Paul Konerko Re-Signs with White Sox

[Steve9347]

That's a great measuring stick.

We get it. You don't like the signing. If it's because of Putz, he made his choice and that would have been it had we been waiting for Paulie or not. If you'd have preferred Derrek Lee, wait until his contract figure comes in... I'd rather have the team leader coming off a great year than Lee coming off a very, very bad season.

 

The terms Paulie took on his contract makes for a wonderful bargain. I am shocked, after the things we were hearing the last two days, that you'd be upset with 12/12/6.5 deferments.

 

Life could be worse. This time last week we thought we were headed to a rebuild, and today we can look forward to the following lineup in some fashion:

 

LF Pierre

2B Beckham

CF Rios

1B Konerko

DH Dunn

RF Quentin

C Pierzynski

SS Ramirez

3B Morel/Vizquel

 

We also know that Kenny will talk trade. He knows just as well as we do that he needs bullpen players, and he'll get them. I guarantee he doesn't sign Konerko to that contract without assurance from Jerry that he can get some arms for the pen, too.

Edited December 8, 2010 by Steve9347

[bigruss]

Every year there are tons of young kids buying new jerseys. Paulie is the team's leader, one of the most likely jerseys for these new consumers to be into. Lee would be coming in as an unknown.

 

Lets also remember this -- even though I'm not one of them, there are those people out there who will run out to buy the new Sox road grey simply because the sleeve change on the old one is now unauthentic.

Once again, jerseys are part of league revenue sharing, the Sox will only see as much as other teams when it come to increased jersey sales.

 

Signing Lee would be big news in Chicago, and adding a good bullpen would undoubtedly put the Sox in discussions for winning the Central, that is what puts people in the seats. If we have to trade a starter now than are chances are hurt big time.

[Buehrlesque]

YOu just helped his argument then you know. Having another contract that expires along with others next year gives you flexibility to re-up with players or to blow it up. And with everyone leaving, these extra draft picks wouldve been nice to help rebuild the system. Plus, as you mention, Dayan would be ready to fill in after a year.

 

DLee was just a flatout better option.

Have to agree. In pretty much all ways but sentimentality, DLee was the better option. But, the good things is, Paulie is not "bad", he's just not the smartest choice for this contract.

[sircaffey]

Every year there are tons of young kids buying new jerseys. Paulie is the team's leader, one of the most likely jerseys for these new consumers to be into. Lee would be coming in as an unknown.

 

Lets also remember this -- even though I'm not one of them, there are those people out there who will run out to buy the new Sox road grey simply because the sleeve change on the old one is now unauthentic.

Yeah, people never buy jerseys for new high end players for their favorite teams. Instead, they buy more jerseys of the players they already have jerseys of...

[Eminor3rd]

Have to agree. In pretty much all ways but sentimentality, DLee was the better option. But, the good things is, Paulie is not "bad", he's just not the smartest choice for this contract.

 

We'll see what Lee signs for. I think Lee was the better option if he signs for 1/7 or below.

[bigruss]

Have to agree. In pretty much all ways but sentimentality, DLee was the better option. But, the good things is, Paulie is not "bad", he's just not the smartest choice for this contract.

You shouldnt give a contract over $30 mm because the player isn't "bad." JR paid because of loyalty, not because of a baseball decision.

[witesoxfan]

FWIW, I still don't believe this means the end of Viciedo in a White Sox uniform. Keep him around, use him as a 1B/3B/LF/RF/DH guy, which allows Dunn to sit against tough lefties, and I think you can probably get him around 200-250 plate appearances a year at the MLB level. If you want him in the minors still, that's fine too, because it's not like he's got a well-rounded game either. Beyond that, I think having Viciedo at mid-season would work much better for the Sox in terms of a trade anyways, because they'll have a much better idea of what is wrong with the team at that point in time. And, if the absolute worst comes to worst, the Sox can then figure out a spot for Viciedo in the lineup after hey trade away some of the costly veterans.

[Balta1701]

We'll see what Lee signs for. I think Lee was the better option if he signs for 1/7 or below.

If DLee signs for that low after Pena got $10 million, that tells me that the teams out there really believe that DLee is much more of an injury risk than we're thinking.

[Princess Dye]

You shouldnt give a contract over $30 mm because the player isn't "bad." JR paid because of loyalty, not because of a baseball decision.

 

The way you tell it, Lee had the MVP caliber year last year, not PK. And Lee was in the NL. I'd have been all for Lee if the price were going to be super cheap. But what Lee put up stats-wise is clearly below PK's current functioning level.

