Sox sign 19-year-old from Cuba
In 2005, Jose Contreras and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez helped the White Sox win their first World Series in 88 years.
In 2008, Alexei Ramirez helped the Sox finish first in the American League Central Division while finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting.
The White Sox have fared quite well with players who started their careers in Cuba, and they are hoping Dayan Viciedo continues the trend.
On Friday, the 19-year-old Viciedo agreed to a four-year, $10 million contract with the Sox.
Hernandez is no longer with the White Sox, but Contreras and Ramirez both urged Viciedo to sign with the South Siders.
"They were very influential," Viciedo said through a translator. "They spoke of me and how they could help me and how I could help them. I saw (the Sox) as the best opportunity to play in the major leagues."
Viciedo received a $4 million signing bonus. He'll also make $1 million in 2009, $1.25 million in 2010-11 and $2.5 million in 2012.
If he hits like he did in Cuba, the Sox are going to be thrilled with the deal.
Despite his young age, Viciedo played three seasons with Villa Clara in the Cuban League, batting .296 with 32 home runs and 123 RBI in 233 games.
While he likely needs to spend some time in the White Sox' minor-league system due to his young age, Viciedo isn't ruling out making a straight jump to the majors like Ramirez did last spring.
"I feel the opportunity is there; it basically falls into my hands," Viciedo said. "I need to earn a spot and I'm going to do everything within my means to do that in spring training if they give me an opportunity."
Unlike Ramirez, who is ultra-thin, Viciedo is carrying 246 pounds on his 6-foot-1 frame. The Cuban legend wants to be at 230 when the Sox open training camp at their new spring home in Glendale, Ariz.
"I have some work to do before spring training," Viciedo said. "Next week, I'm going to start a specific program to get into shape. I look forward to the hard work and I don't have any doubt that I can get there."
Like Ramirez, Viciedo is a versatile defensive player. He's played the outfield and shortstop but prefers third base. Joe Crede and Juan Uribe both departed via free agency, but Josh Fields has emerged as the starter at third heading into camp.
"My best position is third base," Viciedo said. "It's the position I've always played and where I'm most comfortable. Hopefully, that's where I can play in the future. But playing the outfield or wherever they need me, no problem. I'm here to help the team."
Signing day: In addition to Viciedo, the White Sox agreed to one-year contracts with infielder Wilson Betemit ($1.3 million) and outfielder Dewayne Wise ($550,000) on Friday, avoiding salary arbitration with both players.
Acquired from the Yankees in the Nov. 13 Nick Swisher trade, Betemit batted .274 with 6 home runs and 25 RBI in 87 games for New York last season.
Wise batted .248 with 6 home runs and 18 RBI in 57 games with the Sox.
Closer Bobby Jenks is the only White Sox player eligible for arbitration.