Will Viciedo go to left field for Sox?
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dayan Viciedo has been a man on the move the past few seasons.
Third base, first base, designated hitter. Last year, Viciedo switched to right field. As the White Sox prepare for their first full-squad workout of spring training Tuesday, Viciedo appears to be headed for left field.
“He could,” manager Robin Ventura said of the move. “He has the ability to play both in my mind. And whatever’s best for us that we see fit, he could be in left. I wouldn’t put that out of the possibilities.”
By moving Viciedo to left field, Alex Rios could switch from center field to right and Alejandro De Aza from left field to center. Rios struggled in center field last season, often taking bad routes to flyballs. De Aza has better range and would be a defensive upgrade. Rios played right field in Toronto when Vernon Wells was manning center, but he’s played only one game in left and wasn’t thrilled about the possible move when it came up on Saturday.
“Alex, in the past, has played right field,” Ventura said. “He had his best years in right field. There’s comfort in that and knowing he can do it. You put all those things together and see what’s best for us instead of one person.”
Viciedo did not balk when asked about possibly changing positions again.
“I’ve played in outfield before so playing in the outfield now is something I’m comfortable with,” Viciedo said through an interpreter. “I can play anywhere. Wherever they want to play, I’ll play.”
Setting the tone:Before Tuesday#146;s first full-squad workout, new manager Robin Ventura is going to address the White Sox and set the tone for spring training and the upcoming season.#147;I#146;ve got most of the points there,#148; Ventura said. #147;It#146;s one of those you kind of go over it, but it#146;s pretty streamlined right now. I#146;ve had a lot of time to go over different stuff. It won#146;t be a very long one. It won#146;t be a good 45 minutes, but it will be long enough.#148;Molina#146;s motivated:After acquiring pitching prospect Nestor Molina from the Blue Jays in a trade for Sergio Santos, general manager Kenny Williams said he expects the right-hander to be in the Sox#146; rotation at some point this season. Molina, a combined 12-3 with a 2.21 ERA last year at Class A Dunedin and AA New Hampshire, wants to be on the 25-man roster coming out of spring training.#147;I would definitely be disappointed if I didn#146;t make the team because I came in here with the mindset that I#146;m going to be on the roster,#148; Molina said through an interpreter. #147;But if I don#146;t make it, I#146;ll work my butt off in the minor leagues and I know there will be an opportunity sometime during the season where I#146;ll be able to move back up.#148;