Konerko now priority 1 for Sox

If Paul Konerko wasn’t sure before, he should be now.

While White Sox general manager Kenny Williams is confident he can land a suitable replacement should the free-agent first baseman hook up with another team, signing Konerko at this week’s winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., is far and away the No. 1 priority.

Much of Friday’s news conference welcoming new designated hitter Adam Dunn centered on Konerko, the Sox’ longtime captain and most prominent player.

“I was making the lineup when they told me Adam’s coming and I was missing a piece,” White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Friday. “Hopefully, P.K. makes the decision quick. But if not, I respect that. I love that man and his family.”

After signing the power-hitting Dunn to a four-year, $56 million contract, the Sox figured to be out on Konerko, who is expected to command $45 million over three years.

But Dunn and A.J. Pierzynski, who is back after signing a two-year, $8 million contract, both deferred money for 2011 to hopefully make room for Konerko.

Guillen spoke to some schoolchildren Friday morning before heading over to U.S. Cellular Field.

“They asked me who’s my favorite player,” Guillen said. “I said P.K. and people went crazy. We want him; we’ve always wanted him. But that’s a money decision, a family decision, an organizational decision. As manager of the team, of course I want him. My team’s going to be a lot better with him.”

While all indications are pointing favorably to Konerko’s return, Williams does have a list of possible replacements, likely Carlos Pena, Adam LaRoche and Derrek Lee.

“We’re just looking for the right fit,” Williams said. “If it doesn’t work out with Paulie, we’ll be OK. There are guys out there we can get.”

But with players such as Dunn, Alex Rios, Carlos Quentin and Alexei Ramirez already under contract, the Sox are feeling pretty good about themselves moving forward.

“I think we’ve got to get (Gordon) Beckham back healthy,” Pierzynski said Friday. “Alexei just continues to do what he’s done. J.P. (Juan Pierre) will be better because it will be his second year on the team and he’ll be a little more comfortable. Carlos will be healthy this year.

“It’s a good lineup, a deep lineup, and when you look at it 1 through 9, it’s like, wow, there are really no holes. Paul is definitely kind of the keystone, but even without Paul it’s going to be a good lineup because one thing about Kenny, he’s going to find somebody to fill that hole for sure.”

Dunn is filling the biggest hole, giving the White Sox the left-handed power bat they desperately missed last season when Jim Thome was shown the door.

“This guy can play other positions,” Guillen said of Dunn. “He can play first base a few days, he can play the outfield one day. That’s a bonus.

“But I think this kid’s presence in the lineup, it’s like having Jimmy back. I think he’s a great leader. He’s a funny guy and he keeps everybody loose. We’ll see. Hopefully he helps us the way Jim Thome did.”

Dunn’s lack of defensive skills at first base have been a big issue, but the 31-year-old slugger said he will be fine as the Sox’ full-time designated hitter.

“I’ve thought long and hard about being the DH,” said Dunn, who has never been on a playoff team. “Hopefully I’ll get out on the field a little, but I’ll learn to (DH) just like everybody else has.

“I just want to win. That’s what I’m here for.”