FanPost

KenWo's Corner - Dayan Viciedo

Last week we took a look at Chris Sale and what his role in 2011 should be. This week, the spotlight is on Dayan Viciedo. He is one of our top offensive prospects and can be used in several different ways in the upcoming season. Let's face it, the emergence of Brent Morel along with the signing of Adam Dunn and the re-signing of Paul Konerko has made this offseason hard out there for The Pimp.

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via image3.examiner.com

Viciedo went from being the third baseman of the future to falling behind Brent Morel on the depth chart. He did play there a bit in 2010 and, while he does have a nice arm, proved he doesn't have the quickness and instinct to play third base on a permanent basis, at least not yet. He was switched over to first base upon his return to the minors and was looked about as the probable first baseman when and if Paul Konerko bolted. Konerko stayed and Dunn was brought in, which not only left the Pimp without a corner but also meant no DH'ing.

At the plate, however, Viciedo proved two things. First, he can absolutely sting the baseball. When Viciedo makes contact, it almost seems different coming off the bat than when anyone else does. He has pure power that doesn't come around every day. Secondly, he doesn't see a pitch he doesn't like. Viciedo will swing hard at most anything. A lot of people view it as a weakness, but I am old school and like the approach. I am not a fan of taking away a players aggressiveness.

So what should the Sox do with him? There are plenty of options. Should he take on the job of bench player? Should he be returned to the minor leagues as a third baseman? Should he be traded for relief help? All of these are plausible options. The Sox could use a power hitter off the bench, they could use 2011 as an opportunity to improve his defense at one of the corners or they could dangle him out there for a reliever.

If I was in charge, I would let him compete with Morel for the third base job this year. Assuming he is beaten out, I would immediately let him bat 4th and play left field for Charlotte. If he can be somewhat capable in left field, with his stick, he could start 2012 in the middle of the Sox order. This is his quickest ticket to the big leagues with the White Sox. You don't have to be a defensive wizard to play left. Carlos Quentin wasn't viewed as drastically terrible when he played left as he is now in right. Carlos Lee made the switch from 3rd base to LF back in '99 and has been there ever since. No, he won't win any gold gloves, but I think you have to get that bat into the middle of the order as quickly as possible. He has the potential to be a special hitter.

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