The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

It's been an up and down start to the season for the White Sox. Is it too early to panic? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss their biggest concerns with the White Sox right now, with panic levels ranging from 1 to 10. Offense, defense, Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal and more. (3:30) - Issues with the offense (16:13) - Panic level on Jose Abreu (20:00) - Will Yasmani Grandal be better later in the season? (25:50) - A.J. Pollock panic meter

Johnny Cueto's White Sox debut was impressive to say the least, throwing six scoreless innings against the Royals with seven strikeouts. Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen talk about his electric performance, why he'll be better in the majors than the minors, and what he could bring to the White Sox rotation. They also talk about Andrew Vaughn batting ninth and more.

A month into the season, the White Sox are looking up at Minnesota in the AL Central. Are the Twins for real? Will the White Sox end up beating them out for the division title? Chuck Garfien speaks with Twins beat writer Dan Hayes about the Twins hot start, how the two teams have played, and they look into the future to see how the season might play out for these two AL Central rivals. (3:00) - Who is leading the Minnesota Twins to first place? Oh Carlos Correa right (13:08) - Recapping how the Twins beat the Whtie Sox (23:50) - How good are the Twins in the long term? (33:34) - Is the AL Central a 2 team race? (45:08) - Predicting how the Sox and Twins will play for the remainder of the season

White Sox reliever Matt Foster is having a huge comeback season in 2022. What's behind his sudden and explosive dominance? Chuck Garfien speaks with Foster about his struggles last season and what he's done to become a lights-out, late-inning reliever for the White Sox bullpen. (2:00) - The difference between this season and last season? (5:30) - The lowest part of Foster's career was being sent down to the minors (11:17) - Foster on showing more emotion while pitching

It's a greatest hits of the White Sox 2-game sweep of the Cubs. Chuck Garfien, Frank Thomas, and Ozzie Guillen interview Dylan Cease and Lucas Gioltio. Plus, hear Jason Benetti and Steve Stone's hilarious post-game interview with Liam Hendriks. And why did MLB schedule the White Sox and Cubs to play on a Tuesday and Wednesday in early May??!! Chuck goes off. And yes, this needs to change!

Facing one of the best offenses in baseball, Dylan Cease dominated Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels on the South Side, giving up just 1 run in 7 innings with no walks and 11 strikeouts. Three-time MVP Trout went 0 for 3 with 3 K's against him. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about his incredible performance, which Cease called "the best start of my career, by far."

During a cold April for the White Sox offense, Andrew Vaughn is emerging as one of the team’s best hitters. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss all that Vaughn is bringing to the table both offensively and defensively, where he should bat in the order, if his outfield play is sustainable, his future at first base, and why we appreciate all that is Andrew Vaughn. (3:40) - Andrew Vaughn needs to start every day (8:00) - Vaughn post-game interview after his clutch 3-run homer (13:30) - Are the White Sox at their best with Vaughn in the outfield? (22:00) - Why Vaughn will be better this season vs. last season

After winning the first three series of the season, the White Sox went on the road and completely lost their way, losing every game on the trip! What happened and where do the White Sox go from here? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey are here to sort it all out. (2:15) - What is the concern level for the White Sox? (8:30) - Frustration with Tony La Russa playing Leury García (14:00) - The strategy of throwing to Byron Buxton (20:00) - Tony La Russa's lineups (29:00) - Eloy Jimenez is going to be out for a while

The pitch clock being used in the minor leagues this season is dramatically changing the pace of games and reducing game times by an average of 20 minutes. Some games are taking less than two hours to play! Chuck Garfien takes a closer look at how the pitch clock is affecting pitchers, hitters, and the viewing experience. When will this be coming to the majors? Sooner than you might think.

