Angels Discussing Konerko?

UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 9:45am: This one isn't dead quite yet.  According to Buster Olney this morning:

Heard that while the Paul Konerko-Angels talks are not blistering hot now, there is a chance they will get hot sometime in the future.

UPDATE, 1-5-08 at 10:17pm: Kenny Williams said tonight that he hasn't spoken to anyone with the Angels since the Winter Meetings, and that he hasn't had trade talks about Konerko this winter.  Nor has he been asked about his first baseman.

UPDATE, 1-5-08 at 10:33am: Doug Padilla of the Daily Breeze has a source confirming the talks described below.

FROM 1-4-08 at 7:41pm:

Just got a solid tip that the Angels and White Sox are discussing a possible Paul Konerko deal.  No idea how serious these talks may be.

The Angels made an offer to Konerko in the winter of 2005-06, when he was a free agent.  Konerko does have a limited no-trade clause to consider.

Some names being bandied about include Ervin Santana, Howie Kendrick, and Chone Figgins. Of course, all three would not be in the deal. The Sox also seek relief help.  Moving Konerko would mean putting Nick Swisher at first base, while Figgins could be the leadoff hitter the Sox are after.

Comments

[lostinthevines]

Makes perfect sense. Swisher prefers 1B and we all know Owens is starting in CF next year.

Who cares - EAMUS CATULI!

[Positive/Negative]

This is interesting...
But if the Angels can pull this trade off...and not give up TOO much, then this would make them yet stronger. Guerrero, Hunter, and Konerko...three power threats I doubt any pitcher is ever crazy about facing.

[bsox21]

This is good. You have Kotchman, who hits like a girl, blocking Kendry Morales who has mashed multiple levels of the minor leagues and hit int he majors last year...whom u also gave a multi million dollar bonus to.....so what do u do?

Go get Konerko.

Brilliant.

[nic]

I think that a swisher, thome, konerko, and dye middle of the lineup would help the sox win more than anything the angels could offer.

[palehose35]

konerko and crede for ervin santana, scot shields, chone figgins.

makes a ton of sense for both teams.

[Jenks45Monster]

I like Santana, Shields, and Willits or Kendrick.

[gogopalehose]

I have no idea how this would work, but with the talent the Angels could offer it could work.

[palehose35]

- angels get a 3b in crede
- angels get a 1b in konerko

- sox get pitching depth with e. santana (whome the angels have no room for)
- sox get CF/leadoff guy with figgins (allowing swisher to play 1B)
- sox get another good bullpen arm in sheilds (who was replaced as setup man by speier late last year.)

really the only two sure things in the trade are konerko and figgins.

crede is a risk coming back from surgery; shields couldn't find the strike zone late last year; santana fell apart, and US cellular wouldn't be easy on him.

[palehose35]

jenks45...

santana/shields/willits could work.

the angels won't give up kendrick though. they didn't want to give him up for miggy cabrera.

[Jenks45Monster]

I really don't like this deal at all though. I'd say if possible give up Thome because what happens when Thome retire within the next few years if we got Willits or Figgins? We have no DH then...unless Dye would retire and DH but then who in RF...too many questions here I say just leave it as it is. If I had it my way I'd have Kong DH when Thome retires and Swisher play 1st.

[Jenks45Monster]

sorry my bad not if Dye would retire if he switched positions...my bad

[gogopalehose]

Dye would be much better at DH. But Thome has a full NTC and probably wouldn't want to move out of his home area.

[kdub]

How about the Giants, Randy Winn + Pitching for Konerko? The Giants need a 1B and if the White Sox trade Konerko and move Swisher to 1B they'll need a CF.

Winn played as good of a CF as Swisher did last season. And he hit .300/.353/.445.

Only problem is that both Winn and Konerko have limited no-trade clauses.

[Jenks45Monster]

I know...I said IF possible though.

[Jenks45Monster]

Winn is vastly overpaid. If it was Winn + Linecum or Cain I wouldn't mind, but that would NEVER happen.

[kdub]

No that wouldn't happen.

[bigbaddbobbyjenks]

the idea of trading Konerko to the Angels has been on white sox message boards all offseason. I hope that's not where this "solid tip" came from...

[bsox21]

the white sox already have konerko.....his name is kendry morales.

[bsox21]

i meant angels.

[bigbaddbobbyjenks]

konerko >>>> k.morales

[astralpanda]

Kenny needs to deal from a position of power here. He really doesn't need to get rid of Konerko who's locked up until 2010 at a soon-to-be below market price. And Crede must NOT be a throw-in. If you must trade the 2, at least wait til the end of Spring Training so Crede can build some more value. He has top ten 3B potential in offense and top 5 in defense when healthy.

[astralpanda]

lol bsox, funny funny stuff

[gogowhitesox]

TRADE THOME.....KEEP KONERKO

[astralpanda]

and oh yeah, Crede's only gonna be making 5MM in 08 which will also be his CONTRACT year!

haha sorry, I just really don't wanna see him given away for nothing, especially when the thought of Fields' retched defense and possible record breaking strikeout totals come to mind...*shudders*

back to Konerko...

[gogopalehose]

Come to think of it, it might not be a bad idea to send Fields back to Charlotte to work out some rough parts, like his defense and contact.

[gogowhitesox]

Fields will definately challenge the single season strike out record. He had 125k's in only 100 games. Im gonna go out on a limb and say in the remaining 62 games he would produce the 75k's he would need

[WHITESOX]

Fields isnt going back to Charlotte.
Why would the Sox want Santana? How is he any different from Danks and Floyd, a guy with good stuff but has struggled at the bigs
KW has already said Carlos Quintien is gonna be a starter and he has high hopes for him.
Not to metion the Angels already have Kotchmen
It just makes no sense to me.

[gogopalehose]

He had 185 Ks between the majors and minors. That could come with forty homers though...dunno, but it seems like a decent idea still having Crede.

