CHICAGO – Replacing veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski on the field is statistically quantifiable for the White Sox.

General manager Rick Hahn in particular took a calculated risk in choosing to let Pierzynski, 36, leave via free agency, entrusting the starting job to a somewhat unproven Tyler Flowers. Somehow, whether it’s Flowers or a combination of the Sox’s hitters, the Sox will find a way to replace Pierzynski’s offensive production last season (27 home runs, 77 RBIs and 133 hits).

“All the guys from the ’05 [World Series title] team hold a special place in our heart,” Hahn said. “ … All those guys will always have a special spot for each of us, not to mention a guy like A.J. who was with us for eight years and had a tremendous amount of success.”