In a surprise to no one, Dayan Vicedo, known around these parts as the Cuban Sandwich, was reassigned to minor league camp yesterday.  Vicedo will now play in Triple A in an effort to learn first base and get in better shape.  Although he's listed as 5' 11" and 240 pounds, he appears bigger.  He also has a long swing which leads to a lot of strikeouts.

The big boy was only hitting .182 in 22 at bats with seven strikeouts, no home runs and no walks.  To say he's a bit of a project is an understatement.  I'm sure Paul Konerko doesn't feel the Sandwich's hot breath on the back of his neck just yet.  I'm thinking if the kid does surface in a Sox uniform, it will be 2012, not this year or next year.  He'd have to own Triple A this year to even get a call up in September.  And those numbers would have to be spectacular to think that he would be ready for the big leagues next season.

The Sox would have a couple of options at first base in 2011 if they part ways with Paulie after this year.  They could resign A.J. Pierzynski and have Tyler Flowers play first.  They could resign Mark Kotsay, although the numbers he would generate would not be first base numbers or they could trade for Adrian Gonzalez.  They could also sign a free agent, but outside of Albert Pujols, the list is pretty slim. In fact, Konerko is one of the more attractive names on the list.

I wonder if the Sox ever considered moving Carlos Quentin to first base?  He fits the profile and it would be less wear and tear on him?

Right-handed pitcher Jeff Marquez and outfielder Stefan Gartrell also were optioned to Charlotte, while right-hander Daniel Cabrera and outfielder Jason Botts were released.  Marquez, part of the Nick Swisher trade has been a disappointment, mostly due to nagging injuries.  That 6.14 ERA eliminated him from the competition for the open bullpen slot.  Cabrera has a ton of talent, but couldn't hit the plate if the he was standing on it.  The Sox completely gave up on him, showing him the door.  If Dr. Don can't fix you, no one can. Botts, once a promising Texas Ranger prospect, was probably let go to sign with some other organization. 

The White Sox have 39 players remaining in Major League camp: 18 pitchers, four catchers, 10 infielders and seven outfielders. This is where you see who the Sox are really interested in looking at.  Infielders Brett Morel and C.J. Retherford remain in the big league camp.  The most impressive player so far seems to be outfielder Alejandro De Aza who is hitting at a .394 clip with a couple of stolen bases and a couple of steals.  He has a chance to make it as a fifth outfielder behind Quentin, Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones and Alex Rios.  Mark Kotsay is a utility guy, so I don't count him as an outfielder.

If  De Aza does make the club, the Sox will be out of slots for non-pitchers.  This would mean both Jayson Nix and Brett Lillibridge won't make the squad and Omar Vizquel would be your primary infield backup for third, short and first. 

As far as the final pitching slot is concerned, Sergio Santos has been really impressive in his five appearances.  The only question is if he gets the last slot, which would normally be reserved for a long or mop up guy, can he pitch more than an inning.  The Sox may want both Daniel Hudson and Carlos Torres to start the season in Charlotte and be on standby should one of the starters get injured. I also believe I read somewhere that Santos is out of options, so if the Sox wanted to send him down, he'd have to clear waivers.  With all the teams looking for relief pitchers (you know who you are Chicago Cubs) that probably wouldn't be a good move.  If that's the case, I'll hand it to Santos right now, which probably puts Scott Linebrink into the position of pitcher most likely to come in during a blow out.  That's a good role for him anyway.

Eighteen days until opening day and to the bubble players, this will be the most critical two weeks, perhaps of their careers.