Some question Viciedo's approach at the plate (or lack thereof), while others choose to focus on his defensive shortcomings in a corner outfield spot. The bottom line is that the 22-year old hits the ball on the screws consistently, plain and simple. He's batting .307 in AAA with 24 doubles, 16 homers and 65 RBI. His BB:K rate of 31:70 might not appear significant, but it's a huge step forward from 11:78 last season and 23:89 in 2009. Viciedo proved he could square up major league pitching last year, posting a .305/5/13 split in 104 at bats. However, heavy emphasis was placed on his 2:25 BB:K ratio and staggering 15% swinging strike clip, rather than his 19% line drives, wicked bat speed and vicious all-fields pop. 

White Sox fans have been crying out for a Viciedo promotion since June, but with Carlos Quentin staying put at the deadline that appears unlikely prior to September roster expansion. Right or wrong, team brass is riding it out with high-priced busts Alex Rios and Adam Dunn until the train officially comes off the tracks. The two-time Futures Game participant has been out since July 23rd with a right thumb injury, calming the "Viciedo Watch" for the time being. As has been the case for most of 2011, continue to monitor this tension-filled situation. His bat could be mighty useful in the final month. Additionally, he's shed much needed weight (was a stocky 230) that should better his cause on both sides of the diamond. 

The former third overall selection in the 2007 draft has been disappointing in the face of enormous expectations. While the soon to be 22-year old has shown statistical improvement in his fifth minor league season, very real concerns remain at the forefront of his resume. Vitters is batting .278 with 11 HR and 51 RBI in the AA Southern League, numbers that are a welcome sight following his .223/7/26 2010 in 206 plate appearances. However, his walk total of 13 and .314 OBP are borderline unacceptable, especially given his uninspiring power production (.442 SLG%). 

Few, if any, baseball people doubt his pure swing or contact skills (38 K), but he'll never tap into his average or power potential with the absence of plate discipline. Vitters has shown himself to be a clutch stick, hitting .327 with runners in scoring position. He has struck out just six times in 98 RISP at bats. It will be intriguing to see if the 6'2 200-pounder gets a look in September, as it appears the Cubs are uncertain what exactly they have in Vitters. A step up in class could help clarify the picture. *Aramis Ramirez has a $16 million club option for 2012 at the hot corner. 

The late blooming Van Slyke has finally "seen the light" in his seventh MiLB campaign. The 25-year old son of former major league OF Andy Van Slyke, Scott is absolutely torching the AA Southern League: .323, 35 doubles, 13 HR, 69 RBI, .413 OBP and .553 SLG%. He's maintained a .300+ average in every calendar month, and is batting .355 with runners in scoring position. To make matters more extraordinary, he hit .235 with four homers and 29 RBI at the same level last season (217 AB). In fact, 2011 has been his first productive statistical season above A ball. 

Van Slyke put the hard yards into shortening his swing, which has allowed him to let the ball travel deeper into the zone (56 BB) and utilize his athletic 6’5 frame to supply much of the power. His decision to skip college baseball back in ’05 may have hindered the development process, but Van Slyke has found his way. An afterthought entering this season, he’s certainly opened organizational eyes with his MVP-caliber 2011 and earned himself a long look in the spring.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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