"After apparently losing out on Victor Martinez, the White Sox took a step toward stabilizing the middle of their batting order Tuesday when the offered salary arbitration to slugger Paul Konerko as well as reliever J.J. Putz.

But they didn't extend the same to A.J. Pierzynski and interest in the free agent catcher from other teams should accelerate now that a team won't owe the Sox a high draft pick it it signs him. The Sox still can negotiate with their free agents.

With backup Ramon Castro already signed, the switch-hitting Martinez could have split his time between the plate, first base and designated hitter. El Nacional, a Venezuelan newspaper, reported Martinez has agreed to a four-year, $50 million offer from American League Central rival Detroit despite the Sox's three-year, $48 million bid.

By offering Konerko arbitration, the Sox will receive two high draft picks if he signs elsewhere. But the offer shows the Sox's strong hope of retaining him. Konerko and Putz have until Nov. 30 to accept or decline arbitration. Putz would bring a pick he he signs elsewhere.

But that doesn't address the need for a left-handed slugger, and the Sox's failed pursuit of Martinez (a lifetime .336 hitter at U.S. Cellular Field) could shift their emphasis to free agents Adam Dunn and Hideki Matsui. But the Nationals offered arbitration to Dunn, meaning the team that signs him would forfeit a high draft pick.

The Sox pursued Dunn before the July 31 trading deadline but the Nationals had no interest in pitcher Edwin Jackson in return because of his $8.35 million salary this season and also because Jackson is eligible for free agency next fall."