The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

It's still April, but we all agree: the White Sox are underperforming as a team. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka break down the reasons why (1:30). What's going on with Ivan Nova and Ervin Santana? (5:20) Could Dylan Cease be the answer sooner rather than later? (10:55) Why the White Sox should be .500 (17:15). What's going on with Jon Jay and how his signing is backfiring so far (19:30) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with Charlotte Knights catcher Zack Collins about his hot start to the season at the plate (5:30), how James McCann helped him with his catching during spring training (7:20), how he's changed his approach at the plate this season (13:10), what he orders at Chick-fil-A (15:40), why he's not thinking or worrying about getting called up to the majors (17:50), an incredible story about Dylan Cease (20:30), his thoughts on Tim Anderson's bat flip (28:20) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Hawk Harrelson about Tim Anderson's bat flip and Joe West kicking Anderson out of the game (3:40), Anderson taking his game to a new level (08:50), the passing of legendary sportscaster Chet Coppock (14:30), Hawk praises Jason Benetti for criticizing Joe West on the air (17:35), how Harrelson is adapting to not calling baseball games (19:50), why he teared up watching Tiger Woods win the Masters (23:40) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber react to a crazy day at the ballpark. They begin with the Royals throwing at Tim Anderson after he homered and celebrated with a bat flip. Why don't the Royals like fun and why this whole thing started with Anderson and catcher Salvador Perez last season? (1:45) Anderson reacts to what happened (6:50), so does Rick Renteria who was ejected (8:40). What does umpire Joe West have against the White Sox?(10:20). How this whole day started with Anderson finding last year's home run chain (13:00). Chuck and Vinnie also talk about Daniel Palka getting sent down, Lucas Giolito's hamstring injury, Yoan Moncada getting hit in the helmet (he's okay) and more.

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon knows what it's like to go through a rebuild and eventually win a World Series. Chuck Garfien speaks with Gordon about his rebuild experience and what it takes to see it through (2:50), what he sees in the White Sox rebuild and why he thinks Yoan Moncada could become a superstar (6:10), how Gordon almost signed with the White Sox when he was a free agent (9:00), the pest that is Terrance Gore (10:10) and more.

With Luis Robert dominating for the WInston-Salem Dash, Chuck Garfien called up Joe Weil, play-by-play announcer for the Dash to speak about Robert's scorching start. They discuss Robert's mammoth 2-run homer on Thursday that broke a 6-6 tie in the 8th inning and why his jersey said "Roberts" (3:30), why Robert is dominating this year compared to last year (5:20), when might he be promoted and could he make it to the big leagues this season? (7:10), how Nick Madrigal is playing (16:10) and more.

Eloy Jimenez speaks with Chuck Garfien about why he wears red batting gloves (2:20) and prays before his first at-bat (4:00). Jimenez also explains what he's learning as a hitter, why he isn't trying to hit home runs (07:15), his excitement about playing in Yankee Stadium for the first time (08:37), and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about the White Sox pitching staff which has been in a big rut over the last week. They discuss the starters, bullpen and Ervin Santana's first start (2:00). Then Chuck speaks with Tim Anderson about his new daughter and what it was like sleeping on a hospital couch for five days (7:50), how and why he's become a Seattle Mariners killer (9:30), why he's out to get revenge on opposing pitchers (11:00), the reason he doesn't care about his batting average which leads the majors (13:00) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about the 1-2 punch of Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson on the left side of the infield (1:30). The crazy stat Moncada has put together with runners on base so far this season (5:15). Catcher James McCann discusses how the Tigers pitched to Moncada last year and how he's changed at the plate this year (6:30). Anderson backing up his words during the offseason that he can be a star shortstop for the White Sox (10:20). Anderson talks about how he's a different hitter (13:40) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey call up Lucas Giolito to talk about his impressive first start of the season, holding the Royals hitless for 6.1 innings (4:00), what he was thinking while throwing a no-hitter (8:40), why this was the best game he's pitched with the White Sox (11:30), the amazing story of touching Satchel Paige's statue the day before at the Negro League Museum (17:10), the tough loss to the Indians on Monday and the team meeting that followed (21:40) and more.

It's early. Very early. But we've got some thoughts about the White Sox season so far. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber share what they like and what they don't like. They discuss Yoan Moncada (3:10), Yonder Alonso (7:45), the meltdown against the Indians on Monday (9:50), Ivan Nova and Lucas Giolito (15:30), Daniel Palka (18:10), Ryan Cordell's pinch-hit home run (24:00) and more.