[WHITESOX]

1. Fields wont be sent back to AAA
2. Carlos Quietin will be a starter next season, KW has made it clear and loves him
3. Why would the Sox want Santana? How is he any different from Danks and Floyd in the sense that he's a pitcher with good stuff who has struggled at the majors.
4. The Angels already have Kotchmen, why do they want Konerko
The only trade I could see is maybe Crede and Konerko for Figgins, Shields and Hendrick, that gives the White Sox a centerfielder, 2nd basemen and setup man. But would the Angels do that?

[forlife61]

Thome is going nowhere people, let it go. He has a NTC, wouldnt waive it last year, certainly not going to do it now. Its common knowledge that he and his family want to stay and finish out his career in Chicago.

Now Konerko...KW has said he is not interested in trading him....unless a team absolutely knocks him out with a package. Im thinking a Figgins,Santana and another player might get that done. If Konerko goes, its by himself, not a package of him and Crede. KW will wait for Crede to prove he is healthy in spring training and then, when his value is higher, i'd expect him to be traded.

[DingChavez]

I know.... let's send Orlando Cabrera to the Angels for Jon Garland. THE SOX NEED PITCHING!!!!!

[rps]

This makes sense if the Angels are targeting Bedard. Maybe they trade Figgins and Santana for Konerko and Crede. Then trade kotchman, Adenhart, Wood and willits for Bedard.

For the White Sox, Swisher moves to 1b, Figgins plays 2b, Fields plays 3b, and santana bolsters the rotation.

For the Angels, they clear up their logjam in the OF, with Vlad in RF, Hunter in CF, Matthews in LF, and Anderson at DH, Konerko gives them the power bat they've wanted, and Bedard gives them a killer rotation of Bedard, Lackey, Escobar, Weaver, and Saunders.

The Orioles get a lot of young talent, including their 1b of the future, a pitching prospect from the balt. area, and the potential ss of the future.

[rps]

trading *for* bedard obviously.

[andrewh11882]

You can forget Kendrick. If they wouldn't pull the trigger on a Miguel Cabrera deal involving Kendrick, they sure wouldn't trade Kendrick for Konerko. As much as the Angels need power, trading away Figgins would leave them without a leadoff hitter and with a dramatic decrease in speed, which would seriously hinder the "small ball" approach. And it would leave them without a 3B, in addition to an unproven SS. I just really can't see them giving up Kendrick or Figgins, especially when they are so high on Kotchman. I would think they would be more comfortable with Figgins/Kotchman then with Konerko/Maicer Izturis or Brandon Wood at this point. An Ervin/Kotchman/RP (Moseley? Bootcheck?) or something along those lines might make sense for the Angels...not sure about the White Sox though.

[gogopalehose]

Figgins and Santana wouldn't get Konerko alone.

[gogopalehose]

And I doubt they traded for Garland to not use him in the rotation.

[Jenks45Monster]

One problem with Figgins as part of a Kong deal. What about the Sox outfield then? Wasn't the trade for Swisher to improve the outfield? That would leave us right where we left off, with no proven LF and CF.

[gogopalehose]

Figgins would be in center and Swisher to first. Still, Figgins is only under control through the end of the year. Konerko is signed through 2010.

[andrewh11882]

Really don't see this happening for either team. I think we can return to our regularly scheduled Johan rumors.

[rps]

Forgot about Garland. Maybe they send Saunders and another player along with Figgins and Santana (Willits?) to get Konerko and Crede.

[Jenks45Monster]

No, I'm talking about what was mentioned a few posts ago by 'rps' he said if Figgins came and played 2nd and Swisher went to play 1st.

[gogopalehose]

Figgins is never used at just one position. He's like Mark DeRosa, super utility player.

[Jenks45Monster]

That would still leave problems in unproven players like Richar, Owens, and Quentin playing their respective positions when he isn't.

[angelfan4life]

As an Angels fan i dont like this rumor there no chance i would give them(sox) any of our prospects and players that had some heroic and horrible seasons like figgins, e. santana. Why would the angels want konarko what ever his name is? The angels have a posible 15 or 20 HRS a season guy without injuries. If the angels really wanted to get another 1st baseman they should wait next offseason to see want kotchman can do and by the way Mark Texeria is a FA. So i hope this trade does work.

[djskilbr]

The Bedard line of logic makes sense.

Otherwise, I just see no need for the Angels to get Konerko. Kotchman is decent and is a great defender. Their need is 3b, not 1b. Crede makes a whole lot more sense than Konerko.

If no Bedard deal, what about something like Matthews/Figgins/Santana/pitching prospect for Crede/Konerko?

DH Konerko, have GA/Rivera split time in LF, Hunter in CF, Vlad in RF.

And for the Sox, they get possible help in the rotation, which they desperately need, and they could play Swisher at 1b, Matthews in CF, Quentin in LF, Dye in RF, and Figgins as a utility guy to backup Fields/Uribe at 3b/2b.

With all of that the Sox MIGHT be able to get 4th place in the Central. Way to make a push, Kenny. hahaha

[Jenks45Monster]

No way would that happen, don't forget Crede's value in super low. And Konerko alone would probably only get Figgins and Santana. Plus why would the Sox take on Mathews' contract?

[mss4481]

I'd rather have Kenny Lofton than Gary Matthews Jr. That's one contract I think the Angels are stuck with. As for the guy who said Figgins is a utility guy to back up Fields/Uribe and 3B and 2B. I just want to know are you stupid, know nothing about baseball, still hungover from your new years eve party, or some combo of the three? Figgins would make a great pair with Cabrera at the top of the order. I'm with Jenksmonster though on Crede's value. If you could get Figgins and Santana for Konerko, I would think about it at least. As for Crede, I'd love to see him stay, but they probably won't sign him so I assume if he's healthy, he'll be gone. Anaheim seems like a logical fit, but what about calling the Brewers? They need a 3B so they can move Braun to LF and they are loaded with prospects. Maybe you could pluck someone like Manny Parra and Corey Hart or Bill Hall from them. Anyone who reads baseball america knows they have a logjam in the OF and have even more prospects (LaPorta and others) on the way in the OF. Plus another upside is you'd be helping out the one team that can probably beat out the cubs for the central division, and thats never a bad thing. Oh yeah to all the cub fans that keep saying Kenny got lucky in 05 winning the world series, Happy 100th Anniversary since your last World Series, other than raising ticket prices through the roof, what else are you guys doing to commemorate it?

