Free agent Pierzynski not shutting door on Sox

The White Sox wasted little time wrapping up Omar Vizquel, signing the free-agent infielder to a one-year $1.75 million contract Tuesday, the day after the World Series ended.

Nearing the end of a career likely to land him in the Hall of Fame, the 43-year-old Vizquel made a quick decision because he enjoys playing for the Sox and didn't need to sift through any other offers.

If only the White Sox were so lucky with their key free agents Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski.

They have exclusive negotiating rights with both players until Sunday, but the Sox apparently know Konerko and Pierzynski have earned the right to test the market starting Monday.

Pierzynski, for one, said he has yet to receive a new contract offer from the White Sox, which doesn't mean the door has been closed.

On Thursday, the 33-year-old catcher told MLB.com he will check out the open market beginning next week. But that doesn't mean his career with the Sox is over.

“We both agreed to let things play out and take it from there,” Pierzynski said. “We both agreed to talk again, and I'm sure we will.”

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams did not respond to an interview request Thursday.

In his sixth season with the Sox, Pierzynski batted .270 with 29 doubles, 9 home runs and 56 RBI in 128 games. He also led the American League with a .364 batting average from Aug. 12 to the end of the season and caught 1,000 or more innings for the ninth straight year.

With no in-house replacement, it makes sense for the Sox to lock up Pierzynski for another 2-3 seasons.

“The door has not been shut by me or by them,” Pierzynski told MLB.com. “There are no hard feelings from me toward them, and I hope there's none from them toward me. Something still could be done, but if not hopefully there's another team who will want me.”

If the White Sox go in another direction, Pierzynski should attract plenty of interest from teams like Boston, Tampa Bay, Florida, Texas and San Diego.

He said playing for a winning team, getting regular playing time and being relatively close to his off-season home in Orlando, Fla., are top priorities.