The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Whenever Eloy Jimenez comes on the podcast, you never know what to expect. This time, Eloy opens the conversation by actually interviewing Chuck Garfien. Then, Jimenez opens up about the pec muscle injury he suffered during spring training, why he wants to be a full-time left fielder and not a DH, and how a 12-year-old White Sox fan inspired him during his recovery. Later, Chuck explains why playing left field is best for Jimenez and the White Sox. (2:40) - Eloy interview Chuck Garfien (5:30) - Eloy on Tony La Russa saying to the team that they will be in first place when he came back from his injury (11:05) - Hitting a home run in the Field of Dreams game (12:50) - Eloy dedicating his first home run back from surgery to a special fan

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber discuss the White Sox struggles against teams with winning records. What's going on? What does it mean? Will it matter come playoff time? Then White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon makes a surprise appearance on the podcast, giving his thoughts on the White Sox record against teams over .500. He also provides an update on his sore shoulder and when he might be back in the White Sox rotation. (2:20) - Is there a pattern with the Sox against teams with winning records? (8:40) - How will the Sox handle the playoffs if they can't beat above .500 teams in the regular season? (16:00) - What should fans be looking for on the White Sox as the playoffs get closer (17:55) - Surprise guest Carlos Rodon joins the podcast (20:00) - Rodon discusses the Sox record vs potential playoff teams and if they are worried about it

The first ever Field of Dreams game ended in dramatic fashion with Tim Anderson crushing a 2-run homer into the cornfield in the bottom of the ninth to give the White Sox a 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees. What did we just witness?? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey put all the emotions of this real life Hollywood ending into perspective. Was this heaven? Well, it sure felt like it.

Coming to you from the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, Chuck Garfien speaks with actor Dwier Brown who played Kevin Costner’s father in the Field of Dreams movie. He talks about the making of the film with inside stories about the famous scene with him and Costner, and why grown men stop him on the street asking, “Want to have a catch?” Then, Chuck speaks with Adnan Virk of MLB Network and host of The Cinephile podcast about the movie’s impact, if Tom Hanks had played the lead role instead of Costner, what baseball player he’d want to see walk out of the cornfield and come back to life, why we can dream about a White Sox World Series and more.

After missing three months with a torn hip flexor injury, Luis Robert is back in our White Sox lives. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, and Ryan McGuffey talk about the return of La Pantera, what it does for the lineup and how his absence opened the doors for other players, making this White Sox team even better. They also discuss the tough schedule coming up, the White Sox sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley, and more. (2:50) - What does it mean to have Luis Robert back right now? (7:50) - What will happen to Adam Engel now that Robert is back? (13:30) - Sox are heading into a tough stretch on the road. Does it still matter how well they play vs potential playoff teams? (18:50) - Projecting when Yasmani Grandal comes back (22:30) - White Sox sweep the Cubs

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox closer Liam Hendriks for a fun and unpredictable conversation that goes in many different directions. Liam talks about his personality as a pitcher, his favorite curse words while on the mound and why he’s giving up too many home runs this year. They discuss the White Sox adding Craig Kimbrel and his new Ponytail Express t-shirt featuring him, Kimbrel and Michael Kopech. Plus, why he might be playing in the corn during the Field of Dreams Game, why he wants to play a dead body on the TV show Chicago Fire and more. (3:00) - Have the White Sox played up to expectations so far this year? (9:10) - Liam's favorite curse words on the mound (10:10) - Craig Kimbrel joining him in the White Sox bullpen (14:00) - Being DFA'd by the Cubs (18:50) - Why he might go missing during the Field of Dreams Game

White Sox catcher Seby Zavala put his name in the record books over the weekend, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit his first three home runs in the same game. Chuck Garfien speaks with Zavala about his historic game, the emotions of hitting the homers in front of an electric White Sox crowd, how Ozzie Guillen chose him as his pick-to-click before the game, how the team's supporting cast keeps coming up with big games, and more.

In a stunning move before the trade deadline, the White Sox acquired 8-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel from the Cubs for Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer. WOW. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey react to the shocking trade which makes the White Sox serious favorites to get to the World Series. Then they're joined by David Kaplan who broke the story about serious talks between the White Sox and Cubs about Kimbrel, to discuss what the White Sox are getting in Kimbrel, the aggressive trade made by Rick Hahn, what's happened to the Cubs, the fire sale in the AL Central and more.

