The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Almost three years since the White Sox embarked on their rebuild, the crew gets together to grade the three big trades that started it all. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber break down the Chris Sale trade (1:30), the Adam Eaton trade (8:10) and then David Kaplan joins them to grade the Jose Quintana trade to the Cubs (17:15). Here's a hint. He hates the Quintana trade more than anyone you know.

Who will the White Sox sign this winter? What players will they acquire? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka give their predictions. We all hope Kamka's predictions come true (7:10). Vinnie has a World Series MVP on his mind (18:00). Chuck gives his predictions and Guff isn't happy about them (33:00). They all include their one bold prediction and more.

In a new series on the podcast, the whole crew gets together to re-watch and re-live one of our all-time favorite White Sox games. We begin with Game 2 of the 2005 ALCS when A.J. Pierzynski famously reached base on the dropped third strike in the 9th inning, opening the door for a pivotal White Sox victory over the Angels (1:50). You'll hear things we learned watching the broadcast again (10:30), if Twitter existed... (17:20), the White Sox player we miss the most (21:00), all the random stuff that happened in the game and on the broadcast (24:30), the Pierzynski dropped third strike (32:30), Chuck's post-game report unearthed for the pod (38:15), how Hawk Harrelson would have called the game (40:40) and much more.

Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka speak with Black Sox historian Jacob Pomrenke about the biggest myths surrounding the infamous 1919 Black Sox who fixed the World Series (2:30). Gambling wasn't limited to the White Sox back then. Even Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker threw a game? (10:30) The role of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson in the fix (19:20) Could Jackson ever get into the Hall of Fame? (27:00) Could a World Series be fixed in today's game? (33:00) and more.

The White Sox need a left-handed power bat. We go searching for one from here to Japan! The discussion includes Yasmani Grandal, Corey Dickerson, Joc Pederson,, Nick Markakis, Mike Moustakas, Charlie Blackmon, Kyle Schwarber and more (2:00). Then, Chuck makes a call to Tokyo to speak with Jim Allen of the Kyodo News about lefty slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo who was posted this week and is available to sign with a major league team this winter (29:00).

John Tomase of NBC Sports Boston joins the podcast to talk about J.D. Martinez who he believes will opt out of his contract with the Red Sox and explains why he thinks the White Sox are a great fit (6:30). His agent is Scott Boras. Will that be a factor? (13:30) Why Red Sox fans are extremely concerned about Chris Sale's health going forward (15:30). In the end, where will Martinez play next season? (17:20) and more.

The first big changes of the White Sox offseason have arrived. Hitting coaches Todd Steverson and Greg Sparks won't be back. Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka discuss the Steverson decision and the one offensive category that continues to hold the White Sox back (03:10), the craziest offensive stat that happened with the White Sox in 2019 involving Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada (14:40), why Frank Menechino might be a top candidate to replace Steverson (19:40), other possible candidates (22:10) and much more.

Back in March, we made our predictions for the 2019 White Sox season. Which ones were the best? Which were the worst? Plus, the predictions we didn't make. If only we did. (2:30). Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka go back in time to see how they did trying to predict the future. Everything from final stats for Eloy Jimenez (6:30), what pitcher would lead the White Sox in wins (8:00), walks and strikeouts for Yoan Moncada (15:10), strikeouts for Nick Madrigal (29:00) the one bold prediction for 2019 (32:20), White Sox total wins (35:00) and more.

The White Sox close out the season in style with Tim Anderson winning the AL batting title and Jose Abreu winning the AL RBI title. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber wrap it all up talking about Anderson's stunning breakthrough season and how he won the title (3:20), Rick Renteria saying what White Sox fans want to hear (6:45), why Terry Francona said "Man, uncle!" about Eloy Jimenez (12:00), Jose Abreu talks about coming back next season (13:35), how Fangraphs was way off in their projections for the White Sox core players in 2019 (16:30), why Yolmer Sanchez should win a Gold Glove and more (22:00) and more.

What did we learn from Rick Hahn's final press conference of the season? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber break it all down. Hahn saying the White Sox are entering the next phase of the rebuild (3:00). What positions the White Sox are looking to add in the offseason (4:30). The Red Sox need to shed salary this winter? Hello, J.D. Martinez. (12:30) Will there be coaching changes? (15:20) Is there a 100 percent chance that Jose Abreu re-signs? (16:50) and more.

