The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Chuck Garfien sat down with controversial umpire Joe West. They spoke about the time he called two balks on Mark Buehrle and kicked him out of the game, being on the receiving end of so much criticism, the most vicious fans in baseball, how he mended fences and became friends with Hawk Harrelson, filming the baseball scene in "Naked Gun," robotic umps and more. (1:39) - Umpiring the 2005 World Series (2:16) - Calling balks on Mark Buehrle (5:38) - Fan bases that may like him (Joe West) (7:01) - Relationship with Hawk Harrelson (10:16) - Appearance on "Naked Gun" (18:28) - Robot Umpires (25:19) - A. J. Pierzynski tells the story of getting thrown out by Joe West

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY NEW ERA SOX FANS! In a very special episode of the White Sox talk podcast, host Chuck Garfien is joined by the voice of the White Sox, tv play-by-play guy Jason Benetti as they discuss the new era of White Sox baseball that is on the horizon. (1:40) - The future of the Sox feels pretty amazing (2:56) - Most exciting addition to the Sox (5:35) - White Sox odds to win the division and the World Series (9:08) - Nomar Mazara addition (13:30) Edwin Encarnación's parrot (14:30) - Steve Stone vs Jason Benetti (21:09) - Calling and broadcasting meaningful Sox games (28:57) - Look how far the Sox have come since 2010

Dallas Keuchel is officially a member of your Chicago White Sox and you should be pumped. Keuchel spoke to the media and host Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber discuss what he had to say. Be careful, listening to Keuchel may get you too amped. (2:12) - Dallas Keuchel sounded like everything you wanted him to be (5:48) - Why Keuchel chose the White Sox (11:36) - Keuchel is excited to be a White Sox (15:20) - Keuchel compares the rebuilding Astros to the White Sox (22:18) - Keuchel sounds like Jon Lester and Mark Buehrle (25:00) - Stuff Keuchel can bring to the young pitching staff

Another big free agent is coming to the South Side and that means another emergency White Sox Talk Podcast! Chuck Garfien calls up Steve Stone who raves about the addition of Edwin Encarnación (2:00) and explains what he'll bring to the lineup (6:10). Are the White Sox having the best offseason in baseball? (11:30) Will they sign a stop-gap second baseman until Nick Madrigal arrives? (18:10) The White Sox have a chance to win it all in 2020?? (21:20) Does this mean they're out on Nicholas Castellanos? (23:45)

Chuck Garfien calls up Steve Stone to talk about the White Sox huge signing of former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel. What does Keuchel bring to the pitching staff? (1:30) The symbolic meaning of signing a Scott Boras client (8:00), White Sox "are going for it this year" (9:40), how Keuchel will help their young pitching staff (13:10) Is this like the Jon Lester signing with the Cubs? (16:30) Will it help the White Sox sign another free agent this offseason? (18:30) and more.

We opened up the podcast to our favorite people: White Sox fans! You asked the questions. Chuck, Chris and Guff answered them. Among the highlights: When are the White Sox going to sign a premium starting pitcher? (2:05) Will the Sox ever sign a high profile Boras client? (7:05) Can they make a trade for Nolan Arenado? (10:22) Will the front office take more risks? (24:42) Will Chuck visit the guys in Section 108? (29:24) What about Yasiel Puig? (35:10) Why were they in on Machado and not Rendon? (37:30) And much more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey look at the current starting pitching market for the White Sox (1:30), then Chuck speaks with agent Scott Boras about the White Sox need for a veteran starting pitcher and his relationship with the White Sox front office (6:20), MLB Network's Peter Gammons reveals the text he received about a possible White Sox-Red Sox trade, why David Price can use a change of scenery (19:58) and more.

Ford Frick winner and Hall of Famer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins Chuck Garfien on the podcast (3:15) - People that have congratulated Hawk on his induction, including some people you would never guess (12:24) - Origin of some of your favorite "Hawk-isms" (15:29) - Great story about the late great Harry Caray (18:46) - His life growing up in Savannah, Georgia

The crew wraps up the final day of the Winter Meetings for the White Sox. On today's podcast, Chuck, Ryan and Vinnie talk about a rumored deal between the White Sox and the Red Sox (2:41) that would move some pieces around. Rick Hahn speaks for the final time in San Diego (9:40) and the guys react to his comments and later on they debate why Sox fans are disappointed with the team and the outcome for the Sox at the end of the Winter Meetings. (13:32)

Chuck, Guff and Vinnie react to the legendary White Sox broadcaster receiving the Ford C. Frick award. (2:01) Plus, MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian joins the guys to celebrate Hawk going to the Hall and share their best Hawk stories. (4:03)

The White Sox made a late night trade at the Winter Meetings, acquiring right fielder Nomar Mazara for 2018 2nd round pick Steele Walker. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss the trade, why it was made and love it or hate it is it the right move for the short term? (1:25) Then, Rangers beat writer Evan Grant from the Dallas Morning News answers the question: What are the White Sox getting in Mazara. (15:43)

Chuck Garfien speaks with Yasmani Grandal at the Winter Meetings. The new White Sox catcher talks about why he connects with his former bench coach Rick Renteria (04:22), why he wants to manage one day in the big leagues (05:20), the White Sox fan who told him at Wrigley Field he would sign with the White Sox this offseason (05:47), his burning desire to win (08:00) and much more.

It's Day 2 of the Winter Meetings. USA Today's Bob Nightengale joins Chuck, Guff and Vinnie. He shares his thoughts on what starting pitcher is the right fit (2:00), the message the Grandal signing sends to the rest of the league (6:00), predictions for who the Sox will sign this week (12:00) and when the Sox window is open. (13:30) Plus, he shares some memories of past Winter Meetings including his favorite cocktail napkin trade and the best late-night stories from past years. (16:00)

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber are at the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego. MLB.com's Jon Morosi joins them to discuss the latest on Gerrit Cole (0:30) and the White Sox meaning business this winter (3:00). Plus, Jon says who he thinks is more likely to land in the Sox outfield: Marcell Ozuna or Nicholas Castellanos? (5:00) When all is said and done, what will the White Sox do this week? The four guys give their predictions. Morosi expects a big name, free-agent starter to come to the South Side. (12:00) Chuck, Guff and Vinnie then discuss what is fact and fiction about Marcell Ozuna (18:00) and have more of the rumors from Day 1 of the Winter Meetings.

Who's signing where? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka dig through the top free agents (and a couple of outliers) and predict where they will eventually end up. Everyone from Yasiel Puig (7:05), Dallas Keuchel (15:15) and Nicholas Castellanos (30:10) to Zack Wheeler (41:20), Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole (50:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with free agent pitcher Cole Hamels about his interest in signing with the White Sox (2:45), how he's been able to pitch at a high level into his mid-30's (13:00), the injury that derailed his season with the Cubs in 2019 (16:00), his fit with the White Sox (21:45), how he can help the young White Sox pitching staff (32:00) and more.

Former White Sox pitcher Kevin Hickey defied the odds again and again in his life, getting a contract with the White Sox on a tryout in 1978 and later receiving a World Series ring in 2005. It's a surreal journey that you have to hear to believe. Chuck Garfien speaks with Kevin's brother Tom about Kevin's upbringing, growing up two blocks away from Comiskey Park (1:30), the stories behind his White Sox tryout despite never playing organized baseball (5:45), his major league debut in 1981 (10:30), notorious bar fights (13:00), teaching Charlie Sheen how to pitch for the movie Major League 2 (22:00), getting a job with the White Sox (25:10), his part in the A.J. Pierzynski/Michael Barrett fight (28:30) and much more.

The White Sox want to add starting pitching this offseason. Could their next signing be Zack Wheeler? SNY's Andy Martino who covers the Mets comes on the podcast and says the White Sox are "a real possibility" for Wheeler (1:30). But who exactly is Wheeler? How good can he be? (5:00) How interested are the Yankees? (7:45) Is Wheeler worth the big money? (11:15) What might it cost? (17:20) Will the White Sox go all-in on him? (21:00) Plus, the White Sox put Yolmer Sanchez on outright waivers (27:00), and more.

