Sox Populi - A Chicago White Sox podcast

Recording on the day after Luis Robert Jr. stole a grand slam and then knocked in four runs himself, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and (while he’s in a play in Cincinnati) Ohio Valley correspondent, Will, call for the White Sox to trade Luis before another game is played, taking whatever a contending team will offer. Said urging by people who are very much his fans is not just so the Sox can perhaps pick up a decent prospect, or at least a top-of-the-line parking lot attendant, but to free Robert from captivity and let him play in meaningful games where his immense skills can be useful and he can enjoy the game. This won’t happen, of course, but at least we were pulling for you, Luis. On the bright side, the duo cover the excellent appearance of Edgar Quero and the post-adjustment success thus far of Miguel Vargas, and what appears to be a pleasant abundance of catching talent. This being the White Sox, the bright side on position players is limited, so the conversation ventures to the darker aspects, of which there are many, most notably Andrew Vaughn. Five years in, the excuses for Vaughn’s weakness (now 0.0 bWAR for his career), while often valid, are wearing thinner than a Swedish pancake, so the question is asked, “Why won’t they give Tim Elko a chance?” Elko is tearing up Triple-A ball in Charlotte, so why not find out if he’s strictly a AAAA player, or if he can hack it in the majors? He can’t be worse than Vaughn defensively, because Charles Comiskey himself would be better, even while deceased — and maybe he can hit. Otherwise, there is disagreement over whether to let youngsters take over and sit the 30+ has-beens or never-weres when they’re off the IL, and much praise for the excellent performance of the young starting pitchers. Will even ventures into the possibility the team could be adequate by 2027 or 2028. Oh, yeah — Will also has a rant against the Colorado Rockies, for apparently trying to destroy the White Sox record for ineptitude just one year after it was set, leaving Sox fans nothing to strive for this season. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chrystal hosted fantasy baseball expert Anthony to chat about the Houston Astros and what to expect from the upcoming series. Here is what was discussed: What's new in Houston? How would Anthony rate the offseason? Thoughts about the 2025 season for the Astros Pitching matchups featuring Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Lance McCullers Jr McCullers' first start since the 2022 World Series The biggest threat to the White Sox Keys for the Astros to take the series Fears heading into the series Losing pitchers Aaron Judge is not human Twins pitching and the American League Central José Abreu, lover of the heat but not humidity, or maybe he was just too old? White Sox city connects and terrible ownership First baseman woes Are the Dodgers who we thought they were or will they finally fall? Giants love The Mets -- is it finally going to happen? You can find Anthony on Bluesky and follow along with his fantasy baseball work at SportsEthos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fifth episode of the 2025 season, Kristina Airdo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and special guest Chrystal O'Keefe to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Career Reflections: Chrystal recounted her journey to becoming a writer and podcaster, sharing advice she has for women interested in the field. She also discussed her personal role model and how she serves as one to her own children. 2025 White Sox Lamenting: We couldn't pass up the opportunity to chat with Chrystal about her South Side fandom. She talks about surviving the last several years of awful baseball and who she has enjoyed watching so far this season. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago White Sox are finally playing a new team, so that means a new episode. I had the incomparable Jordan White on to provide an update on the Milwaukee Brewers and help break down the upcoming homestand. Jordan provided the analytics and keen insight on what to expect: What's new with the Brewers? Rating the offseason, and an old friend alert on the mound Feelings on the season for the Brewers Pitching matchups — Freddy Peralta will dominate, but the other two games might be evenly matched Who is the biggest threat to the White Sox, aside from themselves? The keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Jarren Duran, mental health, and saying harmful things to players Family will always name search on social media Torpedo bats, the National League, and Tigers love You can follow Jordan on Bluesky. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago White Sox wrapped up a series in Sacramento by falling from ahead and losing a series with an extra-inning loss — a loss that put them at, you may want to sit down for this, THE EXACT SAME RECORD PACE AS 2024 (if you've been living under a rock, that's 41-121). Seems a good time to sit down, as Brett Ballantini did with Hannah Filippo, and wonder what in the world we are doing following this team: An overall assessment of the feeling in 2025 vs. 2024 which, frankly still leaks out a bit more hope How the White Sox are better in 2025: The starting pitching, while not better up top than 2024's Crochet-Fedde combo, is holding its own and may be flexing more depth overall; the offense has had some strong bursts, despite its inconsistency; rookies to get excited about What is not different, 2025 vs. 2024: Luis Robert Jr. is bad, the in-game decision-making and team urgency hasn't proven to be better Will the White Sox finish better than the Colorado Rockies, who trail the White Sox by 2 ½ games as of this recording? Also a mini-Visiting Dugout preview with Brewers expert Hannah, who says, yes, the White Sox are about to get swept by the Brew Crew Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about what's going on in Major League Baseball at the moment. Topics: Haters Chrystal got to watch competent baseball, and that's why this episode is late Shohei Ohtani is the first MLB player to become a dad, apparently Aaron Judge and Eugenio Suárez are doing well Jarren Duran stealing home Paul Skenes is pitching out of his mind Lucas Giolito and Liam Hendriks return to the Red Sox Matt Strahm and the Declaration of Independence Injuries galore featuring Logan Gilbert, Shane McClanahan, Luke Keaschall, Blake Snell, Cole