[ChicagoWhiteS0xFan]

WHITESOX:

KW already had his set up man, Scott Linebrink

and Futureprospect3:
Paulie ain't 31, he's 33 and I hate to say it but his age is gonna start catchin up to him soon :-/

[ChicagoWhiteS0xFan]

WHITESOX:

KW already had his set up man, Scott Linebrink

and Futureprospect3:
Paulie ain't 31, he's 33 and I hate to say it but his age is gonna start catchin up to him soon :-/

[spencer_hong]

Okay, number one, get over it White Sox fans, nobody will want Jim Thome.

Two, as an Angels fan I don't think they will pull this trade. They're high on Kotchman, and it doesn't make alot of sense to trade Figgins, and they will definitely not give up Kendrick.

They also wouldn't take away from one of their strengths and trade some of their relief pitching such as Shields.

If anything gets done for Konerko it will include starting pitching along with prospects.

But I really don't see this happening. Think about it guys, if the Angels and White Sox had something to talk about, they would have done it along with the Garland/Cabrera trade. It could be a fall back because of what happened with Miguel Cabrera, but I doubt there's anything serious going on here, we've been hearing about Konerko to the Angels for a while.

[gogopalehose]

Konerko is going on 32...

[Jenks45Monster]

Yeah Konerko is still 31...turning 32 in March. Do some research.

[mss4481]

Spencer,

While you are right there have been rumors about Konerko to the Angels for awhile, the reason this deal is more likely to happen now than it ever was is because of the trade the White Sox made yesterday to get Swisher from the A's. The Sox essentially have a very good offensive and 2 guys that are 1B and another that COULD play 1B if he had to in Thome, the deal makes sense for both teams because the white sox do need pitching and prospects, but if you think for one second they will trade Konerko, arguably their best all around player and definitely their most popular player without filling a major need in return then you are sadly mistaken. Santana is more of a semi-prospect with major league experience, but he falls along the same lines as a Gavin Floyd, who has had stretches of success and could potentially be a decent 3 or 4 starter at some point. The only big need the sox have in their every day lineup is a leadoff hitter and a CF (assuming Swisher is moved to 1B due to a trade) and a 2B (sorry not sold on the Richar/Uribe combo)Figgins fills all three of those needs potentially and at the very least 2 out of 3. My guess is there is NO WAY the white sox make this trade unless Figgins is included or its a 3 way and they get a player like him. I'mn not sure anything will happen at the moment, but it wouldnt surprise me if Crede looks good in spring training, that you get some type of deal involving Konerko and Crede to Anaheim and Figgins, an SP and whoever else to the Sox sometime before opening day.

[Jenks45Monster]

"If anything gets done for Konerko it will include starting pitching along with prospects."

It would include starting pitching but not prospects. Why would they want prospects? They're trying to win now, if you recall thats why they traded Gio, DLS, and Sweeney for Swisher, because the organization is thinking about 08' and not down the line.

[Jenks45Monster]

And the reason this deal is most likely to not happen is because every trade rumor we hear almost NEVER happens. Think back. Coco Crisp. Jason Bay. Kenny Williams is an under the radar type of guy.

[gogopalehose]

I think Willits and Adenhart would be ideal.

[mss4481]

You are right, it could be a fall back because of Cabrera, but at the same time assuming Crede is healthy he is easily the best 3B on the market now that Cabrera is off and AROD has resigned with NYY. I know Anaheim is high on Kotchman, but as an Angels fan, and youre trying to win a world series now, who would you rather have Konerko or Kotchman? The other thing Anaheim knows is while they are loaded with SP and have a pretty good bullpen, their every day lineup does not even compare to the Tigers, Indians or Red Sox. I hate to say it, but I'm looking for a big decline in Torii Hunter's numbers this year, moving out of Minnesota and into Anaheim and also playing alot in the spacious AL West ballparks. I honestly think if the Angels could swing a deal to get Konerko and a healthy Crede, and only have to give up Figgins, Santana and a prospect or maybe a bullpen guy, they are the clear favorite to win the world series this year. Without Konerko and Crede, i think they are the 4th best team in the AL. Thats why im thinking if this deal happens it will be when Crede proves hes healthy.

[mss4481]

gopalehose,

I think Willits and Adenhart would be ideal if the Angels were trading with the Florida Marlins

[djskilbr]

I hate the Angels, but if Reagins (sp?) deals Adenhart even straight up for an overrated Konerko, he should be shot IMO.

I guess I'm just really high on Adenhart. As I said, I hate the Angels, but I think he's going to be their #1 starter within 2 years.

[bseballcrzy17]

It's been said before, but the only way this trade works is if either we are looking to go after bedard or santana, OR we're are getting crede in return.

I'd say..
Angels get Konerko and Crede

White Sox get Kotchman, Figgins, Willits and a low level pitcher.

but even then, it's a LONG shot. The Angels are super high on Kotchman and Figgins, so I'm not really sure how this would happen.
But let's say it did...

1. GMJ LF
2. Kendrick 2B
3. Vlad RF
4. Konerko 1B
5. Hunter CF
6. Anderson DH
7. Crede 3B
8. Napoli C
9. Aybar/Izturis/Wood SS

that's a pretty crazy lineup. plus, you potentially are getting a rotation of...

Lackey
Bedard
Escobar
Weaver
Garland

we'll have to wait and see.

