Chicago White Sox: 7 Players to Watch in the Remaining Games

Chicago White Sox baseball often plays tricks on the television. Occasionally, the sight is baffling.

On Monday night, Zach Stewart baffled Minnesota Twins hitters, retiring the first 21 batters before Danny Valencia doubled to lead off the bottom of the eighth. Still, Stewart finished with a one-hitter, perhaps the most stunning pitching performance for the White Sox this season.

Stewart gave viewers one more example of the strange case that the White Sox can produce fun games even though they are out of playoff contention.

Stewart is one of eight young White Sox players who have a chance to show their mettle as the season winds down. 

Whether they succeed in these remaining 21 games will help determine if they earn starting jobs in 2012.  Also, their success late in the season helps give Ozzie Guillen some clues pertaining to the general outlook for their career.

Zach Stewart

Stewart put a feather in his White Sox cap with his career-high nine-strikeout one-hitter. He dropped his ERA by 0.92 with the goose egg.  The one-hitter was a big leap after he had allowed 13 earned runs in 13.1 innings in his previous three outings.

Stewart might have brought himself closer to being a member of the 2012 White Sox team. 

However, Stewart will have to establish a mark of reliability before he becomes a clear candidate for the starting rotation next year.  He is receiving a fine opportunity to show himself now.  Thus far, he has pitched 53.1 innings, starting in 8 of his 10 outings.  In the end, he'll have 12 or 13 starts, giving Guillen a nice sample of his work.

Brent Lillibridge

Brent Lillibridge has caused a great deal of excitement.

Lillibridge is the most exciting prospect waiting in the wings for the White Sox.  Lillibridge, who has tremendous potential, has been seen in more games this season than any other White Sox prospect.  He has an .855 on-base plus slugging percentage.  He has hit 13 home runs in 183 at bats, a tremendous display of power that surpasses Adam Dunn in less than half as many at bats.

Since Dunn has been given a seat, Lillibridge has his chance to show that he is more than just a guy to be used as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, and, moreover, that he is a player with the tools to succeed as an everyday outfielder.

Alejandro De Aza

Alejandro De Aza has seen a significant amount of playing time. In the 33 games he has played, De Aza has shown great promise.  De Aza has hit .300 and has an .870 OPS.  He has the speed and pop to be a major producer in the outfield for the White Sox. 

In the position scheme, De Aza would fight with Alex Rios for the center field position.  One might think this is a shoo-in for De Aza, since Rios has a dismal .259 OBP this season, but Guillen might feel compelled to start Rios given his large salary. 

Given the opportunity to display his ability in the remaining games, De Aza may prove to Guillen that he belongs in the starting lineup next season.

Dayan Viciedo

Dayan Viciedo has provided reason for excitement lately.  Viciedo has performed well in his first nine games, hitting .353 with 4 RBI.  Viciedo might not be able to steal the starting job in right field from Carlos Quentin, but he can at least show this month that he belongs with the White Sox at the major league level. 

Viciedo is a valuable hitter, and he could be useful as a pinch hitter if necessary next season.  Viciedo should be one of the most closely watched players this month for the White Sox.

Tyler Flowers

Tyler Flowers has Guillen's eye. 

Flowers had a big August with a .353 OBP.  Flowers filled in well for A.J. Pierzynski after Pierzynski fractured his left wrist.  Guillen came away impressed with Flowers, deciding to give him a role even after Pierzynski returned. 

Flowers will certainly be watched closely by Guillen in the remaining games to see what role he will play next season.  At the very least, he will share time with Pierzynski behind the plate.

Brent Morel

In contrast to other young players who are fighting to gain a foothold for starting jobs with the White Sox, Morel is fighting to hang on to his starting job at third base. 

Morel has struggled this season, hitting .253 with just 25 RBI.  This month, he is fighting hard to stay in the starting lineup for next season.  He has hit .313 with 3 RBI to start the month. 

A strong September might help convince Guillen to start Morel at third base next year.  On the other hand, a poor September by Morel will likely persuade the White Sox to shop for another option.

Addison Reed

Addison Reed is a new face for the White Sox. The White Sox drafted Reed in the third round in the 2010 draft.  Reed has risen quickly through the White Sox farm system.  This year, he has a 1.26 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 78.1 innings in the minor leagues. 

Reed has only seen one game of Major League action thus far, in which he allowed one run in 1.2 innings.  If Reed pitches well this month, Guillen could place him in the bullpen next season.