From today's Sun-Times:
[Gload (.304) could make Konerko expendable
September 13, 2004
BY DOUG PADILLA STAFF REPORTER
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Manager Ozzie Guillen wants a new look to his offense next season, and one solution to his needs could have been on the bench this whole time.
Ross Gload's play in the series at Anaheim might get the Sox thinking about putting the contact hitter at first base next season and dealing Paul Konerko for an upgrade at shortstop or to find a replacement in right field for Magglio Ordonez, who is not expected to return.
The Sox might even be thinking about finding a center fielder and moving Aaron Rowand to right field.
Gload, who was the designated hitter Friday and played at first base Saturday and Sunday, went 6-for-13 in the series against the Angels with a home run and five RBI. Gload wouldn't come close to Konerko-type numbers over a season, but is as good at situational hitting as anybody on the Sox roster.
''The only bad thing about this kid is he never got the opportunity,'' Guillen said. ''He was a backup for Mark Grace [while in the Cubs organization], then he came here and Paul Konerko was playing. But if somebody gave him the chance to play, he's a good .270, .280 hitter with 70 RBI and 15-20 home runs. His defense makes him even better. He can play every day.''
If the Sox are sold on that option, Konerko would have to be dealt with offense in mind.
''I was given an opportunity and was lucky enough to win a bench job, and I think I've done my job at that,'' said Gload, who is batting .304 with four home runs and 33 RBI in 171 at-bats. ''I've just kind of hung back and taken the role of when the big guys need days off, hopefully just go in there and just help out or get something done.''
''I want to be in the big leagues, but I don't know if I can play every day. My goal for this year was to be here the whole year and enjoy it. I've driven home the day after the season and been told [twice] that I'm being taken off the roster, so I take it day by day.
''If our good players come back next year there really isn't a place for me to play. But I'd like to be back and helping out in some way here.'']
Thoughts?