With the 2019 season winding down, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss many topics about the rebuild. Among them: is this the end of it? (1:30) Have injuries and performance in the minor leagues slowed down the progress of the rebuild? (3:30) Will the White Sox have enough depth in the minors to support the major league team next season? (8:15) Is a big offseason coming for the White Sox? (13:30) They also make predictions for the final week of the season (21:30)

José Abreu is having a special kind of season, and it's rubbing off on the White Sox young core of hitters. Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka break it all down from Detroit. They talk about Abreu's work ethic and where it comes from (2:10), if his words from late August helped lead to this hot September for Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jimenez (8:15), Abreu's quest to be the first White Sox player to ever lead the majors in RBIs (12:30), Anderson's push for the AL batting title (15:30), is anyone hotter at the plate right now than Moncada? (18:20), Jimenez taking his game to a whole other level (22:00), and why we can't stop talking about the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, the worst MLB team in history (22:30).

There have been some exciting and promising developments with the White Sox in 2019, but can they start contending in 2020? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss what needs to happen for that to become a reality (1:30). James McCann says, "Next year is the year to watch out for the White Sox" (7:20). Ryan predicts the big bat the White Sox will sign in the offseason (11:20). Can we get more walks and less strikeouts, please? (13:30) and more.

A lot has happened with the White Sox this season. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber cover it all. They discuss the great (3:00), the good (14:40), the bad (20:10) and the ugly (26:20). They also rate the moves the White Sox made last offseason (32:30)

Chuck Garfien sits down with Andrew Vaughn to learn about the White Sox first baseman of the future. Vaughn talks about what he has in common with Nick Madrigal (2:30), why he only hit one home run in high school (04:15), how he can read the seams of a baseball (06:20), his hitting approach and why he doesn't believe in launch angle (07:40), his love of fishing (10:00), why he's such a big competitor and hates to lose (13:10), why White Sox fans need to know about White Sox pitching prospect Jonathan Stiever (14:35)

Chuck Garfien speaks with Charlotte Knights hitting coach Frank Menechino about Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal. He explains what Robert is trying to learn as a hitter (4:54), what kind of hitting student he is (8:27), the one thing that really impressed him about Robert and why he could be a monster in the majors (9:21), how he challenged him (10:23) and why he agrees with the decision to not call him up to the majors in 2019 (12:00). Menechino then talks about where Madrigal is as a hitter (13:00), why statistics don't tell the whole story in the minors (15:40) and more.

In one of the biggest surprises of the season, Tim Anderson could become the AL batting champion. Think about that. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about how Anderson has been able to dominate at the plate this season (1:30). Then, Chuck speaks with Anderson about his breakout season, why he wants to win the batting title, his latest batflip and more (5:45). Plus, Chuck explains why Anderson will be the batting champ when all is said and done (10:30).

With the minor league season completed, Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox Director of Player Development Chris Getz to talk about a whole bunch of White Sox prospects. They discuss Luis Robert's season and the decision behind not calling him up to the majors (2:15), can Nick Madrigal's lack of strikeouts translate to the majors (10:10), and what kind of player is Yermin Mercedes? (12:15) Getz also talks about Jonathan Stiever, Andrew Vaughn, Micker Adolfo, Gavin Sheets, Luis Basabe and many more (17:30).

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss the decision not to bring Luis Robert to the majors in 2019 (1:30). They also talk about Nick Madrigal (13:00), Yermin Mercedes and Zack Collins (16:00), Danny Mendick (22:30), Daniel Palka (24:50) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Roger Bennett, co-host of the popular soccer show "Men in Blazers" about his love for the White Sox. Despite growing up in Great Britain, Bennett is a die-hard fan. He talks about going to his very White Sox game in 1986 (6:30), how he met the Chicago Bears at O'Hare Airport during his first visit to Chicago (10:00), why Joey Cora is his all-time favorite player (13:25), why he's optimistic about the White Sox and their young core (20:10), why he was "crapping in my pants" thinking about throwing out the ceremonial first pitch (21:50) and more.

