Company man

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO -- Dayan Viciedo is looking to his native Cuba to find some help for the Chicago White Sox.

The 22-year-old Viciedo said Tuesday he has talked to fellow Cuban outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler to offer them advice as they try to get major league contracts.

"This is about me reaching out to my fellow Cubans and really wishing the best of them," Viciedo said through an interpreter. "I told them how great the organization is and how much of a great fit it would be if they would come over and join us."

Cespedes said Friday the White Sox are among six major league teams which have expressed interest in him once he becomes a free agent. The Miami Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs are the other teams.

Viciedo hit .296 with 20 homers and 78 RBI in 119 games at triple-A Charlotte last season before being called up in August to replace the injured Carlos Quentin. Quentin was traded to the San Diego Padres on Dec. 31, making Viciedo the favourite to start in right field this year.

Viciedo hit a three-run homer in his second at-bat of the year on Aug. 28, but didn't homer again in 113 plate appearances. He finished with a .255 average and six RBIs.