White Sox: Potential players who could play left field in ’15
Aug 31, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Dayan Viciedo hits a single against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox have put together a solid roster for the most part the past couple years, but there is still the left field situation that needs to be addressed before the start of the 2015 season.
What player should the revamped White Sox pursue if they decide to part ways with current left fielder Dayan Viciedo?
Here are some of the names to talk about that could fill the position, including Viciedo.
Dayan Viciedo: While Viciedo is the incumbent, it is likely that he will be dealt. General Manager Rick Hahn has said that the Sox want to become more athletic, something that Viciedo is not. The return for Viciedo is hard to gauge at this time, however, young pitching is likely.
Last season, Viciedo batted .231 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs. He also scored 65 runs.
Colby Rasmus: Rasmus is solid defensively, and is more athletic than Viciedo. However, he hits for a low average (.225 in ’14) and struggles with strike zone discipline (124 strikeouts in ’14). Rasmus might be an upgrade for the Sox, but the big concern would be the length and dollars of the contract.
Rasmus finished with 18 home runs last season and 40 RBIs in ’14.
Sep 24, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (31) fouls out during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Baltimore Orioles won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Ichiro Suzuki: While Ichiro is 41 years old, he can still be a productive player. The big draw to bringing in Ichiro as a free agent would be that he would not cost very much. In ’14 Ichiro batted .284 with one home run and 22 RBIs.
He is still a solid defender, fast and is good at making contact. Declining skills would be the concern with him.
Corey Dickerson: This is a long shot, and it would be difficult for the Sox to acquire him. Dickerson has all-star potential, and could be a legit .320-plus hitter in his prime. Due to the fact that he is young, and is cheap financially, it would cost a lot to bring him over via trade.
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Considering to the fact that the Sox don’t have an overall strong farm system, this trade will be difficult to make. In ’14, Dickerson batted .312 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. The outfielder also scored 74 runs for the Colorado Rockies.
In my opinion, Viciedo will not be the left fielder on Opening Day. Who will be the left fielder, that is tough to say, mostly due to the unpredictability of the remainder of this offseason.
With the Sox having limited funds remaining, they may not be able be able to sign or trade for a big name player for the rest of the offseason. If they get creative it is possible for them to acquire a solid left fielder that can contribute this upcoming season.