Buehrle to pitch if race is on; Konerko enters last year of contract
September 25, 2009, 10:41 PM
By: Bruce Levine
Depending on whether the Detroit Tigers are still in a pennant race next weekend, left-hander Mark Buehrle's season could be over. The Chicago White Sox, in their mind, owe the Minnesota Twins a good effort next weekend in Detroit and Buehrle wants to pitch if it means something.
Right-hander Carlos Torres will take Buehrle's next scheduled start, Tuesday at the Kansas City Royals. After that, the race for the American League Central division title will determine whether Buehrle pitches.
Righty Gavin Floyd is most likely done for the season. Although the White Sox have not made it official at this point, there is no reason to risk any further injury with Floyd, who has been dealing with a sore hip.
Paul Konerko will be going into the final year of his five-year contract in 2010. I asked Konerko if he's considered retirement in the near future.
"I'm sure that'll come up this offseason," Konerko said. "I'm also sure at some point we'll go over what's possible and what isn't. It's still a little premature for me to do that. I have another year coming to me. Somewhere down the line, however, we'll have to consider that, but as long as I'm still healthy and playing well, I'm probably going to want to play."
In Konerko's case, the White Sox will more than likely leave the designated hitter spot open next season so some of the veterans can still get four at-bats and get rest at the same time. Konerko, like Buehrle, has been the face of the organization for the past decade.
Speaking of Buehrle, the lefty was honored by chairman Jerry Reinsdorf before Friday's victory over the Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field. Reinsdorf, speaking in front of the entire team, presented Buehrle with two beautiful diamond rings to commemorate his perfect game. The team also presented Buehrle with a five-foot high circular collage with highlights of the game. Reinsdorf admitted in his speech that he was disappointed with the way this season has ended, but told the team he's excited about the future of the club.
Friday's winning pitcher, Jake Peavy, said Reinsdorf's speech motivated him in his seven shutout innings against Detroit.
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