[mss4481]

djskilbr,

Well dont lose any sleep over it cause i guarentee you there is no way KW is making that trade either. Im sure if this trade goes down Figgins will be the main player involved fron Anaheim

[gogopalehose]

Willits is a true center fielder and leadoff guy, I don't see the problem with getting him. Adenhart is a blue chipper they might not need if Santana and Saunders turn it around. The Sox have plenty of guys to compete for a rotation spot, the last thing they need are some more "projects" like Santana and Saunders. And it would be an idea package, not one that would necessarily happen.

[The COM]

Why I'm not sure if a deal like this makes sense for the Halo's, why wouldn't the White Sox ask for Gary Matthews Jr. + Joe Saunders to do this deal? I know the Angels can use another bat and I like Konerko a lot, but Kotchman is more than servicable and it seems like they would be better suited going after a power hitting left handed bat if possible.

[Joelcards]

crede and konerko for one of the young pitchers,figgins, and shields. this would make very good sense for both teams. that doofball at the beginning talking about how great morales is? konerko is the real deal. morales is an aging prospect. the angels hold on to all these prospects but have zero patience with them. they dont have a real strategy and should go for broke this year. why the heck not get konerko. money obviously isnt an issue.

[Jenks45Monster]

I think that KW needs to grow a pair and ask a deep price for Konerko like how he just got pimped by Beane for our 3 top prospects. If they say no too bad, but I say ask steep and take it from there

[Yu Hsing Chen]

Am I the only guy here who thinks that the White Sox attempts are pretty futile? i mean they were 29th in 30 team in pythag last year... they were HORRIBLE , and outside of Crede it's not like they were badly hurt . you could debate that Dye / Kernoko could bounce back but their 07 season wasn't really that much out of line with their career lines and both are over 30 (Espically Dye.. who's going ot be 35)

[Jenks45Monster]

Who the hell is Kernoko? It's kinda Konerko. They were actually badly hurt outside of Crede last year. Contreras played horrendous and what about the outfield? An outfield including Erstad and Pods didn't help especially when they were injured. And Uribe? Yeah he sucks as well. With O Cab taking over for him that actually helps a ton. And acquiring Swisher for the outfield certainly wont hurt us. And an upgrade (only a small upgrade in an aging Linebrink) doesn't hurt either, unless were talking about his contract.

[Jenks45Monster]

And by the way Dye is still 33...going on 34 in May.

[LAA...what??]

You fellas shouldn't be so down on Angel "project" pitchers. After all, one of their more notorious projects ended up being your closer. Konerko is the real deal, but hes also in his thirties and Im not sure that another expensive veteran is what we need. After 2 bloated contracts made in desperation I can only hope that Reagins and company will exercise some restraint. It's a pretty good team right now and we still have extra talent to trade before the deadline. The past few years have demonstrated that the angels have no trouble getting to the playoffs, the trouble comes when we go to play a homerun derby at Fenway in the playoffs (why not wait for the market to develop?). Oh and since were discussing dislikes, as a Halo fan I hate all Sox teams (white or red).

[spencer_hong]

I agree with what most have the active posters on here have said, but as an Angels fan I believe that Figgins is a big price to pay, even for Konerko. Yeah, getting Crede back in return would be great, but in my opinion he's a bit of a risk. And throwing Shields in just blows my mind, he's arguably one of the best relievers in the game excluding his fall apart 2nd half last year.

[alexinengland]

Why would getting Joe Crede help? The man has a career .305 OBP, you'd be better off playing Brandon Wood or Maicer Izturis every day.

[palehose35]

that's the problem with statheads...they forget the importance of defense than the significance of statistical progress.

you realize there's life in between moneyball and real baseball, right?

[Peter Venkman]

Swisher makes more sense when considered in relation to Thome AND Konerko. This trade is an effective platoon of Thome. He will sit against LHP, Konerko will DH, Swisher at 1b and Owens in CF. Swisher can lead off even though he is not a threat to steal. With the line-up behind him and US Celluar to hit in he will have an OPS near .900. Crede may go but the Brewers or Phillies make more sense. No will take him until they see him in Spring Training.

[Whitesox10]

I personally would really like to see Kendrick and Willits as part of a package for a trade. Willits gives them the speed they want, on base percentage, and center fielder they need. Kendrick is obviously going to turn out to be a pretty good 2nd baseman. Not saying Danny Richar won't, but hes not even guaranteed 2nd base yet, so who knows. Or the other possibility that I wouldn't mind seeing would be Scot Shields, and Reggie Willits for Konerko. That would be pretty good in my mind. However, the IDEAL trade in my eyes would be Joe Crede and Paul konerko for Reggie Willits, Scot Shields, and Chone Figgins. Thats a bit of a stretch...but nothing is wrong with high hopes. I just don't want konerko getting dumped for prospects though. That would be a bit of a waste, nor do i want to see Ervin Santana in a white sox uniform!

[Krelian1]

Palehose35 - Before you shove your foot even further down your throat, you DO realize that these "Statheads" have plenty of ways of measuring defense, right? All numbers per the DT cards at BP, btw.

Crede's runs saved by defense over an average player(FRAA)for his four years of 130+ games (2003-2006): -3,-10,13,23

Crede's runs contributed on offense over an average player(BRAA) for that same period: -8,-13,-5,3

On the whole(combining the two numbers), he was worse than the average player for 2003-2004(-11,-23), a tad better than average in 2005(8), and good in 2006(26).

For comparison, the last couple healthy years combined numbers for ACTUAL top 5/top 10 3B:
Zimmerman:34,31
Wright:44,34,63
Rodriguez:34,63,13,69
Cabrera:25,36,59,52
A. Ramirez:20,13,22,39
C. Jones:10,25,30,57

Crede is nowhere near top 10 at 3B. He had one good year in his entire career, and not enough defense to make up for a .305 OBP. I only take such offense to Crede since some NYers actually thought he would be a decent replacement for A-Rod if he walked, btw.

Mark

[cachhubguy]

The Angels don't need Konerko. At least not yet. With Oakland dismantling, thay have already wrapped up their division. Unless Seattle does something spectacular, they can wait until the trade deadline to pick up a bat for the final two months. I would wait to see how some of my young guys are developing.

