Guillen's doghouse gets first guest: Viciedo

Dayan Viciedo is not doing himself any favors this spring.  He followed up a two-at-bat, two-strikeout performance that looked as ugly as it can get on Saturday by not running out a pop-up in Monday’s “B” game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sitting in the Camelback Ranch stands with assistant general manager Rick Hahn, Williams yelled from his perch about Viciedo’s lack of effort on this particular play. It was a stern suggestion, with no margin for interpretation, regarding this non-grinder type of move. […] “I was more upset than Kenny was. We don’t put up with that stuff here, and we don’t like players playing like that,” said Guillen, speaking on the matter following the White Sox 5-4 loss to the Mariners in the afternoon’s Cactus League contest.

We’ll see what happens, but there’s a precedent. The last time Williams bitched out a player for not running hard down the first base line in a meaningless spring game, he was eventually traded to the New York Yankees for a garbage plate.
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Assorted thoughts:
*Alex Rios, making his debut in the outfield as he gets over a sore shoulder, looked good in his two at-bats, smoking a single to left and crushing a homer just left of center.  He says old video clued him in to how he lost his stance.  Whatever the case may be, he certainly wasn’t pulling off the ball.
*Daniel Cabrera may not throw 98 m.p.h. anymore, and he still may have no idea where it’ s going, but at least he’s extremely slow to the plate.
*Sergio Santos struggled with fastball location as well, but he looked like he had more confidence in his slider.  Watching the reactions he induced with it, you can see why.
*Bill Melton said Mark Kotsay was “well liked” moments before bouncing into a 6-4-3 double play.  I’m thinking of calling him “Biff.”  We need a new nickname now that the Gentleman Masher has moved on.

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onlysoxfaninboston

ironic, i’m sure some of the money saved from dumping swish to the yanks was used for the dayan viciedo transaction

knoxfire30

Its really really really early, but a healthy and productive quentin and rios and a certain closer named Joe Nathan possibly needing Tommy John surgery, and pieces are starting to fall into place.

striker

What does everyone else think of the Twins losing Nathan? Are you glad or are you bummed?
I’m actually bummed. Although the Twins aren’t as good with him out and he has been very successful against us, I prefer beating teams with all of their horses. It’s not the same when they have key players out.

knoxfire30

I could care less, by hook or by crook get in and give yourself a chance. Do the cardinals feel bad about their what 84 regular season win total that lead to a title? Its almost impossible to mow through the playoffs or regular season with out taking advantage of a team or two with key injuries.

Shinons

Besides, knowing the Twins Rauch will probably step in and freaking dominate. Or something weird like that.

stopdrop8

It helps us a lot. But its the twins, they always cycle guys into the bullpen that are lights out. It should hurt them a lot, but i’d be suprised if they’re bullpen ERA was in the lower half of the AL

ricksch

Mixed emotions on that one Striker. While I would never wish for a guy to get hurt, other than maybe Barry Bonds, I won’t miss Nathan if the Sox are down by a run in the ninth. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game they say.
Viciedo is really starting to look like a bust. There seems to be little chance he’ll make the team this year. Which means that IF he makes the club next year, he’ll effectively be making $10 mil for one ML season. Hope he’s worth it. Viciedo sticks it to the Sox by hiring Boras as his agent and must figure with Scott on his team, he no longer has to run out pop-ups. Maybe the best thing would be to ship the fat-ass to the Pads as part of our burnt offering for Adrian Gonzolez.

john

I seem to recall Jim saying something last year about how Viciedo’s contract is actually a 6-year deal because he’ll still be arb-eligible after the intial 4-year deal is up. Could be wrong on that.

stopdrop8

im almost positive thats how it works. alexei only signed a 4 year deal too, but hes under team control for 6

Shinons

Am I alone in thinking the tone against Viciedo is overly negative? I see a lot to like in the guy – he improved each month in Birmingham last year, took more walks, improved his average. And the lazy plays are one thing coming from Swisher, another thing coming from a guy who turns 21 (in Cuban years) tomorrow and has only been in the country for a year. I’m certainly not making excuses for him – dude has some serious work to do in staying in shape, hitting curves, defense, etc., but I don’t think he’s at a bust-riffic level.

striker

I agree that people have been overly negative for Viciedo. I think Ramirez making the quick transition to the majors set high expectations for Viciedo, even though there is quite an age difference. I think he’ll have a solid year this year now that he has adjusted to a new country and new league.

ricksch

Look, I hope the kid pans out. It’s just rather irksome that here he is worried about switching agents instead of starting to look like a ML ballplayer.

815sox

4 million might do that to a person…