Sox Populi - A Chicago White Sox podcast

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

Just below the Phillies sit two teams, vying for second place in the league. The Yankees and Orioles are often tied, but other times it feels like two siblings fighting to be the favorite child. While the Orioles have young talent and will be good for a while, there are two things they don't have: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. I had the pleasure of chatting with Emily Nyman again this season about her Yankees. For two teams who happen to be polar opposites, we had a wonderful time. Here is what we talked about: What's going on in the Bronx? A sibling rivalry with the O's Visiting Yankee Stadium in 2023 Trade deadline thoughts Carlos Rodón's year and Gerrit Cole's late start Speaking of pitchers, Garrett Crochet and his controversial requests Pitching previews Threats, keys to win, and fears heading into the series Oh yeah, Pedro Grifol is outta here A whole lot of Aaron Judge and his tiny family Follow the delightful Emily Nyman on Twitter and listen to her over at Breaking Balls Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With another loss, and another sweep, the White Sox entered territory they hadn't occupied in 68 seasons. After Friday's loss dropped the South Siders to .500 all-time over 124 MLB seasons, Saturday's setback set them as a losing team for the first time in almost exactly 68 years — for the first time since Aug. 14, 1956. Brett Ballantini did a postgame podcast he mistakenly branded as a mothership joint. Join him, and tread where others dared not: A rundown of the numbers, including it being almost 25,000 days since the White Sox were last a losing team, and a White Sox fan would need to be at least 75 years old to have experienced any of the last losing era Breaking down what records are necessary in the final 43 games to avoid the looming milestones including worst-ever 162-game team, worst AL team ever, worst White Sox club and most White Sox season losses Tracking the remaining schedule to see how difficult it will be for the White Sox to avoid these milestones Is there enough talent in the pipeline (or on the roster, snapping four-month slumps) to appreciably change the performance on the field? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, did you know Sox Populi has become a daily podcast? Me, neither. In fact, it's not. However, with the surprising news that Pedro Grifol had been fired by the White Sox (about a year too late, conservatively speaking), the mothership had to lift off again to discuss the timing, ramifications, and managerial job search. This time, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and Chrystal O'Keefe joined Brett Ballantini to cover it all, with some input from Willow O'Keefe as well: The move was due for, roughly a year, and Pedro shouldn't have been hired in the first place; reactions to Grifol's dismissal Despite how long we've been waiting for this day, was firing Pedro, right now, a good or bad move? Insight into how the managerial search will transpire this time around (aka How Big a Joke Will it End Up Being?) Quick predictions on the Crosstown series/will we be talking again to commemorate an under-.500 franchise as soon as Saturday? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second part of the Crosstown Classic has arrived, this time on the South Side. Both teams are having terrible years, and the White Sox are way worse, but still. While I'm sure fans of both teams will flock to the park for the rivalry, it doesn't seem like people are as excited as usual. I talked to Sara Sanchez about both teams, and how we're feeling about the series and the rest of the season. Here is what we discussed: What's new with the Cubs The Cubs probably won't make it to the postseason The National League is silly Trade deadline thoughts The final player from the 2016 team, Kyle Hendricks won't be a Cub next year Pitching breakdowns Keys to winning, threats, and fears You can find Sara on Twitter and our sister site Bleed Cubbie Blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of TIME OUT with Di Billick, she digs into the appointment of White Sox coach Grady Sizemore as interim manager of the club after Thursday's dismissal of Pedro Grifol. There are fun Grady facts, flyovers, and dog cameos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After another long podcast break, some of the Sox Populi crew (Brett Ballantini, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Joe Resis, Dante Jones) reboards the mothership and takes on some White Sox talk at as low a point for the franchise as any of us have ever witnessed: The 21-game losing streak, and how (or whether) it wore us all down Re-casting the White Sox as a "losing franchise," something it hasn't been "on paper" in the W-L column since 1956 — are we even able to be stigmatized by such a franchise fall, at this point? Rooting to lose: Does hoping that the White Sox embarrass themselves make you a "bad fan?" And is there any downside, down the line, to supporting a team of infamy? A breakdown of the Garrett Crochet situation, and who blew