Not the greatest major league debut for Eloy Jimenez who went 0-3 with 2 strikeouts. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber break down Opening Day from Kansas City. They discuss why Jimenez struggled in his first game (1:30). Hear what Jimenez said to the media after the game (3:40). How good is Royals pitcher Brad Keller?(8:00) What did Carlos Rodon show us in his first Opening Day start? And the best part of the day---the play of Yoan Moncada at third base.

With the regular season about to begin, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka look into the future and predict what will happen with the White Sox in 2019. Among the many predictions: Who will lead the White Sox in home runs? (3:45) What will be the season totals for Eloy Jimenez? (6:00) How many walks and strikeouts for Yoan Moncada? (16:10) Who will Yolmer Sanchez dump Gatorade on? (19:30) Who will be the best offseason addition? (25:05) What's your one bold prediction? (31:10) How many wins for the White Sox in 2019 (34:30) and more.

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox general manager Rick Hahn in Arizona. They talk about everything from Eloy Jimenez signing a long-term contract with the White Sox to missing out on Manny Machado. Hahn discusses how long a new deal with Jimenez had been in the works (5:10), if the contract talks affected Jimenez at the plate this spring (7:00), why it took so long for Manny Machado to sign (13:30), why they weren't willing to guarantee the last two years for Machado (16:00), what Hahn would say to skeptical White Sox fans who don't think White Sox will be able to sign a premium free agent (18:00), how the White Sox lost a deal this offseason because of a tweet (22:30), whether the worst part of the rebuild is in the past, (24:30) if the stakes are higher now for those on the major league club (27:20) and more.

With the regular season getting closer, Chuck Garfien gets the goods from Don Cooper about many White Sox pitchers. The decision to have Carlos Rodon start on Opening Day (3:00), what Lucas Giolito needs to improve on in 2019 (6:16), what they're doing to make Ivan Nova a better pitcher this year (8:10), improving Ervin Santana's velocity and will he be the fifth starter? (11:50), what Dylan Cease needs to work on in the minors (13:20), what other pitching prospect besides Cease will take the biggest stride in 2019? (14:30) Coop also talks about Kelvin Herrera, Alex Colome, Zach Thompson, Thyago Vieira, Nate Jones and more.

It’s an EMERGENCY edition of the podcast. Ryan McGuffey, Vinnie Duber and Slavko Bekovic react to the news of a reported contract to White Sox top prospect Eloy Jimenez. Why the timing is right, the hype is real and the excitement is palpable as Jimenez prepares to make his major league debut. The White Sox lineup looks a whole lot scarier with Jimenez in the middle. Plus, who is the odd man out with the Eloy Jimenez news and what does it mean for future White Sox prospects? And….the guys are put on the spot and make a wager on how many homers Eloy Jimenez will hit in 2019. Think big. 0:45 - Initial reaction to Eloy Jimenez contract 3:10 - Extensions for young players a new trend 5:00 - How does Eloy deal change outlook of season? 11:45 - The White Sox lineup doesn't look bad 1-thru-5 15:00 - Terms of the reported contract 16:30 - Who are the odd men out now that Eloy is in? 19:10 - The fun part of the rebuild is here 22:45 - What message does this send other prospects? 25:40 - Why did Jimenez agree to this contract? 26:30 - Official predictions on Eloy Jimenez home runs

Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka come to you from spring training where they discuss if 2019 will be a breakout season for Moncada (1:20). Chuck spoke about Moncada with Jose Abreu (4:00), Yonder Alonso (7:20), and hitting coach Todd Steverson (11:50). Kamka provides a whole bunch of Moncada stats throughout the podcast. Chuck and Chris also discuss Carlos Rodon being named the Opening Day starter (20:30) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Nancy Faust, the iconic White Sox organist from 1970-2010 who returned to play the organ for the White Sox-Cubs spring training game. She talks about what it meant to come back to play a White Sox game again (2:50), how she made "Na, Na, Hey Hey, Kiss Him Good-Bye" famous (5:20). She plays Bohemian Rhapsody (10:30), Chuck reads Nancy some of the tweets from Sox fans who miss her (12:10), she plays "Runaround Sue (13:00) and closes with a Nancy Faust Medley of some of her favorite songs (14:20)

The White Sox made a bunch of roster moves. The biggest is Eloy Jimenez being sent down to Triple-A. Chuck Garfien speaks with Scott Merkin of MLB.com about the decision to have Jimenez start the season in Charlotte. (1:10). Rick Hahn talks about Jimenez, as well as Dylan Cease, Micker Adolfo, Luis Robert, Ervin Santana and Dane Dunning, who might need Tommy John surgery (6:55). Chuck and Scott discuss the Dunning news (15:05). Then Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber react to all the day's White Sox news back in Chicago (21:55).