Ragans, Corey Seager, Martín Pérez, and Spencer Strider Travis Jankowski to the Rays Walt Jocketty Tommy Pham's gestures and food orders Javier Báez is washed Triston McKenzie's DFA Jorge López -- can you fight? Drama in Atlanta Chrystal's concert story Red Sox update Follow Bayleigh on Twitter/X and Chrystal on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth episode of the 2025 season Allie Wesel, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Jacki Krestel to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Family ties: Jacki spoke with the ladies about growing up in a sports-loving family and how her early experiences with her dad helped her form a lifelong passion for softball and the White Sox. Personal sports background: Jacki discussed her early love for softball, from her T-ball days to playing on a Division II college team. Content creation: Jacki shared her introduction to content creation and why she took a step back last season. Also, despite how an outsider may view her as a natural at it, she does find it challenging. 2025 White Sox lamenting: We couldn't pass up an opportunity to talk about the Pale Hose. The girls chatted about the current state of the team, and Jacki shared her good vibes with us. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, it's not Groundhog Day. The White Sox are shipping off to Boston to face the Red Sox. Unless Lucas Giolito is pitching for the Red Sox this coming Patriots' Day, the White Sox hopefully won't suffer the same fate they did in 2021. In a sillier episode that is a bit different from the usual series previews, I talked to a sleep-deprived Ed Hand about what happened last week in Chicago and the most recent Red Sox vs. Rays series. We also discussed what the next laundry series will look like. Here is a bit of what we talked about: I lied to Ed, apparently Garrett Crochet hates Chicago Sean Newcomb hate The many nicknames for Chase Meidroth The catcher conundrum in Boston, and old friend alerts Will anyone get hot on the Red Sox? Lucas Giolito update Boston's pitching depth Is Major League the best baseball movie? An idea for Jobu's latest sacrifice We need to know more about Roberto Clemente, and Ed's reading corner Are the Pirates just laundering money? Who will beat the Dodgers? The Padres and Dylan Cease The Giants are actually good The White Sox are winning it all and Meidroth is about to raise hell You can follow Ed and his podcast on Twitter. You might even see a familiar face on a recent podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and (for the moment as he performs in a play at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park) Ohio Valley Correspondent, Will, start off by eschewing reality as best they can, talking about some White Sox high points. Those include Edgar Quero about to make his MLB debut a few hours after they recorded the cast, the apparent upturn in enthusiasm and effort led by youngsters like Brooks Baldwin and Chase Meidroth, what seems to be improved defensive fundamentals (at least most of the time), and the strength of most of the starting rotation so far. And there’s the added thrill that the Rockies may actually be worse than the Sox. Then, of course, reality raised its ugly head and they ventured into a team hitting a robust .200 with a .579 OPS, which in turn led to an unfortunate evaluation of Luis Robert Jr. and what little, if anything, the Sox could get in trading him. The duo did, however, refrain from mentioning a slightly used rosin bag in that discussion. As for Andrew Vaughn, well, uh, er, nuff said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Die-hard Athletics fan and friend of the podcast Aaron Cameron joined to discuss the Athletics' recent developments, both good and bad. We also discussed the A's coming to Chicago for a series opener on Jackie Robinson Day. While we could've recorded for hours with many side quests, here is a bit of what our lively conversation consisted of: A temporary and frustrating move to Sacramento Growing pains and a disadvantage at home Will Las Vegas work? One last trip to the Oakland Coliseum Rating the offseason, did the A's spend money? Contention windows Pitching matchups and the importance of a veteran pitcher Keys to winning a series Threats to the White Sox Fears heading into the series and bad bullpens What it's like to have a love-hate relationship with the Angels Ron Washington, Will Venable, Grady's Ladies, and a disdain for Mark Kotsay If you don't already follow Aaron, you can find him on Bluesky and X. Join us in our threads where we just talk about a bunch of old guys who played baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the White Sox tumbling from first place (OK, they were 2-4, and they were tied for last place at the same time) to last, it was time for Brett Ballantini to assemble Chrystal O'Keefe, Joe Resis and Hannah Filippo to discuss the state of the team. The crux of this podcast was how similar or different this 2025 team feels from 2024: Backing that things are different are the run differential of only -3, as well as the team having won four games "already." The pitching staff is holding up OK, and the club already has more blowout wins in 2025 than a year ago Now on the other hand, 4-11 means the White Sox are still on track for 119 losses, and they currently sit in last not just in the division but the American League. Overall, the club still can't hit worth a damn The verdict? Three of us are skewing toward 2025 being more of the same as 2024, while sunshine Chrystal thinks the vibes of the club are too good not to make for a measurable improvement. We have 147 games to still to find out Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first laundry series of the season is ahead, as the White Sox host the Red Sox in Chicago. With Garrett Crochet and Lucas Giolito in the starting rotation, the White Sox might see some old friends. Bayleigh, known also as the co-host of Soxy Chicks, was on to chat about her Sox and preview the series. Here is what we discussed: What's new with the Red Sox Boston is willing to invest in players, and Jerry Reinsdorf is not Rating the offseason moves Hopes for the season What to expect from the starting rotation Keys to win Fears heading into the series The biggest threat to the White Sox State of the Red Sox You can find Bayleigh on Twitter/X. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi podcaster Delia Ritchie joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Julie Swieca Gannon to discuss several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Family Ties Julie talked with the ladies about growing up as a Chicago-area native who spent her formative years in Mt. Prospect/Arlington Heights and how her early experiences with her dad and rooting for her hometown teams really helped her form a lifelong passion for sports. Career Reflections Julie discussed her educational background, experiences, and how she landed her position at 670 The Score. She also described some of her professional highlights, including coverage of the GOAT Michael Jordan and South Side fan favorite Mark Buehrle. 2025 Season Expectations Julie shared her thoughts on what she's looking forward to the most in 2025 and whether or not Will Venable has what it takes to right the ship. She also bravely provided us with her overall team win/loss prediction for the year. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imari is back this season to discuss Cleveland's home opener and the series with the White Sox. Despite the Guardians making a deep run in the playoffs last season, the experts favor the Tigers and Royals. But the American League Central can be anyone's to win. On this episode, we talked about: What's new in Cleveland Grading the offseason The AL Central race Triston McKenzie's new role with the Guardians Pitching matchups and struggles Keys to winning the series Threats and fears Ex-White Sox Gavin Sheets is a certified Guardians killer No surprise: the teams that spent money are winning Terry Francona's in-state move and the Cincinnati Reds' rough start We don't want the Detroit Tigers to win it, but it'll be interesting to watch them You can find Imari on Bluesky and Twitter, and listen to his podcast Bleav In Guardians. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal chat about what's been happening in Major League Baseball since Opening Day. In this episode, they talk about: Tampa Bay Rays and the repairs to Tropicana Field Freddie Freeman's shower mishap Nathan Eovaldi's complete game Is it time for Max Scherzer to hang up his cleats? Colton Cowser is out and Gunner Henderson is back for the Orioles Atlanta is down bad, and perhaps karma is to thank Carson Kelly's cycle The Reds are breaking bad baseball records Lance Lynn's big news Garrett Crochet, Kristian Campbell, Ketel Martel, Jackson Merrill, and Brandon Pfaadt got paid State of our Sox Follow Bayleigh on Twitter and Chrystal on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walker is back this season to discuss the Tigers and explain what the series might look like. Listen for player breakdowns, and stay for how funny we are. What's new with the Tigers Offseason moves It's not great in Detroit AL Central predictions Pitching matchups Who is even batting for the White Sox? Keys to winning the series Threats and fears The Dodgers probably won't win the World Series The downfall of Atlanta and how we love to see it Wouldn't it be funny if the Blue Jays won the World Series? Being too old to play baseball You can follow Walker on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is that title a gag? No, actually, the White Sox have spent all but one day of this season in first place, including at the moment this podcast was recorded and published. Sure, the team has lost both of its series this season and sits 2-4, but so what? A five-way tie for first in a terrible AL Central still counts as first! Joe Resis, Brian O'Neill, Malachi Hayes and Hannah Filippo joined Brett Ballantini for a roundtable discussion of the season's first week: The White Sox started the year on a rotation roll, waiting five starts before (sort of) even surrendering an earned run, who saw that coming? Given the certainty of slumps and injuries, do the White Sox have the reinforcements that will keep the rotation the strongest aspect of the team for a second straight year? Offensively, this team already has as many "blowouts" as all of 2024 (two). Is there something different about the bats this season that will help stave off double-figure losing streaks and another run at 120 losses? We all revisit why, after a 121-loss season and a GM now unsure whether his 2025 club can be better this year, there are no position player rookies on the White Sox RIGHT NOW Speaking of, it does seem that Chris Getz skews his roster more toward "swapping pieces out easily" than "GOOD PLAYERS" Can this White Sox team turn into something swinging upward, like the poor but promising squad of 2018? Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi/South Side Sox writer and editor Kristina Airdo joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and our special guest, Ashley Sanders. Ashley is currently a Live Designer on MLB The Show's Live Team for Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Melissa and Kristina talked to Ashley about her role with SIE, and of course, we did fit in some White Sox talk. So, whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. We invite you to sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball and life, including: Career Reflections: Ashley's educational background and how she arrived in her position with MLB: The Show. Game Content Creation: How long it takes to develop new editions of the game and some of her favorite elements, including the addition of Road to the Show: Women Pave Their Way and the Negro Leagues Edition. White Sox Chatter: How she became a Sox fan, her favorite player, surviving 2024, and realistic expectations for this current roster. Don’t forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackson Nelson joined the podcast to chat about the White Sox hosting the Twins for the season's second series: What's new with the Twins? Grading the offseason Joe Ryan catchup Thoughts heading into the season The AL Central race Pitching matchups Why are so many pitchers down for the count? Tommy John surgery, even the kids are doing it! Keys to win Fears and threats The NL could wrap things up right now and let the Dodgers win Could the AL Central produce a team that makes it to the World Series? White Sox ownership rumors Follow Jackson on Bluesky for his takes on all things Minnesota sports (and help build the baseball community). Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just like we wrote it up, the White Sox romped over the Angels on Opening Day, 8-1, so naturally Brett Ballantini gathered some of his closest pals (Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Brian O'Neill and Joe Resis) to comb back over every luscious detail of a shocking start to the 2025 season: Sean Burke, facing adversity in the first and hard contact in the second, bristled up to deliver this Opening Day win with six shutout innings Where has this offense been all our lives? Favorite moments/standouts of Opening Day Playoff-bound? Can the White Sox now sweep this opening series? Essay #1: Do you give Burke the ball to start the seventh inning? Essay #2 Do you boo Yoán Moncada, one of the Top 50 hitters in White Sox history, on his return to the only ballpark he's ever known? Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get you hyped for Chicago White Sox 2025 baseball and specifically this Opening Day, Brett Ballantini brought in Chrystal O'Keefe, Joe Resis and Hannah Filippo for thoughts on Thursday, the weekend series, and the season itself: A 121-loss team with nothing to play for opens the season with just four rookies on the roster, two of them Rule 5 picks and none among hitters. For a vaunted farm system, what in the wild wild world of tanking is going on here? How's the weather outside? Predictions on the series, and remarkably, three of us think the White Sox are gonna win this thing A review/range of White Sox wins predictions for 2025 Popular "pitcher MVP" pick, Davis Martin and unpopular "hitter MVP" choice, Korey Lee. Passion defenses and takedowns of both players ensue If in fact Korey Lee is lousy (or, just, Korey Lee) this season, how quickly might that trigger catching reinforcements (Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero) from Charlotte? Favorite Opening Day memories Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to season three of Visiting Dugout, our season-long White Sox opponent preview series! In this episode, AngelsFaithful joined to chat about Opening Day and this weekend's series between the White Sox and the Angels: What's new in Anaheim? A healthy Mike Trout is good for baseball Grading the offseason The White Sox to Angels pipeline Opening Day pitching matchup Keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series The biggest threat to the White Sox Hot takes and predictions for 2025 Follow AngelsFaithful on Twitter/X. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of Ladies' Night for the 2025 season, our newest team member, Hannah Filippo, joins veteran Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Spring Training Reflections: What stood out to us in the preseason? We break down the highs and lows and which players impressed (and which ones disappointed). Prospect Watch: Who are we most excited to see develop this year? We share our top picks and who to keep an eye on in the system. Luis Robert Jr. Speculation: Will the White Sox trade him? If so, when? We weigh in on the options and what might happen with the talented outfielder. 2025 Season Expectations: What are we looking forward to the most in 2025? Is the ballpark food really the best thing we've got going for us? Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can't avoid the reality of the 2025 season any longer, thus Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Hannah Filippo and Brett Ballantini sat down to discuss our predictions for the 2025 season, in the framework of the annual South Side Sox prognostication challenge. We focused significantly on the White Sox, but took a broader look at baseball as well: Season wins ran the gamut of sunny (Hannah, 55) to dour (Brett, 42), with Melissa (48) sidling almost exactly in-between Given no clear standout stars for the Sox (and the one we have, Luis Robert Jr., may not be in Chicago all season), our picks for best and worst White Sox in 2025 are packed with variety. In some cases, a single player is forecast as both best AND worst on the team this year Drilling down into the AL Central, which appears to be a three-team fight, at the very least. Will pitching rule the day — and which pitching will take a step forward in 2025? Storylines around the league jumping out at us include the improvements in Boston (Hannah) and the Shohei Ohtani Watch (Melissa) Will the White Sox have a winning March? With Midwest weather, will they even get all four games in? Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh Von Schneider and Chrystal O'Keefe are back to start the season with MLB updates, opinions, and plenty of Ghostface sightings hidden in the background. Here is what they talked about: The Jackie Robinson of it all The Tokyo Series Please stay healthy, Mike Trout Abusers are back in the spotlight Mark Cahna Welcome to the show, J.C. Escarra The Tigers have some serious pitching depth City connect jerseys Yu Darvish, and all of the Tommy John victims Player extensions The Paul Skenes card Red Sox and White Sox thoughts and predictions If you're on Twitter you can follow Bayleigh. Chrystal is primarily on Bluesky now. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a week to go until Opening Day, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of what’s in store in 2025. The good? The food menu, of course. Through all their many name changes, White Sox stadia have featured some really good food, usually at very decent prices for event chow. This year brings a new twist — a heavy dose of Korean items. Will there be people on hand to enjoy the delights? Not often — even the Opening Day seating availability chart shows many thousands of empty seats. The rest of the season (other than Mark Buehrle statue day, Cubs games and big giveaways) may feature a loneliness usually reserved for Saudi Arabia’s Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter, for those of you who have forgotten your high school Arabic). The bad? That would be the defense, the offense and most of the pitching. The discussion about those things goes on for a while, but that’s the gist, for those of you without time to listen or watch. But, to be fair, all of the catchers in camp have hit really well, as have Brandon Drury, Miguel Vargas and Lenyn Sosa. The ugly? You may want to avert your eyes from the precipitous drop in the hitting of Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn as the Cactus Leauge has professed. Feel free to do other eye-averting as well, as the duo make their predictions for the season record. But ... What the heck, as this is recorded it’s the first day of spring, so hope springs eternal, and a 162-0 record is still a possibility. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With pitchers and catchers reporting this week and games underway at the end of next, it seems time to cinch it up and hunker down to discuss the prospects of the 2025 White Sox. Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Chrystal O'Keefe, Hannah LaMotta, Joe Resis and Brett Ballantini gather to discuss the club as constituted, trying at the dawn of the season to skew optimistically: Things to be excited about? Yes, truly: Pitching depth, hungry and healthy players, Noah Schultz continuing the "tradition" of White Sox power lefties, a better offense Several great thematic ideas for a second or third printing of the White Sox pocket schedule An aside that frames the 2024 White Sox as a team not just a handful of games worse than a replacement team, but perhaps a full dozen The relief of having Will Venable running the club vs. Pedro Grifol (or Tony La Russa), and the challenges that await him (Of course) win predictions on the season, ranging from 42 to 59 Oh, and happy birthday to Billy OK and homeday to Willow OK! Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a week until pitchers and catchers report to start the old ball rolling again, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, delve into some of the predictions made for the White Sox for 2025, in the process getting a good laugh at the computers that think the team will lose 100 or fewer games ... so much for artificial intelligence. The two do their best to find places where the Sox have improved this time around, other than getting a manager with a basic understanding of the sport, but find it difficult to come up with much unless Luis Robert Jr. remembers he’s supposed to be good in odd-numbered years. Well, that and bidding good-bye to Martín Maldonado. Still, the season will be fresh and new, and hope springs eternal and all that. Great thought, unless your hope springs so eternal you actually put money down on it. You’re welcome to point out all the places where we’re wrong. Or the computers are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sox Populi and South Side Sox had two writers attending the reimagined SoxFest this past weekend, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach for both days, and Kristina Airdo lucky enough to cover the better day, kickoff night on Friday. Both sat with Brett Ballantini to discuss the pluses and minuses of the event: First, the pluses, including a terrific leadoff night on Friday. Kristina took that in from the media space, while Melissa and family was there in full fan mode — including an appearance on stage with son Sage! How the intimacy of the event (or, cynically, the "selective audience" the White Sox attract nowadays) made everything more satisfying Could the White Sox have hoped for SoxFest 2025 to go any better? Flops from the weekend, including a very disorganized Saturday night Melissa's tips on what to do and when, including the unbelievable intimacy of the re-envisioned After Party Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, ring in the new year (OK, a few days late) with a podcast dedicated to how they believe the White Sox will suddenly break through this season and become a major league team again, sweeping all before them en route to a season of 90, 100, 110 wins, or even more!! Now, that’s a lie, but they do manage to mostly avoid talking about how bad the 2025 Sox will be by talking about other teams, terrific players who happen to ply their trade elsewhere, free agents who are heading for distant parts, the future of the AL Central, and the amazing Traject Arc pitching machine, before wallowing into the unfortunate likelihood Jerry Reinsdorf will outlive everybody who has been born to date. Then it’s on to Luis Robert Jr. — how likely is it he can somehow regain past glories after his dismal 2024, and that some other team will then provide the Sox with a lot of talented prospects while he gets to go play with an outfit that actually wants to win baseball games and has a reasonable chance of doing so? Finally, there’s the magical question, “Don’t you ever think with a brain?” which seems reasonable under the circumstances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For one last time in Our Year of the Utterly Hapless 2024, our staff gathered for a mothership podcast. This time around it was Brett Ballantini hosting Chrystal O'Keefe, Joe Resis and Dante Jones. The program runs broad but obvious: Looking back at the horrors of 2024 and ahead to what may be different in 2025. The lowest moments of 2024 Highlights (?!?) of 2024 Just how bad was the White Sox offense? Finally, Brett provides the answer: third-worst in MLB history, sixth-worst in the record-keeping at Baseball-Reference What we're looking forward to in 2025: Will Venable, tall and dominant lefties like Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, young starters like Drew Thorpe and Nick Nastrini, and the killer kiddie catching corps of Edgar Quero and Ryan Teel Loss predictions for 2025: Brett is sticking with 120, but both Joe and Chrystal see it slightly sunnier, at 109 Sorry, ladies, Joe Resis is taken! Congrats on the engagement, SoxMath champ! Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We made our season predictions for the fourth consecutive year over at South Side Sox, and for the fourth consecutive year, a different writer took the crown. And this year, in fact, the crown is worn by two prognosticators — the veteran Year of the Hamster, and newcomer Enrique Silva. We have a comprehensive rundown of the twists and turns of our 2024 predictions over at SSS, but here are some highlights of the podcast that Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Joe Resis and I did addressing them (and, I suppose, the moribund White Sox postseason and future): If not for the Dodgers, a lot of us would have been in trouble This trio all did well all told, with Joe finishing fourth of 18, Brett fifth, Melissa seventh Each of us review our favorite and oddball picks A look back at how remarkably non-dour the majority of our writers were about the White Sox season, silly people Our second half addresses some of the offseason, including the new manager, dead market, and hopes (?) for the season To end on a good note, we look ahead to the 20th anniversary of 2005 and our favorite non-obvious moments of that year Have a look at the podcast at our the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and don’t be a flake — subscribe!) and/or listen on Megaphone below. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before crashing into White Sox matters, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, indulge in postseason palaver — especially happy on Will’s part because he got to take part (very small part, but part nonetheless) in the team that won it all. So, much of the discussion is about the complete — and very happy — collapse of the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series. Yea, verily, that inning showed that even the White Sox are occasionally better than teams much better than they doth occasionally perform. (Will had a sort of defense of Yankee ineptitude, in that coaches always tell teams never to give an opponent four outs but never say anything much about giving them six.) On White Sox matters, the big news is of course the hiring of Will Venable to be the latest to try to convert sows’ ears into Bottega Venetas with the materials he’s being handed to manage. The duo are amenable to giving Venable a big opportunity to show he can get the Sox to play like major leaguers are supposed to play, and just hope he’ll get them to quit playing stupidly even if they don’t play well. On other fronts, there wasn’t much to say about the the Sox not picking up the option on Yoán Moncada, which was inevitable, though a sad reflection on hopes of the last many years ... and a lot to say about whether to tender Andrew Vaughn, what would seem to be an easy decision being hampered by the big question of who else the Sox have to play first, the answer to which you probably already sadly know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soon after the story broke of Jerry Reinsdorf possibly selling the White Sox, thereby sending waves of glee throughout Chicagoland, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, try to figure out if Reinsdorf had the information leaked in order to try put pressure on politicians to plunge public billions into a monument to himself, or if he just had it leaked (to somebody on The Athletic who has no Chicago ties) because he hates the news media and wants to see them make fools of themselves believing it. Whatever the cause, it would be hard to believe under any circumstances. But that a potential buyer group is headed by Tony La Russa best bud Dave Stewart, who just happens to want to bring pro teams to Nashville, which Reinsdorf likes to toss into conversations about leaving Chicago, makes it worthy of an SNL skit. And would Reinsdorf consider selling without making sure every possible bidder gets a shot? Nonsense. Naytheless, fun to talk about. Too bad we can’t put a poll at the end of this to see how many people believe the ploy. As for actual playing of baseball, the duo delve into the playoffs with predictions, but mostly with kudos to ex-White Sox pitchers who are doing so well. That naturally leads to a serious discussion on how unscary Carlos Rodón looks without any beard (per Yankee rules) and whether Michael Kopech’s new beard looks like he should do an off-season road tour with ZZ Top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The long road to ignominy is over for the White Sox, but the long road to parsing the reasons for their total failure lives on. Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, examine the recent national media analyses and yell a hearty, “Amen, brothers!” The two agree it would have been handier if the big shots had torn into Jerry Reinsdorf and how he runs his mess of an organization a little earlier, preferably several decades earlier, but better late than never and all that. They tear Reinsdorf apart from every conceivable direction, and rightfully so — much fun, but to any avail? They then venture into The Athletic’s take on another team, how the Kansas City Royals brilliantly and abruptly turned things around from 106 losses to the playoffs and raise the question of whether that’s possible for the White Sox. (Hint: The answer is a big “Noooooooo” — see Reinsdorf articles above.) Then there is a jolly venture into the future, one of barely competent holdover players, possible trades of Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet, many solid pitching prospects, and basically nobody to play behind the pitchers. All leading up to guesses at how many games the White Sox will lose next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends, we've made it to the final series of this abysmal and historically-bad season. I feel like Winona Ryder at the end of the 1989 classic "Heathers" if you can picture that. The White Sox started the season against the Tigers, and Walker came on to chat about the Tigers. It's only fitting that the White Sox end the season the same way, and I finish off the second season of Visiting Dugout with Walker back in the hot seat. Oh, and Garrett Crochet opening the series. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Tigers? This has been a terrible season Staying alive, maybe? Jason Benetti's first season in Detroit Pitching matchups Will we see Skubal? Threats, keys to win, and fears The White Sox's lack of offense Infield musical chairs Cy Young predictions Playoff runs and World Series picks You can follow Walker on Twitter and over at Football Absurdity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the occasion of the White Sox matching the 1962 New York Mets — yes, an expansion team — at 120 losses, the most since 1899, Brett Ballantini and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach got together to assess our club, past, present and future. Reaction to the impossible happening: 120 losses. A shock, or long-anticipated? A rundown of the other milestones ahead: farthest out of first (56 1/2 games), worst team outright since 1899 (1916 Philadelphia A's), top five-worst MLB team outright (dating back to 1876) ... sigh Training the lens again on GM Chris Getz, who managed to put together a howlingly awful offense, which will become the only negative-WAR hitting or pitching group in 125 years of White Sox baseball Considering Getz will be given no money to spend in the offseason, looking ahead to how different things might be in 2025 (not very much!) How this utter abomination of a season affects our fandom Have a look at the podcast at our the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and don’t be a flake — subscribe!) and/or listen on Megaphone below. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chrystal and Grey chat about the upcoming series in San Diego. