Before Robin Ventura was hired as the White Sox skipper to start the 2012 season, plenty of White Sox fans were hoping
for Paul Konerko to become the first player-manager since Pete Rose (1984-1986). Former White Sox General Manager, Ken Williams,
said
during a press conference in October 2011, “I did consider it. Then, I thought, I think I would rather him be focused more
on hitting third or fourth in the lineup and driving in 100 runs, rather than trying to worry about 25 other guys in addition to
it. We are trying to win.”
Konerko has been the heart and soul of the White Sox, even with Frank Thomas casting a shadow over him during his first seven
seasons in a south side uniform. Since his first days as a White Sox player in 1999, Konerko has only had two seasons where
he did not hit at least 20 home runs and 75 RBI. At his peak in 2004-2005, he had back-to-back years with at least 40 home
runs and 100 RBI. In addition to having a great offensive career, Konerko was a large part of the success to the White Sox 2005
World Series Championship run, in which he hit five long balls during the postseason.
The White Sox have not been the same since that 2005 season and currently have the second worst record in baseball at 45-72.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports (via Twitter), the White Sox have placed Konerko on waivers. Rick Hahn, current
White Sox GM, is hoping for a great deal to fall into his hands because Konerko can veto any offer due to his 10/5 rights
(10 years in MLB and 5 seasons with one team) and he is a free agent at the end of the 2013 season.
Although Konerko is having a decent year, it is not close to what the White Sox expect out him for the $3.25 million still owed to him
for the rest of the 2013 season. He is “creating” only .39 runs per game this season compared to .63 runs per game last year
and his fly ball outs have increased to 39% from 33% last season. Additionally, he is a huge weakness on the bases with his
speed and has only once in eight chances this year stretched from second to home on a base hit.
In comparing the pitch analysis of Konerko from different seasons, it is clear that he has become a different type of batter
than in the past. The White Sox have Konerko on the team to drive in runs, which is something he is struggling with this year.
He is currently sitting at 40 RBI in 87 games played this season and one result is due to him hitting differently when runners
are in scoring position (RISP). In looking at the last four seasons, pitch chart data from the location of his hits
shows why Konerko has not been driving the ball as well as in years past. During the 2010-2012 seasons, the
majority of his hits with RISP were off pitches in the middle to upper portion of the zone, a location in which he can easily drive the ball
into the outfield allowing runners a chance to score. This year, he is hitting pitches that are low and away with RISP and is on pace
to finish with far fewer RBIs than in year past. These pitches may get a runner over from second to third, but are not as
likely to contribute to a run, especially considering that the White Sox are fifth to last in team RBIs with 416 (MLB Avg. 452).
Konerko will always be a hero to White Sox fans and has been a solid first baseman in his 15 seasons.
He has also been a six-time all-star during his years in Chicago and was ranked twice in the top 6 for AL MVP votes.
Nonetheless, great players always fade and perhaps he will move on at the end of this season, similar to the Big Hurt
before him and recently with Mark Beuhrle’s exit after the 2011 season. The White Sox have a new generation of ball
players and are still waiting for the next diamond in the rough.
NOTE: All statistics accurate as of 8/13/13
By Danny Malter
AriBall.com
