The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

We kick off 2019 with one of our favorite people: Tom Paciorek, also known as "Wimpy." He tells stories about Goose Gossage, Thurman Munson and Tommy John (3:20), the time when Brewers manager Phil Garner threatened to fight him and Hawk Harrelson (11:05), why Hawk should be in the Hall of Fame as a broadcaster (14:30), the backlash against Harold Baines making the Hall of Fame (19:10), stories about playing in the longest game in MLB history (27:30) and more.

Chicago comedian Pat McGann speaks with Chuck Garfien about the White Sox pursuit of Manny Machado (2:20), being a stand-up comic (9:30) , what it was like performing on David Letterman and Stephen Colbert (13:10), watching old episodes today of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (23:20), McGann blanking out while performing on Letterman (26:00) and more.

It being the giving season, we handed the podcast over to our favorite people: the listeners! You ask the questions. You pick the topics. Those randomly chosen win a special White Sox prize, including tickets to SoxFest! Among the many topics: predict the 2021 White Sox outfield based only on prospects (3:00), if the Sox don't get Manny Machado, should they trade for Miguel Andujar? (9:50), will Yoan Moncada be an All-Star in 2019? (14:05), Who could eat more dollar hot dogs--Bobby Jenks or Bartolo Colon? (16:48), Michael Kopech says he wants to come on the podcast (19:00), what will Rick Hahn say at his opening press conference if White Sox do and don't get Harper/Machado? (23:30) Any chance the White Sox get both Harper AND Machado? (30:12), Who will be White Sox 5th starter? (37:15), What's your take on the Harold Baines Hall of Fame criticism?---we got fired up about that (46:20) and much more.

Manny Machado begins his free agent tour by visiting the White Sox. What makes the White Sox serious bidders for Machado (2:00)? What was the White Sox pitch and where do we think they took him on his tour of the city (4:20)? Yonder Alonso talks about wanting to be White Sox teammates with Machado, his brother-in-law (11:51). What to make of the report that the White Sox won't spend big on free agents (20:09). Would you spend a month in solitary confinement if it meant the White Sox would get Machado AND Harper for 10 years (26:05) and more!

The White Sox close the Winter Meetings without Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but as Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss from Las Vegas, they're proving to be a main player in the pursuit of the top two free agents in baseball. Rick Hahn talks about having a seat at the table for some "large, impactful moves," Harper trolls a vacationing Nicky Delmonico on Instagram, and we give our latest predictions about where Harper will sign and when.

Former Nationals and Reds GM Jim Bowden made big news at the Winter Meetings, saying on the CBS Sports Network that the White Sox are the "front runner" for Bryce Harper (:35). Should we believe it? (5:06) Rick Hahn responds to the front runner report (9:53). Are the White Sox out on Dallas Keuchel? (11:43) Harper's agent Scott Boras describes what Harper is looking for in a team, his relationship with Jerry Reinsdorf (15:29) and more.

New Hall of Fame writer Jayson Stark from the Athletic says the White Sox could make a huge bet on Harper or Machado this winter (0:36) What about the Ivan Nova trade and their reported interested in catcher Yasmani Grandal? (2:01) Rick Hahn talks about the White Sox catcher situation (6:28) Chuck Garfien interviews manager Rick Renteria about Machado’s Johnny Hustle comments, Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada possibly playing third base next season (9:09). Chuck also talks to free agent outfielder Adam Jones about his fit with the White Sox, Machado and more (17:43).

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber come to you from the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. With all the recent talk about Bryce Harper, could Manny Machado be the big free agent the White Sox sign this winter? (4:34) Ken Williams talks about moving from sell mode to buy mode (7:49). Chuck interviews new Hall of Famer Harold Baines who sheds tears speaking about his dad (11:51) and ESPN's Tim Kurkjian comes on the podcast to discuss the White Sox chances of signing Harper and the decision he and the Today's Game Committee made to elect Baines into the Hall of Fame (18:05).