This early in the baseball season, what’s really happening with the White Sox and the rest of the AL Central? Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince for some early takeaways and freak out factors here in the month of April. Should White Sox fans be concerned about the rash of injuries, Liam Hendriks struggles in the ninth, and the play of Leury Garcia? They also talk about the White Sox challenging April schedule and cover the freak out factors in the rest of the division. Another injury to Byron Buxton, multiple players hurt with the Tigers, the Guardians front office attempt to win, and more. (5:23) - Should Sox fans be concerned about the injuries? (10:32) - Is Liam Hendricks' struggles in the ninth going to be an issue this year? (13:30) - Will Leury Garcia remember how to play baseball? (30:00) - How good will the Guardians be this year? (38:10) - Should Twins fans be concerned about Byron Buxton's injury?

One of the best early stories of the baseball season is about White Sox pitcher Tanner Banks who finally made it to the major leagues at 30-years-old. Chuck Garfien speaks with Banks about his long journey to the majors and why he never gave up on his ultimate dream. Banks tells stories about how he learned he made the team, striking out the side against the Tigers in his debut, and more. (4:00) - Tanner on what kept him going after so many years in the minors (9:42) - Tanner describes how and when he found out he made the big leagues (15:30) - Making The Show, Tanner's first game in Detroit (21:48) - Has it settled in yet that he's finally in the majors

The Tigers might be better this year, but in the opening series of the season, the White Sox made a statement against their AL Central rivals winning two out of three. Chuck Garfien and Gordon Beckham talk about how the two teams matched up against each other. Plus, Chuck speaks with Tim Anderson about the Tigers who might be gunning for the White Sox, but came up short in their first matchup with the White Sox in 2022. (2:40) - White Sox still feel like the dominant team in the division (8:00) - Tim Anderson reacts to the series win and being the hunted in the division (12:35) - How the White Sox overcome all of their injuries (17:07) - What statement was made after the opening series?

It’s time once again to look into the future and make our season predictions! How many strikeouts for Dylan Cease? Who will the White Sox acquire at the trade deadline? Who throws the next no-hitter? How many wins for the White Sox? What will happen in October?? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka make those predictions and many more! (5:00) - Who pitches more innings, Dallas Keuchel or Johnny Cueto? (12:50) - How many strikeouts for Dylan Cease? (28:32) - Who do the White Sox acquire at the trade deadline? (36:31) - Our boldest predictions! (45:44) - What happens in October.....

With Lance Lynn out for about 8 weeks with a knee injury, the White Sox need someone to help them fill the void. Hello, Johnny Cueto! The White Sox signed him to a minor league deal. He should be in the majors soon after that. What can we expect from the 36-year-old two-time All-Star? Chuck Garfien discusses the wide-ranging possibilities with Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka! (4:00) - When will Johnny Cueto be ready to join the White Sox? (11:00) - Expectations for Cueto (17:20) - What happens to the rotation when Lance Lynn returns?

You want a big spring training trade? We got one! Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox TV analyst Steve Stone about the AJ Pollock/Craig Kimbrel trade. Plus, Garret Crochet probably needs Tommy John surgery, and what if the White Sox are able to acquire A's pitcher Sean Manaea as well? Lots to talk about!

Chuck Garfien speaks with manager Tony La Russa about Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Craig Kimbrel, and the right field situation which caused controversy amongst White Sox fans this week when La Russa questioned the need for them to sign a right fielder from outside the organization. They also talk about this year vs. last year and if the White Sox are in a better position to win in 2022.

What happens when Chuck Garfien gets together with Jason Benetti and Steve Stone? You never know. Among the topics are, Chuck's terrible impression of Keith Jackson, Steve's encounter with Yermin Mercedes, the White Sox right field situation, what happens with Craig Kimbrel, what if Luis Robert plays 155 games, and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Michael Kopech at spring training about what he learned as a pitcher last season and now as a starter how he wants to become a "top tier pitcher" in the game. Kopech talks about how he lost his edge in the second half of last season, the thrill of pitching in the Field of Dreams game, his bout with COVID, his favorite game from 2021, and more. (2:15) - Kopech on what he learned after starting and finishing a full season (7:40) - Did getting 10Ks vs the Rangers give him a glimpse of what he can be? (13:30) - Kopech discusses the playoffs and what he's learned from losing (18:10) - Kopech on battling COVID

