Love Affair Between Paul Konerko, City Of Chicago Used As Leverage In Contract Negotiations

CHICAGO--Paul Konerko will never forget the summer of 2005. While the all-star first basemen carried his team to the playoffs, the people of Chicago embraced him like a king, forging a unique, special bond between player and city. Now that he is a free agent, Konerko is using that love affair as leverage to drive up his market value.

“2005 was such a magical year for me,” Konerko told reporters yesterday. “Just playing in front of these fans every day, listening to them cheer for me—it was really special. They embraced me like I was their son. I’m sure they’d be real disappointed if I signed with another team. Crushed, actually. Devastated. That’s why I’m praying the White Sox offer me more than any other team in the league. Otherwise I’ll have to flush that magical bond down the toilet like a big pile of shit.”

Konerko’s fondest memory from this year is the victory parade held in Chicago after the team won its first World Series since 1917.

“That was something I’ll never forget. I experienced so many emotions that day,” said Konerko, his voice quivering. “Man, just seeing how much we did for those people, how happy they were—I just wanted to give the whole city of Chicago a great big hug. On that day, I thought to myself ‘I'm going to get stinking rich off all this.' I just hope it's right here in Chicago. If not, fuck it. I'll live.”

There are several other teams said to be interested in Konerko. Anaheim, Boston, and Los Angeles are all in the mix, as are the New York Yankees. However, Konerko has made it clear that his first choice is to stay put.

“I love it here. I don’t want to leave,” Konerko said. “I’ve maintained that all along. I plan on doing everything I can to finish my career in Chicago--except give the team a hometown discount, or stop raking them over the coals for every nickel I can get. Other than that, I’m willing to meet them halfway.”

White Sox GM Kenny Williams has made re-signing Konerko the team’s top offseason priority, but he has made it clear that he won’t break the bank on just one player.

“That’s not our policy,” Williams said during a wide ranging interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. “We love Paul Konerko, but we’re not going to financially cripple ourselves to sign him. He’s only one player. Still, I have a hunch that Paul will stay here. It’s not about the money with him. He loves it here, he’s a big part of the community, and he knows that we’re committed to winning. I seriously doubt he’s just going to whore himself to the highest bidder. That’s not his style.”

Manager Ozzie Guillen echoed Williams' statements, saying that Konerko has a special place in his heart for Chicago and would never leave for just a few extra bucks.

“If I know Paul, he’s going to be back here next year,” said Guillen. “I’ve never seen a player capture the hearts of a city and its fans the way Paul did this season. No amount of money can replace that—unless it’s like, 60 million over 5 years. That’s a lot. Why, is somebody going to offer him that? Really? Oh, well in that case, I would totally understand. If somebody offered me that kind of money I’d pull down my pants and take a shit on the pitcher’s mound.”

Konerko’s agent, Craig Landis, indicated that it could be quite some time before his client makes a decision on his future. He will spend the next few weeks weighing offers from various teams, including the White Sox.

“I wouldn’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for some news in the next few days,” Landis said on ESPN radio. “This kind of thing takes time. The good news for White Sox fans is that their team is right in the thick of things. If Paul doesn’t sign with them it will be the front office's fault, not his. Oh, you’ve already heard that line? I’ve got it engraved on a plaque on the wall of my office. Every agent does. That and ‘I just want to do what's best for my family.’ Ah, that old chestnut. Works every time. In fact, that’s the only reason our players even have families.”