The White Sox made trades with two rivals before the deadline on Thursday, acquiring second baseman Cesar Hernandez from the Indians and reliever Ryan Tepera from the Cubs. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey explain why they like both moves, but are they enough to make the White Sox World Series contenders? They discuss that topic with David Kaplan who explains what it will take for the White Sox to acquire Craig Kimbrel, why the White Sox won't trade Jose Abreu like the Cubs dealt away Anthony Rizzo, and more.

With the trade deadline set for Friday at 3pm Chicago time, the real wheeling and dealing is about to begin. Who's coming to the White Sox? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with Mike Ferrin, host for MLB Network Radio and Arizona Diamondbacks radio about possible trade candidates. They talk about Eduardo Escobar, Trevor Story, bullpen arms, and more. Plus, a White Sox starting pitcher he sees going to the bullpen in the playoffs. (3:20) - Are there any updates on Eduardo Escobar? Why have the talks between the D-Backs and Sox gone dry? (10:20) - Should Dylan Cease come out of the bullpen in the playoffs? (15:10) - Should the White Sox trade Gavin Sheets? (21:25) - The Sox need a second baseman, should the Sox try Trevor Story or another option?

Hi Eloy! After missing the first four months of the season with a torn pectoral muscle in his left shoulder, Eloy Jimenez has returned to the White Sox. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss what it means to have the White Sox slugger back in the lineup. Plus, how often will he be playing the outfield or should he just be a full-time DH? They also talk about the emergence of Andrew Vaughn at the plate and how many deals they think the White Sox will make before Friday's trade deadline. (2:30) - Eloy Jimenez is back! (7:00) - Should Eloy just be a DH? What about left field? (12:30) - Andrew Vaughn keeps hitting and hitting. (18:00) - How many trades are the White Sox going to make before the deadline?

It was a surprising and confusing 24 hours for Yermin Mercedes who abruptly left the Triple-A Charlotte Knights in the middle of a game, posting on social media that he was stepping away from baseball, only to come back one day later announcing on Instagram that he was sorry for quitting. So what happened with Mercedes? What led him to walk away and then come back? Chuck Garfien explains the many shades of Mercedes, why Tony La Russa is not the reason for his downfall, and the hot take overreactions that occurred on social media. (3:40) - Understanding Yermin Mercedes (10:05) - The hot take reaction on social media (17:20) - Tony La Russa's reaction after Mercedes decided to step away from baseball (19:00) - Why Mercedes was frustrated and wanted to leave the White Sox organization

It hasn’t taken long for Lance Lynn to become a fan favorite on the South Side. He speaks with Chuck Garfien about his connection with White Sox fans and the decision to sign a contract extension during the season to remain with the White Sox for the future. He talks about his bond with Mark Buehrle, the will to win inside the White Sox clubhouse, the competitive fire that burns inside him, and more.

Is there a better rotation in all of baseball than what the White Sox have with Lance Lynn, Carlos Rodón, Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, and Dylan Cease? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about the White Sox elite starting staff, how it sent a message against the Houston Astros last weekend and how it compares with the Milwaukee Brewers' rotation 80 miles to the north. Plus, what happens if Michael Kopech is added to the rotation later this season? And how would all the White Sox talented arms be used in a possible playoff series? (2:20) - Do the White Sox have the best rotation in baseball? (05:45) - Assuming they make the playoffs.....what's the rotation in the playoffs? (13:00) - What if the White Sox meet the Astros in the post-season... (16:20) - Comparing other top starting rotations to the White Sox

ESPN baseball writer Jesse Rogers is back from Denver to speak with Chuck Garfien about the All-Star Game and possible trade targets for the White Sox, including two players he spoke with at the All-Star Game: Eduardo Escobar and Adam Frazier. Could the White Sox and Cubs make a deal? If so, what Cubs player has the best chance to be headed to the South Side? They also discuss relief help, Tony La Russa, beating good teams in the second half and more. (2:50) - All-star game review for the White Sox (7:48) - Potential trades the White Sox are looking at before the deadline (13:20) - Could Joc Pederson be on his way to the White Sox? (20:05) - Will the manager of the AL All-star team in 2022 be Tony La Russa? (28:40) - Assessing Tony La Russa's first half of the season

Go back in time for the latest edition of Distant Replay! And this one's a gem. The 1983 All-Star Game at old Comiskey Park. It was the 50th Anniversary of the very first All-Star Game held at Comiskey Park in 1933. As a rookie, Ron Kittle was the White Sox only All-Star. Kittle joins the podcast to talk about his memories of this historic game and playing in front of the hometown fans (13:00). After losing 11 straight All-Star Games, the American League crushed the National League 13-3, thanks to a grand slam by Fred Lynn (34:00), the first and only grand slam in All-Star history. A young Chuck Garfien was there in person with his grandfather. Chris Kamka is aboard to talk about the game and the broadcasting magic of Vin Scully who called the game for NBC.

