time Wednesday, the team captain pulled no punches about what's going on with the defending Central Division champs. ''We're just not good right now -- that's it,'' he said after a 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians in which Jermaine Dye and manager Ozzie Guillen were ejected for arguing balls and strikes. ''You need to score runs in the American League. Any team that scores three runs or less, except the team with the best pitching, is going to have a horse[bleep] record. That's the way it is. ''We ask, how do we get it better, how do we score runs? ..."

The 300-300 club

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April 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"If Paul Konerko has to pick up the dinner check, Ozzie Guillen is taking the blame. Jermaine Dye and Konerko reached the 300-homer milestone for their careers in back-to-back at-bats Monday in the White Sox' 10-6 victory over the Tigers. They are the first teammates to hit century milestone home runs in the same game, according to Elias Sports Bureau. ''That's amazing,'' Guillen said. ''I never thought that was going to happen back-to-back. ''I think they had something going on, a dinner bet on who hit it first. It was my fault because I play Dye first in front of him.'' The homers came in the second inning off Zach Miner and put the Sox up 2-0. Dye tied former teammate Joe Crede's record ..."

Dye, Konerko hit 300th career home runs

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April 14

Chicago Tribune

"Jermaine Dye held bragging rights for eight pitches. Shortly after Dye hit his 300th career home run Monday, Paul Konerko duplicated the feat off the Tigers' Zach Miner in the second inning of the White Sox's 10-6 win. Konerko joked that his teammates might have started a pool to see who reached the 300 mark first had they gone another day without reaching the milestone. "I'm proud of it, and I'm sure Jermaine is as well," Konerko said. "It was great it came in winning fashion. You can enjoy it more. It's a cool thing. You're in the dugout reflecting for a few minutes and then you look over at Jim [Thome] and say, 'Let's go play defense.' " Thome has 543 homers, but Dye and Konerko seized ..."

Back-to-back, Dye, Konerko reach 300

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April 13

MLB.com

"Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko reached personal milestones in the second inning of Monday's series opener at Comerica Park, via back-to-back home runs off Detroit starter Zach Miner. The back-to-back part wasn't historic, but the fact that both players reached 300 home runs for their career with the respective blasts represents a true baseball oddity. Dye's 390-foot drive to left-center came off a 2-1 pitch from Miner leading off the frame. Dye, 35, did not hit a home run through the first five games this season but has now gone deep in his last two at-bats. Konerko, 33, worked the count full off Miner and then lined a 362-foot shot over left fielder Josh Anderson's head and just above the ..."

Konerko: No pushovers in AL Central

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April 7

Chicago Tribune

"The White Sox never fell further than 21/2 games out of first place in 2008, thanks to their ability to survive a seven-game losing streak in late April and early May. That's why first baseman Paul Konerko warns that no team may be able to run away with the American League Central title, especially with what he perceives as a more balanced division. "It still holds true that you can't win the division early but you can lose it early," Konerko said. "Everyone is waiting to see what happens. With every team, there are more positives than negatives. I'm sure some might have their own opinion, but you used to be able to weed out teams in the beginning and say they won't be in the running, and ..."

Konerko gives the thumb's up

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March 30

Chicago Sun-Times

"How does White Sox captain Paul Konerko know the shot he got in his chronically injured right thumb 10 days ago is working? It passed the ultimate test -- more than once. ''I was blown up inside a few times this last week, and it feels good,'' Konerko said. ''There's no better test than that.'' Konerko was jammed last April on an inside pitch by Mike Mussina, starting a downhill slide for both the thumb and his production. By the time he opted for a shot to relieve the pain, he'd hit .191 in May and .217 in the first half. As the hand got healthy, he hit .333 in August and hit nine of his 22 home runs in September. ''There is no foolproof plan with this, but you can definitely tell that ..."

Sox' sluggers take issues

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March 29

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko is one of the premier home-run hitters in White Sox history. Jim Thome is one of the most prolific power hitters to play the game. They have shared the clubhouse the last four seasons, they share a charity, and on Friday they shared a sit-down interview with the Sun-Times, discussing the team, each other and the perception that neither is the vocal leader the Sox need. Q: Now that you've had a look at the Gordon Beckhams and the other young guys who represent the newest wave of talent this spring, is the team in good hands for the next few years. JIM THOME: ''A lot of energy. A baseball team has to be able to have some young guys in the wings, and they've done that. What's ..."

Konerko won't wait for shot

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March 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox captain Paul Konerko is set to take the needle this spring, if need be. And that's a good thing. Konerko admitted Sunday that the biggest mistake he made in a mostly disappointing 2008 season was waiting too long to take a painkilling shot in his chronically ailing right thumb. While the thumb is holding up in camp so far, there won't be a repeat of '08. ''It's one of those things where it's always there,'' Konerko said. ''It's just a matter of keeping an eye on it. The main thing with this year is I'm not going to wait and let it get to where it got last year when I got that shot. Last year, it felt great after that. I won't wait 25 games, play like that. I would get the shot in ..."

Paul Konerko to be proactive if thumb injury flares up

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March 2

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is taking no chances if the pain in his right thumb flares up. Konerko said Sunday he wouldn't hesitate to take a painkilling shot after trying to play through the discomfort, which hampered his 2008 season. "Last year it felt great after [the shot]," said Konerko, who was jammed by a pitch from the Yankees' Mike Mussina on April 23 and didn't receive an injection until one month later. "I won't wait 25 games, play like that. I would get the shot in the spring." Konerko said his thumb passed a test when he was jammed by the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda in the first inning Sunday. "It's one of those things where it's always there," he said. Beckham bops: ..."

Paulie: We ran out of gas

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October 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko won't have a championship ball to hand to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf this time. But the team captain can assure the boss of something Reinsdorf probably knows anyway. ''All in all, I look at this year as far as the team, and I think we went exactly as far as we were supposed to go with the injuries we had at the end,'' Konerko said Monday after the Sox' 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay. ''We got every last gasp out of how it shook out the last month and a half. Guys went down, our third baseman [Joe Crede], [Carlos] Quentin, a guy who started Game 1 through the [2005] playoffs [Jose Contreras]. You don't complain about it. You don't make excuses. But it makes you have to dig ..."

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."