Paul Konerko stays with CHI White Sox (1 year, $2.5 million)

Paul Konerko has signed a one year deal with the Chicago White Sox worth $2.5 million. The clubhouse leader and 17 year veteran wanted to finalize his career with the White Sox. Since joining the team in 1999, Konerko went through his worst season to date. Age finally caught up to him and he suffered a drop in batting average to .244 and only slugged .355 in 126 games. Jose Abreu was signed from Cuba to take over in Konerko's absence following his almost assured retirement after 2014. Konerko will most likely see little playing time as long as Adam Dunn is in the picture at DH and his career may end on a sour note. Entering his age 38 season, his presence will be felt in the clubhouse more than the baseball diamond. 


Fantasy Impact - Konerko fooled many owners into drafting him last season after putting up perennial numbers of 25 home runs and 85+ RBI. However, his batted ball distance (a true measure of the power a batter places in a baseball) fell to a number below that of Jose Altuve and his five home runs. Unless Dunn is traded in the offseason, Konerko will see little playing time and even worse counting stats. 

Predictions - .260, 40 R, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 28 BB, 57 K, 0 SB

For more information on Konerko's signing see: http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2013/12/4/5174672/white-sox-re-sign-paul-konerko

Image citations in order of page: http://chicago.barstoolsports.com/m/random-thoughts/konerko-placed-on-waivers/

---