Steverson taking success in stride

CHICAGO -- The White Sox entered Wednesday's contest leading the Major Leagues in runs per game (5.86) and ranked No. 1 in the American League in average (.276), OPS (.803), slugging percentage (.450) and on-base percentage (.353). They also stood second with 19 home runs.

Hitting coach Todd Steverson is not solely responsible for the turnaround. After all, the offense does feature new players such as Adam Eaton and Jose Abreu, not to mention a rejuvenated Alexei Ramirez. But there's no question Steverson's influence has been felt.

"He is demanding that you compete. That you fight," executive vice president Ken Williams said of Steverson. "That you do not waste, we have 27 outs to win this game offensively, don't waste a single out.

"So you got to give Todd Steverson a lot of credit for that. And like I said, as well as [general manager] Rick [Hahn] and his guys bringing the talent in to execute."

Steverson isn't getting overly giddy through results based on 14 games, but he believes the current success can help the White Sox hitters when times get tougher.

"To be honest with you, you are happy that this happens, because you see the results of that type of attitude and that type of determination to make every out worth your while," Steverson said. "The season is ups and downs and over 162, so you have to remember what it was like. If you were never there, you can't remember what it was like.

"At least we are in a place where we can say, 'Hey, remember when' if anything goes south, which [will happen]. It's baseball. Something is bound to hit a rough patch."