Dayan Viciedo

2013

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2012

Viciedo received his first batch of regular playing time in his career in 2011, as he slid into a near-everyday outfield role when Carlos Quentin went down with injury in late August. He only hit one home run in those 102 at-bats, but he showed a more mature approach at the plate by actually taking a walk every once in a while. He experienced his best minor league effort prior to the recall, slashing .296/.364/.491 with 20 home runs in 452 at-bats. That power should develop as Viciedo ages, and his prospects for major league success should increase if the plate discipline remains. Following the White Sox's decision to trade Quentin to San Diego, Viciedo heads into the season as the team's everyday right fielder.

2011

The kid can hit, but he can't walk. Viciedo received 106 major plate appearances in 2010 - he had an extra-base hit in 13 of those and walked just twice. He also had 20 home runs in 363 plate appearances for Triple-A Charlotte, which is where he could start the 2011 season with Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn now in the fold. Viciedo should be up with the big club again at some point this season, but he will need an injury to one of the White Sox's corner infielders to see any playing time.

2010

Viciedo, the White Sox’s newest Cuban project, was supposed to challenge Josh Fields for the team’s starting third-base job in spring training. He didn’t. A power prodigy, Viciedo was supposed to slug his way up the minor league system. He stayed at Double-A Birmingham for the entire summer and only hit 12 home runs and 20 doubles in 540 plate appearances. Some in Chicago say Brent Morel now sits higher on the team’s organizational depth chart at third base. Of course, Viciedo probably would have moved to first base anyway before hitting the majors. The ETA depends on how quickly the power comes, and he probably needs at least a full season at Triple-A.

2009

Viciedo, a 19-year old Cuban defector, signed a four-year deal with the White Sox in December. He's expected to compete for the third base job with Wilson Betemit and Josh Fields. Viciedo first burst upon the Cuban professional baseball scene as a 15-year old, but he's had very little experience in international play, and after hitting for high average early on, regressed in his last couple of years. There are concerns about his weight (he showed up to his first MLB workout at 262 lbs.) and ability to stick at third base. While the age-to-level numbers look good, be careful not to compare his immediate potential to that of Alexei Ramirez. Viciedo still needs more polish, and chances are he'll spend much of 2009 in the minors.