Guillen monitoring back end of rotation

Freddy Garcia has been flourishing on a minor-league rehab assignment, and Jose Contreras has been floundering over his last 4 starts with the White Sox, allowing 14 earned on 21 hits and 15 walks in 191/3 innings.

Contreras still is in the rotation, but he might get the hook if his next start, Sunday against the Cleveland Indians, is another dud.

"I want to see Josie with better stuff," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "The last three outings Josie had were just boring. I don't care. You get beat, just get beat like (Mark) Buehrle gets beat. Quick. Get out of there. We'll talk to him about his motion and picking up the pace."

After issuing 5 walks in just 22/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, Contreras identified his biggest problem.

"I feel fine, but I've been opening up my shoulder," Contreras said through a translator. "I was opening up a little bit and was nowhere near the plate."

As for Garcia, he has pitched a combined 8 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, in starts for Class A Kannapolis and Advanced Rookie Bristol.

Podsednik in 2010? Manager Ozzie Guillen said the Sox wouldn't be in playoff contention without the rejuvenated Scott Podsednik in the leadoff spot.

What about bringing Podsednik back next season?

"I would love to come back," Podsednik said. "I won a World Series here and this organization gave me another chance when I was sitting home on my couch in April."

Said Guillen: "We signed Scott because I went to Kenny (Williams). When we struggled at center field, a couple of his friends came to me and said Scott just got released (by the Colorado Rockies).

"I'd love to have Scott, but I don't make those moves. I will talk to Kenny, see what Kenny feels, what Kenny thinks."

Jenks on the mend: Bobby Jenks should be available Friday after having a kidney stone "blasted," according to trainer Herm Schneider.

Jenks has pitched only once since July 26.

Staying put: When Alexei Ramirez (sprained right ankle) returns from the disabled list, likely Friday night against Cleveland, he will bat down in the order.

Gordon Beckham has been thriving in the No. 2 spot, which Ramirez occupied for most of the season.

"I'm going to give more at-bats to guys that swing the bat better," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I think with the Missile back in the lineup, it can help us with the RBI position."

Out and about: White Sox center fielder Dewayne Wise, who saved Mark Buehrle's July 23 perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays with a standout catch in the ninth inning, will be signing autographs at Field of Dreams at Woodfield Shopping Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Tickets are $24.99 to have one item autographed, and there will be photos of Wise's catch available.