5 Chicago White Sox Who Have a Lot Riding on the Lame Duck Schedule

The Chicago White Sox are no longer in the hunt in the AL Central, despite manager Ozzie Guillen's insistence that his team will not give up.

When you take three of four games from the Twins and still lose ground to Detroit, the writing is right there on the wall for the players to see. However, being nine games off the pace doesn't mean everyone will sit back and relax in the season's final month.

Several members of the organization have a lot riding on the remainder of the schedule. Here are five White Sox who have something to prove in the last 21 games.

1. Brent Morel

Morel's bat has been a little more potent in the last few games. He had a three-hit, two RBI game in Monday's nightcap against Minnesota. He also seems to be getting a bit more selective at the plate, drawing his 10th walk of the season Wednesday.

He had three walks in the first four months, so that is an improvement for the young third baseman.

Not much was expected of Morel at the plate in 2011.  With the power outage prevalent throughout the lineup, however, it benefits him to finish the season on the upswing in this area.

Third base is a traditional power position. The team loves his glove, but pushing his average north of .260 would help make a case to the club that he's starting to put an offensive game together.

2. Tyler Flowers

Flowers is currently batting .227, but was a capable fill-in for injured catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who came back into action last week.

In 16 games as the everyday backstop, Flowers hit .264 and knocked in nine runs. He also handled the pitching staff better than most expected.

Flowers hopes Guillen holds true to his word of giving both catchers playing time this month, as he is likely auditioning for the back-up role in 2012. Regular at-bats will definitely help his cause.

3. Carlos Quentin

Set to come off the disabled list as soon as this weekend, Quentin's return and solid finish means extra leverage for the two-time All-Star at a possible arbitration hearing.

With Dayan Viciedo looking more and more like the future in right field, it also means a lot to GM Kenny Williams. He needs to decide if Quentin is worth giving a raise, or if the team would be better off shopping him this winter.

Quentin will be attempting to increase last year's totals in games played, home runs and RBI. He'll need to be in the lineup and effective to accomplish that feat.

4. Juan Pierre

Pierre has overcome a horrendous start to 2011 and has been one of Chicago's hottest hitters. He has raised his batting average by about 35 points since slipping under the .250 mark in late June. Since then he has also stolen 15 bases in 20 attempts and brought some life to the top of the lineup.

Pierre is one hit away from reaching the career milestone of 2,000 hits and is also playing for a contract. September is serving as a month-long job audition for the 33-year-old speedster.

Staying hot in the last month could earn a second look from Williams or another GM who might need convincing that the aging Pierre can still play effective small ball. For Pierre, the remainder of the schedule could be a swing of several million dollars.

5. Ozzie Guillen

Guillen may also be auditioning for future general managers.

The White Sox skipper is allowing no talk of throwing in the towel at this point. He plans on starting Jake Peavy Monday against the Tigers, going with the six-man rotation once again despite Peavy practically begging to be shut down.

Ozzie talks the talk of a manager still battling for a playoff spot. His walk indicates an air of resignation.

He batted Alex Rios and Adam Dunn fourth and fifth in the order Tuesday night.

Down a run in the ninth and with plenty of options on the bench, he let Omar Vizquel hit for himself.

Guillen is also implying that Flowers and Pierzynski split time this month, despite the fact that Pierzynski is the obvious option for a team whose mission is supposedly to win.

Guillen is also posturing about his uncertain future as Chicago's manager to the press. Is he using the remainder of the season to force ownership's hand? Does he want job security, or an excuse to head south?