Talk:Paul Konerko

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What is Paul Konerko's ethnicity? His name looks Polish or Ukranian. According to Paul's Dad, Henry Konerko, Paul is "50% Polish (father) and 50% Italian (mother). What song do they always play at US Cellular before he is up to

It seems you answered your own question about Paul's ethnicity. Anyway, the song that is played before he comes to the plate is Harvester of Sorrow by Metallica. See [1] for reference. Nishkid64 00:09, 5 November 2006 (UTC)

can someone who knows how to put a picture up do so. i dont know how

Catcher

Article says he was a catcher in high school. Anyone know how/when/why he switched to first base as a professional? Tad Lincoln (talk) 21:31, 18 May 2012 (UTC)

He was drafted as a catcher then he was moved to third base and even played left field while with the Dodgers and Reds. This was because Konerko was such a good hitting prospect and playing catcher tends to wear down players quicker. See Joe Mauer who has worn down quickly and that is why the Twins are trying to have him catch less and less so they play him at first base and designated hitter whenever they can to try and get the most out of his talents. Also see Bryce Harper who was a catcher in High School and College but he is so talented with the bat that they moved him to the outfield so there is not so much strain on his body. Back to Konerko, he is a "pure" hitter so they moved him to wherever they could to try and get him in the lineup. He played some first base with the Dodgers but because Eric Karros was already there he only got some spot starts at first. So they moved him to third base and left field where the Dodgers did not a solidified starter like they did with Karros. Same thing when Konerko got traded to the Reds. The Reds already had Sean Casey at first base so Konerko played left and third because of less established players at those positions. When Pauly got traded to the White Sox, he moved to first base almost exclusively even with Frank Thomas already there but Konerko is a much better defender than Thomas. Konerko currently rotates between playing first base and DH with Adam Dunn. Hope that helps. Carthage44 (talk) 02:08, 19 May 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for the info. That's actually very interesting, especially considering that he's turned out to be a pretty good first baseman. If there are sources, I think it'd be great to add a little bit about that to the article.Tad Lincoln (talk) 06:27, 24 May 2012 (UTC)

Gary Carter originally played shortstop and didn't switch to catcher until after he was already in the pros. Of course, the guy became an 11-time All-Star and HOFer at catcher and hit over the 300 HR so sometimes it's not always someone's hitting ability that they might be moved from catcher to 1B. I also don't know what kind of arm Konerko had on him back then but who knows if it was strong enough for the throw to 2B.

Konerko was moved from catcher to first base early in his career for two main reasons. Number one, he is a great hitter and by keeping him as a catcher would shorten his career due to increased chances for injuries. A perfect example is Joe Mauer in now playing first base more than catching to try and extend his career as long as possible. Number two, Konerko does not have a good arm and first baseman do not have to showcase their arms like a catchers do. Konerko is a good fielder but has a weak arm. Carthage44 (talk) 20:29, 25 July 2012 (UTC)

Teams wouldn't have known about his hitting potential back then, but they sure as heck would've detected a weak arm on the spot. Zepppep (talk) 00:49, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

Of course teams knew about his hitting potential back then. They are called scouts and that is why he was drafted in the first round of the 1994 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers because of his HITTING POTENTIAL DUH! Carthage44 (talk) 05:40, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

Every player who is in the farm system or MLB in their early years has "potential" -- that's why teams offer players small contracts to begin their career, so if they don't pan out the club's not on the hook for millions. Even the players chosen in the early rounds are not a for sure thing. Not even the best of scouts know what a prospect is going to do in their career. But it doesn't take a scouting genius to pick out a player with a weak arm, one that's not strong enough to play catcher and earn a paycheck for doing it. Zepppep (talk) 05:51, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

That is why he was moved from being a high school catcher to first base because of his weak arm. He was ALWAYS a great hitting prospect and they knew they would draft him as a catcher and move him to first base. Wow, get a clue and stick to topics you understand because baseball is not your thing. Carthage44 (talk) 08:12, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

Yes, it's so obvious I know nothing about it or the players who've played it at the top level. Originally you had two reasons, then when you read what I had to offer, you changed and agreed with it. Now you're claiming I don't know anything about baseball, as well as others who shed light on something you might've missed with your flashlight. You're making my day! Zepppep (talk) 08:28, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

What, I never agreed with you. You clearly know nothing about baseball or you do not understand English. I am just glad you don't live in this country because people like you don't belong. I am making your day? HAHA, you are a sad sad human being. Carthage44 (talk) 09:09, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

Carthage, insults like that will not be tolerated. If you continue with them you will be blocked. -DJSasso (talk) 11:48, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

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