The White Sox were expected to be one of the most active teams at the winter meetings, exploring trades for LHP John Danks, OF Carlos Quentin and left-handed reliever Matt Thornton.

But as of mid-afternoon on Wednesday the team had traded only closer Sergio Santos in what many in the industry perceive to be a curious move. And, surprisingly, the White Sox player drawing the most interest was utility man Brent Lillibridge, according to major-league sources.

One issue with trading potentional free agents such as Danks and Quentin is that under the new CBA the only way to secure draft-pick compensation is to make them a qualifying offer, and the minimum for such an offer next offseason is expected to be in the $12 million range.

Danks might merit such an offer on a one-year basis, but if he has a poor year or is injured, the White Sox would be extremeily reluctant to commit that kind of money to him.

Quentin, meanwhile, is a player they likely would not want to pay $12 million to.

— Ken Rosenthal