it — Crochet, his handlers, Chris Getz, or all or none of the above? Quick predictions on the Crosstown series, and whether we'll be talking again to commemorate an under-.500 franchise as soon as Saturday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These two teams are hardly major league teams right now. Both are last in their respective divisions. One is about to play in a minor-league ballpark next season, and the other is full of minor-league players. While they're both down badly this season, the Athletics are still doing better than the White Sox. The delightful Aaron Cameron joined me to chat about the A's and preview the upcoming series in Oakland, for the last time. Here is what we talked about: What's new in Oakland? Solidarity in horrendous ownership The Coliseum is honestly a special place The future of the A's Grading the trade deadline Mason Miller and why representation matters Pitching matchups Threats, keys, and fears Baseball roots run deep Finding comfort in broadcasters and Twitter friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recording at the point the Chicago American League Baseball Team had lost 17 straight games, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, hazarded guesses as to how long the streak might last and whether the league or major league records are truly in jeopardy. But enough of the enjoyable part — they also do the mandatory review of the trading deadline bit, amazed as everyone else at how little Chris Getz managed to acquire for what he gave up, while acknowledging a lack of expertise about 18-year-old middle infielders in very low minor leagues. Having a few post-deadline games to view, they note how every player traded by the Sox has started out very well with his new team, while the only new player in a Sox uniform has fit right in by stinking. But wee, teeny sample size and all that. There’s a tad bit of rant about control freak Jerry Reinsdorf, which is always fun. If you love diatribe, though, hang around for what they have to say about Garrett Crochet and his ridiculous and arrogant comments, from attempted extortion before the deadline to brain-dead claims afterward that what he threatened had no impact on possible trades. Were they once Crochet fans? Of course. Are they still? Well, er, uh ... Have a look at this episode on the Sox Populi YouTube (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 our Patreon link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a while, White Sox friends! The team is terrible, and we're busy women, but we hope to get back into the groove with some ladies-only chatter! In the sixth episode of the Ladies' Night podcast, Kristina Airdo, Hannah LaMotta, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, and Allie Wesel 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: Weeding through how bad this team really is and the frustration that it leaves in its wake Would it feel different at all if Pedro gets fired Plans for a 2031 documentary on the fall of the 2021 White Sox Regarding the new, young players who has some potential Sorting through the trade deadline moves Look for another Ladies' Night podcast sometime in August! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for a new Sox Populi feature, one that will show up on our YouTube channel and on our podcast list: TIME OUT, with Di Billick. It's a quick-hit format for those of you unable to find the precious 20 minutes necessary to listen to a podcast or watch YouTube. Or, if alarm bells ring in your brain when you have to think about the White Sox for more than five minutes, TIME OUT is for you! Short, to the point, profane, with cameos by exquisite English toy spaniels Lucius and Harry. This started as Five Managers I Would Like to See With the White Sox but turned on a dime into Five Things I'd Rather Do Instead of Watching the White Sox. See if you agree with her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chrystal and Bayleigh are back with a special trade deadline episode. With only a few days left, trade rumors have taken over the internet, but there haven't been any big splashes of excitement. The gals make predictions about possible trades and what makes sense. Here is what they talked about: Will the Tigers hold onto Tarik Skubal — or could Jackson Holliday sway them? The Dodgers will continue to spend all the money Where will Garrett Crochet and Erick Fedde land? If Luis Robert Jr. gets traded, who will the White Sox build a team around? Red Sox needs White Sox pitchers are always better elsewhere Bad ownership and censoring fans The Astros will be buyers How do you score seven runs against the Rockies and still lose? The Orioles have a surplus of good players Cal Quantrill brings up Reese McGuire's "car-jacking" incident and benches clear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back from the All-Star Break! I hope everyone feels refreshed and ready to be hurt again by the White Sox. Kevin from the Royals Reporter joined the podcast to talk about the Royals and help preview the first series back from break. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Royals? Hey now, you're an All-Star Seeing all your exes in the same place Pedro Grifol and Nicky Lopez Draft picks and the looming trade deadline Climbing up the American League Central rankings Pitching matchups Threats, fears, and keys to winning the series The shelf-life of Salvador Pérez Will an underdog make the playoffs? Thoughts on the second half of the season You can find Kevin on Twitter, and follow along at The Royals Reporter, Farm to Fountains, and Pitcher List. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Refreshed by the All-Star break, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, launch into the major topics of the day, from saying hello to Nick Senzel to saying goodbye to Martín Maldonado and Danny Mendick. There are also the draft results to discuss, particularly the hope that 17th-round pick Lyle Miller-Green some day makes it to the majors, because his story is phenomenal — a Siberian-born orphan originally named Oleg adopted by an American couple in his infancy who has come on to become a right fielder for Austin Peay and a professional ballplayer. And not only is his story phenomenal, so is his nickname — the Siberian Sultan of Swat. Then, of course, there’s the question of who might be going where in the next two weeks, and what skeleton of a team will be left ... which, in turn, leads to predictions of whether the White Sox will succeed in achieving the worst record in modern-era major league baseball. Plus, there’s the small matter of the Sox achieving yet another dubious distinction, with an organization that polls readers about TV announcing teams placing the White Sox dead last in that category, as they are in so many others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pirates are sailing into Chicago to take on the White Sox. Both teams have had plenty of struggles, and both teams have All-Star pitchers. Yet one team is at least close to .500 — and that's not the White Sox. Charles joined the podcast to chat about the Pirates and help preview the series. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Pirates? Breaking records and scoring a lot of home runs All-Stars Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds Can the Pirates claw their way to the Wild Card? Why is Aroldis Chapman? Was Michael A. Taylor a terrible signing? At least there is Oneil Cruz Trade deadline needs Dollar Store team Does anyone know who is pitching? Pitching matchups, sort of Keys, threats, and fears Down bad in the Bronx High school with Mr. Met Good things shouldn't happen to the Cardinals You can find Charles on Twitter or Bluesky, and follow his podcast ALAB Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wonderful Josh Hill of Puckett's Pond is back this season to talk about the Twins, who are heading to the South Side of Chicago to take on the White Sox. The Twins are in second place in the American League Central and have a team full of potential All-Stars this season. While many people think of the Twins and White Sox as rivals, it's more friendly fire, at least on Twitter. Besides, the real enemy are the Guardians. Oh, and I hope you like references from The Simpsons! Here is what we talked about: What's new in Minnesota? Royce Lewis and the curse of the right adductor strain Please ice your injuries How confident is Josh? Bullpen woes and searching for a cheap fix at the trade deadline Twins All-Stars, but you can only pick two Joe Ryan, isn't he dreamy? How do you replace Sonny Gray? Pitching matchups Threats, keys, and fears Sonny Gray and Erick Fedde might be the same Baseball is unfortunately better when the Yankees are good The Mariners won't win the West Your daily Dodgers hate You can follow Josh on Twitter and check out Puckett's Pond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White Sox extend their road trip to Miami to take on the now Tim Anderson-less Marlins. With a record not much better than Chicago, the Marlins continue to face similar struggles, in their case, it seems like every pitcher is injured. Ely Sussman, creator of Fish On First joins to talk about the Marlins ahead of the series. (As a side note, Tim Anderson had not yet been designated for assignment at the time of this recording.) Here is what we talked about: What's new in Miami? The Marlins aren't even in rebuild mode Tim Anderson and Jake Burger aren't doing so hot Kim Ng's revenge plot Bad ownership Trade deadline needs Is there an All-Star on this team? Pitching matchups Threats, keys, and fears MLB thoughts You can follow Ely on Twitter and check out Fish On First. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts by clicking the Patreon link below: Become a member! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White Sox head to Cleveland to take on the second-best team in baseball, and the clear leaders of the division, the Guardians. Pat Ellington Jr. joined the podcast to talk all things Guardians and the upcoming bloodbath ... I mean series. Pat’s baseball knowledge is insurmountable and made this conversation delightful from start to finish. Here is what we talked about: Remembering Orlando Cepeda and Willie Mays What’s new in Cleveland? The shared history between Cleveland and Chicago José Ramírez and Steven Kwan are seriously good The second-best team in all of baseball right now Confidence in staying on top Wanted: A starting pitcher ... like Garrett Crochet? Too many All-Star contenders to count Pitching matchups Keys, fears, and threats Do people still want to see the White Sox at home? MLB thoughts You can follow Pat on Twitter. You can also find his portfolio for sites such as the Red Black Green baseball blog, MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus, and the Clubhouse Conversations Interview Series on his website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may be a month to the trading deadline, but SSS duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, are ready to start swapping and get the clearing-out done early, if anybody will go along: Who might want Garrett Crochet sooner rather than later in order to control his workload and have him in prime condition in October? The Sox wanting to put Andrew Vaughn on the market right away to take advantage of his annual June resurgence and maximize value before Vaughn’s annual July swoon The likelihood Luis Robert, Jr. will be playing elsewhere come August (unlikely) And the same for Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Paul DeJong, Tommy Pham and a host of others (likely) Then they wander into wondering what the team might look like in 2025, which is scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Brown is back this season to chat about the upcoming series with the Detroit Tigers. Both teams are down really bad, with the White Sox holding on to the bottom spot of the American League Central. Friends, we’re about to watch some extremely mid baseball, so buckle up. Here is what we talked about: What’s new in Detroit? A whole lotta bad baseball The demise of Casey Mize Booing Javy Báez Trade bait All-Star picks Pitching matchups Greener pastures for former White Sox pitchers The endless rebuild Keys, fears, and threats MLB thoughts and the red-hot National League You can follow Chris on Twitter and keep up with his work at Motor City Metrics and Tigers Minor League Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to put Arizona in the rearview mirror and focus on the next homestand, starting with Houston. Andy Brown is back for an update on the 2024 Astros ahead of the series against the White Sox, and a bit of José Abreu banter. Here is what we talked about: What’s new in Houston? An Astros fan in Chicago The José Abreu of it all Father Time doesn’t stop for anyone Should the Mariners even be in first? The AL West could be up for grabs All-Star picks Pitching matchups Threats, fears, and keys to winning the series What it’s like not to have a real starting rotation People are eyeing Erick Fedde, Garrett Crochet, and Michael Kopech? It’s a weird season Underdogs might just pull it off again Will a ground swelling motion happen in the second half? The Chicago Dogs! You can follow Andy on Twitter and enjoy his blog All Blogs Go To Heaven, described as Chicago’s online home for pure, uncut, sickos-grade non-MLB baseball coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a special edition of Sox Pop on the Farm! This one is devoted to the special Negro Leagues tribute game on Tuesday, with the Birmingham Barons hosting the Montgomery Biscuits at 6 p.m. CT on the MLB Network. The Negro League Birmingham Black Barons will be honored by our Double-A club, and more broadly the game will be played in tribute to Black Barons alum Willie Mays (who will be unable to attend). Barons president and GM Jonathan Nelson sat down with Brett Ballantini for a program devoted to the broad Birmingham baseball heritage and the specific mark the Negro League Birmingham Black Barons have made on baseball history: The renovated, gorgeous Rickwood Field, which opened just a month after the Comiskey Park did, in 1910 — and the similarities that Regions Field incorporated from Rickwood The Barons have paid tribute to the Negro Leagues and Birmingham’s baseball heritage since 1996, with Turn Back the Clock Days. What does it still mean to Jonathan for his team to play at Rickwood and honor the Negro Leagues? The biggest challenge of not just moving to Rickwood for a game, but this time in coordinating with Major League Baseball for a “Rickwood Week” (Barons-Biscuits on June 18, Cardinals-Giants on June 20) Did you know: Hall-of-Famers Satchel Paige and Willie Mays both began their organized baseball careers in Birmingham with the Black Barons? Other Negro League greats came through Birmingham, including Mule Suttles and Willie Wells — and Country Music Hall-of-Famer Charley Pride, as well Does Brett get in trouble for wearing his Chicago American Giants jersey, when that club upset one of the greatest Negro League teams ever, the 1948 Black Barons, in the World Series? The underplayed, but extremely rich, baseball heritage of Birmingham Worth reminding once more: The Barons play at Rickwood Field ON MLB NETWORK at 6 p.m CT on Tuesday, June 18! Follow Jonathan Nelson on Twitter @JonathanN_Bham, the Barons @BhamBarons, and find tickets to an upcoming Barons game by clicking