With Andrew Vaughn getting hurt in Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, what do the White Sox do about right field? MLB.com’s Scott Merkin joins the podcast to talk about Vaughn, Michael Conforto, and Yoelqui Cespedes. Plus, Chuck Garfien speaks with Gavin Sheets and Micker Adolfo about the competition for the right-field job. (2:20) - Scott Merkin reacts to the Andrew Vaughn injury (12:56) - Micker Adolfo on the competition at right field (16:04) - Gavin Sheets on his mindset for this year (18:35) - Scott Merkin and Chuck break down Yoelqui Cespedes and White Sox needs

Dylan Cease might be coming off a breakout season, but he’s looking to be even better in 2022. He speaks with Chuck Garfien at spring training about how he wants to improve, the pitch he’s been working on the most since last year, and how many strikeouts he thinks he can reach this season. Plus, how about that new mustache?! (3:20) - The story behind the 'stache (5:30) - Dylan on wanting more from himself this year (8:00) - Reacting to the Twins signing Carlos Correa (9:36) - Can he get to 250 strikeouts this year?

White Sox prized prospect Yoelqui Cespedes is off to a hot start in spring training. He speaks with Chuck Garfien about his love for baseball, not being able to play professionally for two seasons, and what it will take for him to reach his goal of making the major leagues in 2022. And fellow top prospect Oscar Colas makes a cameo appearance!

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito about why he added 20 pounds in the offseason. Plus, Dylan Cease's hunger to improve, Michael Kopech taking the next step, why Dallas Keuchel will turn things around, the White Sox lights out bullpen, and more. (2:33) - Lucas on the decision to add 20 pounds of muscle. (8:00) - Lucas breaks down Vince Velasquez (11:32) - Can Dallas Keuchel turn his White Sox career around?

Chuck Garfien speaks with Yermin Mercedes about his wild 2021 season: coming out of nowhere to win AL Rookie of the Month in April, his old school vs. new school controversy with manager Tony La Russa, and temporarily quitting the game in July. He reveals that he's come to spring training with a new mindset of being a team player. "Everything I'm doing right now, I'm doing it for the White Sox." (3:15) -What was it like winning Rookie of the Month last year? (5:20) - The controversy between Yermin and LaRussa on missing a take sign (10:40) - Yermin on what he's worked on and gotten better at (21:13) - Tony LaRussa on the difficulties of putting Yermin in the lineup

Chuck Garfien sits down with new White Sox reliever Kendall Graveman for this impactful and emotional interview at Camelback Ranch. Kendall talks about his recent ups and downs, having his Mariners teammates revolt when he was traded to the Astros last season, facing the White Sox in the playoffs, how the Blackout Game weighed into his decision to sign with the White Sox, why he apologized to Jose Abreu and Tony La Russa when he arrived at spring training and more.

Chuck Garfien sits down with new second baseman Josh Harrison. He explains why he chose to sign with the White Sox over other interested teams, why he’s so hungry to get back to the playoffs, getting up to speed with Tim Anderson, knowing how to play in the cold, and more.

Tim Anderson and Tony La Russa. Best friends? That’s what Tim said to Chuck Garfien in this fun and revealing conversation at spring training. Tim talks about the addition of Josh Harrison at second base, his thrilling walkoff home run in the Field of Dreams game, wanting to be on the White Sox for the rest of his career, and more. (2:20) - Tim on his walk-off home run in the Field of Dreams game (7:25) - How will Josh Harrison impact the team? (12:00) - Tim on wanting to be a White Sox forever (14:23) - The Tony La Russa and Tim Anderson growing friendship

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox closer Liam Hendriks for a candid conversation about the lockout, the addition of Joe Kelly to the bullpen, and why he expects the White Sox to be one of the most hated teams in baseball in 2022. (2:40) - Dealing with the lockout and using the time wisely (4:30) - How would an international draft impact overseas players? (9:40) - Liam's thoughts on the addition of Joe Kelly (10:15) - "We're gonna be one of the most hated teams in baseball

We've got White Sox moves! Two free-agent signings within minutes of each other. Two-time World Series champion and Houston Astros hater Joe Kelly has been added to the bullpen. Two-time All-Star Josh Harrison is coming to play second base opposite Tim Anderson. What do both of them bring to the White Sox? Plus, will Craig Kimbrel be traded or not before Opening Day? And what other moves could be coming for the White Sox?