The White Sox ripped up their qualifying offer for Jose Abreu and instead reached a 3-year contract with their All-Star first baseman. Why did they do it and what does it mean? (1:30) What can the White Sox expect offensively from Abreu during the contract? (5:50) Tweets from White Sox fans (13:00), does this affect Andrew Vaughn? (17:50), the Zack Wheeler rumors (24:00) and more.

The White Sox got the Hot Stove off to a scorching start with the surprise signing of switch hitting catcher Yasmani Grandal. How big of a deal is this? (1:30) Could the Grandal signing help sign other free agents? (8:20) Rick Hahn speaks about the signing (13:00) Grandal talks about why he signed with the White Sox (16:00) What does this mean for James McCann? (17:50) Flu-ridden Ryan McGuffey calls in from his sick bed to share his thoughts on Grandal (25:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB Network and ESPN broadcaster Matt Vasgersian who explains why Hawk Harrelson should win this year's Ford Frick Award. Matt gives his all-time favorite Hawkism (2:00), his desire to plead his case to the voting committee (4:50), why Hawk's homerism should be celebrated and honored (8:00), why we won't see another Hawk Harrelson ever again (9:45), how Matt used to blurt out Hawkisms on late nights at Wiener Circle (13:00), plus why the White Sox could take a big step forward with offseason moves this winter (16:30) and more.

In the latest edition of Distant Replay, we go back to August 4, 1993, when Robin Ventura famously charged the mound against future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, reliving the game and digging up stories you've never heard. Why the fight started years before because of Craig Grebeck (3:50), "You Gotta Be Bleeping Me!" Everything we learned rewatching the broadcast (15:00), Ryan hits Ventura with a pitch and chaos ensues (25:25), Nolan Ryan doesn't get ejected??!!! Gene Lamont goes crazy and gets tossed from the game (33:55), Chuck calls up Gene Lamont. Yes, he calls Gene Lamont (42:20), a future White Sox legend was at the game and met Ventura before the game (51:20) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Vinnie Duber who is covering the G.M. Meetings in Arizona where Rick Hahn spoke with the media for the first time in the offseason. Why Vinnie's big takeaway is "don't take anything off the table" this offseason for the White Sox (1:45), Hahn talks about signing premium free agents and the Machado experience (6:00), weighing defense vs. hitting for who they get to play right field (9:10), would they move Yoan Moncada from third base if they signed a certain free agent?(11:45), where are things with Jose Abreu (21:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about the rumors connecting the White Sox to premium free agents like Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg (1:30). Then they call up USA Today's Bob Nightengale at the GM Meetings in Arizona who confirms that's what he's hearing (8:20). How realistic is this? (10:10) Does the front office feel the need to make a big splash? (11:20) Is there a Scott Boras factor with the White Sox? (13:30) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Yolmer Sanchez about winning a Gold Glove at second base (2:20), his fit with the White Sox in 2020 (7:00), his offense in 2019 (9:45). the trophy he wants to win more than a Gold Glove (12:00), White Sox not getting Manny Machado (15:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka discuss the decision by J.D. Martinez not to opt out of his contract with the Red Sox (2:45) What about the White Sox possibly trading for Martinez? (6:00) What other options for DH next season?(17:30) How was Eloy Jimenez not a finalist for AL Rookie of the Year?? (31:40) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Marian Scheffler about her life as a die-hard White Sox fan. She tells stories about coming into contact with Babe Ruth (3:00), watching a game on the field at Comiskey Park in 1933 (6:10), why Luke Appling was her favorite White Sox player growing up (10:15), living in Chicago during the Great Depression (15:20), the awe of seeing television for the first time in the 1940's (16:20), watching Eddie Gaedel at the plate (23:30), why she missed the 2005 World Series (25:40), her thoughts on the rebuild (28:00), why she's upset about the White Sox media coverage in Chicago (29:30) and more.

With Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole set to possibly break records for a pitcher in free agency, is he worth the risk for the White Sox? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka break it all down. Cole has picked the perfect time to become a free agent (1:30). Cole's LA factor (5:10). What kind of contract will Cole get and can the White Sox make room for him? (6:30) Why elite pitchers have proven to be worth the risk of a long-term contract (14:00). Should the White Sox next big bet be on Cole? (27:00)

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.