November 30, 2005
Konerko Says No to O's
Paul Konerko turned down an offer from the Orioles of 5 years, $65 million dollars. That's pretty good money for a first baseman with a .349 career OBA and a .488 career slugging percentage. Just to show you how much salaries have risen, the article points out the following:
The Orioles' initial offer to Konerko - made earlier this month - was four years for $50 million, before they countered with the five-year deal for $65 million yesterday. Coincidentally, those are the exact terms of Albert Belle's contract when he signed with the Orioles before the 1999 season.
At the time, Albert had a career .368 OBA and a .571 slugging percentage.
However, with Konerko, it looks like free agency is more about location than money. Chicago or Anaheim is where he wants to be. We'll see if either meets the Orioles level of generosity.
Sweet! Looks like another year of Kevin Millar for the Red Sox. I think they'd have to be out of their freaking minds to top that offer.
Wow, a guy who actually turned down more money. You don't see that too often.
Looks like he re-signed with the Sox at 5/$60m.
And I was just getting ready to figure on what an Angels no. 1 pick might look like.
the orioles should be glad konerko turned them down, they need to face up and rebuild around their star. get better pitching or they will lose the race of fans with the nationals across the way.