South Side Sox, a Chicago White Sox community

Aroldis Chapman, the 21 year old Cuban pitcher you may remember from the WBC -- he's the one who was hitting triple digits -- has reportedly defected in the Netherlands, and is now in the wind.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Prior to today's spring training game vs. the Los Angeles Angels, the Chicago White Sox made the following 12 13 roster moves: Optioned C Cole Armstrong, RHP Jon Link and 3B Dayan Viciedo to Class AAA Charlotte; Optioned INF Brandon Allen, RHP Jhonny Nunez and RHP Clevelan Santeliz to Class AA Birmingham; RHP Ryan Braun, INF Javier Castillo, C Tyler Flowers, RHP Franklyn German, OF Michael Restovich and RHP John Van Benschoten were reassigned to minor-league camp. With the moves, the White Sox have 41 40 players remaining in camp: 20 19 pitchers, four catchers, 11 infielders and six outfielders. [edit: Kelvin Jimenez was added to the cuts and optioned to AAA]

Facing his first batter since August 9, Jose Contreras needed just three pitches to strike out Chris Woodward looking. Yuniesky Betancourt worked the count full before being out-prided by Jose and flying out deep to center. Ken Griffey then took Jose to a full count before striking out looking. In his second inning of work, he gave up a leadoff single to Adrian Beltre and then fanned two swinging before getting Prentice Redman to ground out. He threw 44 pitches, 26 for strikes, and his velocity was up to 90-93.

[Alexei] Ramirez has taken Viciedo under his wing in the Miami area by working out with him and showing him how to acclimate to a new country and language in the manner similar to that of Sox pitcher and fellow Cuban Jose Contreras. According to those who have seen him lately, the forecast is encouraging. "He's very good," Ramirez said. "He's very strong." [...] "He has more hitting ability than Alexei," the AL scout said. "But he has to make adjustments. I see some ways to get him out. Alexei is a great athlete who is very smart and can adjust. The Sox were right on with Alexei, but I want to see if Viciedo can do more than hit over an extended period."

The trades of Nick Swisher and Javier Vazquez reaped another benefit in Chicago on Friday, as the White Sox officially announced the signing of free agent third baseman Dayan Viciedo. Viciedo will receive a $4 million signing bonus and earn $1 million in 2009, $1.25 million in 2010 and 2011 and $2.5 million in 2012.