Comfort of home lures slugger back to Chisox

By wire services
Published December 1, 2005

CHICAGO - Paul Konerko decided to stay with the World Series champion White Sox, agreeing Wednesday to a $60-million, five-year contract.

The first baseman led the White Sox with 40 homers and 100 RBIs last season and hit .283 with a career-best .375 on-base percentage and a .534 slugging percentage. He was MVP of the AL Championship Series win over the Angels and hit a go-ahead grand slam in Game 2 of the World Series sweep over Houston, Chicago's first Series title since 1917.

"You have family, all things came into play," Konerko said. "At the end of the day, "Okay, I'm a baseball player and where am I going to feel the best?"'

His new deal calls for him to receive $12-million annually. Chicago agreed to a limited no-trade clause that states he can't be dealt to six specified teams without his permission.

Konerko also was courted by the Angels and the Orioles.

SAN DIEGO - Rightfielder Brian Giles reached a preliminary agreement to re-sign with his hometown Padres for $30-million over three years.

One of the NL's best hitters, Giles batted .301 with a major league-best 119 walks and a .423 on-base percentage. His .483 slugging percentage was driven down by cavernous PETCO Park; he slugged .417 at home, .545 on the road.

NATIONALS PARK: D.C. officials will meet with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf today to express their concerns about the rising costs of a proposed stadium. Reinsdorf, Major League Baseball's point man on lease negotiations, was scheduled for a closed-door session arranged by Council Chair Linda W. Cropp.

BONDS IN CLASSIC: Barry Bonds told the players' association he plans to play for the United States in next year's inaugural World Baseball Classic.

TIGERS: Former Rays left-hander Bobby Seay agreed to a minor-league contract and will compete for a bullpen job.

YANKEES: Free-agent right-hander Kyle Farnsworth is close to agreeing to a three-year, $17-million contract to become Mariano Rivera's setup man, the Hartford Courant reported. ... Kelly Stinnett replaced former Ray John Flaherty as the backup catcher, agreeing to a $650,000, one-year contract.

[Last modified December 1, 2005, 01:08:09]