Cuban third baseman Dayan Viciedo has tentatively agreed to a deal with the Chicago White Sox that would quickly bring to an end negotations for the free agent’s services. Viciedo will fly to Chicago for a physical to complete the deal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

At just 19 years old, Viciedo would appear to be years away from the big leagues, but the White Sox will have an open competition for third base job and pave the way for his arrival. Last season’s starter Joe Crede is a free agent unlikely to re-sign with the team, leaving just Josh Fields standing in Viciedo’s way. Read more »

Chase Utley would never admit it, but his ailing hip, the one requiring surgery this offseason, bothered him at times during the 2008 season. He’s having surgery in New York next week, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which is a class good news-bad news situation for Phillies fans.

The bad news is, Utley will not participate in baseball activities for three months, which leaves his status for Opening Day in serious question. If he is on the tail end of a potential six-month timetable for recovery, Utley may not return to the field until May or June. Read more »