How Dodgers nearly had Pierzynski

As reporters huddled around A.J. Pierzynski before the final game of the 2010 season, there was a curious tense to many of the questions.

“A.J., what are some of your best memories of playing for the White Sox the past six seasons?”

“What are you going to miss most about Chicago?”

“Do you think there’s going to be much interest from other teams this winter?”

Finally putting the brakes on the funereal inquisitions, Pierzynski came back with a comment of his own.

“You guys are talking like there’s no chance I’m coming back,” the veteran catcher said. “Apparently, you guys know something that I don’t know, so fill me in.”

In reality, Pierzynski was more than a little hesitant to check out the free-agent market over the winter because he wanted to extend his run on the South Side.

And after October and November passed with no formal offer from the Sox, Pierzynski reluctantly began listening to other teams.

The Rangers checked in, as did the Marlins and Blue Jays.

But it was the Dodgers that made the hardest push, and they thought they had a deal with Pierzynski in early December.

“I was just about to say yes to (the Dodgers) and I made one last phone call,” said Pierzynski, who reports to training camp with the rest of White Sox pitchers and catchers Thursday in Glendale, Ariz. “The way people have treated me in Chicago, the fans, the organization, it’s where I wanted to be.”

Prepared to sign with Los Angeles on Dec. 4, White Sox assistant general manager Rick Hahn swooped in at the last minute with a two-year, $8 million offer.

Unable to reach Hahn to confirm the deal, Pierzynski called Jerry Reinsdorf to make sure the offer was legitimate. The Sox’ chairman answered in the affirmative and everybody was happy.

“It really came together in 10 minutes,” Pierzynski said late last month at SoxFest. “No negotiating process, but it was an easy decision.”

As he heads to training camp, Pierzynski has nothing to worry about except helping the White Sox live up to some lofty expectations.

At this time last year, the workhorse receiver tried to focus on the upcoming 2010 season but being in the third and final year of an $18.35 million contract, Pierzynski was distracted by his uncertain future.

“It definitely was, and that was my fault,” Pierzynski said. “At the beginning of the season, I was trying to do too much, trying to get 5 hits every at-bat and show everybody what I can do. Then I looked up in May and saw I was hitting .180.

“I was pressing, but I finally started relaxing and everything turned around. Live and learn.”

Still batting .231 in mid-August, Pierzynski went on a tear the rest of the season and finished at .270.

“I’m really happy with the way last season ended, and I’m thrilled to be back,” Pierzynski said. “We’ve got a great group of guys this year and our lineup is really good, really deep. There really aren’t any holes.”