01:00 AM EST on Thursday, December 1, 2005

Paul Konerko decided to stick with the World Series champion Chicago White Sox, agreeing yesterday to a $60 million, five-year contract.

The first baseman led the White Sox with 40 homers and 100 RBIs last season, hitting .283. He was MVP of the A.L. championship series win over the Angels after hitting two homers and seven RBI. He had a go-ahead grand slam in Game Two of the World Series sweep over Houston, the first Series title for the White Sox since 1917.

"You have family, all things came into play," Konerko said. "At the end of the day, 'OK, I'm a baseball player and where am I going to feel the best?' "

A two-time All-Star, Konerko had an $8.75 million base salary last season, then became a free agent after the Series. Last offseason, Chicago decided not to discuss an extension.

His new deal calls for him to receive $12 million annually. Chicago agreed to a limited no-trade clause that states he can't be dealt to six specified teams without his permission.

"Paul in the last 24 to 48 hours really came to terms with the fact that he wanted to be a Chicago White Sox," said his agent, Craig Landis. "He had a hard time turning down the chance to go back and try to win another championship in Chicago. He has loyalty to his teammates and to the fans there and feels very wanted, not just by the White Sox organization but by the whole city of Chicago. He felt that that could not be matched in other cities."

Konerko also was courted by the Angels, who offered just over $60 million for five years, and the Orioles, who proposed a $65-million, five-year deal.

ROUNDUP

GILES STAYS WITH PADRES: Right fielder Brian Giles reached a preliminary agreement last night to re-sign with his hometown Padres for $30 million over three years. The deal is pending Giles' scheduled physical this morning and an announcement is expected later in the day, two baseball officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized yet. The two-time All-Star will earn $9 million per season from 2006-08, with a $9 million option for 2009 that could raise the value of the deal to $36 million over four years. The club has a $3 million buyout for 2009.

PHILS SIGN SANTANA: The Phillies moved to strengthen their depleted bullpen by signing free-agent reliever Julio Santana to a one-year contract yesterday. The 31-year-old right-hander, who got $800,000 in a deal that includes performance bonuses, was in 41 games last season for Milwaukee and went 3-5 with a 4.50 E.R.A.

PIRATES HIRE COX: Jeff Cox was hired yesterday as the Pirates' third base coach, rounding out new manager Jim Tracy's staff. Cox, 51, was the Marlins' third-base coach during the past two seasons after previously being the bench coach and the bullpen coach.

YANKS SIGN STINNETT: The Yankees signed free-agent catcher Kelly Stinnett to a one-year contract to back up starter Jorge Posada. Stinnett played last season with the Diamondbacks, where he and New York pitcher Randy Johnson were teammates in 1999 and 2000. Stinnett, 35, hit .248 with 6 home runs and 12 RBI in 59 games last year.

NEW UNIFORMS: The Twins will look different next season. That doesn't necessarily mean the roster is changing. The team is adding a pair of new jerseys, including a sleeveless look similar to the current home top that will be worn with a navy blue undershirt as an alternate uniform for home games. The Twins will use a new navy blue alternate batting practice jersey, with their customary red-and-white "TC" logo on the upper left-hand chest with the player's number on the back.

BONDS IN CLASSIC: Barry Bonds told the players' association he plans to play for the U.S. in next year's inaugural World Baseball Classic. Bonds has been speaking with former Pittsburgh teammate Bobby Bonilla, who works for the union. Bonilla did not respond to an e-mail message yesterday. "There are details that still need to be addressed before Barry can play," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said in an e-mail.