The Renaissance of Paul Konerko

In the past I have been among the most vocal Paul Konerko critics. But I am willing to admit when I am wrong. While Paulie still has a knack for the inopportune GIDP (often a function of his ability to hit the ball hard, his slow speed and the slow speed of recent Sox #3 hitters), he's on pace for career highs in virtually every statistical category. In the past I have said I expect Paulie to put up a consistent .900+ OPS, a .300+ average, and clobber at least 40 homers. Well, he's duplicating his now customary power numbers while hitting for a higher average and OPS than he ever has before. He's even hitting better on the road this year than at home! And he's getting the job done at first base. He's been overshadowed this year by Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye, and there's no doubt that by batting between those two he gets better pitches to hit, but he still has to hit the ball and is doing so with authority. There is no doubt he's justifying the contract the White Sox gave him.