this link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SSS duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, are actually recording the day after a victory, an event so huge it mandates a change in poet James Russell Lowell’s famed “what is so rare as a day in June” to the more currently appropriate “what is so rare as a day in June with a White Sox win?” The duo cover high points of the Seattle series (yes, there really were some), including pitching performances from Garrett Crochet, Drew Thorpe (Will thinks Thorpe’s a real old school bulldog type) and Jonathan Cannon and long balls hit by Luis Robert Jr. (among his strikeouts). That naturally leads to trade deadline talk, about both Robert and Crochet as well as the many other players expected to shed white socks soon. That in turn leads to long discussion of Leigh’s fantasy of the White Sox getting rid of every veteran, both on and off the field, and fielding an all-rookie team next year in the front office and the dugout and on the field. Will actually likes the idea (how often do sons like their dad’s ideas?) and had some more points to make along the same lines. Heck, he even agreed it would be good idea to go completely outside the lines of professional ball and bring in a successful college coach to manage the very young team. As we said, fantasy. But likely a more successful than reality is going to be. Alas, they find out just before ending the recording that José Abreu was released by the Astros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once more it’s Brett Ballantini’s favorite week of the month, when he gets to again call on president and GM of the first-place Birmingham Barons, Jonathan Nelson. Somehow again talking during a tough series pitting the two best teams in the Southern League against one another (Birmingham and Pensacola), the two catch up on all the good coming out of Double-A: Stats review: Just how dominant have the Barons been? Drew Thorpe gets the call straight to Chicago ... and will his ability to pitch overshadow his lack of a “big arm?” Duke Ellis gets the call straight to Chicago. Jonathan feels some generational pride there, but also warns of the danger of speed like his ... to opponents Oh, and yeah, we’re just tossing out some crazy comps for these players Thorpe was great in Birmingham, but two starters (Mason Adams and Ky Bush) have been essentially as good No better way to patch a Thorpe-sized hole in your killer rotation than, oh, to call up the No. 1 pitching prospect in the system, Noah Schultz What’s the plan for Noah the rest of the summer? Looping back to speed, even with Ellis gone the Barons are stealing bases at a killer rate (85.8% success as a team, and they’re coming in bunches) What has surprised Jonathan most about this Barons team? And, what ho, as we wrapped up our podcast, the Barons had surged ahead in their Blue Wahoos brunch battle Plus! Bonus Jonathan Nelson content next week, when we run our Rickwood Field/Birmingham Black Barons podcast! Follow Jonathan Nelson on Twitter @JonathanN_Bham, the Barons @BhamBarons, and find tickets to an upcoming Barons game by clicking this link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you up to speed on everything happening around Major League Baseball right now? Tune in to hear Bayleigh and Chrystal talk about the White Sox, Red Sox, and noteworthy topics from the week. On this episode: The Astros lose Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to the dreaded Tommy John surgery Corey Seager’s hamstring woes The Yankees are about to get even better Alek Manoah’s tough year Knee discomfort 0/10, do not recommend Tucupita Marcano learns a valuable lesson about betting The ripple effect led by Marcano Pedro Grifol isn’t going anywhere this season The White Sox broke a record with 14 consecutive losses John Henry, the idiotic billionaire Steve Cohen responds with “Hold my beer” Bryce Harper wants MLB players in the 2028 Olympics Kevin Gausman’s first shutout The Astros and Angels series News and rumors ahead of the trade deadline The Martín Maldonado All-Star Game voting The London series including a celebrity double play and a rare double play for the Mets Phillie Phanatic: cheating rumors and serving tea Be sure to follow their Twitter account Soxy Chicks. You can also find Bayleigh and Chrystal on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of these things truly is not like the other, as for the first season in ages the White Sox are fielding a competitive slate of affiliates, including two first-place and playoff-bound clubs. The exception, as you might have figured, is the Charlotte Knights, struggling to fill out a pitching rotation and to get some wins under them. Our guy in Charlotte, Jonathan Lee, is here with us to talk about some key Knights figures ... look a bit into the future: The team is about what was expected, arguably (based on past seasons, at least) better than hoped Bryan Ramos skipped Charlotte on his way up to the majors, and now is rehabbing/reloading with the Knights. Jonathan and Brett chat on what Bryan brings to the table beyond his enormous talent Colson Montgomery is