Konerko sends his seasons greetings

My family and I want to thank each of you for your support all season long and over the past few weeks. We're really excited to be returning to the White Sox for the next five years, as we've grown to love Chicago and we really consider it our second home.

My wife, Jennifer, and I had our first child, Nicholas, in late October, so this offseason has been unlike any other. I've spent a lot of time playing Mr. Mom, and I enjoy staying home with the baby so Jennifer can get out of the house when she needs to. Jen says I carry him like I would carry a football. In fact, the day we decided to re-sign with the White Sox, I was home with Nicholas all day, so he and I made the decision together. He's the first grandchild on both sides of the family, and we're lucky to have my parents and Jennifer's parents nearby - they're always glad to come over and spoil him when we need to get away.

I started working out again in the middle of November, and I'm feeling really good. I work out five days a week, doing a full strength program to maintain the momentum I gained in September and October. I also try to get plenty of rest now so I'll be prepared to head into Spring Training with a full tank. Having such a short offseason has obvious advantages, but you don't want to work too hard because your body needs a chance to catch up a little bit.

The season was exciting, and obviously pretty hectic toward the end, so my family and I are really enjoying living a quiet life right now. I love the baseball season, and the thrill of the game keeps us going during the summer. But it is nice to be able to sit back, stay close to home and spend time with my family during the holidays.

I'm really psyched about the changes Ken Williams has made to the team for next year. I hate to see Aaron go, because he's a great friend and the kind of intense player you want on your team through the rigors of a 162-game season. But I've always had great respect for Jim Thome, and I thought that Kenny made it pretty clear when he signed him that he fully intends to win this thing again. I'd be lying if I said that didn't factor into my decision to come back to play for the White Sox for five more years, and it's the kind of aggressive move that makes this club successful.

I'll be back for SoxFest at the end of January, so I'll see you then. I hope you all have a happy holiday season.

Regards,
Paul Konerko