We thought all the action would happen at next week’s annual Winter Meetings in Orlando, but the Sox surprised everyone yesterday with a blockbuster day of moves that began to shape the team for next season.

It was hard to keep up with it all:

First, the Sox picked up the $2.5 option for Alexei Ramirez.

Second, Bobby Jenks was non-tendered.

Third, word came out that the Sox signed slugger Adam Dunn.

Fourth, I woke up this morning to find out that A.J. had signed a two-year deal (to continue my obsession with the ’05 Sox, Mark Buehrle is now assured of having a fellow World Champion as a teammate in 2011).

If that weren’t enough, there’s talk that that signing Paul Konerko is still a possibility. And could J.J. Putz be right behind?

So, what’s behind all of this spending? After Kenny Williams submitted two different budgets–one that would focus on cutting salaries and rebuilding and the other would increase the payroll–this is what was decided, according to Williams:

“The decision was that if we’re going all in, we’re going all in.”

You’ll get no argument from me.