[Cold Golden Falstaff]

I don't see Konerko getting traded..yet.

He's a fan favorite and most Sox fans don't know Swisher yet. I agree Swisher could take over for Paulie at 1B.

Konerko's too valuable to Sox chances in 2008 and would be a much better trading chip for prospects if the Sox flame out in a year or two and need to do a more thorough rebuilding.

Besides once Crede shows that he's healthy this spring, The Sox may get a young speedster and pitcher for him and a prospect or two. The Sox would be trading very low to deal Crede now.

[cachhubguy]

Falstaff, you over value Crede. He came up with some clutch hits in 2005 but he is just not that good. His career stats of .259/.305/.446 are well below the production you need out of a third basemen. I wouldn't give up more than a B prospect for him. And that is only if I was desperate. Of course it is not unusual for fans to fall in love with their players, especially the group that won them a WS. I'm not even crazy about Konerko. He disappears for two months at a crack.

[RandomScrub]

"Konerko's too valuable to Sox chances in 2008"... I hate to be negative, but I don't think the Sox have a change in 2008. Garland for Cabrera dismantled their pitching, since Contreras is likely to regress further and Buerhle's career stats suggest he won't repeat last year (though Vazquez is the real deal, just not quite an ace). Now, the offense is good enough to win a number of games, but between the Indians and the Tigers the Sox aren't winning that division.

Quentin, Fields, and Swisher are the only players on that team likely to be around the next time the Sox are competitive. Dye and Thome are still around if you trade Konerko, and now that you have no farm system it'd be worthwhile to replenish it. If the Angels offer some A level prospects (more "Adenhart" and less "Santana") then the Sox need to do it.

[striker]

I love how these message boards always end up with name calling and ripping.

I love this website and visit it daily but the fact that this was reported on this website leads me to believe it won't happen.

If it were to happen I would say Willits + Saunders to the Whitesox for Kornerko. Angels need Figgins more than they need Willits. And they don't need Saunders with a rotation of:

Lackey
Garland
Escobar
Weaver
Adenhart/Santana

I don't see Crede and Kornerko in this deal as it would just complicate things.

[striker]

Most of my fellow Whitesox fans will probably blast me for saying this but I don't think Figgins is much of an upgrade over Owens. Figgins had an awesome year last year but the three years before was .290/.350, which I think Owens could give you. Willits is the exception, he's been in the high .300 low .400 OBP for most of his career.

[ballyb11]

"Contreras is likely to regress further"

I'll take the opposite side of that - big time.

[RenegadeRalphE]

i agree with ballyb11 about contreras, he was so dominant not that long ago, and last year he had to go thru a divource, which im sure was a huge distraction for him on the mound.

Also, the angels are very high on konerko, so hopefully a packaged deal with crede with bring back some nice assets

[Andrew Cabiness]

Everyone needs to keep in mind that KW doesn't NEED to trade Konerko, and as such, isn't going to unless he wins the trade in a big way. If any proposed deal seems close to "fair", then the Angels would probably have to add to that to get it done. I think the Sox main targets would be Figgins, Saunders, Matthews, and Speier, and it would take two of them plus cash or three of them to get it done.

[bseballcrzy17]

So here's a thought...
could the Angels be thinking of moving Konerko back to third base? he hasn't played there since 2000, but if they gave him enough work there during Spring Training, it could work.
That might be why Kotchman's name hasn't come up anywhere yet.

[ballyb11]

"could the Angels be thinking of moving Konerko back to third base?"

You have the right name - bseballcrzy ;)

[trek81]

Im surprised that Kendrick's name keeps coming up. Maybe the Halo's think the hype is greater then the talent? I'd like to know if either team would be willing to play Figgins at 2B everyday. If the Angels would they could deal Kendrick and GMJ for Konerko and Crede if the Sox took GMJ's full contract. If the Sox wanted to play Chone at 2nd they could ask for GMJ plus a decent prospect.

[bseballcrzy17]

ballyb11-

it was just a thought... lol.
how else would you explain them going after a 1B when they already have 2 good ones that haven't come up in trade talks?

[Jenks45Monster]

None of this will ever happen. There won't be a Konerko trade since KW wants to win now and doesn't want prospects or "projects". And you know he wants to win now since he traded away his top 3 prospects for Swisher.

[mss4481]

To whoever said that the Angels dont need Konerko and would rather see how some of their prospects do, I couldnt disagree more. The Angels lineup (are you ready for a .260, 20 HR, 75-80 RBI year from Torii Hunter? cause thats what it will be about with the move out of Minnesota and into the AL West and their huge ballparks) sucks compared to the Tigers, Indians and Red Sox. Plus if you get Konerko now, you can get away without trading Morales, Kendrick, Ardenhart (which I think you could, as long as Figgins and Santana are in the deal), you can always trade them at the trade deadline to fill injuries or ineffective players or next offseason. The worst thing the Angels can do is wait is because Crede's value is probably going to get higher, not lower and the same will happen to Konerko if the Angels have any significant injuries or another team (Yankees, Red Sox, Mets) decide to go after him too later in the year closer to the trade deadline. Remember Konerko is signed through 10, I think so KW isnt trading him for nothing and I think the cheapest you will get him and Crede is now

[mss4481]

Trek,

I can almost guarentee you there is a better shot of the Florida Marlins winning the world series than KW trading Konerko and Crede for only Kendrick and GMJ and on top of that taking on GMJ's full contract. Their history has never been to take on a full contract, and I dont even think they want GMJ if the Angels paid his whole contract. I dont think Konerko gets traded unless Figgins is involved in some way.