BASEBALL IS BACK! The MLB and MLBPA have reached an agreement and he 2022 season will begin in April. In an emergency podcast, Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey break down the MLB lockout coming to an end, free agency beginning once again and what it means for the White Sox.

After MLB and the player's union came so close to making a deal, everything fell apart, causing MLB to cancel a second week of the regular season. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey explain what prevented the two sides from making a deal, why the international draft was such a strong sticking point for the players, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin's strong words directed at MLB to play ball, and more. (5:40) - There were signs that a deal could be done (17:35) - An issue that's being debated is an international draft. Why? (29:40) - Some blame can be placed on the Players Union (35:10) - U.S. Senators speak on the MLB lockout

Coming to you from Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox assistant GM/player development Chris Getz about their top minor leaguers. Could Yoelki Cespedes make it to the majors in 2022? How special is Oscar Colas? Plus, why pitchers Andrew Dalquist, Jared Kelly, and Matthew Thompson had better seasons than their stats might indicate, the progress Colson Montgomery has already made since they drafted him last summer, why Getz thinks the White Sox farm system ranking doesn't tell the whole story and more. (3:00) - Is it possible that Yoelki Cespedes to make the big leagues this year? (10:12) - What is the plan for young pitching prospects, Andrew Dalquist, Jared Kelly, and Matthew Thompson? (14:41) - Can Colson Montgomery be the next Corey Seager? (19:11) - Why is the White Sox farm system ranked so low?

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox first round pick Colson Montgomery is taking part in his first spring training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. He talks about meeting Lance Lynn soon after being drafted by the White Sox, how he looks and swings like his favorite baseball player Corey Seager, his decision to pursue a baseball career over basketball, and more. (3:00) - From high school to the minor leagues (9:30) - Differences in playing basketball and baseball (15:00) - First time meeting Tony La Russa (20:50) - Before turning pro, Montgomery planned to play baseball and basketball in college

What was the biggest mistake the players and owners made that prevented them from making a deal this week? USA Today's Bob Nightengale is here to tell us. Plus, how long he thinks the lockout will last, why it will hurt free agents, how this might help the White Sox, and more. (4:00) - There was optimism over the weekend on both sides (10:41) - Which side is more united, the players or owners? (17:00) - Once the season is set, who will the White Sox get to play right field?

CBA talks fell apart. The first week of the regular season has been canceled. What the heck happened?! Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey are here to try and pick up the pieces of a lockout that unfortunately continues. They'll react to the negotiations that went south as well as the Rob Manfred and Tony Clark press conferences. Then, Chuck speaks with ESPN's Jesse Rogers who was in Jupiter, FL for the entire CBA negotiations. They'll dive into the proposals, what prevented the two sides from coming to an agreement and how long the lockout might continue. (3:00) - Ryan McGuffey on what it was like over the weekend watching the back and forth (12:20) - Reacting to Rob Manfred canceling games (23:18) - Tony Clark on the lockout continuing (35:20) - Chuck Garfien is joined by Jesse Rogers

Chuck and Guff say farewell to Vinnie who is leaving NBC Sports Chicago. A loss for us, but a great opportunity awaits our close friend and colleague. Now, if only we could say goodbye to the lockout. They discuss whether the start of the regular season can be saved by Monday's deadline. (1:00) - Vinnie Duber appreciation (16:24) - Will the owners and players come to terms before Monday? (26:20) - The lockout will start hurting some of the players if this continues (34:18) - Could baseball lose a large chunk of the fanbase?

The White Sox lost another key member of their 1983 team with the passing of second baseman Julio Cruz, the catalyst for the Winning Ugly White Sox. Chuck Garfien remembers and celebrates Cruz with 1983 Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle who shares stories about their times together as White Sox teammates. You'll also hear memories from Harold Baines, Ozzie Guillen, Tony La Russa, and Jerry Reinsdorf.

