Paul Konerko Quietly Has Another MVP-Caliber Season for Chicago White Sox

Paul Konerko quietly put together another MVP-caliber season for the Chicago White Sox.  

In 144 games (thus far), many of which were injury-plagued, Konerko hit .306 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI. It was Konerko's fifth season of 30 home runs and 100 RBI, which ranks second all-time for the White Sox.

Despite this production, Konerko will not win the AL MVP award this year. Curtis Granderson, Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jose Bautista are having better seasons, but Konerko does deserve consideration for the award.

Furthermore, other than Jose Bautista, Konerko may be the most "valuable" player to his team. Take Konerko away from the White Sox and the team has no offense. Take Granderson, Gonzalez or Ellsbury away from the Yankees or Red Sox and they will still have an offense.  

Sabermetrics prove Konerko deserves MVP consideration. Paul's 7.35 runs created per 27 outs ranks sixth in the American League, trailing Bautista, Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz, Gonzalez and Ellsbury. This further illustrates Konerko's value to the White Sox offense.

However, Konerko is used to going unnoticed throughout his career. He spent the first half-dozen years with the White Sox being overshadowed by Frank Thomas, Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez. Now he is being overshadowed by the struggles of Alex Rios and Adam Dunn.

Regardless of the lack of attention, Konerko has produced. Paulie has 395 career home runs, 1,259 RBI and a lifetime batting average of .282. With the White Sox, Konerko averaged 30 home runs and 95 RBI per year. 

Nearly every season with the Sox, Konerko puts up MVP-caliber numbers, and this year is no different. Konerko continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players of his generation.