Revising Expectations: Konerko

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:03 PM CDT Comment 95 comments

Paul Konerko has a hand/thumb injury so bad that it hurt to tie his shoes during his three days of rest last weekend, and has gone 97 consecutive plate appearances without a HR, during which time he's hit .190/.292/.226. He needs just 10 more to match his longest career drought during his dismal 2003 season. After 0-6 performance last night, Konerko now sits at .204/.325/.333 on the season.

It's hard to hit a baseball when your hands aren't healthy. It's even harder to hit for power when your hand isn't right.

So my question to you guys is What do we expect from Paulie for the rest of the season? Should he just go on the DL to give Josh Fields or Brad Eldred a shot?

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Can Fields play 1B?

by vince_ on May 27, 2008 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I could play first base

and Fields has more baseball skill than I

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you didn't play football, i take it.

i hear josh was a QB. any truth to that?

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carlos Guillen and Gary Sheffield looked like crap there

I almost typed “Carlos Quentin,” but you know he’d have zero problems. Ever.

Never trust a big butt and a smile.
Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on May 27, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

prediction: pain

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 2:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He should probably go on the DL...

until his hand is 100%.

Last night was a case in point. He was clearly seeing the ball very well – he made solid contact three times. But since he’s unable to drive the ball, they ended up being a foul ball and two outs.

If the best that Konerko can do at this point with the bat is a warning-track fly ball, then he needs to take some time off.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 27, 2008 2:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

While watching, I attributed that to being slightly off in timing. Each AB looked

better than the previous (to me).
But after reading the above, then it’s likely the hand IS the reason for what you described. If so, a DL stint is called for.
If Swisher moves to 1st, I hope BA continues to start in CF. If BA doesn’t start, I’d rather see Swisher in CF and perhaps try Wise at 1st.

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wise in majors w/ 340 ABs --

.200/.237/.359.

Fast, though.

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With how many HRs at AAA?

This season?

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bukvich was very good in Charlotte early last year.

How quickly we forget.

We need some base cloggers , anyway.

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bally, I don't disagree at all

But I’m talking 2 weeks. What’s the risk?

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might be the type of injury that in order to really heal, requires

either a very extended layoff or surgery.

He hit the ball fairly well last night, didn’t he?

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i believe it's just a bone bruise on the thumb. no surgery, but it might only heal by not swinging a bat for a while.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree -- DL him

Give Fields some games at 1B in AAA and then call him up. Konerko playing in pain to put up a .600 OPS isn’t worth it—playing through pain is only useful if the performance helps the team.

by hitlesswonder on May 27, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling we're going to see a Freddy Garcia sitation

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm, medicinal marijuana

i like the way you think, cheat. though they probably should have tried that when they were out on the west coast trip.

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ROFL

It’s funny cause it’s true…

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on May 27, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean Paulie is going to throw up his hands and say "wtf"

every time another fielder flubs one? Or the pitcher gives up a gopher ball?
Or Paulie will start eating brownies?

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's hurting the team now

and they have options for replacement.

and its not the type of injury thats going to heal without rest.

Those seem like all the ingredients for DL. I would expect 2003 #’s if he can’t get some real (weeks) time off.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 2:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I say put him on the DL

I was encouraged by his foul home run (distance) but if its still nagging let it heal PK.

A 100% PK addition down the line would be like a trade addition with what he has given the team up to this point. Let BA play more and bring up Eldred.

by Tdogg on May 27, 2008 2:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i don't expect much from paulie the rest of the season

put him on the 2-week DL. perhaps with an injury like this, it will take the offseason to recover, but he can receive some treatment and learn how to manage the pain during the remainder of the season.

in the meantime bring fields up. either he or swish can play 1B.

"I got the shotgun. You got the briefcase. It's all in the game though, right? "

by onlysoxfaninboston on May 27, 2008 2:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

btw, how is josh doing?

"I got the shotgun. You got the briefcase. It's all in the game though, right? "

by onlysoxfaninboston on May 27, 2008 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

only because you mention brad eldred

"I got the shotgun. You got the briefcase. It's all in the game though, right? "

by onlysoxfaninboston on May 27, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hit well in his first 5 games back from his own injury (6-20, 5 XBH, 3HR)

but was given the day off yesterday vs. Liriano.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so, trade him?

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no need.

konerko to DL and thome to DFA. room for fields AND eldred.

"For those that don't understand stats... that ops is horrifying."

by Toonderstrook on May 27, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but how will we get uggla?

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pablo, straight up. he's got a marlins-friendly contract.

"For those that don't understand stats... that ops is horrifying."

by Toonderstrook on May 27, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which of the 4 U's does not belong at 2B?

Uggla?
Utley?
Uribe?
Umbrella?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I laughed at that one

Show mercy. I get to watch the Rangers.

by Tim from Texas on May 27, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is there more than one right answer?

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no right answer - only one

that is right for you, MM.

I got whacked today – no one likes commodities/gold after the long weekend? How’d you do?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

kinda uneventful, some good longs, some bad ones. hershey on the move. i made a chocolate play.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"hershey on the move"

that must be a REAL bad day in the financial world….

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

at my office, hershey is always on the move.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kisses or highway?

Or is that one and the same to you?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if it partners with cadbury i don't give a fuck which one it is.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a gift to the Twins organization,

since Fields absolutely kills lefties.

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let Paulie sit until he's 100%

I doubt anyone will play him out of a job.

What’s going on with Swish? He’s not injured…so what’s up with him?

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 27, 2008 2:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he's hitting the ball pretty well, just at people.

See Toby Hall the last 10 days.

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When my dad asked me what was wrong with Konerko yesterday afternoon

I told him not to expect more than a 12 HR season.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sit, Paulie, sit.