Great news for the White Sox! Over three months after tearing his left pectoral muscle in a spring training game, Eloy Jimenez is feeling great and starting a rehab assignment on Friday for Class-A Winston-Salem. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss when he'll likely be back in the White Sox lineup, if he'll play left field when he returns, and more. Plus, they talk about the White Sox decision to part ways with Adam Eaton and the job Tony La Russa has done halfway through the season. (5:00) -- When might Eloy Jimenez return to the White Sox? (12:10) -- Will he mostly play DH? What about left field? (25:00) -- The job Tony La Russa has done as White Sox manager (31:20) -- The decision to DFA Adam Eaton and what it might mean going forward

Baseball is in the blood for Gavin Sheets and his dad Larry Sheets, who was a power hitter in the majors for 8 seasons. Chuck Garfien speaks with both of them about Gavin's journey to the major leagues, how Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr coached Gavin during the pandemic last year, the excitement of going home to Baltimore this weekend to play against the Orioles, and more. (2:45) - Gavin on being the son of a major league player (9:00) - Fulfilling a legacy, Gavin on stepping in his dad's cleats and becoming a pro player (17:00) - Larry Sheets discusses being teammates with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. (24:20) - Gavin describes what it was like hitting his first major league home run (31:00) - Gavin on gaining trust from Tony La Russa

How does a young boy in Liverpool, England come to America and become a diehard White Sox fan? Chuck Garfien speaks with popular English soccer broadcaster Roger Bennett about his love for the White Sox and the city of Chicago. He explains why Joey Cora is his all-time favorite White Sox player, the life advice he received from William "The Refrigerator" Perry, his infatuation with John Hughes movies, what he likes about the 2021 White Sox, and his new book: 'Reborn in the USA: An Englishman's Love Letter to His Chosen Home.' (6:30) - Roger's longtime fascination with Chicago and longing to live here (17:10) - Landing in Chicago for the first time (31:45) - Meeting William "The Refrigerator" Perry (43:10) - Why Joey Cora is his all-time favorite White Sox player (53:20) - How the White Sox helped him get through the pandemic

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal who talks about his unicorn start to the season at the plate, drawing so many walks with so few hits. They also discuss the feud between Lucas Giolito and Josh Donaldson. Then, Chuck speaks with White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton about the rash of hamstring injuries that have spread throughout the game. Eaton is dealing with a hamstring injury himself. He explains how close he is to returning and why he believes there are so many soft tissue injuries in the game today. (3:30) - Yasmani Grandal says he wasn't "full ready" for the regular season (7:00) - He responds to the feud between Lucas Giolito and Josh Donaldson (11:55) - Adam Eaton on his hamstring injury and why there are so many soft tissue injuries in baseball (19:00) - How the White Sox have been able to stay in first place despite all of the injuries

What started out as a "sticky stuff" controversy between White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito and Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson went nuclear after Donaldson brought Ozzie Guillén into the mix, criticizing the NBC Sports Chicago analyst for the comments he made on Tuesday night's postgame show. Here on the podcast, hear what Giolito said about Donaldson, what Donaldson said about both Giolito and Guillén and what Guillén said to fire back at Donaldson. Sit back, relax and strap it down for this one.

With trade rumors connecting the White Sox to Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Eduardo Escobar, it's time to dig into what's happening and separate fact from fiction. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Ryan McGuffey discuss the Escobar-to-the-White Sox speculation and explain why a trade hasn't happened and if it eventually will. (3:10) - Reasons why the White Sox should trade for Eduardo Escobar (10:00) - Why a trade hasn't happened (16:30) - Gauging the market, what will it take to get Eduardo Escobar? (22:00) - The White Sox depth has been challenged this season with all the injuries (27:10) - When will the Diamondbacks trade Escobar?

