[Monkeydad]

Robin Ventura.

Even myself, a lifelong White Sox fan did not think the team would be even close to contending. The team lost their manager (Ozzie Guillen), their top pitcher (Mark Buehrle), their closer (Sergio Santos), their best outfielder (Carlos Quentin) and last year's big pickups forgot how to hit (Adam Dunn and Alex Rios). Jake Peavy could not stay off the DL, Gordon Beckham, the best prospect in years seemed to be a big time bust...I was ready for a battle with the Royals for the basement, as a fan of the team! The Tigers, Twins and even Indians looked to be the teams to beat in the AL Central.

They're in first place with a month to go. Peavy has resurrected his career. Dunn is a monster HR hitter again. Chris Sale should be a Cy Young candidate. Konerko continues to show no age. It's been a great year.