CHICAGO – Few outside the White Sox organization expected them to contend for a playoff spot, let alone lead the division midway through the season.

But, so far, the Sox have proven the naysayers wrong as rookie manager Robin Ventura has pushed the right buttons and found a balance between the veterans and rookies.

“You’re happy with the effort guys bring in every day,” Ventura said of the first half. “The young guys we have, what they’ve brought. The older guy, it’s not always a negative to have young guys. I think it infuses some energy to a few guys who have been here a few years and have played a long time. That stuff is fun. I think that’s part of going through a season.”