Pierzynski continues to deliver for Sox

The White Sox and money issues have been joined at the hip since the start of spring training.

It’s not a big surprise, considering how money — or a lack thereof — has been a pressing national concern for, what, about a decade?

Fully aware of the economy’s still wobbly legs, the Sox decided to go “All In” this year and spent a franchise record $127.8 million on the opening-day payroll. They haven’t gotten much bang from high-salaried players such as Adam Dunn, Alex Rios and Jake Peavy.

Granted, the trio has been showing some life during the White Sox’ current surge, which continued Monday night with a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.

But as they’ve rattled off 4 straight wins on the road after dropping six straight at home last week against the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, one of baseball’s best bargains has been at the forefront of the White Sox’ resurgence.

Having heard nary a word from the Sox last winter, free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski was literally minutes away from signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers before making one final call.

The White Sox ultimately agreed to bring him back, but Pierzynski took much less than he was worth so there would be enough money to retain Paul Konerko as well.

So Pierzynski accepted a two-year, $8 million contact that is heavily backloaded.

Pierzynski is making a relatively paltry $2 million this season, and he already has earned his keep.

The Sox’ second most consistent hitter behind Konerko, Pierzynski continues to be a workhorse at 34.

Not only does he lead all American League catchers in games and innings caught while being the hardest hitter in the majors to strike out, Pierzynski is a proven winner.

In his first 11 big-league seasons, Pierzynski only played on two teams that had losing records — the 2007 White Sox (72-90) and the ’09 club that went 79-83.

Lifted by Pierzynski’s home run, 3 RBI and all-around grit Monday, the White Sox improved to 56-58 and now stand 5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

The Sox built an early 4-0 lead on Baltimore but had to rally after falling behind 6-5 in the seventh inning.

“We’ve been fighting, scraping and clawing, and it’s nice to come back on somebody else instead of having them do it to us,” Pierzynski told reporters after tying the game at 6-6 with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.

“It’s nice scoring those runs late. It’s hard to do, but when it does happen it’s fun.”