Konerko's future up in the air, but he's lights-out in 8-2 win over Boston

He's the White Sox' most popular player, and he's had the best overall season.

That's a combination that should guarantee Paul Konerko's return in 2011 and beyond, but the Sox' 34-year-old captain has no idea what the future holds as he heads into free agency at the end of the season.

"I have no sense of a market or anything like that," Konerko said. "I don't expect anything. I don't have any illusions about anything. I just want to take it as it comes. Whatever comes my way, comes my way. I'll handle whatever comes. When you start getting into a situation where you're expecting this or I should be getting this because that guy got this, that's when you get let down and you're disappointed and you go to a place where you shouldn't go to.

"I just want to do what's right. At this moment, I don't know what that is. I don't know what I want. I played this whole season with blinders on and just tried to do my job the right way and didn't give it too much thought. Now the bat is going to be out of my hands and I'll just have to go where this takes me."

Konerko had the bat in his hands in the fourth inning against Boston on Thursday night, and he hit the ninth grand slam of his career to break the game open.

Do the White Sox want Konerko back? Yes, but they haven't mapped out the 2011 budget yet, which is normal.

As estimated by one major-league scout, Konerko's market price is $45 million for three years. The first baseman is finishing up the five-year, $60 million deal he signed six weeks after helping the Sox win the 2005 World Series.

"There's no doubt in anybody's mind we want him to be back here," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Money-wise, that's another problem. Hopefully they get something done; we'll see what happens. That's a very, very delicate thing, a unique situation.

"He's a player - his number's going to be retired, he's going to have a statue here. If you look at P.K.'s numbers and what he means to this organization, that's a pretty tough situation for everyone."

Konerko would like to finish his career with the Sox, but again, he is not expecting anything at this point.

"The way I look at it is my goal as a player coming into the league when I was in the minor leagues was to play in one place for 10 years straight at one position," Konerko said. "That was the only goal I ever had because I knew if I did that, all the other stuff would come along with it. Whether it be the numbers, or the money ... whatever comes along with that, if I accomplished that goal then I would get the most out of a big-league career.

"And I've done that here. I've done it with two years to boot. So I feel lucky, I feel fortunate that they've wanted me. I've also wanted to be here. It takes two sides. So if it doesn't work out here ... I'm a White Sox. Regardless if I go play somewhere else, that's what I'll be thought of, that's what I'll think of my career. I feel like that mission has been accomplished."

As he's always done on and off the field, Konerko is determined to do the right thing when it comes to landing a new contract this off-season. He can start fielding offers five days after the World Series ends.

Will he be getting one from the White Sox?

"I think where they stand right now is probably just figuring out where they want to go as a team," Konerko said. "I'm kind of secondary. That goes for the other guys here who are in the same boat. Obviously it's a business, so they have to figure out payroll stuff and when they do that, then hopefully I'm in their conversation as far as being brought back. Until then, I don't know what will happen."

<p class="factboxheadblack">Scot Gregor's game tracker</p>

<p class="News"><b>Konerko connects:</b> Paul Konerko hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, the ninth of his career. The White Sox' captain needs 1 more home run to reach 40 for the third time in his career.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Up to speed:</b> Juan Pierre stole 3 bases and upped his season total to 66, a career high.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Boom, boom:</b> The lights went out in the bottom of the sixth inning, delaying the game for 21 minutes.</p>

<p class="breakhead">Sox scout box</p>

<p class="News">White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field</p>

<p class="News"><b>TV:</b> Comcast SportsNet Plus Friday; Comcast SportsNet Saturday; Channel 9 Sunday Radio: WSCR 670-AM</p>

<p class="News"><b>Pitching matchups:</b> The White Sox' Tony Pena (5-2, 4.85 ERA) vs. Fausto Carmona (12-14, 3.79) Friday at 7:10 p.m.; Mark Buehrle (12-13, 4.32) vs. Carlos Carrasco (2-1, 3.26) Saturday at 6:05 p.m.; Edwin Jackson (3-2, 3.25) vs. TBA Sunday at 1:05 p.m.</p>

<p class="News"><b>At a glance:</b> The White Sox opened the season against Cleveland with an April 5 home game. They wrap up the season vs. the Indians this weekend. The Sox are 7-8 against Cleveland this year (2-4 at home). Paul Konerko has 5 home runs and 15 RBI in 13 games against the Indians.</p>

<div class="infoBox">

<h1>More Coverage</h1>

<div class="infoBoxContent">

<div class="infoArea">

<h2>Stories</h2>

<ul class="links">

<li><a href="/story/?id=412178">White Sox streak to the finish line <span class="date">[9/30/10]</span></a></li>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>