Konerko, Hamilton a close race for AL's MVP honors

News, notes and a nugget or two as the White Sox prepare to resume their playoff push Friday night at Boston:

MVP candidates: I have the American League MVP vote this season, and Josh Hamilton is currently at the top of my ballot.

Heading into Thursday's play, the Texas Rangers' outfielder leads the league with a .361 batting average, he's fourth with 31 home runs and tied for sixth with 97 RBI.

Hamilton also ranks second in on-base percentage (.413) and OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) at 1.050.

Equally important, the Rangers are going to win the AL West, so Hamilton looks to be a lock as MVP.

However, Hamilton's sore right knee is acting up again. Much like Carlos Quentin in 2008 (fractured wrist), Hamilton is in danger of being sidelined for the final month of the season and that could cost him the trophy.

Lurking in the wings is White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko. Through Wednesday, Konerko ranked sixth in the AL with a .319 average, second with 33 HR, fourth with 98 RBI, fourth in OPS (.986) and sixth in OBP (.399).

Konerko was particularly good in August, batting .382 with 7 homers and 23 RBI, and his clutch 3-run homer at Cleveland Wednesday got September off to a promising start.

He has to get past Hamilton and also contend with Miguel Cabrera, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Jose Bautista, but the White Sox' 34-year-old captain is definitely going to be high on my MVP list, maybe even at the top.

The closer: Chris Sale was a little shaky Wednesday, but the Sox' impressive rookie did hold the Indians scoreless in the ninth inning while converting his first major-league save.

Sale, a future White Sox starting pitcher, possibly as soon as 2011, is not a closer. He's got a lively arm that's made even the most skeptical scouts sit up and take notice, but it's too much, too soon for the 21-year-old lefty, who was pitching for Florida Gulf Coast University four months ago.

With Matt Thornton due back Friday, Sale won't have to deal with so much pressure down the stretch.

And with J.J. Putz coming off the disabled list next week, is another closer controversy in the offing? You can bet on it.

Here's my suggestion - use Bobby Jenks as the closer at home, where he's 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA and 15 saves. Jenks in 0-2 with a 6.66 ERA and 10 saves on the road.

Let Thornton and Putz close on the road.

Thornton is 1-3 with a 1.78 ERA and 4-for-4 in save opportunities away from U.S. Cellular Field. Putz is 3-1 with a 0.73 ERA and 3 saves in 4 tries on the road.

Conversely, Thornton is 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA at home, and Putz is 3-4 with a 4.84 ERA.

Wilting catcher: Tyler Flowers is up with the White Sox after batting a robust .220 at Class AAA Charlotte. Can you say winter ball?

It's been a disappointing season for Flowers, who has always been regarded as an offensive-minded receiver.

And while he's widely viewed as the catcher of the future, the Sox would be wise to extend A.J. Pierzynski for another year or two.

Yes, A.J.'s offensive numbers are down (.258, 7 HR, 45 RBI, .291 OBP), but he's riding a 10-game hitting streak and is batting .403 with 12 RBI over his last 15.

And don't forget, Pierzynski knows how to handle the White Sox' staff. He calls every pitch and the Sox have a 3.75 ERA when he's behind the plate.

OK, he's only thrown out 12 of 71 base stealers (16.9 percent), but Pierzynski has little or no chance when Freddy Garcia, Gavin Floyd and Bobby Jenks are on the mound.

Injury update: Gordon Beckham was talking like he's going to be ready to play Friday night at Boston, but his right hand still looked like a boxing glove Wednesday.

I'd be surprised if Beckham, who was hit by a pitch on the hand Monday night at Cleveland, plays at all against the Red Sox.

Just for starters: If the rotation stays the same, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Mark Buehrle start for the White Sox when the Twins visit the Cell Sept. 14-16. If the Sox could find a way to substitute Edwin Jackson for Floyd, they could be looking at a sweep.

Charity clip: Manny Ramirez is reportedly going to have his hair cut before Friday night's game at Boston to get in line with the White Sox' "personal appearance" directive.

Why not chop off all the dreadlocks and donate them to the St. Baldrick's Foundation?

Travel tales: On his Facebook page, third baseman Brent Morel says he's coming up from Class AAA Charlotte to join the White Sox Friday. Still awaiting a confirmation Twitter from the Sox.

BEGIN ATTRIBUTIONsgregor@dailyherald.comEND ATTRIBUTION