Courtesy of Scott Merkin.
In news that shouldn't surprise anyone:
According to [Buddy] Bell, there was a bit of a discrepancy in [Juan] Silverio's papers over his age, so he ended up spending last year with the White Sox Dominican team. But Silverio was back for a great instructional league showing this past fall and might have physically outgrown the shortstop position.
The speculation about it was obvious based upon his return to the Dominican in 2009 after spending 2008 with Rookie League Bristol as numerous players were unable to get visas due to improper documents. However, this is the first time it has been confirmed. Since he was in the US for instructional league, it appears that the issue has been resolved and he'll be back in the US minor leagues next season, likely Kannapolis.
More unsuprising news:
Look for Viciedo to play both third base and first base this season, probably starting the year for Triple-A Charlotte. Bell said the present reports out of Miami from bench coach Joey Cora and Minor League pitching coach Jose Bautista have been solid concerning Viciedo's ongoing conditioning work and that Viciedo could contribute offensively at the big league level in 2010.
Viciedo rather obviously could not handle third so the move to first was inevitable.
The luminaries will be out in Arizona this weekend:
Champion and Bell will join pitching coach Don Cooper, bullpen coach Juan Nieves and another highly respected White Sox Minor League pitching coach in Curt Hasler during this weekend's voluntary White Sox pitching minicamp at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. Young pitchers such as Daniel Hudson and Lucas Harrell will be joined by infielder-turned-reliever Sergio Santos, among others, along with appearances by Peavy, Matt Thornton and J.J. Putz in this optional skull session.
And for winningugly:
Due to Mitchell's reduced baseball experience as a two-sport athlete at LSU, Bell said the White Sox "will be slower with him then we would be with most No. 1 picks."