Garcia might be answer for White Sox if Viciedo goes
There were quite a few major-league scouts at U.S. Cellular Field on Saturday night, and one of their targets was obvious.
White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo has the type of power bat that is very popular at the July 31 trade deadline, and teams such as Seattle, San Francisco and Boston are rumored to be interested.
As for finding a replacement should Viciedo indeed be moved, how about Avisail Garcia?
A core piece for the Sox heading into the season, Garcia lasted just eight games before seriously injuring his left shoulder diving for a sinking line drive and being ruled out until 2015.
Garcia has recovered much faster than expected, and now the 23-year-old right fielder is talking about going on a minor-league rehab assignment.
"I feel great because they said the first time I got hurt, they said that I'm not going to play for this year," Garcia said. "It's a big step to play again. I've been working hard. Now I'm going to prepare to play."
The final hurdle for Garcia has been swinging a bat, and he says he has cleared the challenge.
"I've been swinging with just one hand and I feel great," he said. "I don't feel anything. Just a little bit tight. The doctor checked me out (Friday) and everything is going good."
Manager Robin Ventura isn't ready to announce any return date, but he is happy Garcia has come back so fast.
"Just watching him out here, he looks pretty good," Ventura said. "When you see him do things, you get excited about it. But you know, you don't want to push it to a point where he's getting out ahead of himself, and I know it looks like he's doing pretty good.
"You get the information from the doctors and trainers and you know if that's the wise thing to do. Eventually he's going to be there. When that is, I don't know."
Power ball:
Class AAA Charlotte entered Saturday's play with 123 home runs, the most for any team at any level of professional baseball, including the major leagues.
First baseman Andy Wilkins leads the Knights and the International League with 19 homers, and third baseman Matt Davidson is second with 18.
Catcher Josh Phegley (14) and outfielders Jordan Danks (13) and Blake Tekotte (11) also have double-digit home run totals.
No deal:
A baseball source shot down a rumor that the White Sox are among the teams interested in signing Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who is holding a showcase Saturday at the University of Miami.
A center fielder with speed and leadoff potential, Castillo's game is similar to Adam Eaton, who is a fixture in the White Sox' lineup.