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with White Sox announcers Jason Benetti and Len Kasper and go deep on a number of topics, including living through the pandemic, being storytellers, and their new podcast, "Sox Degrees." They also discuss the challenges of calling games from a studio and the importance of broadcasting games from inside the ballpark when the team goes on the road. Plus a whole lot more. (4:40) - Why Jason and Len started their own podcast (16:40) - The importance of storytelling in audio (30:10) - Preparing for broadcasts and why they feel it's necessary to call White Sox games on the road (51:24) - What they've learned about each other that they didn't know before

In Houston, the White Sox had a problem. They got swept in four games. It was an ugly series from start to finish. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss what happened, the struggles of Yermin Mercedes, and why they got swept by the Astros. After that, they talk about the upcoming schedule, explaining why it’s time to rack up wins, and what kind of moves the White Sox might make before the trade deadline. (2:40) - "The good old-fashioned butt whipping" in Houston. What happened? (9:50) - What should the White Sox do about the struggles of Yermin Mercedes? (16:10) - Why the White Sox upcoming schedule could be pivotal in winning the division (17:30) - What moves the White Sox might make before the trade deadline

With White Sox starters leading the American League in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and more, dare we ask the question: Is this rotation better than the one from 2005? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey are joined by 2005 World Series hero Scott Podsednik to compare and contrast the two rotations and discuss whether the 2021 White Sox can keep this going. Plus, Pods shares a classic Orlando Hernandez story and more. (1:30) - Let's look at the numbers. Plus, which rotation had better stuff? (9:50) - Orlando Hernandez was great in the playoffs. What about the regular season? (13:20) - What both rotations have in common (16:45) - What is the identity of the 2021 White Sox?

With Major League Baseball cracking down on the use of foreign substances by pitchers, White Sox lefty Carlos Rodón discussed the topic with Chuck Garfien. Rodón talks about why he doesn't use any extra substances while he pitches and criticizes the decision to punish pitchers and not Houston Astros players who cheated in 2017 and 2018. The conversation also covers his no-hitter, his increased velocity, the Cy Young-caliber season of Lance Lynn, and more. (2:30) -- It's Chuck's first in-person interview in 15 months (3:15) -- Rodon's no-hitter and near no-hitter (8:00) -- How he's been able to hit 100 mph on the radar gun (11:00) -- His thoughts on foreign substances, Rob Manfred and the Houston Astros

With Nick Madrigal possibly missing the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, what do the White Sox do about second base? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the loss of Madrigal, the rash of hamstring injuries that have hit the White Sox, and one name that's already been mentioned as a possible trade target. Plus, they react to Rick Hahn's comments regarding the team's optimism that Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert could both return this season.

After missing three full seasons due to injuries and the pandemic, Jake Burger is back in a big way. Chuck Garfien speaks with the White Sox 2017 first-round pick about his impressive start with the Charlotte Knights and what it means to be playing competitive baseball again. They talk about his first three hits in Triple-A (all home runs), how an unexpected fan found his first home run ball and gave it to him, getting called up to the majors one day, his impressions of prospect Yoelqui Cespedes, and more. (3:35) - Why Burger is surprised by the season he's having with the Charlotte Knights (10:55) - Hitting his first home run in Triple-A and the feeling after it (17:30) - How he's becoming a better third baseman (31:00) - The fan who found his first home run ball wasn't a White Sox fan...

Chuck Garfien catches up with Paul Konerko and Jim Thome for a conversation about their White Sox careers, the art of hitting, and much more. The two White Sox legends get into the nitty gritty about hitting in the big leagues, being teammates, and playing in the “Blackout Game.” They talk about the memorabilia they have inside their homes, and Chuck gives them a pop quiz about their baseball careers. (3:50) - Konerko and Thome talk about the baseball memorabilia they have in their homes (10:15) - Their memories of the "Blackout Game" (12:30) - The art of hitting as told by Konerko and Thome (28:50) - Teaching the game to younger generations (35:34) - Baseball trivia with Paul and Jim

As the baseball calendar flips from May to June, it’s time to assess all that has happened with the White Sox in the first two months of the season and wonder what comes next. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey break down what they’ve learned about the White Sox, the team's strengths and weaknesses, why they should win the AL Central, what player the White Sox could add at the trade deadline, and more. (2:50) - How many teams are better than the White Sox? Not many (11:00) - Bench players are making a big difference (17:10) - Will the Indians be able to overtake the White Sox? (21:35) - Chuck's trade target for the outfield

