Konerko Open to Trade

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 24, 2009 4:30PM

This past weekend, Sox fans saw Joe Crede -- one of the stars from their 2005 World Series team -- sign with the rival Minnesota Twins after management decided to move on without him. Could another one of that team's heroes also find himself in a new uniform before the season is through?

Paul Konerko said on Monday that he'd be open to a trade if it helped the White Sox. While claiming not to dwell on the possibility, Paulie stated that if the team isn't competitive and needs to retool for the future, he'd understand, "You never know because the answer could be you help them by leaving. I would never be opposed to that."

Because of his 10-and-5 status -- he's played 10 years in the majors, five with the same team -- he's got an automatic veto over any trade. But he also realizes that as the veteran core from '05 ages, the Sox will increasingly look to get younger and rebuild for the future. That could mean that any one of a number of players might get unloaded to a contender should the Sox be out of the hunt. Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome and Jose Contreras are all free agents after the season and might be attractive short term rentals. Or somebody may want Konerko's services through 2010.

"Our goal is to make sure that doesn't happen. If we do well and we keep doing well, then you hope that conversation can stop," said Konerko. Nate Silver predicts of an off-year for the South Siders, so let's hope he's wrong this time and we won't see more of our World Series team jettisoned mid-year. Maybe we do grasp onto our champions a bit too strongly in this town (um... Ditka) but we wouldn't mind another year of their services as long as they can produce.

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara