Chicago.– Alexei Ramirez wasn't even guaranteed a spot on the White Sox's opening day roster.Now, he and Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria are leading candidates for AL Rookie of the Year and are at the top of a strong group of newcomers.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen say there's a new era of baseball coming out and Ramirez and Longoria are going to be the key. Ramirez played a bit in center field and ultimately settled in as Chicago's regular second baseman.

The 27-year-old from Cuba a major contributor at the plate with a .290 average, 21 homers and 77 RBIs. He also came up with the biggest hit of the year, a tiebreaking grand slam against Detroit on Monday that forced a play-in game against Minnesota.