Remember to vote on Tuesday, if you haven't already. And now back to the regularly scheduled White Sox mailbag.

Will the White Sox seriously consider trading away Paul Konerko, because he is one of the best players on this team and the captain? I don't think the White Sox should.
-- Garrison, Naperville

Allow me to refer to a conversation a number of us had with general manager Ken Williams back at the time of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft to partially answer this question. Ken Williams Jr. was selected by the White Sox in the sixth round, leading to a little bit of kidding that the aggressive White Sox general manager might end up trading his son some day. Williams laughed at the idea, but quickly added as to how his son knew if a potential deal moved the White Sox closer to a championship, he could be included.

Basically, there really aren't any untouchables in the entire White Sox organization. That analysis includes Konerko, who is not directly related to Williams, but would be considered a member in extremely good standing of the White Sox family.

As discussed numerous times before in the mailbag and other whitesox.com stories, Konerko's value goes far beyond his contributions on the field. Those on-field contributions still are significant, despite his rough first half in 2008. But he is the team captain for a reason, the even-keeled, steadying clubhouse force. Konerko also has quite an influence on the younger players.

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Of course, that's not to say other veterans don't have the same impact, but Konerko clearly stands out as the low-key leader. I debated with a White Sox-fan friend of mine last offseason about the fans' reaction to a possible Konerko trade, and he said it would be strongly negative while I went more with middle of the road. Judging from the e-mails I receive, it would be negative.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if any trades are set up involving Konerko. It doesn't matter if Williams arranges a 9-for-1 deal with the Angels, as a pure example. The first baseman has earned, and I stress the word "earned," the right to veto any trade as a 10-year-veteran and having spent at least five years with the same team. I don't expect Konerko to go anywhere.

Williams' "youth movement" includes Josh Fields (.233 career average), Chris Getz (seven career at-bats), Jerry Owens (.268 career average), and Clayton Richard (6.04 career era). Scott, in your opinion, do you think we could compete in 2009 with these guys as starters? It sure sounds like "rebuilding" to me.
-- Danny, Chicago

This scenario described by Danny could be considered rebuilding, if not for the solid veteran balance in the White Sox lineup around the likes of Fields, Getz and possibly Owens or Brian Anderson. I might be the dissenting opinion, but I really believe the White Sox can win with both Fields and Getz in the everyday lineup, giving the team a youthful boost and an infusion of a different style of play to go with the much-needed sluggers already in place.

Before I start receiving critiques concerning Fields, he was playing hurt last year and dealing with the disappointment of returning to the Minors after knocking out 23 home runs for the White Sox in 2007. The kid can play.

Some of you have questioned as to whether Williams' comments to me last week about going young were a smokescreen, of sorts, used to pump up his own prospects for trade possibilities. I've covered Williams for parts of seven seasons, and he has always shown refreshing candor and a straightforward nature. Like any good poker player, Williams isn't going to show his best hand before he plays it and might have to bluff a time or two to get to where he wants.

But Williams clearly believes in his top young players, and as of the start of November, Fields and Getz appear to be in play. Those statements certainly weren't purposely misleading. Then again, a deal could come along to change that thought process in the next month or so. Nothing is written in stone at this point.

I don't know what it is about Northern Indiana, but it is next to impossible to get a good AM feed to hear the White Sox on radio. Any chance the White Sox can secure a local affiliate in Northern Indiana?

It would only strengthen the fan base as far as I'm concerned. Now that we are on Eastern Standard Time through the summer, it is difficult to attend weeknight games because of getting home so late. It sure would be nice to able to listen in on radio.
-- Rob, Goshen, Ind.

In checking with Brooks Boyer, the White Sox vice president and chief marketing officer, I found out the team has affiliates in Wabash, Rensselaer and Monticello, Ind. Part of the reason for the White Sox going with WSCR 670 AM as the team's flagship station was because of the station's strong signal at night.

It sounds like Alexei Ramirez will be the shortstop in 2009, correct? Is there any concern that moving him from the position he thrived at last year could cause a drop off in his productivity? Thanks, and go White Sox!
-- Bryan, Vernon Hills, Ill.

Manager Ozzie Guillen stated on numerous occasions in 2008 that, simply put, Ramirez is a baseball player. He can play shortstop, second base, center field and probably third base, if called upon. Shortstop is Ramirez's natural position, so 2008 would have been his year to struggle while adjusting to a new defensive role, a new team, a new level of competition and coming to the United States. Instead, Ramirez became a bona fide Rookie of the Year candidate. He should handle the move without much of an issue.

What will the White Sox do with Brad Eldred?
-- Scott, Chicago

Eldred did exactly what was asked of him last year, in that he went to Triple-A Charlotte and pounded the baseball to the tune of 35 home runs and 100 RBIs. I know he became a popular fan choice to come to the Majors when the White Sox offense became stagnant, but also remember that Eldred fanned 144 times in 427 at-bats.

He seems to fit that White Sox "all-or-nothing" approach on offense fans have been complaining about during the past six weeks and beyond. So, Eldred will not be part of the team's plans moving forward.

Is there any chance of seeing Manny Ramirez clubbing homers for the White Sox next season?
-- Rico, Cedar Park, Texas

There's a strong chance of seeing Manny clubbing homers against the White Sox in 2009 and beyond. While I've learned to never say never in this game, there's literally almost no chance Manny will sign with the White Sox.

How does Dewayne Wise fit in for '09?
-- Jerry, DeKalb

Wise stood out as one of the great success stories for the White Sox and really in the American League during the 2008 campaign, rising from a February contract with an unaffiliated baseball team to hitting the South Siders' first playoff home run against the Rays.

Some mailbag readers have pushed for Wise to move into the White Sox starting lineup in center, but assuming he returns, I see Wise as more of an extra outfielder in the same reserve role as 2008. He certainly shows fearlessness on the field and presents the energy Guillen desires, so the 30-year-old would remain an asset.