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Konerko rejects Orioles' offer; off-season about to get crazy expensive

[Baltimore Sun]

Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko rejected the Orioles' latest contract offer, a five-year deal worth $65 million, a move that threatens to end the club's courtship of the free-agent first baseman.

The Orioles are believed to have made the most lucrative offer to Konerko, but seemingly remain a long shot in their quest to add his powerful bat to the middle of their order. They are awaiting a counterproposal from Craig Landis, agent of the 29-year-old first baseman, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The $65 million deal is no longer on the table, the source said.

[...]

According to one industry source, the Orioles might be willing to go a little higher on their offer, but they are cautious of making another proposal because of the feeling that Konerko isn't interested in coming to Baltimore, even if the Orioles make the highest bid. It has been reported that Konerko would like to stay in Chicago or play for a team on the West Coast.

Things are happening quickly now. I envision Konerko signing with the Angels or us by the end of the week.