Ivan Nova has been much more to the White Sox than a pitcher taking the ball every fifth day. Nova speaks with Chuck Garfien about what C.C. Sabathia taught him about pitching and how he’s passing it along to pitchers like Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito (07:40). How he grew up sleeping on one bed with his 4 brothers in the Dominican Republic (10:45). Why Juan Uribe played a big role in him wanting to play for the White Sox (20:00). Why it was difficult to lead when he was struggling earlier this season (21:35). The time he got mad this year at Reynaldo Lopez (25:00). Why it was important to learn English (28:35). Why he wants to stay with the White Sox past this season (32:14). Why he believes the White Sox will be a playoff contender soon (32:50) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber take a look at the young guns in the White Sox starting rotation (Giolito, Lopez and Cease) who are coming off their best week together as a trio and why they are excited about the future (1:00). Ivan Nova has a lower ERA than some of the best pitchers in baseball. Seriously. (5:20). The competition going on behind the scenes with the starting rotation (6:40). What will the rotation look like in 2020? (13:00) and more.

Fresh off his complete game shutout against the Twins, Lucas Giolito goes in-depth with Chuck Garfien about his impressive victory and all that went on behind the scenes. What it was like striking out White Sox killer Nelson Cruz to end the game (7:30), how he beat a Twins team that's trying to hit a home run almost every time they come to the plate (10:00), what it will mean to get 200 strikeouts this season (11:10), what's different about the baseball (14:40), how he's helped Evan Marshall get in touch with actor Jason Segel (16:10), making it a priority to beat the Twins to win a series against them (17:40), what he's doing mentally before each game that's different this year (18:30) and more.

WIth Luis Robert continuing to rake in Triple-A, will the White Sox call up their top prospect this season? It's a lively discussion between Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Chris Kamka and Vinnie Duber (1:45). The "fatigue" factor. Did Rick Hahn really mean that in regards to Robert? (14:20) Rick Renteria gets fiesty talking about his lineup (28:00) and a lot more.

Bill Walton called the White Sox/Angels game with Jason Benetti, and for one night baseball broadcasting was turned upside down. Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen talk about what Walton brought to the broadcast (1:20). Ozzie speaks with Walton on the pregame show (8:40). Ozzie explains why he respects Walton and relates to him (16:20). They play the best Walton clips of the night and much more (25:00).

With the Houston Astros in town, Chuck Garfien caught up with 2005 World Series hero Geoff Blum. They talk about Blum's game-winning home run in the 14th inning of Game 3 (5:10), what he saw from the TV booth as the Astros went from a rebuild to a World Series title (9:30) and what he thinks about the White Sox rebuild (11:40).

Here on the podcast, it's a candid conversation between Chuck and Coop about a tweet Chuck made about the struggles of Reynaldo Lopez back in June that Coop didn't like and what Lopez has done to turn his season around (6:40). They discuss the breakthrough season of Lucas Giolito (13:00), what he's seen so far from Dylan Cease (17:40) and the surprising emergence of reliever Jimmy Cordero (21:40). Then, Chuck talks about the situation that erupted on Twitter last week with angry White Sox fans (23:00)

On Harold Baines Day at the ballpark, Chuck Garfien speaks with Ozzie Guillen, Tony La Russa and Greg Walker about the newly inducted Hall of Famer. Guillen talks about what made Baines such a special player and person (6:00) and why he cried when he went to Cooperstown for Baines (9:10), La Russa explains why Baines was a Hall of Fame player (12:50) Walker talks about Harold's consistency, his Hall of Fame credentials and what made him a great DH (15:00).

GM Rick Hahn joined the White Sox Talk Podcast crew at Reggie's Bar for an extensive interview and Q&A with White Sox fans. Among the many topics: what kind of step the White Sox have made in 2019 (3:30), what he learned about not getting Manny Machado (7:00), why they weren't more aggressive at the trade deadline (17:20), how about calling up Luis Robert in 2019 (19:40), how social media has impacted his job and doing business (26:00), the White Sox playing in the Field of Dreams game (37:00), why Zack Collins is in the minors (39:50), is Rick Renteria the long term answer as manager? (50:40), bringing back sleeveless jerseys, Jerry Reinsdorf seems to be in favor of it (59:00), Nick Hostetler's new role with the team (1:02:50), will the White Sox sign a free agent pitcher to a long term deal? (1:17:50) we give away an Al Alburquerque jersey (1:22:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with Winston-Salem pitcher Jonathan Stiever who has quickly jumped into the White Sox top 10 prospect list. Stiever explains why he likes to pitch at a quick pace (11:00), why he's become a better pitcher since being promoted to Winston-Salem (15:50), why his teammates call him "Verlander" (19:45), his favorite NFL team--ouch (24:00), his love for the band AC/DC (26:30) his thoughts about teammates Andrew Vaughn and Steele Walker (28:00) and more.

The trade deadline came and went. The only move was a minor deal trading Nate Jones to Texas. What happened? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber break it down (1:30), Rick Hahn explains why they didn't make any larger trades (10:00), then Chuck and Vinnie discuss Yoan Moncada's injury, the promotions of Nick Madrigal and Andrew Vaughn, and the hiring of Danny Farquhar as a minor league pitching instructor (13:10).

Chuck Garfien speaks with Mets star Pete Alonso about why he's such a fan of White Sox legend Paul Konerko (6:00), why he thinks he belongs in Cooperstown (10:30), why Konerko was "a hell of a first baseman" (11:40), what it's like playing on the same dirt as he did for the first time (13:00), how clutch Konerko was in the 2005 playoffs (13:50), what he will say to Konerko when they meet (16:30) and more.

Chuck Garfien goes inside the Twins clubhouse to speak with outfielder Max Kepler and catcher Jason Castro about the White Sox. Castro talks about what it takes to go from rebuilding to winning (04:30), how close he thinks the White Sox are from competing for the division (7:00) and his thoughts on Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease (8:00). Kelper talks about what Nelson Cruz has meant to the Twins (11:30), how the young White Sox nucleus reminds him of the Twins young core (13:10), his success against the White Sox this year and more.

Will they buy? Will they sell? Will they do nothing? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber discuss what moves the White Sox might make before the July 31st trade deadline. What the White Sox should ask for in return for Alex Colome (4:20), the team that might call about Jon Jay (8:30), the percentage that Jose Abreu gets traded (09:50), do the White Sox consider trading for Charlie Blackmon? (15:20) What about Mitch Haniger? (17:00) Zack Greinke? (18:45) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox catcher James McCann about many topics: would he sign a contract extension past 2020 with the White Sox? (4:00) why he wants to be a manager after his playing career is over (7:00), why he believes the future is bright with the White Sox (10:30), what the key is for Lucas Giolito in the second half (12:00), why he's impressed with Dylan Cease (13:10) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Steve Stone take a look back at Mark Buehrle's perfect game. How did Buehrle do it? How did Dewayne Wise make that catch? Plus, Buehrle and A.J. Pierzynski talk about how Buehrle actually told Pierzynski before taking the field that day that he would throw a perfect game (10:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien sits down with new Hall of Famer Harold Baines. First, Chuck, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka share their memories of watching Baines play with the White Sox (1:40). Then, Baines explains why he's always been so soft-spoken (8:45), how he was able to play 22 seasons in the majors (13:00), why he's never spoken to GM Larry Himes for trading him to Texas (15:30), the apology he received from President George W. Bush (16:30), what he thinks about the critics who don't think he should be in the Hall of Fame (18:25), a replay of Baines emotional interview with Chuck about his dad (20:50) and more.

With Harold Baines being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Baines former teammate Ron Kittle who explain why Baines is a worthy Hall of Famer. But first, Chuck speaks with Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka about the controversy surrounding his induction (1:30) and what made Baines such a special player and deserving of Cooperstown (5:00). Then, Kittle talks about why he'd "take a bullet" for Baines (13:00), his message to critics who believe Baines shouldn't be in the Hall (17:20) and more. Reinsdorf explains why the committee he was apart of voted Baines into the Hall of Fame (22:00), how tough it was to trade Baines to Texas for Sammy Sosa (24:30), the story behind retiring Baines number a month after trading him (26:10) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with new White Sox slugger A.J. Reed. Could he be the left power DH the White Sox have been searching for? (1:20) Reed talks about why he feels relieved and reborn getting this opportunity with the White Sox (8:05), what's prevented him from being the major league player he wants to be (9:15), why the Astros gave up on him (14:00) and more.

On the 25th anniversary of Michael Jordan's quest to play baseball for the White Sox, Chuck Garfien takes a look back at this incredible journey with stories from those were there. Bill Melton talks about secretly teaching Jordan how to hit before the news broke that he was going to play baseball (4:18), Ozzie Guillen tells the story about playing a game of 2-on-1 basketball with Joey Cora against Jordan at a local gym (8:32), Frank Thomas discusses the MJ mayhem at spring training and if Jordan could have made it to the majors (12:18), Darren Jackson talks about playing outfield with Jordan and their exhibition game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field (13:10), Birmingham Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom on what it was like calling Jordan's games, the bus Jordan bought for the team, the day Jordan actually drove the bus, hitting a home run for his dad and more (24:00).

