Player Profile - Paul Konerko

Konerko came close to leaving the White Sox through free agency during last year's offseason. In the end, he came back home via a five-year, $60 million deal. In Year 1 of this long-term deal, the White Sox captain hit a career-high .313 with 35 home runs and 113 RBIs. Konerko reached at least 35 home runs and 100 RBIs for his third straight season, and his average increased for the third straight year. Konerko also was named an All-Star for the third time and was one of six AL finalists for the Hank Aaron Award. He posted a .366 average with runners in scoring position and produced a .995 fielding percentage as one of the AL's steadier defensive first baseman. There simply weren't many flaws on the resume of this consummate but low-key leader.