Konerko Nearly Made the Move

On the day he signed his five-year, $60-million contract with the Chicago White Sox last November, Paul Konerko was asked how close he was to signing elsewhere.

“If I told you,” Konerko said, “you wouldn’t believe it.”

Now it can be told.

“If I was a betting man, I’d say there was a 60 to 70% chance I was going to the Angels,” Konerko said before the White Sox’s 5-2 exhibition loss to the Angels on Wednesday. “So that’s pretty close.”

The Angels, their sluggish offense needing a slugger, made a strong push for Konerko, offering the first baseman $62 million over five years and hosting him for a day-and-a-half recruiting visit, during which Konerko dined with Angel owner Arte Moreno and Manager Mike Scioscia.

Konerko liked the Angels’ offer, their proximity to his Phoenix-area home for spring training and the regular season, their coaching staff and their owner’s commitment to winning.

“There were some nights when I went to bed and said, ‘There’s no doubt about it, I’m wearing an Angel uniform,’ ” said Konerko, who hit two homers and drove in seven runs to earn most valuable player honors in Chicago’s American League championship series win over the Angels.

But when the White Sox pushed their offer to five years and $60 million on Nov. 30 -- Konerko’s self-imposed deadline to make a decision -- Konerko chose to remain with the team he led to the 2005 World Series title.

“The Angels made it as hard as can be -- everything they did was right,” Konerko said. “Once the best offers came in, it came down to where I feel comfortable playing. ... It was tough. It was like dealing with two home-town teams, and whoever I said no to it was like I was letting down family.”

There were no hard feelings.

“Paul stayed in Chicago for very important reasons, and I respect that,” Scioscia said. “He felt a huge connection with that organization.

“He blossomed into a star there, and his bond with the city and fans was very strong. He would have been an incredible fit for us, but I respect the reasons he stayed in Chicago.”

*

White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen asked Scioscia to be part of his coaching staff for the July 11 All-Star game in Pittsburgh, but Scioscia declined so he could spend the break with his family. ... Right-hander John Lackey, slowed by shoulder stiffness, threw a 40-pitch bullpen session, the first time he has thrown off the mound in nine days. Lackey will make his first exhibition start Friday against the Chicago Cubs. Barring any setback, he’ll make five spring starts, which should give Lackey enough time to build his stamina up to the 90-pitch mark by the regular season. ... Ervin Santana made a near-flawless start, striking out three and walking one in three hitless innings.