With Cubs superstar Kris Bryant potentially on the trading block, MLB.com columnist Anthony Castrovince comes on the podcast to tell Chuck Garfien why he believes the White Sox are the best fit for the former MVP. The guys talk about what kind of trade package it will take to acquire Bryant, if the Cubs would be willing to deal him to the South Side, and more. (3:00) - Castrovince explains why Bryant and the White Sox are the best fit (10:00) - Why the Cubs will eventually trade Bryant this season (16:10) - Will the Cubs be willing to trade him to the White Sox? (22:50) - Who the White Sox might have to give up for Kris Bryant (24:30) - When Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert return affects all of this

White Sox ace Lucas Giolito and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty were teammates at Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles. Now they’re facing off against each other as big leaguers for the very first time Tuesday night on the South Side. Chuck Garfien speaks with their high school baseball coach, Matt LaCour, who tells stories about their prep careers and what it took for them to become elite major league pitchers. LaCour, who is coming to town for the big game, talks about what it will be like being at Guaranteed Rate Field to watch his former pitchers go head-to-head. (2:46) - How did the legendary high school rotation featuring Lucas Giolito, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty come together? (7:30) - When Matt LaCour first saw that Lucas Giolito had the potential to be something special (10:40) - The time Giolito accidentally hit Max Fried in the face with a pitch in high school (15:20) - The text LaCour received from Flaherty telling him he needs to come to Chicago for the game (20:05) - Watching the growth of Giolito in the majors (35:10) - LaCour on his former pitching coach Ethan Katz coaching Giolito in the majors

In one of the most unforgettable series in recent memory, the battle between the White Sox and Twins was also a dividing line between old-school and new-school baseball. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber talk about everything from Yermín Mercedes launching a home run on a 3-0 pitch in a blowout to Tony La Russa sticking to the unwritten rules of baseball to the White Sox taking two of three from the Twins in a series that buried Minnesota even further into the basement of the AL Central. 1:55 - Summing up a tense White Sox-Twins series 7:00 - La Russa - Mercedes fall out 16:48 - Throwing at batters for retaliation

The White Sox and Twins were expected to battle it out for the AL Central title, but with Memorial Day approaching, the White Sox are at the top of the division and the Twins are fighting to stay out of the cellar. Can the Twins turn their season around, or will they be forced to make an early surrender and sell before the trade deadline? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with Twins beat writer Dan Hayes from The Athletic about the Twins' struggles and how the White Sox made it to first place. They also discuss the current playoff and World Series projections for both teams. (3:15) - Why have the Twins been so bad this year? (13:10) - Everything that could go wrong for the Twins has gone wrong (19:15) - Will the Twins pull the plug on the season and trade away players? (25:10) - Current odds to make the playoffs in the AL Central division (30:20) - Is there a chance the Twins can comeback? (38:00) - Current World Series Odds for the AL Centeral

Yermín Mercedes has been one of the best stories in baseball in the early stages of the 2021 season as he's completed his journey from unknown prospect to the American League Rookie of the Month. So how did the White Sox find him? Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox assistant general manager Chris Getz, who explains how the team came upon Mercedes in 2017, the path Mercedes took to the majors, how Mercedes forced his way on the Opening Day roster and if he believes Mercedes can stick in the majors. (4:10) - How did a talent like Yermín Mercedes go under the radar for so long? (9:05) - Scouting Mercedes in the minors (14:00) - How other teams are reacting to his success (17:50) - Now a beer is named after him! (20:00) - Jake Burger's growth in the minors this year

The Minnesota Twins have been taking it to the White Sox for years. How about some revenge! With the Twins limping into town with a 12-20 record, it's time for the first place White Sox to knock them down and keep them down. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka talk about their frustrations with the Twins over the years and why it's important for the White Sox to make a statement against their division rivals, not just this week when they meet for three games on the South Side, but next week when they face each other again for three more battles in Minnesota. (3:10) - The Twins have been beating the White Sox for years. It's time to start ending their hopes, NOW! (8:10) - What has gone wrong for the Twins so far this season? (15:30) - We're not impressed with the Royals (20:35) - Yasmani Grandal is getting a ton of walks. Will he find his bat soon? (28:50) - White Sox depth is proving its worth with all the injuries (35:00) - The Sox have a chance to solidify 1st place in the AL Central

After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Reds in 10 innings, Tony La Russa is facing criticism for his decision-making in the late innings, specifically for not being aware of a wrinkle in the extra-inning rules that would have prevented Liam Hendriks from running the bases. How did things go so wrong for La Russa and the White Sox coaching staff? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, and Ryan McGuffey break down what happened and the decisions that were made by La Russa that led to an ugly defeat in Cincinnati. (3:00) - How many times is this going to keep happening with La Russa where he is blindsided by something? (8:00) - Who is being held accountable on the coaching staff when no one knows the rule? (14:20) - Tony La Russa in his own words, admits he didn't know the rule (17:20) - Reaction to the media needing to explain the rule to La Russa (21:00) - Will this keep happening this season?

The injury to Luis Robert is devastating for the White Sox. First Eloy Jiménez, now Robert. The center fielder is out 12 to 16 weeks with a Grade 3 hip flexor strain, a complete tear. So what do the White Sox do now? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber discuss the back-breaking loss of Robert and examine the outfield market to see who the White Sox can acquire.

It's been an up-and-down April for both the White Sox and manager Tony La Russa. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Ryan McGuffey discuss how La Russa has performed in his first month back in the dugout, including how he's managed his starters, the bullpen, lineups, and the coaching staff. They go over the tough loss to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night, when Lucas Giolito remained in the game despite being out of gas. Plus, they talk about what they're learning about La Russa as a manager in 2021. (3:15) - How would you describe Tony La Russa's first month of managing? (8:38) - There have been great games and rough ones like Tuesday vs. Tigers (11:40) - Understanding Lucas Giolito and when he's done (16:00) - La Russa's decision to go with Billy Hamilton and Leury Garcia, not Zack Collins or Andrew Vaughn (27:20) - La Russa is being held to a World Series standard

Following Michael Kopech’s electrifying 10-strikeout victory as a starter on Sunday, how will the White Sox use their fireball pitcher going forward? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about Kopech’s role as a starter and reliever for the rest of 2021. They go back to Kopech’s previous home start in 2018 to see how far the White Sox have come since the lowest point of the rebuild. Plus, Kopech’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes and more. (3:40) - How Kopech has become a better pitcher in 2021 (8:30) - Who was in the White Sox lineup for his previous start at home in 2018? (16:15) - NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes' tweet about Kopech and their relationship going back to high school (22:00) - What's next for Kopech? When will he become a full-time member of the rotation?

We're only three weeks into the baseball season, but after spending months poring over various free agent and trade possibilities for the White Sox, how are all of them doing to start the campaign? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber talk about who the White Sox added (Adam Eaton, Lance Lynn, Liam Hendriks), who they didn't (George Springer, Joc Pederson, José Quintana, Corey Kluber), who they lost (Dane Dunning, James McCann) and more. (4:06) - Starting pitchers that the White Sox could have had, starting with Corey Kluber. Still want him? (13:20) - Adam Eaton vs. everybody else (19:00) - Lots of Joc Pederson talk (27:43) - Is Yermín Mercedes better than Nelson Cruz? Did we just ask that question? (32:40) - Are the White Sox set at catcher or did they miss on someone?

It's been a wild roller-coaster ride so far for the White Sox: big highs and big lows. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, and Ryan McGuffey talk about what transpired in the season's first 17 games and what happens from here. They discuss why it's too early to be concerned, José Abreu's struggles at the plate, whether Andrew Vaughn should be sent to the minors, Yermín Mercedes and Danny Mendick pitching against the Red Sox, and more. (2:10) - The White Sox are still feeling the season out, but this is certainly a roller coaster (5:50) - Jose Abreu won't be this bad at the plate for the rest of the season (13:04) -What should the White Sox do with Andrew Vaughn? (18:05) - How can the offense become more consistent? (22:15) - White Sox hitters getting a chance to pitch vs the Red Sox

On Wednesday, April 14th 2021, Carlos Rodón nearly went perfect. Literally a foot away, but he did become the 20th White Sox pitcher to throw a no-hitter and Sox fans were there the whole way. Chuck Garfien is joined by White Sox pre/post game teammates Frank Thomas and Ozzie Guillén as they breakdown how Carlos Rodón got himself to this point, the amazing outing he had, and where they see Rodón taking his game. Congrats to Carlos Rodón!

Despite trading away several of their best players, the Cleveland Indians are still a formidable bunch, capable of giving the White Sox fits like they did last season, when they won eight of the 10 games against the South Siders. So who are these Indians? And will the White Sox have better success against them in 2021? Chuck Garfien speaks with Cleveland native Anthony Castrovince from MLB.com about how the Indians have found ways to stay competitive, if their start to this season is for real, the Lucas Giolito-Shane Bieber matchup on Tuesday, what's been the biggest issue for the White Sox thus far and more. (2:02) - Who are the Indians? How have they been able to stay competitive? (8:22) - What have we learned about the Indians so far this season? (11:34) - What kind of pitcher is Emmanuel Clase and will he become the Indians closer? (16:30) - An outside view of the White Sox and why he's picking them to win the AL Central (21:00) - The appreciation of having fans back in the stands

The White Sox started the season with World Series expectations, but so far the results have been underwhelming on the field and in the win column. What’s going on? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss what’s ailing the White Sox right now, focusing on the defense and bullpen. Plus, Tony La Russa blames himself for a tough loss in Seattle, Yermín Mercedes and Zack Collins are off to surprising starts, Michael Kopech is must-see TV and more. (2:18) - Reaction to what the Sox have been so far (8:08) - Tony La Russa takes responsibility for the loss vs the Mariners (11:05) - White Sox players are pissed at their performances so far this season (15:25) - What have we learned about the team early in the season? (21:10) - Positive takeaways (26:20) - Grading the first week of the season. Biggest concerns for the White Sox

After winning American League Player of the Week honors, 28-year-old rookie Yermín Mercedes speaks with Chuck Garfien about his incredible start to the season, including setting a new major league record by collecting eight hits in his first eight at-bats. Mercedes also discusses his approach with two strikes, why he almost quit the game before the White Sox selected him in the Rule 5 draft in 2018, getting a photo with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, and his next goal: being named the AL Player of the Month. (4:40) - Yermín discusses why he didn't give up after 10 years in the minors (8:30) - Finding out he was the AL Player of the Week (10:38) - The difficulties hitting DH and how he's had immediate success at it (12:40) - Getting a photo with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols

Now that the baseball season is officially here, it's time to make our predictions for 2021. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka look into the future and forecast what will happen with the White Sox this season. How many innings will Lance Lynn throw? How many times will Nick Madrigal strike out? How many games will the White Sox win? Who will the White Sox acquire at the trade deadline? What will the final standings be in the AL Central? All that, the guys' boldest predictions for 2021, and more. (3:45) - How many innings will Lance Lynn have this year? (11:25) - How many strikeouts will Nick Madrigal have? (16:00) - Predicting the record, ERA, and strikeouts for Dylan Cease (20:06) - Will the Sox get into a fight with anyone in the division or the Cubs this year? (30:00) - Who will the Sox trade for this season? (36:05) - Who will be the White Sox offensive MVP? (43:45) - What will be the record of the 2021 White Sox? (54:00) - Bold predictions for the White Sox (clutches pearls)

Chuck Garfien speaks with Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols about Tony La Russa, his longtime manager with the St. Louis Cardinals with whom he has a father-son style relationship. Pujols talks about the pair's offseason conversation, where La Russa asked for advice before taking the White Sox managing job. Pujols also explains what makes La Russa a great manager, talks about his close friendship with José Abreu, previews what to expect when the White Sox and Angels play to open the season, and more.

Could this be the year for Carlos Rodon? Chuck Garfien speaks with the White Sox left-hander about his impressive spring training, nailing down a spot in the rotation, and how a strikeout of Manny Machado in spring training signaled to him that he’s back. They also discuss what he’s learned about dealing with injuries and adversity, getting non-tendered by the White Sox, his advice for the injured Eloy Jimenez, and more. (2:10) - Who is this version of Carlos Rodon? (8:20) - Getting non-tendered by the White Sox was a good "slap in the face" (11:10) - His drive to prove that he's the pitcher the White Sox drafted (14:40) - A strikeout against Manny Machado this spring... (20:10) - What it meant earning a spot in the White Sox rotation (24:16) - Were the Cubs interested in him?

You might not know the name Emily Blady, but you should. She works as a baseball operations analyst in the White Sox front office and speaks with Chuck Garfien about her job building statistical models to help the team with in-game strategies and player personnel decisions. They discuss how she got the job with the White Sox, what needs to happen for more women to be hired across Major League Baseball, if she wants to become a general manager one day, why it's an exciting time on the South Side, and more.