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, naturally venture onto the subject of an article in The Athletic titled “The Owner Who Thinks He Knows Everything” (guess who), but first Will has a report on attending the White Sox game in Anaheim on Wednesday night (Loss 116). The report? How little the Sox even warm up on the field before a game compared to other teams. How unconcerned the players in the dugout seemed during the 5-0 loss (Will was four rows behind them). How awful Luis Robert Jr. looks at the plate, even against an Angels pitcher who led the American League in earned runs surrendered this season. How the Sox even made errors in trying to be fan-friendly, when both Miguel Vargas and Nicky Lopez tried to toss Will a ball after an inning and threw to an Angels fan instead. And as for the long article in The Athletic, it was a nice consolidation of things most White Sox fans already knew, like what a jerk Jerry Reinsdorf is, what a tightwad he remains in important spending categories, how backward his ideas about baseball are, how his personnel decisions guarantee a terrible team, etc., etc., etc. But the lede in the article was new to both of us — the plane. Seems that while 29 major league teams charter planes with enough first class-type seats for all the players and staff, Reinsdorf has the White Sox fly on a dated aircraft with a total of six first class seats, and the rest coach. Coach! For sometimes very large people whose physical condition is worth millions of dollars to you. Sure, you don’t like to fly coach but you do, and we don’t like doing it either but we do, but that’s not the same — witness the 29 teams who put out a little extra money to potentially save tens of millions in player performance. But that’s Reinsdorf. And those are the White Sox, who grind on toward officially having the most losses in history. And who already weren’t going to have any good free agents or respected management people join the team until Reinsdorf is gone unless they overpaid by at least 100%. But now that word spread about the plane, it may be 200%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the eighth episode of the Ladies' Night podcast, Hannah LaMotta, Delia Ritchie, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, and Allie Wesel discussed several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Reactions regarding Jeff Passan's Tuesday morning ESPN article discussing the clubhouse culture during a historically bad season Thoughts on 2025 and how the White Sox front office will use the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series to distract fans from the fact that the actual baseball being played isn't getting better anytime soon Opinions about whether or not the team will break the 1962 Mets modern-era record for losses Have a look at the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and don’t be a flake — subscribe to the channel!) and/or listen on Megaphone below. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts by clicking this Patreon link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Hand joins to chat about the Red Sox and their upcoming series with the White Sox. The episode quickly runs off the rails but in the best way, and turns into some dudes just naming players. Kidding! Sort of. Here is what we discussed: Grady Sizemore getting angry What's new in Boston? Proposing to Pete Alonso Liam Hendriks and Lucas Giolito Ice cold offense How to secure a Wild Card spot Do we like the Orioles? The skater boy of our dreams: Nicky Lopez Pitching matchups Don't let Andrew Benintendi get hot Threats, keys to win, and fears The next White Sox manager A lot of old friends Baseball masochism The Chicago Dogs and MiLB Is it Chris Sale's Cy Young year? Robots, Disney princes, and other baseball players World Series contenders You can follow the delightful Ed Hand on Twitter and listen to Pod By The River and To The Show We Go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greater portion of White Sox fans goes from cheering for victories to rooting for losses so we can say we were there to see the record of the 1962 Mets broken. Thus duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, indulge in deep discussion as to the likelihood that Will might have a chance to be present to see the team he’s been a fan of his entire life officially become the worst in the (modern) history of the major leagues, while the Sox are in California to play the Angels and Padres. Wednesday night’s surprise victory over the Orioles notwithstanding, the Sox are definitely in line to set the record for awfulness, but the duo can’t quite come up with the math to make a west coast futility celebration probable. Possible, yes, but it now seems likely No. 121 will come at home, or even, if the Sox get hot, Detroit. That computed, conversation goes on to the revivification of Michael Kopech now that he plays for a real team, the dismay (and bad play) of Miguel Vargas — and most importantly, what is going on with Luis Robert Jr.? Can the recent superstar can improve enough in the last few games to be a reasonably valuable trade chip in the off season, or are the Sox better off keeping him into next year? Then there’s discussion of analytics departments, r&d and such ... things other major league teams find useful, and which the White Sox might want to try some day. And, oh yes, a philosophical look at whether it’s a case that White Sox coaches don’t give proper instructions, or that the players just don’t listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no way to avoid acknowledging the horribleness of this White Sox season, and as promised in the Saturday podcast commemorating a record-tying 106th loss, Brett Ballantini came right back to acknowledge Sunday's record-breaking 107th with another, and even longer, solo podcast. Points Brett made while talking to himself: All the White Sox have to do now is win out, and Brett nails his preseason prediction of 107 losses Today's new research factoids, centering on losing streaks of 10 or more games in history The dubious, solitary partner the 2024 White Sox have in owning three such streaks in 2024 alone Looking ahead to 2025, really? Really! Really. And finally, the podcast ends as Brett's injured list vocal cords finally blow and give out Watch the podcast over at YouTube if you so choose, or listen on the podcast player below. If you like our work here and want to support us, please click our Patreon link and make a commitment! