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CHICAGO WHITE SOX Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart |
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Re-signed 1B-R Paul Konerko to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. [12/4]
This is a symbolic signing, of course; a reward for 15 years of great service. Konerko is unlikely to play beyond the 2014 season, but coming back for another year gives the league and the fans a chance to send him off in proper fashion. Those who concern themselves more with the tactical than the sentimental might wonder how he'll fit on a roster that already features Adam Dunn, Jose Abreu, and Dayan Viciedo. Presumably, Konerko will act as a bat off the bench most days, with a focus on sparing Dunn the indignity of facing tough same-handed pitching, all the while acting as a mascot slash coach. Given how wonderful Konerko's career has been, you kinda hope the guy goes out with a big season.
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NEW YORK YANKEES Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart |
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Signed UTL-L Kelly Johnson to a one-year deal worth around $3 to $4 million. [12/3]
A good (and predictable) fit. Johnson is a versatile player who saw time across the infield and outfield last season for the Rays. His sound approach and left-handed pop should play up in Yankee Stadium, and his past experience within the division can't hurt. It's worth noting Johnson changed his hand slot, enabling him to get into the hitting position quicker, which is one of Kevin Long's go-to tricks when dealing with veteran hitters. Yet, even with those lowered hands, Johnson struggled in the second half, perhaps due to a minimized role. The good news for the Yankees is Johnson can work on a roster with Robinson Cano just as easily as he can without the star second baseman, so this is not a portent.
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CHICAGO CUBS Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart |
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Signed LHP Wesley Wright to a one-year deal worth $1.4 million. [12/4]
That didn't take long. Wright was non-tendered by the Rays on Monday and found a new home within 48 hours. The small southpaw mostly relies on a sinker-slider combination to get batters out. He's best used as a left-handed specialist, despite some rough numbers against same-side hitters last season. Provided Rick Renteria is careful about who Wright faces, he should outperform his salary and could be a midseason trade candidate.
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Maybe not as flashy as all the moves made on Tuesday, but these are the kinds of moves, if they work out, can really make the difference over the long baseball season.
Treating Konerko kindly may also be worth $2.5M to the CWS just in terms of attendance and merchandise.
Look, I'm a Sox fan. Have been since before Konerko was born. Saw fan favorites play and leave. About the only analogy to Konerko's situation was Carlton Fisk's 1993, and that was done so Fisk could break a major-league record. (He was released the following day, which did not seem to put a dent in attendance the rest of the summer.) I find it hard to understand the revenue difference between bringing Konerko back in 2014 and having a Paul Konerko Day the first home Sunday of the season.
If the return's about his leadership, well, that leadership contributed to the 99-loss disaster of last season. He's given Sox fans some wonderful memories. But that's not a reason to keep him in uniform.
2014 is not looking too bright for the Sox, however. Attendance figures will be low regardless of whether Konerko plays. However, if they were to release him, that would hurt the numbers even more.
There is no issue re-signing Paul to a cheap contract for one last season when they really have nothing to lose, especially when he is only expected to play on a limited basis anyway. Let him go out on his own terms, and let the Sox fans appreciate one of their franchise players for one last season.