White Sox pitching prospect Alec Hansen speaks with Chuck Garfien in Arizona about what went wrong for him in 2018 (3:30), how his struggles affected him physically and mentally (6:10), why he decided to lose so much weight last offseason (9:00), how his shoulder program this winter might increase his velocity (10:30), where he'd like to end up pitching this season (12:10) and more.

Over 200 years after Vice President Aaron Burr and former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton ended their long and bitter rivalry with Burr shooting Hamilton to his death, current White Sox players Ryan Burr and Ian Hamilton recreated this notorious event inside the White Sox clubhouse--this time with a much happier ending. Hamilton and Burr gave Chuck Garfien the behind the scenes story of what they did (3:30), why Burr had a bout of stage fright before their performance (6:30), who came up with the idea (7:40) and a whole lot more.

Chuck Garfien reflects back on Tom Seaver's 300th win which came in a White Sox uniform on August 4, 1985 at Yankee Stadium. Chuck happened to be at the game with his grandfather. Chuck talks about Seaver's career and how the White Sox acquired him (3:00). He shares memories of that special day (4:10) and why it means more and more as the years go on (6:45). Then Chuck speaks with former White Sox second baseman Bryan Little who drove in 2 runs for the White Sox that day (8:55), Chuck reads tweets from White Sox fans with their memories of the game (13:30), and more.

New White Sox catcher James McCann speaks with Chuck Garfien in Arizona about the young talented pitchers on the staff (2:50) and why he compares Dylan Cease to Justin Verlander (3:45), then goes in-depth about his wife giving birth to premature twin boys last winter (5:50), why doctors gave James a 1-in-4 chance to survive when he was born 28 years ago (8:30), how the McCanns chose the names of their twin boys (11:50), how they’re doing now (13:00), the lowest and highest points from the last year (14:05), the difference between this spring training and last spring training for McCann (16:10) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with pitchers Jimmy Lambert and Bernardo Flores who were rivals in high school, were drafted by the White Sox in the same year and have been moving through the farm system together from Kannapolis to Birmingham. Lambert and Flores talk about pitching against each other in high school (5:20), Flores hitting a walkoff home run that almost caused a fight between their coaches (6:15), getting drafted by the White Sox in the same year (8:30), what they think of each other as pitchers (10:20) and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber about new White Sox outfielder Jon Jay. Schwarber explains what Jay meant to him and the Cubs in 2017 (4:30), how Jay helped Schwarber when he was having "the worst year of my career" (6:00), why the White Sox "will be lucky to have him" (7:30), how Jay can help the young White Sox players (8:20) and more.

The White Sox former first round pick speaks with Chuck Garfien in Arizona about growing up a White Sox fan and meeting Frank Thomas (2:35), what it was like suffering his UCL tear in front of friends and family back in Louisville where he played in college (5:00), the challenges of coming back from Tommy John surgery (9:10), how he's feeling today (10:50), why he doesn't look forward in his career anymore and lives in the present (14:20), speaking with Michael Kopech about Tommy John recovery (15:30) his kicking career at Downers Grove High School and the biggest moment of his high school career (17:00).

White Sox prospect Blake Rutherford speaks with Chuck Garfien about working out this offseason with Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun, Mike Moustakas and Tyler Saladino (3:50) why Yelich is like a big brother to Rutherford (6:20) where he fits in the logjam of White Sox outfield prospects (9:00) how and why he added strength this offseason (11:40), what made the Winston-Salem Dash so special in 2018 and more.

On the latest episode of the White Sox Talk Podcast, another potential “premium talent” comes off the board as Nolan Arenado signs a new eight-year contract with the Colorado Rockies. We’ve got reaction from Chuck Garfien and MLB.com’s Scott Merkin out in Arizona and Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber here in Chicago. What’s the new Plan A for the White Sox as it appears they’ll lose out on Manny Machado, Bryce Harper and Arenado (18:15)? How can the White Sox add a top-tier talent from here (06:50), and will there be a top-tier talent to add (05:06)? We break it all down as the South Side rebuild rolls on.

It's only spring training, but this young trio lifted the spirits of White Sox fans with a special day against the San Francisco Giants. Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka talk about Yoan Moncada's RBI triple and hot start to the spring, the 2-run triple by Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez getting a single and stolen base (1:30). Jimenez talks about Robert, his stolen base and his excitement about the future (5:40). Chuck and Chris discuss the potential of Manny Banuelos (7:40) and Chris reveals that he's watched every episode of the Golden Girls (11:00).

In a candid interview with Chuck Garfien, White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon talks about the rebuild, his struggles last season, Manny Machado and more. He explains his troubles from last September (04:04), if he thinks he deserves to be the White Sox Opening Day starter (07:34), why it's time for the White Sox to start winning (08:20), if the White Sox did everything they could to sign Manny Machado (10:32) and more.

Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber first talk about the fan anger directed at the White Sox for not signing Manny Machado. Indians GM Chris Antonetti says he thinks the White Sox might contend in 2019 without Machado and raves about Eloy Jimenez. Tim Anderson is quite direct saying he doesn't want to answer questions about Machado anymore. Plus, what kind of moves might the White Sox make next?

Well, the moment we've all been waiting for came today... but it was a disappointing conclusion for many White Sox fans. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber all react to the news that Manny Machado will play in San Diego next season, and we also hear from Rick Hahn and Jon Jay. First, the guys go over the differences between the Padres and White Sox offers (2:20) and Vinnie explains why Sox fans who are complaining that the team wasn't willing to pay up to land Machado are just plain wrong (2:55). Then, were Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams blindsided by Machado's decision (06:40)? Finally, hear Rick Hahn's full press conference (12:31) and Jon Jay's full press conference (26:13).

Eloy Jimenez sits down with Chuck Garfien at spring training. Jimenez talks about getting hit in the head in his very first at-bat when he was 9 years old and later his first home run (06:05), why he has long believed that he was meant to play in Chicago (08:00), meeting Jim Thome for the first time (10:40), why he thought about quitting baseball in his first season in the Cubs organization (12:15), not getting called up to the majors last season (15:40), Michael Kopech calling him "the Babe Ruth of our generation (18:10) and how he, Micker Adolfo and Luis Basabe talk everyday about winning a World Series (19:40).

Chuck Garfien talks to White Sox pitching prospect Dylan Cease about his past, present and future. What he learned from a dominating performance against Ichiro Suzuki and the Mariners during spring training last year, Don Cooper's prediction that Cease will take the biggest strides in 2019, if he's thinking about breaking camp with the White Sox, coming back from Tommy John surgery, what it will be like facing the Cubs, the story of facing Eloy Jimenez in live batting practice and his high expectations for teammate Jimmy Lambert. Cease vs Mariners last year (03:00) Cooper (04:55) Tommy John (08:50) Facing Eloy (12:50) Jimmy lambert (14:00)

On the day pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, so did Yonder Alonso and Jon Jay. Will Manny Machado be following them? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about the empty locker in the clubhouse next to both of them (1:20). Rick Hahn speaks about the Machado rumors and the slow moving free agent market (04:00). Alonso and Jay talk about the Machado situation and the possibility that the three of them might play together with the White Sox (10:30).

With pitchers and catchers set to report on Wednesday, Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about all the position players already in Arizona for spring training (1:30). Then Daniel Palka speaks with Chuck about improvements he’s made defensively and how his appearances on the podcast helps boost ratings (5:30), why Palka doesn’t watch movies (07:40), Jake Burger coming back from two torn Achilles injuries (08:20), the “comical” computer projections for the White Sox in 2019 (09:20), what it’s like being better looking than Mike Moustakas and Brad Pitt (11:20) and more. Then Vinnie comes back to talk about Nicky Delmonico being “pissed off” about losing 100 games and hoping to win the division in 2019 (14:00) and Chuck tells stories about his road trip from Chicago to Arizona (17:00).

Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber are joined by MLB.com's Scott Merkin, while Chuck Garfien is on the road to Arizona. The guys start by going over their top three storylines for the White Sox as spring training approaches. Plus, what's with the PECOTA projections that say the Sox are going to have another lousy season? 00:35 - What if Harper and Machado forgo this season to be the next True Detective stars? 2:10 - Even if the White Sox land Harper or Machado, it doesn't necessarily mark the end of the rebuild 4:06 - Vinnie's No. 3 story for spring training: Dylan Cease 4:53 - Merk's No. 3 story: Carlos Rodon 6:06 - Guff's No. 3: the starting pitching overall 9:52 - Merk's No. 2 story: Jimenez and Moncada 11:03 - While we're talking Jimenez... that's Vinnie's No. 1 story. 12:30 - Guff's No. 2 story: Eloy... not if, but when 15:24 - Back to Vinnie's No. 2 story: Luis Robert 17:31 - Merk's No. 1 story: Do Sox land Machado or Harper? 19:01 - Guff's No. 1 story: The Manny Machado effect 22:33 - Vinnie is jealous that Chuck is on a fun road trip 23:54: The PECOTA projections aren't great

The wait continues for both free agents to sign. Are we just delaying the inevitable that Harper signs with the Phillies and Machado with the White Sox? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with USA Today's Bob Nightengale who wrote an article entitled, "MLB's free agency freeze is an embarrassment for baseball." Who or what is to blame for why they're still unsigned? (6:50) Is it still between the White Sox and Phillies for Machado? (12:48) Could this last into March? (16:00) Is the Nationals offer to Harper still on the table? (17:30) Is the Padres pursuit for real? (25:00) Nightengale makes his predictions for Machado and Harper (25:50). Should we believe in mystery teams? (26:40) How a salary floor for all 30 MLB teams could be a solution (27:30) and more.

With the calendar hitting February and both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado still unsigned, will either of them end up signing with the White Sox? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey break it all down with the latest news and how it might affect the White Sox chances going forward. White Sox are reportedly still an active suitor for Harper (4:00). How serious are the Padres? (8:10) How do the final negotiations and final offers play out for the White Sox? (15:00) Some free agents who actually got stupid money this winter (22:00). When do Harper and Machado need to sign? (28:20) And more!

After three days of SoxFest, we learned a whole lot about the White Sox offseason, their pursuit of Manny Machado and what might happen in 2019 and 2020. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber cover it all. Rick Hahn says he'll be "personally disappointed" if the White Sox don't get one of the premium free agents (3:00), Eloy Jimenez says he wants to win Rookie of the Year (6:25). Tim Anderson says "shortstop is mine" (10:23), Yonder Alonso FaceTimed Manny Machado with Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada (13:05), Michael Kopech says the plan is to win a World Series in 2020 (15:46), Rick Hahn referred to himself as a "jackass" for trading Fernando Tatis Jr. (24:12) and much more.

On a special 200th episode of the White Sox Talk Podcast, Michael Kopech joins Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey at SoxFest. Kopech rocks a White Sox onesie which he won on the podcast in December (1:20). He talks about his rollercoaster 2018 season (6:20), why the timing of his Tommy John surgery couldn’t be better (13:00), the challenge of not pitching in 2019 (15:10), going after Deadspin by sticking up for a teammate he hasn’t met (18:00), why the White Sox players are talking about winning a World Series in 2020 (28:05) and more.

Newly acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso joins Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey at podcast and sheds some new light on his relationship with brother-in-law and MLB free agent Manny Machado. Alonso discusses how Machado was with him when he found out he was acquired by the White Sox, and even said he FaceTimed with Machado during SoxFest. Yonder also shares the story of how he thought he was actually going to be drafted by the White Sox years ago and expands upon his relationship with manager Rick Renteria.

Chuck Garfien is joined by Rick Hahn, Rick Renteria, and Jason Benetti in a live podcast taping from SoxFest 1:45 - Hahn on why Machado decision is taking so long 4:15 - Renteria on why he’s not concerned about Machado timing changing his lineup 5:15 - Hahn on why rumors from media have almost all been wrong this offseason 6:45 - Renteria on Yonder Alonso and his skillset 7:30 - Renteria on which 2018 Sox players grew the most during the season 8:55 - Renteria on Yoan Moncada and growth during season and off-season 10:20 - Hahn on visiting Eloy Jimenez and his family in the off-season 12:50 - Reacting to Eloy saying that he plans to win Rookie of the Year 13:45 - Hahn on the pursuit of Machado and how the Sox are major players in free agency 15:45 - Hahn on why Sox are set up for a very bright future 17:15 - Hahn on why he used the word ‘fail’ when describing pursuit of Machado 19:00 - Hahn on his favorite offseason additions 21:00 - Renteria on how much contact he has with players in the offseason 22:10 - Renteria on his own offseason and approach 23:00 - Renteria on what baseball nightmare he wakes up from 24:05 - Hahn on status of Kelvin Herrera and status for opening day 25:05 - Renteria on Carlos Rodon 26:05 - Renteria on how to cultivate leadership in a young clubhouse

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss the rumor that the White Sox have been in talks with the Dodgers about acquiring outfielder Joc Pederson. Good move? Bad move? (1:30) What should the White Sox give up for him? (8:30) Plus, don't overlook the moves the White Sox have already made this offseason (17:20), why Dane Dunning and Zack Burdi didn't get an invite to White Sox spring training (19:40) and a SoxFest preview (23:15)

Thirteen of the White Sox top American born prospects are in the Dominican Republic this week for a cultural exchange trip organized by the White Sox, giving players like Dylan Cease, Nick Madrigal, Zack Collins and Dane Dunning a first-hand experience to learn about the country where many of their Latin teammates like Eloy Jimenez call home. Chuck Garfien speaks with Ryan McGuffey who is covering the trip for NBC Sports Chicago. They talk about the White Sox training academy in the Dominican Republic (3:50), what the players are learning and how they're bonding on the trip (6:30), the crazy atmosphere going to a Dominican Winter League game (11:10), going with Reynaldo Lopez to the home where he grew up (14:40), personal stories from the trip (23:15) and more.

Daniel Palka spoke with Chuck Garfien about a whole bunch of topics. Losing weight this offseason and how he's done it (3:15), the Chicago Bears losing in the playoffs (5:48), why he walks around with a baseball bat wherever he goes (11:05), his connection with White Sox fans and the South Side of Chicago (16:10), his humorous Twitter feed (20:25), his Uber driver asking if he can use his bathroom (28:00), going to his first SoxFest this year (33:12), his conversation this offseason with hitting coach Todd Steverson (40:18), why he loves Roberto Clemente (44:05) and much more.

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper came on the podcast to talk with Chuck Garfien about a whole bunch of White Sox pitchers. What does Ivan Nova bring to the pitching staff? (5:00) How Alex Colome and Kelvin Herrera changes the dynamic of the bullpen (6:15). What was wrong with Carlos Rodon in 2018? (10:05) What White Sox pitcher will take the biggest stride in 2019 (18:00). How they've pitched to Manny Machado in his career (34:00). They also talk about Dane Dunning, Carson Fulmer, Dylan Cease, Zack Burdi, Alec Hanson, Zack Thompson and more.

With the White Sox reportedly signing Jon Jay, another close friend of Manny Machado's, are they closing in on the coveted free agent? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber examine the latest move, the special bond between Machado, Alonso and Jay and if this improves the White Sox chances of signing Machado (2:30). Do the Yankees still have real interest in Machado? (7:10) The choice Machado has to make (10:20) and more. Then we take a look at the signing of reliever Kelvin Herrera (18:00), how he improves the bullpen (21:30), do the White Sox have the best bullpen in the A-L Central? (25:00) And we give our current chances that the White Sox sign Machado (32:00)

Since it's a Chicago vs. Philadelphia weekend, who between the White Sox and Phillies has the edge to sign Manny Machado? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Tom Cooper discuss the White Sox reported offer to Machado (2:10), why haven't the Phillies spent that "stupid money" yet? (5:00), wouldn't it be great if Machado revealed he signed with the White Sox during the Bears-Eagles playoff game? (11:45). Then Phillies insider Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins the podcast to talk about the Phillies pursuit of Machado (18:10), why it's taken so long for the Phillies to meet face to face with Bryce Harper (23:12) and more.

The new year arrives with new rumors about the White Sox pursuit of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. One report says the White Sox are willing to give Harper a 10-year deal, another says the White Sox won't offer more than 7 years. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss what it all means and speculate what's happening behind the scenes in negotiations (1:30), if the Yankees signing of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki changes anything in their pursuit of Machado (11:15), is A.J. Pollock really "a fit" with the White Sox? (15:00), who will be the White Sox 5th starter? (19:40) and more.