It's a pivotal week in the hopes of ending the lockout. What will it take for the players and owners to come to an agreement? Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB Network's Harold Reynolds for his take on the negotiations, how the two sides can find common ground, and why this is such a critical week to make a deal. He also explains why he picked the White Sox to win the World Series last season and why he wouldn't be surprised if Luis Robert or Tim Anderson win the MVP one day. (4:00) - Why Reynolds believes the White Sox get to a World Series (6:30) - Why this is such a big week for the lockout (10:30) - How do they reach an agreement? (20:50) - Luis Robert and Tim Anderson can win MVPs

Many White Sox fans know Beltin' Bill Melton for being the American League home run champion in 1971. Others know him from watching White Sox Pre and Post Game shows on NBC Sports Chicago. But here's a story that nobody knows. In 1995, Bill was in a coma for 16 days and almost lost his life. "A priest came in. He gave me my last rites," Melton tells Chuck Garfien in this stunning conversation that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The incident occurred a few months after Bill was teaching Michael Jordan how to play baseball. On the podcast, Bill talks about Jordan, his White Sox debut in 1968, partying on Rush Street in the 1970's and why he's lucky to be alive today. (10:00) - Bill taught Michael Jordan how to hit a baseball?! (17:16) - The story he's never told (41:00) - Playing for the Yankees Triple-A team before making his White Sox debut (57:00) - Partying on Rush Street and the Playboy Mansion in the 1970’s

What kind of hitter was Yoan Moncada last year and what kind of hitter will he be this year? It depends on who you ask. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber have a great debate about Moncada, his value and contributions at the plate, and what fans can expect from him in 2022. They also discuss the latest with the lockout, the owners' recent offer to the players, and if the league will give Chuck a great birthday present at the end of the month. (3:00) - CBA negotiations update. Are they making any headway? (12:06) - What should the expectations be for Yoan Moncada in 2022? (19:30) - Should fans be concerned about Yoan's lack of home runs? (27:00) - What do the numbers say about Moncada? (41:00) - What would be acceptable offensive numbers for Yoan Moncada in 2022?

Chuck visits with Nancy Faust to talk about her 41-year career as White Sox organist. Sitting at her home organ, she plays some of her most popular songs, telling behind-the-scenes stories about how they came to life. Among the topics: how she invented the walkup song and turned “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Them Goodbye” into a global sports anthem, Harold Baines honoring her in his Hall of Fame speech, her deep connection with White Sox fans, songs to end the lockout and more.

With negotiations dragging at a snail's pace and a miracle needed for spring training to start next week, it's time for Chuck, Guff, and Vinnie to vent their frustrations about the current state of the lockout and why it's been going nowhere. You'll hear Mets pitcher Trevor May criticize the negotiating tactics of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred if a federal mediator can help the two sides come together if there's a faction amongst the owners and what it will take for the regular season to begin on time. (3:00) - Baseball is losing young fans (12:00) - Is there dissension amongst the small market owners and big market owners? (23:00) - Trevor May criticizes Rob Manfred (31:20) - How long can the players hold out?

Former White Sox shortstop Greg Pryor was in the middle of everything in the late 1970s and early ’80s. He played in Disco Demolition and Tony La Russa’s first game as White Sox manager. He sparred with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and played with Bo Jackson in Jackson's rookie year. Chuck Garfien speaks with Pryor about those stories, plus Bill Veeck, Harry Caray, Harry Chappas, Billy Martin, Bo Jackson, and more. (6:00) - What it was like playing for the White Sox in the 1970’s (12:05) - Being trapped in the clubhouse during Disco Demolition (22:31) - Playing for Tony La Russa when he became White Sox manager in 1979 (37:36) - Refusing to shave his mustache, sparring with George Steinbrenner (45:35) - Stories about Luis Aparacio and Bo Jackson

What’s it going to take for the players and owners to make a deal? And more importantly, when is the lockout going to end? Chuck Garfien speaks with ESPN.com baseball reporter Jesse Rogers about the ongoing lockout, what’s holding back negotiations, and how the two sides can get to the finish line. Plus, the chances that spring training/regular-season games get postponed, and the reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic about the two sides reaching an agreement soon. (3:10) - What stage is the lockout in and is it close to ending? (9:10) - What do the next six weeks look like for negotiations? (14:30) - Is March 3rd the magic date? (20:15) - What damage will be done to the game if the lockout goes into April?

White Sox legend Mark Buehrle barely stayed on the Hall of Fame ballot for another year. What will it take for Buehrle to somehow find his way to Cooperstown? Chuck Garfien, Chris Kamka, and Ryan McGuffey discuss Buehrle’s Hall of Fame case. Then, they present their own HOF ballots in a lively debate over who should and who shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame: Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, Schilling, etc. (5:40) - The case for Mark Buehrle. Will he ever get in? (28:00) - Bonds, Clemens, Sosa. Hall of Famers or not Hall of Famers? (45:10) - Chuck, Chris, and Guff share their Hall of Fame ballots

A year after signing Cuban prospects Yoelki Cespedes and Norge Vera, the White Sox have added another top Cuban prospect in left-handed outfielder Oscar Colas. Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez who's been on the Colas story from the beginning. He talks about why other teams are envious of the White Sox for signing Colas and why he, unfortunately, won't live up to his nickname "The Cuban Ohtani." You'll also hear from White Sox international exec Marco Paddy about Colas the player and competitor.

With MLB and the players union meeting in person this week in the hopes of ending the lockout, are there reasons to be optimistic that the two sides can move closer to a deal? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Maddie Lee discuss the latest news, including the two concessions made by the players, what it will take for spring training to start on time and more. (2:00) - Is there actual progress or not? (7:00) - What the players want and what the owners want (14:00) - How are fans feeling about the lockout? (22:00) - Can the season start on time? What about spring training?

From the big collar uniforms to Harry Caray to Disco Demolition, the White Sox were at the center of all that was fun and reckless about the 1970's. Chuck Garfien speaks Ricky Cobb, a Chicago sociology teacher who is also the creator of Super 70’s Sports, a Twitter account with over a half-million followers that pays tribute to this off the wall decade with photos and tweets that will have you laughing all the way back to 1975.

Since the players and owners are in the middle of a labor fight right now, why not look back at one of the biggest on-field fights in baseball history. On this edition of Distant Replay, it's the infamous brawl between the White Sox and Tigers on April 22, 2000. The White Sox won the game 14-6 (featuring a home run by a young Paul Konerko), but the game will always be remembered for three big fights, one of them spilling into the outfield. Plus, too many cheap shots by the Tigers, a bloody Keith Foulke, and former Tiger Tony Clark, now executive director of the Players Association, trying to keep the peace.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Jayson Stark, senior baseball writer at The Athletic about the MLB lockout, what's at stake, and when a deal might get done. Plus, what kind of changes could be coming to MLB and if media access will improve in the future. (4:45) - How did the relationship between the players and owners get so bad? (12:00) - What the players want in the new CBA (18:00) - How to fix tanking (27:00) - Possible rule changes in 2022 and beyond (32:30) - What will media access look like going forward in baseball? (42:00) - Why it's important for the media to have access to MLB clubhouses

What was it like to throw over 300 innings in a season or 14 innings in one day--and never need arm surgery? Chuck Garfien speaks with former White Sox knuckleballer Wilbur Wood about his extraordinary career in the 1960's and 1970's. They talk about why his knuckleball was so tough to hit, how he was able to start games on only two days rest, if knuckleballers will ever return to the game, and more. Chuck has been wanting to interview Wilbur for years. It finally happened! (4:00) - The magic of the knuckleball. How did Wilbur throw it? (13:15) - How was he was able to throw so many innings? (20:10) - Why aren't there any knuckleball pitchers in the game today? (33:00) - How he became a knuckleball pitcher with the White Sox