Chicago White Sox: A Fab 4 of Young Keepers for Next Season

The Chicago White Sox are hanging around the fringe of the AL Central division picture as the season enters its final month. The veteran-heavy club can thank their injection of youth for that.

Recent call-ups have played a role in helping Chicago weather several injuries in the last month. New faces have come up with big games during the White Sox's current five-game winning steak.

Whether the White Sox are able to sneak past Detroit in the standings or not, there may be a place on the ballclub for several of these youngsters in the face of whatever payroll reduction can be made.

Here are five players who may be winning bigger roles on next year's club.

Alejandro De Aza

De Aza is bordering on the "young prospect" tab, being 27 and on his third major league organization. Nevertheless, he nearly earned a spot on the team in the spring and has hit for a .320 average since being called up on July 27th.

De Aza brings another left-handed bat to the lineup and drove in four runs in Chicago's 8-6 come-from-behind win on Wednesday. He's hit .300 or better in 46 games with the White Sox over the last two seasons. That's a mark he's also attained in Charlotte in both 2010 and 2011.

Juan Pierre is in the last year of his contract and Chicago is looking to shed payroll. This could result in De Aza getting a shot at Pierre's spot in left and at the top of the order in 2012.

Tyler Flowers

After being brought up from Charlotte to replace Ramon Castro on the roster, Flowers has done a more that credible job filling in for A.J. Pierzynski over the last two weeks.

Castro was re-signed last winter because the club doubted Flowers' ability to fill the spot behind Pierzynski. Since taking over as the starter on August 13th, Flowers has hit at a .298 clip and driven in nine runs.

With Pierzynski currently preparing to rejoin the team, it will be interesting to see how Flowers' bat is used next month. It will also be worth noting how he adjusts back to the possibility of a start a week behind the plate.

From there it will be up to the White Sox to decide if he's better off playing every day in Charlotte next season or serving as Pierzynski's apprentice.

Dayan Viciedo

The subject of season-long hype, Viciedo has provided an offensive jolt so far.

In just three games with Chicago since his call up, Viciedo has five hits and four RBI. He's also shown decent speed for a slugger, swiping a base on Tuesday in Chicago's 3-0 win.

Just remember that he's not up here to run—he's up here to hit.

If Quentin is able to return to the lineup, Viciedo may see lots of at-bats in the DH spot in September. Come spring, that spot in right field may be the property of the Cuban Tank.

Zach Stewart

Stewart has made four starts for Chicago since coming over from Toronto on July 27th. The first two were solid appearances. The last two saw the 24-year-old struggle. Wednesday's no-decision wasn't pretty, as he gave up six earned runs and didn't survive the fifth inning.

It's safe to say that Phil Humber, who is rehabbing in Charlotte, will be put back in the rotation. Stewart will then be working mop-up duty, barring another injury to a starter.

Stewart was acquired with an eye to the future. Depending on how he performs over the last few weeks, Stewart may be in the mix for the bottom of the rotation or long relief in 2012.