5 things to watch for in White Sox

All in.

That eventually became the White Sox' plan of attack during the off-season, after chairman Jerry Reinsdorf tossed and turned in October and November before deciding to go on a spending spree in December with the hopes of riding a veteran core of players back to the World Series.

Adam Dunn was the first major acquisition, and the designated hitter/first baseman comes to the South Side at the cost of $56 million over four seasons.

Retaining a pair of key free agents — Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski — was the next order of business, and the Sox also added relief pitchers Jesse Crain and Will Ohman while the payroll swelled to $125 million.

Even in a division that features two other quality teams with big payrolls, Minnesota and Detroit, the White Sox are being projected by many to win the AL Central based on their superior starting pitching, defense and power potential now that Dunn is in the middle of the lineup.

“I guess I'm a little reserved in whatever excitement I should have at this point,” general manager Kenny Williams said with a nod to the defending champion Twins. “I hope the fans aren't because I have to figure out a way to pay for this.”

As Sox pitchers and catchers prepare to report to training camp in Glendale, Ariz., on Thursday for the first workout of spring, here are five things to keep an eye on this season:

The gate

Attendance shouldn't be a huge factor for a team with legitimate postseason aspirations, but it is for the White Sox.

“Kenny and Jerry went out and did what the fans want to see,” manager Ozzie Guillen said. “They made sure (fans) get a chance to see a good ballclub back in the field.”

That is true, and now they need to see more bodies in the seats at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox have never drawn 3 million fans in a single season, but that's the total they are shooting for this year in an attempt to cover all of the high salaries.

If the Sox get off to another slow start, if they flop, or if people don't come out if they play well, there are going to be big problems.

The worst-case scenario? Williams becomes a seller at the July 31 trade deadline and the White Sox downshift into rebuilding mode.

All eyes on Jake

On a conference call with reporters early last week, injured starter Jake Peavy said he's “60-70 percent” healthy after throwing 40 pitches off a mound in San Diego.

An optimistic Peavy planned to take the hill two more times before heading over to training camp, and the 29-year-old right-hander said the lat muscle in his right posterior shoulder that was detached on July 6 feels great.

Arm strength is the bigger issue. If Peavy's velocity is still lagging in late March, he won't be ready for the April 1 season opener at Cleveland.

“If we get to the end of camp and I can't throw 90 (mph), we'll start to worry,” Peavy said. “But in mid-March I should have good arm strength, and I certainly think that will be the case.”

The Dunn factor

At this time last year, Mark Kotsay was the big left-handed bat in the Sox' lineup.

For the season, Kotsay produced 8 home runs and 31 RBI. That's a good month's work for Dunn, who brings his massive size (6-feet-6, 285 pounds) and matching bat to the American League.

Yes, he's a strikeout machine and his defense borders on brutal.

The White Sox don't really care, especially on the defensive end since Dunn is going to be the regular designated hitter.

What they are interested in is Dunn's consistent power — he has averaged 40 home runs and 101 RBI over the last eight seasons while playing for Washington, Arizona and Cincinnati.

“To add the left-handed thunder of Dunn … wow,” a major-league scout said. “I think they made as big of a move as anybody to help themselves in the off-season.”

On Sale

A standout starter in college last year at Florida Gulf Coast University (11-0 2.01 ERA), Chris Sale was drafted by the Sox with the 13th overall pick.

That proved to be a lucky number.

Less than two months later Sale was in the White Sox' bullpen, and the big lefty thrived on the fast track while striking out 32 in 23 innings and going 4-for-4 in save opportunities.

Still projected as a future starter with the Sox, Sale figures to be better utilized this year as the closer.

“The biggest thing we did last year was having Sale and sticking him in the bullpen,” Pierzynski said. “Look at our division with (Joe) Mauer, (Justin) Morneau, (Shin-Soo) Choo, (Grady) Sizemore, (Alex) Gordon. The Tigers with Brandon Boesch.

“You have to have more than one lefty available to go through a lineup three times.”

Quentin's last stand?

The White Sox avoided salary arbitration with right fielder Carlos Quentin in mid-January with a one-year, $5.05 million contract.

There's no question Quentin is worth the money if he can stay healthy and avoid all of the brooding.

But if Quentin fails in one or both areas this season, converted infielder Dayan Viciedo and his powerful bat will be waiting in the wings.