Chicago White Sox: Bold Changes Ozzie Guillen Could Make to September's Lineup

The Chicago White Sox enter the month of September six games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. As was the case as they began the previous month, the club is dangling on the fringe of the division race.

Whether you believe the White Sox are out of it or if you think they could still force their way to relevance with a sweep in Detroit this weekend, it's time to make some bold moves.

With Phil Humber and A.J. Pierzynski preparing to rejoin the team and rosters expanding, manager Ozzie Guillen has some options in the home stretch.

For instance, here's the lineup he could roll out Friday night:

Juan Pierre, LF

Alexei Ramirez, SS

Paul Konerko, 1B

A.J. Pierzynski, C

Dayan Viciedo, RF

Alejandro De Aza, CF

Brent Lillibridge, 2B

Tyler Flowers, DH

Brent Morel, 3B

Now, let's analyze some of these bold moves.

Bring Back the DH-by-Committee, Minus Adam Dunn

Obviously this hinges on Paul Konerko's ability to play first base.

With Pierzynski returning from the DL, Guillen implied that he might mix Flowers into the catching mix with more regularity.

This would come at the expense of a guy that was hitting very well, which was the case when Pierzynski left the lineup. Why Guillen would continue to give Alex Rios starts in the cleanup spot while reducing Pierzynski's playing time makes no sense whatsoever.

Flowers has produced at the plate as well, so give him most of the starts in the DH slot. If Guillen occasionally wants a left-handed bat, De Aza can hit there and Rios can play center and bat toward the bottom of the order.

In fact, I'd have no problem of a mix of guys like Flowers, De Aza, Viciedo, or even Carlos Quentin if he is ever ready to play. Just keep Dunn out of that mix.

Give Lillibridge Some Time at Second Base

Another guy I wouldn't mind seeing take an occasional seat is Gordon Beckham.

Lillibridge is an infielder by trade and has made appearances at second over the last two seasons prior to 2011. A few more this month in place of the struggling Beckham wouldn't sabotage the defense despite Beckham's solid glove work.

For the month of August, Lillibridge hit .265 with six homers and 14 RBI (23 games).

Beckham's August and July numbers: .229, two homers, 12 RBI (50 games).

Take a chance, Ozzie. Give Lillibridge some starts at second and get some more offense in the lineup. If Lillibridge continues to swing a hot bat, sit Morel once or twice.

Don't Limit De Aza's Playing Time at the Expense of Rios

An outfield of Pierre, De Aza, and Viciedo gives the White Sox some live bats.

If Guillen wants to use Rios as a defensive presence in center, fine. Just keep De Aza's hot bat in the lineup in right (DH Viciedo), or at DH.

De Aza has outperformed Rios and should not have to sit while Rios creates a doughnut hole in the middle of the lineup.

Rios in 25 August games: .245, two homers, nine RBI, 2 steals.

De Aza in 25 August games: .353, two homers, 12 RBI, 5 steals.

Consider a Four-Man Rotation

If Guillen can go against the grain and use six pitchers for most of the season, why not go the other way and cut it down to four in the final weeks?

Guillen got two lousy starts from Zach Stewart and Jake Peavy in the last two days. Assuming Humber is ready to start soon and having an expanded pitching staff for some spot starts, it could be an option if the Sox pick up ground on the Tigers this weekend.

I wouldn't do this if Detroit widens the gap much further, nor would I take Chris Sale out of the bullpen for a spot start. Sale may have a future as a starter, but that time isn't now.

Conclusion: Play the Performers

Rios and Dunn have had the bulk of the season to earn their money. There are players that are outperforming them. The hopes of a playoff appearance are brief, but with a hot September, anything is possible.

Head scratching moves like pinch-hiting Dunn in place of Lillibridge, who has out-homered Dunn in half the plate appearances, need to stop. Play the players who are getting the job done now. Worry about hurt feelings and wasted millions in salary in the offseason.