[darkstar1661]

What are people talking about this for? Its such a longshot to happen. Here, these are the problems I see with this rumor:

1) the Oakland trade of yesterday. Some may say “it gives the Palehose a replacement for Paully” ~ but you don’t desperately target a guy to the point of giving up 2 Top50-60 SP prospects just to replace the guy you are planning to trade. Keepings Konerko and trading for a CFer would have been much, much easier than to trade the 2 SP prospects and a CF just to get a replacement for 1B so you can trade your old “fan-fav” 1B for the CF you wanted to start with (Figgins I am assuming) . See how backwards and runaround that is, it makes no sense ~ even for Kenny to try and pull off…

2) The Angels are so high on Figgins its not even funny. They recently told the Cubs that it would take ARam to get him. Konerko I would think would be considered about on par with Ramirez as far as the production bat they covet so no point in thinking Konerko for Figgins/Santana/Propsect! They will never give that much up for him, at most it would be Figgins + a Midlevel Prospect

3) Who would the Angels play at 3B if they traded Figgins? Figgins + Kotchman is far soupier to Konerko + Izturis, and the second cost a ton more cash! That really eliminates him from being a possibility in this, and as all of you guys know ~ CF is what the ChiSox are trying to fill. So, if not figgins, then who? Willits? Well, maybe ~ but do the Sox really want to trade Sweeny to Oakland for Swisher to replace Konerko who is traded for Willits? We are left with the production value of Konerko + Sweeny vs Swisher + Willits in the end while also giving up those two Top50-60 SP prospects to make it happen. Just doesn’t make sense, right? We are left with only the possibility I cover in #5

4) Why do the Angles need yet another 1B? Really, they only have 2 already, as well as way too many OFers on big dollar contracts. OF/1B/DH is jam packed completely, trading an OF for another 1B doesn’t do anything in the end really ~ esp if it’s the one cheap guy out of all the OFers they have (ie, Willits who makes LgMin as opposed to the expensive Mathews JR/Hunter/Vlad/Anderson). In the end, one of the 10+M dollar men would have to be sitting on the bench every single day just to get yet another 10+M DollarMan into the lineup. This isnt making sense either…

4) The Angels are probably just a bit pissed at the Sox at this point! The package sent to Oakland for Swisher is rivaling those being offered for Johan Santana. Honestly, it was a Top-50 SP too many that they included ~ they paid in essence about twice as much as they probably should have. The Angels are probably thinking to themselves “dude (KW), you just help our closet competitor by leaps and bounds in your giving him way, way, way more than you should have” ~ and almost all of the players could be seen in the Majors by the end of 2009! The ChiSox made Oaklands semi-rebuild much, much easier and I cant imagine the Angels like it much at all…

5) Only way I honestly see this taking place is if it turns into yet another “salary-dump for salary-dump” type deal (ala Cabrera/Garland). I could see maybe Konerko for MathewsJr+Prospect almost making sense from the Angles side, maybe… This would in essence mean the Sox traded GioGonzalaez, DeLosSantos and Sweeny for Mathews & a Prospect though since Konerko/Swisher kind of cancel themselves out ~ and that is something I believe would create rioting in the streets! What would make sense for the Angels, doesn’t for the Sox, and vise-versa ~ this just is such a longshot to happen and if the two teams are really talking, its bound to be just talk…

[mss4481]

Cachhubguy,

Ive only been on this site a couple days, but you by far lead with the most stupid posts on here.

Crede for only a B prospect? I really hope you were joking or at least meant until he proves he is healthy.

Crede's stats are on the rise (and before you get a hard on and come back with his stats from last year, please remember he was hurt)
Bottom line: Crede when healthy is a 25-30 HR, 80-90 RBI, .275-.285 hitter, a great clutch hitter and a top 5 3B defensively

If not, I really hope your computer blows up so you cant post on here anymore.

Oh and here's a surprise, the guy I didnt know who it was, that was talking about the Angels not needing Konerko and having their division wrapped was you... Theres a shock.

[mss4481]

Darkstar,

Cachubguy still has the lead on stupid posts on this site, but if you can post 5 or 6 more times a day, you'll probably pass him.

The Angels are so high on Figgins. They are? His name has been mentioned in trade rumors for 2 years.

They are so high on him, what did the Angels do this offseason? Sign Torii Hunter to play CF and try very hard to try and trade for Miguel Cabrera to play 3rd. Where does Chone Figgins play most of his games? 3B and CF. Brilliant logic.

Next stop: Clark and Addison for you

[darkstar1661]

mss4481,

If you can point to one thing you have posted that makes sense then I will give you even a grain of salts worth of respect ~ until then I can only ask WTF is wrong with you???

Now, as to your actual post to me ~ so, why has his name come up so often? Uhhh, you ever think it has something to do with that fact that almost every single team in baseball is drooling over the chance of getting him? If they arent so high on him, then why havent they traded him yet? Figgins can play any OF position ~ oh, and any infield position. Yeah, he's not a great 2B, but he can do it... Why target Hunter & Cabrera? Well, they never thought they really would get Miguel so they signed Hunter, and guess what ~ they were right! Oh, but even if they had gotten both, they would have had to trade Morales leaving a huge gapping hole at 2B Figgins would have filled.

But yeah, the Angels telling the Cubs they wanted Aramis Ramirez for Figgins shows how down they are on him, right? Yeah, I guess youre right... ***rolls eyes***

[darkstar1661]

err, that should have said Kendrick up there instead of Moralas as the guy they would have had to give up leaving 2B open...

But hey MSS, still cant wait to hear your reasoning as to why the Angels would give up Figgins + Santana + Prospect for one Konerko. I mean, lets think about what Figgins is. Guy off .330/.393/.432 season in extreme hitter park which got him to 20th in MVP voting. In the last 4 years, he has been voted in the top 25 in MVP 3 times. Oh yeah, he can also play any position but Catcher and will steal between 40-60 bases for ya. Sounds like a guy you package with other prospects, huh… Freakin moron…

[gogopalehose]

Figgins is coming off a career year, Konerko is coming off his worst year since '03. Konerko is signed through 2010, Figgins through this year. I don't see any reason to try to get him, I would rather have Willits at this point and prospects. But if it is Santana and Kendrick like the article says, I would ****ing jump on that. Reagins, IMO, will be recognized as one of the worst GMs not too long from now.

