Konerko should be able to return to 30-HR, 100-RBI form
Fifth in a series
Editor's note: As the countdown continues toward the April 6 opener for the White Sox, Daily Herald Sports Writer Scot Gregor will offer his analysis of each position on the team and the key issues facing the club this season.
Q. Paul Konerko came alive late last season. Can we expect that to carry over this season?
Gregor: As long as Konerko stays healthy, he should be good for 30-plus homes runs and 100-plus RBI.
The Sox' captain has been durable throughout his career, but he was hit with a trifecta of injuries in 2008.
Early in the season, Konerko could barely grip his bat due to a sore right hand. In June, he landed on the disabled list for the first time ever with a strained oblique muscle.
In early September, Konerko missed seven games with a sprained knee. He ended the year with 22 home runs and a career-low 62 RBI. But he did finish strong, batting .333 with 4 HRs and 12 RBI in August and .260 with 9 HRs and 16 RBI in September.
Q. People might not comprehend how hard he is on himself. How much does that self-inflicted pressure hurt him when he gets into slumps?
Gregor: Konerko gets a little tired of being accused of going into a shell when things are going bad. But there is little doubt the veteran first baseman tends to get down on himself when riding out a slump.
Konerko said he might have to do more outward venting should he tail off again, and that likely means some bats are going to be shattered in the dugout.
Q. How much does Konerko's leadership trump a subpar season? Or does it?
Gregor: He is a somewhat reluctant captain, but Konerko's quiet brand of leadership is evident.
Konerko isn't going to air out a teammate - at least not publicly - but he is looked to for leadership whether it's from a veteran like Jermaine Dye or A.J. Pierzynski or one of the many new guys on the White Sox' roster.
Konerko is particularly adept at putting things into perspective when the media crush comes around.
Q. Nick Swisher backed up Konerko a lot last year. What was the deal with Swisher and how did Kenny ever get anything in return for him?
Gregor: Swisher was supposed to make a big impact after he came over in a trade from Oakland for three top prospects.
He never seemed to fit in, though, on the field or off.
Swisher spent most of his time batting leadoff, but he clearly was not suited for the difficult job. And when he went into an extended slump and was benched at the end of the season, it was clear he had to go.
Getting two promising pitchers from the Yankees in exchange for Swisher could be one of the better deals Williams has pulled off.
Q. Who projects to be Konerko's backup this season?
Gregor: Konerko likes playing every day, and he might get his wish this season.
Wilson Betemit should be the primary backup at first base, and Dayan Viciedo is another candidate if he makes the 25-man roster.
• Got a question about the White Sox for Scot Gregor? Visit his blog, Chicago's Inside Pitch, to share your questions and comments.