Konerko still around; rumors to contrary
When starting pitcher Mark Buehrle spotted teammate Paul Konerko at SoxFest on Friday, he couldn't resist.
"I told him: 'You're still here?' " Buehrle said with a grin.
Last month, Konerko's name surfaced in a story in the Los Angeles Daily News. The White Sox' captain wasn't surprised to discover he was rumored to be heading to the Angels in a trade for infielder/outfielder Chone Figgins and starting pitcher Ervin Santana.
"I know that is always going to come, especially this off-season after the way last season went,'' Konerko said. "But I was traded twice when I was younger, and that kind of set the tone with me. It kind of just rolls off your back, because you know when you're hearing your name in trade rumors, that's usually when it doesn't happen.''
In May, Konerko reaches 10-and-5 status, (10 years in the major leagues, five with the same team). At that point, he'll have the right to veto any trade.
"It looks like now, I guess, I'm here,'' Konerko said.
More trade rumors: It's no secret the Twins are shopping ace starting pitcher Johan Santana, with the Red Sox and Yankees the primary suitors.
Now it looks like the Mets are in on the talks, which is just fine with White Sox general manager Kenny Williams.
"I told (Twins GM) Bill Smith I'm going to send him an extra player just to send (Santana) to the National League,'' Williams said after pointing out the Sox were 16-28 against left-handed starters last season, including a 1-3 showing against Santana.
Dropping down? If the White Sox are going to contend, Jose Contreras must improve on last season's 10-17 record (and 5.57 ERA).
The Sox insist the 36-year-old starter is healthy, and most of his trouble last year was a direct result of a messy divorce.
"I believe he's put a lot of things behind him,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said.
With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in three weeks, Guillen said Contreras might wind up as the White Sox' No. 4 starter.
Guillen would like to place the veteran between youngsters John Danks and Gavin Floyd, assuming they nail down starting jobs.
All alone: Mark Buehrle was sad to see rotation mate Jon Garland traded to the Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
"I gave Kenny (Williams) a hard time,'' Buehrle said. "I was ticked off he traded Garland because I'm going to be a lost puppy on the bench and in the clubhouse. Gar and I have been friends since 2000. But I told (Williams): 'You've got to give up something to get something.' "
What a relief: With veterans Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel on the roster, catcher A.J. Pierzynski is confident the White Sox' bullpen is going to be markedly improved over the group that posted a dismal 5.47 ERA last season.
"If they're healthy, and they throw the way I've seen them throw in the past, they're going to help a lot,'' Pierzynski said. "Anytime you have (Bobby) Jenks at the back end and you add those two guys, along with (Matt) Thornton and Boone (Logan) coming from the left side, that's a pretty strong bullpen.''