 

Also, again, jersey sales are of worth to the Sox. That's basically advertising for them. They want tons of Sox jerseys all around the city. Dumping PK means these jerseys are no longer worn out and about, starting conversations around the city (and north side). Jersey-wearers are walking commercials for the White Sox, and this is an area they want to improve to help buzz for their team. Lee's worth in creating buzz for the team to me is lesser than what it means to bring this core from last year back, plus adding Dunn.

 

To create optimum excitement in the fanbase, you want the team leader staying (obviously foremost is that he's still effective on the field).

 

Teams do care about getting their logo out there, they go through pains to present it in various ways for a reason.

Edited December 8, 2010 by Princess Dye

[Buehrlesque]

You shouldnt give a contract over $30 mm because the player isn't "bad." JR paid because of loyalty, not because of a baseball decision.

This still improves the Sox for '11, even though it's a much worse move for '12 and '13. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Konerko is in a Diamondbacks (or Angels or Dodgers) jersey in 2013 if the Sox don't win in the next two years, possibly with the Sox eating some of his salary.

[Jordan4life_2007]

The way you tell it, Lee had the MVP caliber year last year, not PK. And Lee was in the NL. I'd have been all for Lee if the price were going to be super cheap. But what Lee put up stats-wise is clearly below PK's current functioning level.

 

Also, again, jersey sales are of worth to the Sox. That's basically advertising for them. They want tons of Sox jerseys all around the city. Dumping PK means these jerseys are no longer worn out and about, starting conversations around the city (and north side). Jersey-wearers are walking commercials for the White Sox, and this is an area they want to improve to help buzz for their team.

 

In that sense you want the team leader staying. Teams do care about getting their logo out there, they go through pains to present it in various ways for a reason.

 

God I'm so sick of this crap. I get it's a factor when talking pitchers. But it means absolutely nothing for hitters.

[iamshack]

The way you tell it, Lee had the MVP caliber year last year, not PK. And Lee was in the NL. I'd have been all for Lee if the price were going to be super cheap. But what Lee put up stats-wise is clearly below PK's current functioning level.

 

Also, again, jersey sales are of worth to the Sox. That's basically advertising for them. They want tons of Sox jerseys all around the city. Dumping PK means these jerseys are no longer worn out and about, starting conversations around the city (and north side). Jersey-wearers are walking commercials for the White Sox, and this is an area they want to improve to help buzz for their team.

 

In that sense you want the team leader staying. Teams do care about getting their logo out there, they go through pains to present it in various ways for a reason.

Last year gets you NOTHING in this contract. Get that through your heads, people.

[bigruss]

The way you tell it, Lee had the MVP caliber year last year, not PK. I'd have been all for Lee if the price were going to be super cheap. But what Lee put up stats-wise in the NL is clearly below PK's current functioning level.

 

Also, again, jersey sales are of worth to the Sox. That's basically advertising for them. They want tons of Sox jerseys all around the city. Dumping PK means these jerseys are no longer worn out and about, starting conversations around the city (and north side). Jersey-wearers are walking commercials for the White Sox, and this is an area they want to improve to help buzz for their team.

 

In that sense you want the team leader staying. Teams do care about getting their logo out there, they go through pains to present it in various ways for a reason.

I see Dlee and Konerko both putting up around an .850 OPS next year. Considering DLee>>>>Konerko in defense, and that you dont have such a large commitment in years or salary, plus the draft picks, it makes too much business and baseball sense.

 

Dlee is regarded as one of the best teammates around.

[LittleHurt05]

God I'm so sick of this crap. I get it's a factor when talking pitchers. But it means absolutely nothing for hitters.

 

LOL. I don't have the time nor patience to compare the two leagues as a whole, but its entirely possible that its easier to hit in the AL, just cause the overall pitching talent may not be as good.

[Kalapse]

God I'm so sick of this crap. I get it's a factor when talking pitchers. But it means absolutely nothing for hitters.

Why aren't these people more worried about Dunn's transition? I haven't heard word one about his switching leagues.

[Balta1701]

Frank Thomas hit 448 home runs with the White Sox. Paul Konerko has hit 358 home runs with the White Sox.

 

If PK14 averages 30.333 HR/year with the White Sox over the duration of this deal, he will become the White Sox's all time home run leader.

 

He is also likely to move into the #3 spot on the all time White Sox hit list during the duration of this deal, and has an outside shot at 2nd or first on the all time list of 2b hits for the Sox.

[Princess Dye]

Last year gets you NOTHING in this contract. Get that through your heads, people.

 

If Paulie's year last year means nothing then I guess it's impossible to combat your point.

 

I'm basically saying that the extra 6M in 2013 is worth it to me if it means I'm getting the better player. PK does his damage against AL pitching. Lee should do better against NL pitching if he's going to be my 1B on a championship team.

 

Great organizations very often have to pay a guy an extra year who may be past his prime. If you are a team with a dedication to winning-level payroll year in year out, that is one of the risks.

 

I'm not saying you pile up crappy contracts, but as someone said earlier, right now we have this 2014-2020 payment and the money we're on the hook for regarding Linebrink. Over time, that's not a lot for someone like JR.

Edited December 8, 2010 by Princess Dye

[bigruss]

If Paulie's year last year means nothing then I guess it's impossible to combat your point.

Exaggeration, but you look at the past 3 years or so and project the next 3 years, and you definitely don't get what Konerko did last year meaning you don't pay him solely based off of last year.

[Balta1701]

If Paulie's year last year means nothing then I guess it's impossible to combat your point.

 

I'm basically saying that the extra 6M in 2013 is worth it to me if it means I'm getting the better player. PK does his damage against AL pitching. Lee should do better against NL pitching if he's going to be my 1B on a championship team.

Derek Lee is a career .315 hitter with a .915 OPS against AL pitching.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Why aren't these people more worried about Dunn's transition? I haven't heard word one about his switching leagues.

 

Well there was somebody on here (can't remember who) that said Adam Dunn was a "purely NL hitter" and I proceeded to skin a cat because I got so mad.

[Mattchoo]

Frank Thomas hit 448 home runs with the White Sox. Paul Konerko has hit 358 home runs with the White Sox.

 

If PK14 averages 30.333 HR/year with the White Sox over the duration of this deal, he will become the White Sox's all time home run leader.

 

He is also likely to move into the #3 spot on the all time White Sox hit list during the duration of this deal, and has an outside shot at 2nd or first on the all time list of 2b hits for the Sox.

 

I find this very interesting!!!! I think PK has a shot at attaining that home run record if he isn't hurt and we do win consistently the next three years. I'm a little saddened because Thomas is my favorite White Sox player of all time... but PK is probably in my top 10

 

 

[ptatc]

$104.55M payroll right now, still have the 3 arb guys to sign.

 

The deal isn't bad or great in my mind, it just kind of is. The differed money makes the 3rd year far more palatable.

 

Eh, it's really annoying when money is being thrown around based on past performance and sentimental value as opposed to future value. Konerko only came close to earning his previous $12M per deal in the final year of the deal went he turned in the best year of his career, I don't think this bodes well for his age 35-37 seasons when he'll be earning even more.

 

This is always an interesting discussion. This is the opposite argument for alot of people. Many people look at the player and don't want to pay for future potential only for proven players.

 

I'm not sure where the tipping point is for paying for performance or for potential but I like the discussions.

[Jordan4life_2007]

I find this very interesting!!!! I think PK has a shot at attaining that home run record if he isn't hurt and we do win consistently the next three years. I'm a little saddened because Thomas is my favorite White Sox player of all time... but PK is probably in my top 10

 

Do you really care if PK gets the record? Comparing him to Frank is like comparing Star Jones to Sophia Vergara. And I love PK.

[iamshack]

If Paulie's year last year means nothing then I guess it's impossible to combat your point.

 

I'm basically saying that the extra 6M in 2013 is worth it to me if it means I'm getting the better player. PK does his damage against AL pitching. Lee should do better against NL pitching if he's going to be my 1B on a championship team.

 

Great organizations very often have to pay a guy an extra year who may be past his prime. If you are a team with a dedication to winning-level payroll year in year out, that is one of the risks.

 

I'm not saying you pile up crappy contracts, but as someone said earlier, right now we have this 2014-2020 payment and the money we're on the hook for regarding Linebrink. Over time, that's not a lot for someone like JR.

I'm saying you should only be willing to pay the player for what you think he is capable of over the life of the contract. Not what he did last year or the year before that. PK's home runs from last year will achieve nothing for the 2011 team. And yet teams pay for past performance all the time.

[Princess Dye]

Derek Lee is a career .315 hitter with a .915 OPS against AL pitching.

 

 

Fair enough. Last year vs. AL .221/.299/.382 (68 AB). I guess we'll see which way his career goes from this point on.