continuing to struggle between jaw-dropping flashes. He’s young, and struggle is to be expected — but Jonathan has caught something in Montgomery’s self-awareness that could prove valuable as he moves toward the majors Sean Burke’s lower-level rehab was completed and he’s flashed some “old Burke” since arriving in Charlotte Literally as the pair were discussing Birmingham’s rotation and what Drew Thorpe has to prove in Double-A, first word was breaking that Thorpe would be promoted to the White Sox for a Tuesday start Philosophical discussion on the nature of Triple-A and how often Double-A Barons might outright skip Charlotte, as we’re seeing with Ramos, Duke Ellis, and Thorpe The value of a core of guys playing together at each step up toward the majors Estimated dates for when we might start to see the rich Birmingham talent move east to Charlotte, possibly to create a very different Knights roster in the second half! Follow Jonathan Lee on Twitter @followmefor3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I write this blurb, the White Sox are down 11-0 in the sixth against the Red Sox. I’m just going to assume the White Sox will get swept in the series. Seattle could be a fresh start, as the Mariners seem to be in an offensive slump. Aaron Casey joined the show to talk about the first-place Mariners and brought a few questions about the White Sox. Here is what we talked about: What’s new in Seattle? T-Mobile Park is a top-tier ballpark Ice-cold bats Only two teams will survive in the AL West Grading the offseason All-Star picks How to stay in first place Pitching matchups Threats, fears, and keys to winning the series Questions for Chrystal! No one is safe during a fire sale Hot takes and predictions The Mets are going to Met and the Dodgers are going to Dodger You can follow Aaron on Twitter and follow First Pitch Strike, a father-and-son tandem podcast talking about all things MLB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the White Sox losing streak reached 13, SSS duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, pondered deep philosophical questions, such as: Is it possible for major-leaguers to play the game of baseball worse than the White Sox and Cubs did this week? Will the Sox actually break the modern MLB record for losses? Should Tommy Pham and John Schriffen be traded to the WWE for Rick Flair’s hair? How far should the Sox go in selling off? Should Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr. really be on the market? How firmly will Pedro Grifol have to affix his lips to Jerry Reinsdorf’s keister to keep from being fired? If that miracle did occur, is Tony La Russa going to make another comeback? And more stuff about how much could be gotten for whom as the Sox clear out Erick Fedde, Pham, Paul DeJong, Michael Kopech and more? Can the team be competitive by 2027, or is this decade out of consideration? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s laundry time! No, not the tedious chore, but the laundry series between two Sox teams. Bayleigh, my podcasting partner and favorite Red Sox fan, joined to chat about all things Red Sox, a few old friends, and the White Sox vs. Red Sox series. Willow O’Keefe also joined the podcast with her several opinions, but since she is a dog, we couldn’t quite make out what she meant with her barking, or the Morse code via a toy that squeaks. Apologies if you hate dogs. Here is what we talked about: What’s new in Boston? The Celtics are good How much Willow likes to bark Juan Soto and the damn Yankees Is there a way to compete? Ending the mental health stigma Pitching matchups An ode to Tanner Houck Threats, fears, and keys to winning the series All-Star picks Get Martín Maldonado to the All-Star Game Boston still won the Chris Sale trade Reynaldo López and Chris Sale are dominating in Atlanta Soxy Chicks will be back soon! You can follow Bayleigh and our podcast on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, it’s been more than a month since the mothership landed, but Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Di Billick and Brett Ballantini got on board in advance of Crosstown play to talk White Sox, and quite a bit of other stuff. Buckle in: With Di covering for South Side Sox on Tuesday and Melissa Wednesday, how are they both feeling as the White Sox head to Wrigley Field? Vibe check: How are we feeling now, compared to entering the season with some trepidation? Pedro Grifol review: the hiring, the player handling, the poor personality .. and the risk of keeping him around to usher in the youth movement later on this year Di expresses frustration with Facebook What are the desired outcomes of the season? We have hopes for the rookies on the way — and for a change in the manager’s seat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for part one of the Crosstown Classic! Jay Holloway joins the show to talk all things baseball, emphasizing our neighbors to the North, the Cubs. While it seems like all of the Chicago sports teams are awful, we focused on just how bad baseball is for both fanbases while predicting what this two-game series might look like: What’s new on the North Side? Kyle Hendricks Trading high on Cody Bellinger Is there a way to compete with the Brewers, or even finish second? The Nick Madrigal and Ian Happ of it all Everyone is hurt and the owners are terrible — a Chicago tale Wrigleyville is just a giant tourist trap Pitching matchups Threats and keys to winning the series The lack of power hitters Luis Robert Jr. Shohei Ohtani will always be worth the money The Yankees are scary Juan Soto needs a blank check Atlanta is down bad You can follow Jay on Twitter and check out everything Uncommon Commentators Podcast offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Low-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers were given a mandate from South Side Sox: No more podcasts until first place. The good news is that we only had to wait two months to get there, so Brett Ballantini welcomed back play-by-play broadcaster and Kanny jack-of-all-trades Dan Helotie in to talk about the potent club brewing down there, plus highlight some of the stars that have pushed the team nearly to the top of the Carolina League: What a difference two weeks makes ... 14-16 as of May 10, the Cannon Ballers blistered to first place by winning 12 of 15 What’s it like to broadcast a 22-1 win? The CBs are hitting the hide off of the ball, but better yet, pitching exquisitely, a rare and dominant combination at any level Ryan Galanie’s emergence seemed to spark the offense on its run to first place — but Dan says this has pretty much been Galanie from Day 1 in Kannapolis The Unbearable Lightness of Rikuu Nishida Don’t shortchange Caden Connor, who’s been every bit the hitter Galanie has in the early going A peek in a very young stars Ronny Hernández and Ryan Burrowes Three quick Meet the Players questions for Dan Seth Keener, the workmanlike ace Lucas Gordon, hoss Aldrin Batista’s upside, and getting Drew McDaniel packed off to Winston-Salem Billy Seidl’s current and future role in the bullpen Longer looks ahead: end of the first half June 20, Kannapolis’ 30th reunion on June 22 Not many home games left in the first half, but a review of promotions to wind up the first half Follow Dan Helotie on Twitter @Dan_Helotie, the Cannon Ballers @KCannonBallers, and find tickets to an upcoming Cannon Ballers game by clicking this link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When SSS duty geezer Leigh Allan headed off for a cruise in Europe, the White Sox started winning, or at least not losing so much, so he had visions of a team payout for him to stay on the other side of the Atlantic. Alas, before the payoff could come, the Sox returned to their abysmal ways, so a bribe won’t be forthcoming. Instead, this edition of Sharing Sox with the geezer and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, asks (and, of course, answers) many of the usual questions, such as: Is Pedro Grifol trying to get fired to end the humiliation but keep the paycheck? Could Garrett Crochet be on the trading block come deadline time? Is the pitching being 27th or so in key categories a sign it’s much better than the offense, which is dead last in most? Did nobody get the memo about playing good defense? Is the schedule coming up for real, or are they just terrorizing us? As for praise, some goes out — unfortunately, to members of other teams, even one in our very own city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two big departures from Winston-Salem dominate each half of our podcast this time around, as Joe Resis analyzes the Dash roster along with Brett Ballantini. The advantages and hazards of promoting Noah Schultz before he’s ever thrown five innings in one pro outing Tyler Schweitzer is back on the scene, bigtime. If Birmingham ever matriculates one of their six starting aces, the lefty might be heading west Peyton Pallette is not looking good on paper, but is that paper telling a lie? Jacob Gonzalez elicits awe, and mea culpas from at least one of our hosts Is there upside for solid hitters like Shawn Goosenberg and Wes Kath despite gaudy K rates? Breaking down two other “disappointments” on paper, Samuel Zavala and Loidel Chapelli Possible Joe Resis dance floor footage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dream is back on the podcast to preview the upcoming series with the Orioles, who sit just behind the first-place Yankees. The Orioles have plenty of young talent and a tough pitching rotation, the White Sox will need to bring their A-game to come away with even a single win in the series, especially while dealing with Corbin Burnes and the great defensive shortstop, Gunnar Henderson. Here’s what we talked about in this episode: What’s new in Baltimore Grading the offseason Jackson Holliday How to beat the Yankees Confidence going into 2024 The O’s have a new owner Pitching matchups Threats, fears, and keys to winning the series The AL Central Tommy Pham Royal rejects and terrible ownership If you don’t trust someone to pick you up from the airport, they shouldn’t be president (or running day-to-day baseball operations You can follow Dream on Twitter and find great betting content at FTN Betting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices