The White Sox have flourished under first-year manager Robin Ventura this season.

"Every single one of us loves playing for him," Addison Reed said. "I can't see how somebody wouldn't like playing for a guy like him. When you are playing bad, he doesn't get discouraged. When we are playing good, he doesn't get too high."

Ventura, who deflects praise, has earned the respect of the coaching staff as well.

"I just like the way he communicates and treats people," hitting coach Jeff Manto said. "He treats every one of us, players and coaches and our families, as if we are a very important part. There's a sincerity about him."

Ventura has made the phrase "one day at a time" a talking point, helping produce the White Sox first-place standing for 106 days this season and every day since July 24.