[Jenks45Monster]

Am I the only one that thinks a deal like Kendrick and Santana for Konerko would have a domino effect on the Sox? If Swisher moves from the outfield where he is supposed to play to 1st, we have to fill another outfield spot with a young guy (Owens or Quentin) and then when Thome retires who DH's? Dye? But then who would take Dye's spot in RF...A deal like this would leave us with more questions than we started off with. But unless Figgins is included I really hate this deal. As gogopalehose just mentioned Figgins just had a career best year and Konerko had a career worst year...

[Whitesox10]

Figgins didn't even play all year. He played in only 115 games. He strikes out too much for lead off guy in my opinion. He's not that great of fielder. Average at best. I'd much rather have Reggie Willits included in any deal with anaheim rather then Figgins. Willits is a better fielder, can steal some bags (not as many as figgins) he's younger, has a better on base percentage, and strikes out less. Those are plenty of reasons for me to prefer willits over Figgins definitely. And to answer jennks45monster's question. I would keep willits in left. Owens in center, and Quentin in right. Swisher at first obviously, and Dye as DH.

[beauhoopman]

Who is this MSS481 guy?
I'm a white sox fan, but I am also level-headed enough to realize that Joe Crede has NO TRADE VALUE. He has one above average year, he is coming off experimental back surgery, he is a Boras client, as is headed to free agency. An A level prospect? Come on, that's homerism at its worst.

[gogopalehose]

Besides, after Thome and Konerko would be gone, that would be about the time Contreras is gone, and that would open up a lot of money for free agents by that time.

[Jenks45Monster]

I'd take Willits over Figgins anyday but I just don't see them giving Willits up.

[darkstar1661]

Gogo,

Although Figgins is coming off a Career year, he is also coming off the first year where he played one position exclusively. I cant stand the Angels (living in LA will do that to ya) ~ but this guy is really, really that good; I honestly cant deny that… He’s a switch hitter who is probably a lock to post atleast 290ish/350-370/425-450 in Chicago while stealing upwards of 40 bases and fill the leadoff & CF holes. Oh, he would also replace an injury to anyone at LF/RF/3B/SS or 2B with Owens taking the CF spot if its needed. You know I’m not a Sox fan, but THIS is the one guy out there that makes sense above all other possibilities for the club. He would need to be extended contract-wise, but anyone in the area will tell ya that this guy is not a money-grubbing type and instead plays for loyalty. He and Ozzie will get along great I imagine, and an extension would probably be easy to hash out.

In Anaheim? He’s a fan-fav, team-fav, cover-any-hole while providing great numbers stud. He’s consistently been the teams 2nd MVP behind Vlad, and his production/versatility is much, much hard to replace than Vlads bat would be. This guy is almost impossible to replace for the Angels unless they were able to get an AS at 3B while not giving up Kendrick. And that leads to the problem of what it would take to get him. Figgins is probably going to cost Konerko almost straight up, and that is the huge deterrent I imagine. If the talks didnt center around Konerko and rather Fields or Crede then it would make much more sense, but I don’t think the ChiSox have the pieces to add to get that done though…

Willits is ok, but he’s really Figgins without any power, less speed and no versatility. Its also a more rebuilding trade if its for Willits ~ and you know that isnt KW’s thinking for the club. Also, the Angels cant trade Willits for Konerko unless they also unloaded one of Anderson/Mathews at the same time. With the ChiSox recently extending Dye to that questionable contract and pulling in Swisher to block the OF/1B/DH openings even more, they wouldn’t be able to fit both Willits and MathewsJR. Maybe Anderson & Willits could work with the thinking of just losing Anderson after the year, but he’s a 10-5 and can veto anything.

Santans+Kendrick doesn’t make sense at all, in any way shape or form. It would leave the Angels with an IN of Figgins at 2B (his weakest position), Wood at SS (no real ML experience) and Izturis at 3B (not contender type production at all) while giving them 8 guys to fit into the 5 OF/1B/DH spots…

Like I previously said, nothing between the Angels and Sox makes sense for both clubs at this time ~ they both have too many OF/1B/DH types already. Konerko going to Anaheim is probably as likely as Johan becoming a Giant…

[darkstar1661]

oh also for you guys talking about Willits ~ dont forget that he is a 27YO without a full years worth of experience in the Majors yet. He doesnt seem to be what you guys think he is, and his marginal numbers in the minors when he was 2-3 years older than everyone else is a strong indication that he wont be too hot in the future...

[Jenks45Monster]

hes 26...turning 17 in may

[Jenks45Monster]

27 in may , my bad

[gogopalehose]

He is what he is, a 350 AB's a season guy. That being Willits. He's like a Rajai Davis or something, someone who will play solid defense, get on base and steal some bases. And he's a perfect leadoff hitter.

If the Angels got Konerko I would have to imagine that they would DH him and then put Kotchman in the revolving door of DHs and 1st basemen, with Konerko getting some games at first to DH Vlad and such, when against tough lefties(I know he was good against lefties last season but that is just how it would go). Anderson would probably miss a lot of games, and Matthews would too. It would make them a little better at a much higher cost, a trend that we have seen all off season, but I don't think they care about money anymore.

[cachhubguy]

ms441, I will agree with you if you can tell me which two years that Crede played over 100 games, that he actually recorded 25-30 homers, 80-90 rbi and batted .275 - .285.

[darkstar1661]

Yeah, I know. So he’s 27 for about 4-5/6ths of the 2008 season ~ right? He’s 1.5 years older than Figgins, with minimal experience, less power, less speed, less versatility and only fair numbers in the minors when he was 2-3 years older than everyone else… Don’t get your point?