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no way to avoid acknowledging the horribleness of this White Sox season in real time, sometimes, and this is one of those sometimes. An under-the-weather Brett Ballantini mans the mothership solo to navigate a 106th season loss — tying the all-time White Sox single-season record — on August 31 of the season! Points Brett made while talking to himself: Futility Watch updates Horrid offensive WAR updates Watching the White Sox loss on Saturday go final (yes, the podcast started before the loss was in the books because, well, 105 prior losses would tell you a comeback wasn't in the works) Reviewing the prior end-of-season projection that had started with the Yankees series, and despite all the details of each series being wrong ... the final record projection is still dead on, and DEAD UGLY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wonderful Tim Ryder joined me again to chat about the state of the Mets. Despite being in third in the National League East, the Mets are closing in on Atlanta and hoping for a Wild Card spot. An invigorating trade deadline added depth to their lineup, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have been on a roll lately, and overall better baseball is being played in Queens. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Mets? How to make the playoffs The deep hatred for Atlanta Trade deadline thoughts Pitching matchups Keys to win, fears, and the biggest threat to the White Sox Nicky Lopez vs. Nick Madrigal The Mets would really like to forget about 1962 The kids are alright You can follow Tim on the artist formally known as Twitter, listen at Simply Amazin', and read The Apple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tigers are coming to town to face the White Sox, who are fresh off a win. I never thought I'd have a chance to say that again. Friend of the pod Rogelio Castillo joined me to chat about the third series of the season against Detroit, and an update on all things Tigers. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Tigers Trade deadline thoughts The future and prospects Booth drama Detroit fans don't respect Jason Benetti The epic downfall of Javy Báez White Sox Twitter Pitching matchups Threats, keys to win, and fears You can follow Rogelio on Twitter and be sure to follow along at Motor City Metrics and the Tigers ML Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White Sox make their final stop of their Western road trip to Oracle Park to face the fourth-place Giants. Don't let their spot in the division fool you though, the Giants are still in playoff contention. Britt of Casual Diehard joined me again this season to chat about what the Giants are up to and what the White Sox should expect in the series. Here is what we talked about: What's new in the Bay? Climbing up in the division Matt Chapman's future Trade deadline thoughts Pitching matchup Robbie Ray's decline but also his tight pants Logan Webb Tyler Fitzgerald and all of his home runs Hitting with RISP Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals playing competitive baseball It's been a fun season overall The Evil Empire vs. the Ewoks Aaron and Gus Judge You can follow Britt on Twitter and listen to her chat about baseball and F1 on a Casual Diehard podcast near you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never ones to shirk the major issues of the day, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast corespondent, Will, delve deeply into the proposal made public on ESPN this week to cut down on pitcher injuries, increase the time players fans come to see are on the field, and boost offense by forcing starting pitchers to remain in a game for six innings or 100 pitches, whichever comes first, unless they get hurt. Do they solve the issue? Do they work out all the weaknesses in the idea? Do they save the game of baseball from itself? Do they have other absolutely terrific ideas for increasing offense and balls in play? Well, er, uh ... Meanwhile, back at the White Sox, there’s is time for a little reveling in the 12-2 win over the Yankees before reality sets in and conjecture runs rampant on whether the Sox can overtake the 1962 expansion Mets to become the worst team in major league history (alright, sticklers, “modern” major league history). Can the march to history be ruined by playing six games against the Angels and three against the A’s in September? And will somebody please help poor Miguel Vargas overcome the doldrums of being traded from the Dodgers to the White Sox? Ah, the tension mounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the seventh episode of the Ladies’ Night podcast, the dynamic duo of Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and Allie Wesel discussed several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you’re a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there’s something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Reactions to the firing of Pedro Grifol and the hiring of interim manager Grady Sizemore Thoughts on who we'd like to see in the manager's chair and what characteristics are most important Observations over the past five games: what's different, what's the same old, same old Wish lists for the remaining 40 games Opinions about the concept of a six-inning starting pitcher requirement Look for another Ladies’ Night podcast in late August! Have a look at the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and don’t be a flake — subscribe to the channel!) and/or listen on Megaphone below. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts by clicking this Patreon link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Astros started the season with an old friend and a terrible record. More than less written off for the season, the team has bounced back in a big way to regain control of the American League West. Thomas of Bourbon & Baseball joined the episode to chat about the Astros and preview the upcoming series at Minute Maid Park. Here is what we talked about: How the Astros clawed their way back to the top José Abreu and his downfall What's new in Houston Trade deadline thoughts Pitching matchup Garrett Crochet's trade deadline move Everyone is injured always Keys to win, threats, and fears The Yankees vs. Orioles for the division The Dodgers Mike Trout and Jacob deGrom Hot takes You can find Thomas on Twitter. Be sure to also check out Pro Sports Fans and Bourbon & Baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices