Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a deal for Paul Konerko for three years and $37.5 million. Konerko will receive $12 million in the first two years, $6 million in the third year and seven years deferred at $1 million each.

Negotiations were said to be at a "standstill" Tuesday, but apparently that didn't last long as movement toward an agreement came at around midnight central standard time.

Three years, $37.5 million.

A $500,000 per year raise.

Not too shabby for having one of the greatest years of your career in a contract season.

The table is set on the south side. With Adam Dunn now definitely playing DH, and A.J Pierzynski returning to his catching duties, the White Sox are "all-in" as Kenny Williams put it.

Signing Adam Dunn was step one for the White Sox this off-season. However that signing doesn't look nearly as good if the Sox don't find a way to bring Paul Konerko back to the South Side.

The question is: how much is Paul Konerko worth? At what point do his salary demands become unrealistic for a first baseman who will be 35 by the time he reports to spring training next season?

It could just be a coincidence, or there could be something to it.  Adam Dunn is just another example of a player who has been linked with the crosstown Cubs who is headed to White Sox.  Let's take a look into Kenny Williams' past.

1. Jim Thome

The White Sox added one of the games top power hitters in Adam Dunn on Friday, signing him to a four year, $56 million dollar contract. The move gives the Sox a much needed left-handed power hitter. This move, however, doesn't mean the White Sox won't quit their pursuit of resigning Paul Konerko. 

White Sox GM Kenny Williams sent a strong message that his team will be ready to compete for a Central Division title in 2011 with a lot of activity Friday.

So far, Williams has played to form this winter.  He has not been afraid to make a splash and is retooling with veterans, as opposed to going young.

Let's take a closer look...

Addition Through Subtraction

For minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield, Williams traded away much maligned reliever Scott Linebrink.

With the signing of Adam Dunn for four years and $56 million, Kenny Williams asserted his power over White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Williams stood tall and in one fell swoop declared: This is the American League. This is the AL Central. This is U.S. Cellular Field. We will hit the ball. We will hit the ball far, and we will win. Take your National League, small ball crap and shove it.

It has been reported that free agent Slugger Adam Dunn has signed a 4-year, $56 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. This is a huge move for the White Sox, who are unsure if first baseman Paul Konerko will return next season.

According to various reports, The Chicago White Sox have pulled off the tremendous coup of slugger Adam Dunn.  Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman reported earlier on his Twitter account that terms of the deal are said to be $56 million over four years.

The Chicago White Sox made a major move today, locking up free agent slugger Adam Dunn to a 4-year $56 million deal.

This provides the ChiSox with a huge power bat in the middle of their lineup who can possibly DH, backing up first basemen Paul Konerko if the White Sox captain re-signs with his long-time club.