Konerko files for free agency

NEW YORK -- Less than 24 hours after helping the Chicago White Sox win their first World Series since 1917, AL championship series MVP Paul Konerko was among 62 players who filed for free agency Thursday.

Konerko, who hit .283 with 40 homers and 100 RBIs during the regular season, is one of the top hitters available on the market. Approximately 200 players are eligible to file by the Nov. 10 deadline, and free agents can start discussing contract terms with all teams the following day.

Philadelphia Phillies closer Billy Wagner and Los Angeles Angels catcher Bengie Molina also filed, as did Boston first baseman Kevin Millar and third baseman Bill Mueller. They were joined by Florida pitcher A.J. Burnett and Chicago Cubs outfielder Jeromy Burnitz.

San Francisco moved to keep two players from becoming eligible, exercising right-hander Jason Schmidt's $10 million option and outfielder Randy Winn's $5 million option.

In addition, the Giants announced that three 2006 options had been exercised in which the decisions were up to players: second baseman Ray Durham ($7 million), outfielder Moises Alou ($4 million) and right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins ($3.5 million).

The New York Mets declined Danny Graves' $5 million option and elected to pay the reliever a $500,000 buyout.

Colorado agreed to a one-year contract with pitcher Mike DeJean, a deal that includes a mutual option for 2007.

After giving general manager Jim Bowden a six-month contract extension, the Washington Nationals agreed to one-year contracts with infielder Damian Jackson, who elected for free agency and left the San Diego Padres on Oct. 14, and Bernie Castro, who left the Baltimore Orioles.