If you can’t tie your shoes without pain, you can’t help the team. And your sad sack, hang-dog, Eyore, Charlie Brown expressions don’t instill confidence. This ain’t Saving Private Ryan. As the “C”, show leadership and sit.

It’s the Serengeti Plain out there, man. They are gonna pound you inside all season if you don’t get rest.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, Cheat, does your Dad listen to you?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On the Sox, yeah

He listens to me on the Sox and college basketball… that’s about it.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And how does that make you feel? Are you ok with that?

Just lie back and tell us all about it…

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Your just jealous because Cheat’s Dad listens to him. I’d be shocked if yours ever remembered your birthday, Chi (since you were to be seen and not heard, as was every kid born in the ‘50’s).

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can always tell a Milford man.

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on May 27, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Enough of this.

Any more news about Cabrera calling the official score? ; )

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that's why his previous manager was the BEST EVER IN BASEBALL HISTORY!!

Especially compared to his current one:

Cabrerra never had to call the scorer himself. That’s what managers are for!

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

Or really, Jenks isn’t doing anything in the 6th inning. Have him take out his dentures, put in an extra wad of chew and while holding his spittoon, go have a face-to-face, one-on-one discussion with the official scorer re. the play in question.

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I expect him to not provide any services to himself or his wife with that hand until it heals

he is under contract, you know.

There has to be a diminished skills joke in here as well.

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on May 27, 2008 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So, he can't visit Rosey Palm?

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 27, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought her her last name was palmer

Sheesh, after all these years I find out she was lying to me?

I feel violated!

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on May 27, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They could be cousins, who knows?

All I do know is that Rosey is always there for me when I need her.

I really gotta hand it to her.

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 27, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or the Jergens Sisters...

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on May 27, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tonight's lineups: oh, the sexy is back

WHITE SOX
Cabrera, SS
Ozuna, 2B [presumably 3B]
Quentin, LF
Dye, RF
Konerko, 1B
Swisher, RF
Ramirez, 2B
Anderson, CF
Hall, C
Buehrle, P

CLEVELAND
Sizemore, CF
Carroll, 2B
Francisco, LF
Martinez, C
Peralta, DH
Garko, 1B
Gutierrez, RF
Marte, 3B
A. Cabrera, SS
Laffey, P

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and who knows who is DH, dye or swish or someone else

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be awesome...

if the Sox were allowed to play two players in right field and two at second base, though.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 27, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

could hurt us, though, against a righty heavy lineup to not have a guy at 3B

and i’d be bunting down the 3B line all day. but it would sure cut down on the triples to right.

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would only be fair really

Putting Swish out there with Dye and the Sox would have a combined RF with average (given Swish’s arm, Dye would the Designated Thrower though).

Having 2guys at 2B…well…actually combining Uribe and Ramirez would still yield below average offensive production. It would be more useful if Sox 2B got 3 outs to make an official out or something like that.

by hitlesswonder on May 27, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hall

will be catching Buehrle’s third start in a row tonight. Tomorrow’s Cowley headline:

Buehrle refuses to pitch to AJ.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Along with Toby Hall Goes 0-4

I know, I know, he’s been En Fuego…but will it last?

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 27, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, 'gater. no time to get existential on us.

"For those that don't understand stats... that ops is horrifying."

by Toonderstrook on May 27, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3 Hit Toby

You gotta believe. He’ll wear out RF again.

WTF with Paulie in the lineup? Can’t tie his shoes but gamely (gamily?) trudges on? Keehrist.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he almost hit a home run yesterday

the bat boy can tie his shoes

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good - now he's got Ramirez power.

And what did you want to do with HIM? And HE’S fast. And Cuban. And Proud.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Almost only counts...

in horse shoes and hand grenades.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 27, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or when evaluating true performance level

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and

i guess for you i should have added a “clearly” to that post.

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearly.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 27, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he can get velcro shoes

with Bob the Builder on them. They got ‘em at Target.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great post.

Got kids? God, I hope so.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i do

velcro: is there anything it can’t do?

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't let it near Rosie Palm -

ouch!

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on May 27, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For those with kids...

Would Handy Manny be the gay equivalent of Rosie Palm?

Discuss.

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 27, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are a GD genius, Private Pyle!

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you have created a new euphemism

bravo, sir!

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 27, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But as John Lennon once said

when asked about his relationship with Brian Epstein, what’s a toss between friends?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hit for average?

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

During the game last Wednesday,

Crede was going from 1st to 2nd, and he seemed to be running with some discomfort.

Back acting up?

Pitching, defense and health.

by ballyb on May 27, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Piles

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 27, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

balls were partially "out" of his cup

needed to adjust.

The Rays win 80 games and will ship you your favorite 6 pack or bottle of reasonable wine -Tdogg

I would sell Rays 89 til my fucking face caved in - ballyb

by larry on May 27, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

personally, i say if you're gonna march out that batting order, then what the hell? double up at 2nd and in right.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 27, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many options does Fields have left?

Is that why they could be cautious in bringing him up for what only may be a few weeks?

Show mercy. I get to watch the Rangers.

by Tim from Texas on May 27, 2008 4:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He burned his option for this season

it has no bearing on any decision making

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 27, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby Jenks everyone!

“Consistency, that’s the main word to use,” Jenks said.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080526&content_id=2777786&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 27, 2008 4:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Big Numbers

Since 1970, the best SO/9 IP ratios by relievers:
1. Eric Gagne, 2003 LAD … 14.98

2. Billy Wagner, 1999 HOU … 14.95

3. Brad Lidge, 2004 HOU … 14.93

4. Octavio Dotel, 2008 CWS … 14.81

http://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/05/going_for_three.html

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 27, 2008 4:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs