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White Sox lock up Konerko

CHICAGO, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who enjoyed an All-Star season in 2002, Thursday was rewarded with a three-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

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Konerko, 26, who would have been eligible for arbitration, batted a career-high .304 with 27 homers and 104 RBI in 151 games last season. He was named to the American League All-Star team.

Konerko finished second on the team in hits (173), doubles (30), slugging percentage (.498), total bases (284), average, and RBI.

"Paul is a key member of this team both on and off the field, and our focus has been on signing him to a multi-year contract," said Assistant General Manager Rick Hahn. "He is one of the top hitters in the game, has been extremely consistent over the past four seasons, and is a major influence and leader in our clubhouse."

His emergence as a star player prompted the White Sox to move Frank Thomas, now a free agent, to designated hitter.

Konerko has a .291 average with 104 homers and 381 RBI in 592 games with the White Sox after being acquired from Cincinnati following the 1998 season. He also has played for Los Angeles,

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and is a lifetime .287 hitter with 111 homers and 410 RBI in 673 games.

The White Sox also agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Mark Johnson, who batted .209 with four homers and 18 RBI in 86 games last season.

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