Paul Konerko

[Sylvanfan]

It seems every post season that some pending UFA comes up with some big games. As a result teams overpay big time for that player in the offseason. I believe Konerko is a pending UFA.

Last year Derek Lowe and Carlos Beltran cashed in big time largely based on what they did in the post season. The previous year Ivan Rodriguez showcased himself in the national media and got a nice contract. Now I guess one could argue that GM's watch all teams and know the entire league, but I think that if a guy has a huge post season that his agent is able to jack up the price to get a team to tell it's fans that they signed world series hero Paul Konerko this year.

In Konerko's case I can think of a lot of teams that could use him. Chicago White Sox should want to keep a hero like him, the Jays need a first baseman and claim to have money to spend, the BoSox can't seriously be happy with Kevin Millar there, the Orioles need to replace Palmeiro, even Anaheim could use another power bat in the middle of their lineup if they want to get back to being World Series champs. Over in the N.L. the Dodgers can't be too pleased with Hee Sop Choi, and certainly there are others with interest. I'll bet Konerko has earned himself at least a 15% premium for next years contract based on what he's done this post season. Thats not a 15% raise, but extra money tacked on to what he would have made on the open market.

[flames_1987]

He's done enough that I don't think the Jays have a shot at landing him.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally posted by flames_1987@Oct 24 2005, 08:22 PM
He's done enough that I don't think the Jays have a shot at landing him.

No doubt that he's made enough of a name of himself that another team like the Dodgers, BoSox, or Orioles will overpay for him big time. Heck maybe even the Yankees will try to bring him in, so they can move Giambi back to DH.

[flames_1987]

I don't feel a huge loss in it all though. I mean the guy has put together two good years in a row, but he doesen't strike me as a player worth that amount for the Jays to spend. For the price tag he'll be looking for, the Jays could find much better players in my mind. This money from Rogers the jays have would've been much nicer to have last offseason instead.

[CaramonLS]

There are 2 premiere players on the FA market in terms of hitters:

Brian Giles and Paul Konerko.

They'll both be heavily sought after... personally I'd rather have Giles in my lineup every day as he is much more of a premiere hitters vs. a pure slugger.

And Konerko's numbers are a little tainted because of where he plays.

[Koby-7]

i would luv to see Konerko in a Jays jersey next year but im not holding my breath. especially if the sox win the series he might stay in chicago.