Gogo,

But really, really, really think about it for a min…

Angels – Willits + Konerko =

OF:
Vlad (120G RF, 20 DH)
Hunter (140G CF)
Mathews (80G LF, 20 CF, 40G RF)
Anderson (80G LF, 40G DH)

So we have about 60G at DH left and a full 160 at 1B to go to Konerko + Kotchman + Juan Rivera + Kendry Moralas…

Try to break it down, its impossible to do ~ and that’s after taking a fairly lowball number on everyone above… Konerko maybe 140G and you are left with only 80 for Kotchman/Rivera/Moralas ~ two guys with an OPS+ over 110 in 07 (Kotchman & Moralas) and one with a OPS+ over 90 after a 126 the year before and 100+’s the previous 3 years (Rivera).

Really, one of Mathews/Anderson would have to go with Rivera + Anderson/Mathews being the LF. There is just no other way to make it fit ~ at all… Shoot, as it stands with Anderson/Vlad/Hunter/Mathews/Kotchman/Rivera&Morals all being signed for the OF/1B/DH spots, the team will probably have Willits in the Minors until there is an injury and Rob Quinlin is a good as out of a job with his 1M contract... The Angels have way too many OF/1B/DH now, they would have to lose atleast 2 of them (one being a high dollar contact) if they were to fit Konerko in.

[Whitesox10]

Gary Matthews Jr. better NEVER land of the southside. I noticed a couple people mentioning his name above. He's had ONE good year, a few AVERAGE years, and several BAD years. I wouldn't want to trade for this guy unless I gave up a bag of balls for him. To me he's pretty much useless. Especially for the white sox.

[Bwoj20]

I LOVE how you Angel fans think that the White Sox would be getting a good deal by trading Paulie for Willits and Shields or Figgins and Saunders, or some variation of those names. GET REAL!!! You're not getting Konerko unless the Angels are willing to give up Kendrick, Kotchman or Wood + prospects.

[hemingways]

I would think this would expand to include Crede (or Fields, since Kenny Williams seems to have lost his mind).

Maybe Konerko+Crede or Fields for Figgans, Kendrick, and a pitcher, perhaps Ervin Santana. 2 for 3 sounds like it could work.

I don't know if the Angels would be that interested in dealing for Crede until he proves his back can stand up to playing again, but they might take the risk since he's on a one year deal.

[darkstar1661]

Hemingway,

Leaves Angels no one for 2B and they would be questionable for 3B (because of Credes injury history) while still not removing anyone from the OF/1B/DH logjam to make room for Konerko. That trade specifically cant happen from Angels side…

Seriously guys, the Angels current 25M roster pretty much looks like this:
(+/- being the guys most likely to be sent down if it goes to 13 hitters & 12 pitchers)

C Napoli
1B Kotchman
2B Kendrick
SS Wood
3B Figgins
LF Mathews
CF Hunter
RF Vlad
DH Anderson

B-C Mathis
UI Izturis
4OF Rivera
+/-Bench Aybar
+/-Bench Moralas

Still left off the roster:
Willits & Quinlan

You would need to open an OF/DH/1B slot from that 25Man if Konerko is added ~ that’s the only way it works on Anaheim’s side. And really it has to be a higher priced one (ie not Kotchman/Moralas) because of how much the team has already added to payroll this year even before Konerko and maybe even Crede head to Anaheim. Again in the end we are left with either Anderson or Mathews almost certainly having to be included to the Sox to make this work…

WhiteSox10,

You might want to be worried right about now then ~ it does make more sense for them to be talking about Mathews (A guy the Angels actually would like to trade who is a CFer ~ a position the Sox have been looking to fill) than for anyone else rumored/talked about above. Sure Swisher could cover CF, but he isnt a real CFer at all and does replace Konerko nicely.

Out of everyone on the Angels that is A) really available B) fills a Sox need and C) opens ML roster spot for the returning player (here rumored to be Konerko) ~ Mathews would probably rise to the top. Well in a really pitiful, twisted, rather sickening way atleast… I cant imagine the Halos ever being able to move GMJ, but the Sox have long been rumored as the one possibly interested club…

[Whitesox10]

Well then I'm definitely ready for the GMJ rumor to die down completely because I would NOT watch the white sox if they traded for that garbage...unless he came along with a couple other good players.

[striker]

I think for any of this to happen a third team would have to be involved. Like many posters have said, LAA has too many OFs and 1Bs they would have to get rid of some.

How about:

Whitesox get Brian Roberts and Willits.

LAA get Kornerko, Crede and Bedard.

Baltimore gets Adenhart/Saunders, Santana, Kendrick, Kotchman, GMJ

........................
Whitesox Lose
Broadway, Kornerko, Crede

Baltimore Lose
Bedard and Roberts

LAA Lose
Kotchman, Kendrick, Santana, Adenhart/Saunders, GMJ

Let the criticizing being....

[gogopalehose]

More like:

LAA gets Konerko, Masset, Crede

CWS gets Hanley Ramirez, Kevin Gregg

FLA gets Kendrick, Aybar, Willits, Egbert, Adenhart

Hanley would play CF for the Sox, Swisher to 1st >_>

[cherryghost]

brian roberts is my offseason dream as a white sox fan.

Angel beat writer Matt Hurst says the Konerko rumor is bogus:

Yesterday I posted an Internet rumor that the Angels were said to be in talks with the White Sox regarding Paul Konerko but I also said that it was unlikely if this is anything recent or developing because last I had heard the teams briefly talked about this before the winter meetings.

Well, according to baseball sources, the last time that Konerko's name was brought up in any capacity between the teams was right around the winter meetings (very early December) and nothing recent.

Seems that the Sox haven't even discussed anything regarding Konerko with the Angels in at least a month and my hunch that this was the case was confirmed after making a few calls.

So, Konerko to the Angels? Only if the White Sox decide to re-open talks for him, but anything like that appears remote. Of course, if you're Chicago and have a 2-3-4-5-6 of Orlando Cabrera, Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Nick Swisher, it would seem foolish to trade one of those guys.

Another hunch of mine? That the surpl