After the White Sox beat the Cubs 3-1 to close out the first half of the season, Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber look back at what's happened and look ahead to the second half. Eloy Jimenez hit another homer against the Cubs and Chuck didn't drive him to the park this time (2:00) Jimenez says that Abreu has been like a father to him (5:30), Yoan Moncada's impressive first half (7:40), White Sox players believe they can compete for the wildcard (9:00), the player who might be the X-factor for the second half (14:00) and more.

With Rick Hahn announcing that Luis Robert will be promoted to Triple-A after playing in the MLB Future's game next week, excitement continues to build with the White Sox and their future. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber discuss the Robert promotion and if service time will possibly delay his arrival to the big leagues (1:10), Hahn talks about Robert's season and the decision to promote him (7:00), will Robert bat leadoff in the majors? (11:10) Eloy Jimenez raves about Robert in an interview with Chuck (13:30), what will the White Sox outfield look like next season? (15:20) and more.

After winning his major league debut, Dylan Cease sat down with Chuck Garfien to talk about his first game (4:10), what Eloy Jimenez told him in the dugout to settle him down after his rough first inning (5:15), the advice he received from Michael Kopech (8:30), what he learned from his first game (9:10), the beer shower his teammates gave him to celebrate his win (10:20) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about Dylan Cease's White Sox debut. Why this game was so exciting for now and the future (1:20), the advice James McCann gave to Cease before his start (3:30), fitting that Jimenez poured Gatorade on Cease after the game (6:10), Cease talks about his debut with the media (8:20) and more.

WIth the Detroit Tigers in town, Chuck Garfien went into the Tigers clubhouse to see how much they miss former Tiger James McCann. The answer is a whole lot. Manager Ron Gardenhire talks about what McCann meant to the team both on the field and off of it, and what he's seen from McCann offensively this season (3:30). Then, pitcher Jordan Zimmerman discusses McCann's work ethic, how much he helped Tigers pitchers and more (6:00).

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber break down the latest round of injury news about Tim Anderson, Jimmy Lambert, Zack Burdi, Jake Burger, Ryan Burr and Ian Hamilton, Hahn's update on Dylan Cease's timeline to the majors, Yonder Alonso being designated for assignment, and where Hahn sees the rebuild right now.

It was a game that had just about everything: five runs off Chris Sale, Jon Jay scoring from second on an infield single, a game-winning home run by Jose Abreu in the 9th, and so many other crazy things in between--Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Chris Kamka and Vinnie Duber break it all down. Abreu's heroics and how Scott Podsednik predicted it (2:00), the wizardry of these White Sox and their record (6:10), Yoan Moncada takes himself out of the game after getting hit on the knee by a Chris Sale pitch (10:30), Jon Jay's heads-up dash for home (15:10), Tim Anderson's ankle injury (21:20), what roster changes are coming (24:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien gets the inside info about some of the top prospects in the White Sox organization from Director of Player Development Chris Getz. They talk about the wow factor of Luis Robert, what he's working on before being promoted to Triple-A, if he can make the majors in 2019, what kind of major league player he will be and more (3:45), why Nick Madrigal has the "it" factor and why he might have been disappointed with Getz at the start of the season (10:10), why Zack Burdi has struggled this season and a great sign of things to come (16:30), why Kyle Kubat is so highly thought of in the White Sox farm system ( (18:20), how close Dylan Cease is to the major leagues (20:15) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox reliever Aaron Bummer about his comeback season and what's changed inside the White Sox clubhouse that has the team believing they can win in 2019 and beyond. Bummer talks about what led him to become the pitcher he is this season (6:00), how his career has resembled Lucas Giolito (7:40), the White Sox new mindset this season (10:30), and why he believes their best baseball is yet to come (12:20).

For his first regular season game ever against the Cubs, Eloy Jimenez got a ride from Chuck Garfien which started at Guaranteed Rate Field, stopped at Wrigley Field and ended with Jimenez hitting the game-winning home run in the 9th. First, Vinnie Duber joins Chuck to discuss how Jimenez homered despite breaking his bat (2:00). On the ride, Jimenez' talks about playing at Wrigley (8:20), what Cubs fans say to him now that he's on the White Sox (10:00), how he persuaded Rick Renteria to let him pinch-hit against the Cubs in a spring training game in 2018, and homered (11:30), what his mother thinks of him saying "Hi Mom" (14:30), Jimenez sings hip-hop (17:40), why a home run against the Cubs would mean so much (24:50), his reaction when the Cubs traded him to the White Sox (27:20) and more.