Just how do the White Sox fix their deficiencies?

Although the trade deadline has passed, it isn't entirely over as a deal or two still could be had before the end of the month.

It's just that it becomes considerably more difficult to iron out a trade as players must be placed on waivers in order to begin the process.

I won't waste time getting into details about the waiver process as those rules are easily accessible and they don't even really matter much in terms of discussing the needs of the White Sox.

With the team four games under .500 and with almost two months to play, the team's deficiencies are clear. Going about making corrections are a bit more complicated, though, unless they wait until the winter.

So here's where the White Sox stand:

• The rotation: The likelihood of a John Danks trade before September just doesn't seem great, considering the logistical difficulty of waiver trades. There still is a good chance he will be moved during the off-season, though I'm not sure how much any team would be willing to part with in order to acquire him. That will depend a lot on how he finishes the year.

But if the Sox were to hang on to him, they still might be looking to fortify the end of the rotation. Though Hector Noesi and Scott Carroll have performed admirably since the end of June, the Sox may want a little more assurance in one of those spots.

Even if they do acquire a starter, it's likely the pitcher who has displaced would end up in the bullpen.

• The bullpen: In the last month or so, this area has become an even greater problem than it was early in the season. And with Nate Jones missing almost all of this year and his 2015 season in jeopardy, expect the Sox to look outside the organization for help.

Matt Lindstrom will be a free agent, but I figure Zach Putnam, Daniel Webb and Jake Petricka most definitely will return. Meaning they'll have some places to fill.

• The lineup: The Sox have been an American League upper-third offense all season, thanks in great part to Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton and Conor Gillaspie.

You can basically consider first base and third base secure, along with center field and right field. While Alexei Ramirez is a trade candidate, I lean toward having him back at shortstop in 2015, and I don't think catcher will be a top off-season priority.

That leaves left field and second base as the biggest uncertainties.

Unfortunately for Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham, extended struggles have made their prospects of playing in Chicago next year less likely as time goes on.

The Sox might just be ready to give Micah Johnson or Marcus Semien the opportunity, despite Beckham's strong defensive ability. And with Adam Dunn's contract up, it could be that Viciedo takes on the designated hitter role if a better option doesn't present itself.

Obviously, most of this won't be addressed this month, if any of it. You can be sure, though, that the front office already is looking ahead, as you probably are, too.

• Chris Rongey is the host of the White Sox pregame and postgame shows on WSCR 670-AM The Score. Follow him on Twitter@ChrisRongey and at chrisrongey.com.