Coming into spring training this year there has been the major question of who would be replacing the departed Joe Crede at the hot corner.
Initially, it appeared to be Josh Fields due to his performance in ’07 while Crede was out with back trouble. In ’08 Fields spent most of his time with AAA Charlotte hitting .246. His hitting is good enough to make the line-up but his fielding needs some work.
Then during the offseason the White Sox went and signed 19-year old Cuban superstar Dayan Viciedo to a four-year deal. Viciedo has shown that his hitting is solid. Like Fields, he also shown room for improvement in his fielding. So, it makes for an interesting story to follow.
Who will be the opening day starter at third base? The unknown Cuban phenom or the guy who has already proven that he can produce if put in the lineup?
So far, the early-early Spring returns have been positive for both. Dayan Viciedo has impressed many people already this spring including manager Ozzie Guillen. In his first six spring ABs Viciedo has 3 hits, including a home run that probably looked a little something like this:
And if you can speak/understand Spanish, here is a little more Dayan Viciedo video for you:
For his part, Fields has done well in his limited Spring action so far. He is 1-2 with a run.
Obviously even full Spring Training stats don’t paint a complete picture or completely predict how players will do in the regular season, but for these two guys their Spring performance will go a long way towards deciding who is in the starting lineup at 3rd base once the season opens in April.
So, it begs the question what part of their game will be the deciding factor for Ozzie? Will the one not chosen spend time down in AAA Charlotte only to improve their game and come back up to claim third base?
I am excited at the chance to watch the battle within the game that will be occurring at third base. We’ll be tracking the 3B duel all Spring here at Midwest Sports Fans.
Other White Sox links for you on a cold Saturday in Texas, but a beautiful one in Arizona:
White Sox power way past D-Backs — (Chisox.com)
White Sox youngesters have Major League attitude, skills — (South Side Sox)
Aaron Poreda retires six in a row — (Tribune)
Viciedo hits ground hitting — (Sox Machine)
First impressions: Rookie Viciedo will be worth it — (Sun-Times)
Photo credit: Morry Gash, AP
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Bill K is a big White Sox and Colts fan living in Fort Worth, Texas who also maintains his own personal blog: Average Guy Sports.
