"The White Sox head into next week's annual winter meetings with the possibility of replacing three key components — Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski and J.J. Putz — from the roster that finished six games behind the Twins in the AL Central this season.

Konerko and Putz declined the Sox's offer of arbitration Tuesday, making them free to sign elsewhere. Pierzynski already has been listening to other teams after the Sox declined to offer him arbitration.

Of course, all three could return to the Sox, although the payroll could be limited to what they can be offered. All three could field multiyear offers from other teams, especially Putz in an always-thin reliever market.

If the Sox ultimately lose Konerko, they would receive two draft choices but would have to find someone to play first base. That could be a platoon between Dayan Vicido and Mark Teahen unless the Sox would sign someone like Adam Dunn, who is seeking four years at $60 million."