White Sox appear to be in full retreat mode

It hasn't been a promising offseason for fans of the 2012 Chicago White Sox. For 2013 and beyond, it might be a little brighter.

Either by free agency or trades, the White Sox have lost their most consistent pitcher (Mark Buehrle), their leadoff hitter (Juan Pierre), their closer (Sergio Santos) and on Saturday, their starting right fielder (Carlos Quentin) who has averaged more than 26 homers a season the past four years. They lost their manager (Ozzie Guillen) last September as well.

"All-in-all, the depth we're acquiring is going to serve us well for the future and also clears a little bit of payroll," GM Ken Williams said to the Chicago Tribune.

In return, the White Sox received three minor-league pitching prospects and a supplemental draft choice. They also got shortstop prospect Osvaldo Martinez in the rare managerial trade with the Marlins.

I'm sure the phone lines are jammed with people wanting Sox season tickets. (Hey fans, come watch Adam Dunn try to hit his weight!) While the Detroit Tigers clearly are the cream of the crop in the AL Central right now, it's not like it would take a miracle to compete with the likes of the Indians, Twins and Royals these days. With a couple of sore arms in Detroit, it's a wide-open division. Rebuilding is a dirty word for a big-market club like the White Sox, but that's exactly what's happening.

Meanwhile, San Diego Padres GM Josh Byrnes traded for a player he traded as GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks four years ago, a deal he said he regretted. Quentin was a two-time AL All-Star who doesn't hit for a high average, but has been productive. Quentin just lost some fantasy value going to Petco Park, however.

"Improving our offense is a priority this offseason, and the acquisition of Carlos gives us a proven middle-of-the-order bat," Byrnes said in a statement. "We specifically targeted Carlos because of his production and his hard-nosed style of play."