White Sox sign Gordon Beckham; designate Dayan Viciedo for assignment

In a move that had been hoped for by SoxFest attendees, the White Sox have signed Gordon Beckham to a one-year, $2 million deal.  To make room for Beckham on the 40-man roster, the White Sox have designated outfielder Dayan Viciedo for assignment.

During sessions this past weekend, Rick Hahn did mention that they were still looking to add a right-handed utility infielder.  Based on today's comments from Rick Hahn, Beckham does seem to be destined for a utility role.

Adding Gordon improves the depth and flexibility of our roster," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. "We are thrilled to have him back. Like Emilio Bonifacio, Gordon brings the ability to play solid defense at multiple positions or play on an everyday basis should the need arise. This also gives Robin the ability to play matchups more effectively when setting the lineup.

This also ends a particularly puzzling offseason with Dayan Viciedo.  The Sox could have cut ties with him in December by simply non-tendering him, but instead they offered him arbitration.  He was then the first of the arbitration eligible players signed.  The only question now is how much of that $4.4 million contract that Viciedo signed is guaranteed.

Update: The Sox will be on the hook for one-sixth of the contract or about $733,000.