Where is Dayan Viciedo? Why isn't he here?

The clamor from Chicago White Sox fans concerning their prized prospect grows louder the more Chicago continues to struggle, drifting along with a losing record in the AL Central.

It didn't hurt Viciedo's reputation when he hit .308 for the Sox in 104 at-bats in 2010.

"For me, having the opportunity is most important," said Viciedo through an interpreter prior to Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star Game at Spring Mobile Ballpark. "I'm excited for the opportunity to play baseball."

So far, though, despite Viciedo's 62 home runs and .325 batting average for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, Chicago general manager Ken Williams prefers the status quo.

As he told the Chicago Tribune: "I admire the focus, hard work and the thought that [Viciedo] knows he's put himself in a position to where he's ready and going to be a major contributor, but also in keeping his focus at the job at hand and keeping his head and [rear] in Charlotte versus having his head in Chicago. And that's not easy to do all the time. … But right now, we're going to hold tight."

Considering Viciedo's background, patience may come a little easier for the 22-year-old slugging outfielder.

On May 20, 2008, Viciedo and his family boarded a boat and defected from Cuba, braving the threat of prison to leave their homeland.

Once in Mexico, he crossed the border and eventually found his way to Miami, where relatives were waiting.

"It was a tough time," Viciedo said. "I was lucky enough to have my family with me. But I had to make a really hard decision."

So far, that decision has proved beneficial. Not only does he have the support of his mother and father, but Viciedo will soon become a father.

"I've been happy," he said. "The [cultural] adjustment wasn't the best. But baseball is baseball."

Declared a free agent by Major League Baseball, the muscular 5-foot-10, 230-pounder eventually signed a four-year, $10 million contract with the White Sox.

Viciedo's improvement during three seasons in Double-A and Triple-A has been remarkable.

"It's been tremendous," said Charlotte coach Rich Dotson. "Compared to his first year in Triple-A, he's covered all of his weaknesses. He hits the ball to all fields. I'm impressed with his balance at the plate."

Viciedo was tabbed as a star at age 15, when he first played in Cuba's National Series. By age 16, he was selected to Cuba's provisional 60-player roster for the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

"People are yelling for him to come to Chicago," Dotson said.

martyr@sltrib.comTwitter: @tribmarty —

Projected starters

International League

Jason Kipnis Columbus 2B

Brandon Guyer Durham OF

Jeremy Hermida Louisville OF

Dayan Viciedo Charlotte OF

Devin Mesoraco Louisville C

Matt Hague Indy 1B

Stefan Gartrell Gwinnett DH

Russ Canzler Durham SS

Ray Olmedo Durham 3B

Zach McAllister Columbus SP

Pacific Coast League

Collin Cowgill Reno OF

Johnny Giavotella Omaha 2B

Bryan Lahair Iowa 1B

Cody Ransom Reno SS

Clint Robinson Omaha DH

Andrew Brown Memphis OF

Jeff Baisley Salt Lake 3B

Tra. Robinson Albuq. OF

Anthony Reckler Sacramento C Dayan Viciedo began playing professional baseball in Cuba at 15.

Viciedo and his family boarded a boat and defected from Cuba in 2008.

Viciedo's 62 runs batted in lead the International League roster.