The MLB Winter Meetings began with a big surprise: White Sox legend Harold Baines is headed to Cooperstown. On the podcast, Baines talks about what it means to make the Hall of Fame, how surprised he was to get the call and more (3:42). Ron Kittle talks about his former teammate and explains what he told Baines when he heard the news (6:20). Jerry Reinsdorf who was a part of the voting committee explains why Baines is a Hall of Famer (10:42).

With the MLB Winter Meetings starting next week, it's time to make our free agent predictions! Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka tell you where they believe the top 15 free agents will sign and what kind of contracts they will get. Everyone from Adam Jones (5:45) and Michael Brantley (15:35) to Manny Machado (26:05) and Bryce Harper (31:00).

With the story out from Yahoo Sports that the White Sox had Jim Thome in their pitch to Bryce Harper last month, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Slavko Bekovic take a closer look at what it all means. What Thome might have said to Harper and why his words carry a lot of weight (3:45), what Michael Jordan and Jose Abreu have in common with the Harper situation (9:00), the Bryce Harper White Sox billboard Ryan wants to build in Chicago (18:10) it turns out Magic Johnson was not in the Dodgers pitch (22:40), how does Patrick Corbin signing with the Nationals affect the Harper sweepstakes? (24:50) and when will Harper sign? (32:00) and more.

The White Sox made their first big moves of the off-season, trading catcher Omar Narvaez for reliever Alex Colome, and non-tendering Avi Garcia and Matt Davidson. What does it all mean? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka break it down. What does Colome bring to the table for the bullpen? (1:20) Why they non-tendered Davidson and is his MLB future as a pitcher? (9:00), the Avi Garcia vacancy in right field (14:00), Rick Hahn talks about White Sox off-season plans (17:00).

If the White Sox don't sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, who should they sign/acquire instead? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber play GM and provide their plans for this winter and beyond. Is a certain super utilityman the answer? (5:00) What closers make the most sense? (8:20) Who's the best fit for the starting rotation? (13:10) What outfielders should they pursue? (18:30) If they don't sign Machado, how do they solve third base in 2019 and the future? (25:05)

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale who explains how aggressive the White Sox have been in the free agent and trade market (4:05), the chances the White Sox sign Bryce Harper (6:08), who they might sign if they don't get Harper or Machado (11:30), plus they get his thoughts on Jose Abreu, Dallas Keuchel, another option for third base and more.

This being Black Friday, we're going White Sox shopping! Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Slavko Bekovic visit the MLB Superstore looking for the best deals and bargains to put under the Christmas tree for the 2019 White Sox and beyond. Chuck finds a third baseman he wants in aisle 7 (6:15), Slavko has his eyes on a starting pitcher who could be a game changer for the rotation (9:45), same with Ryan who wants to acquire a former Cy Young Award winner (12:30). Chuck is enamored with a certain closer (15:00), they're all trying to find a veteran outfielder to provide leadership (23:12), there's a dynamic power hitter everyone seems to be overlooking in the middle of the store (28:45), and much more.

Zach Thompson might be off your radar, but the White Sox prospect is someone to watch in the White Sox organization, not just for what he's doing on the field, but for what he says off of it. Chuck Garfien spoke with Thompson who had a 1.55 ERA last season with Winston-Salem and Birmingham. Thompson talks about the message he received from God that helped turn his career around (02:30), why he becomes a different person when he's on the mound (06:00), the talent he sees in the White Sox farm system and playing for Omar Vizquel (08:42), why he watches videos of open heart surgeries in the clubhouse (12:20) and more.

Will the White Sox spend the huge money to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado like they did in 1996 when they signed Albert Belle to a 5-year, $55 million contract, then the richest in MLB history? Chuck Garfien spoke with Belle about that and a whole lot more. 3:02 - Belle's thoughts on signing with the White Sox 4:30 - Why he regrets leaving Chicago after 2 seasons 7:25 - Why he was surprised the White Sox signed him 11:23 - Will the White Sox spend the money to sign Harper or Machado? 12:32 - "I wouldn't give these guys past a five-year deal" 15:46 - Belle explains his chances of making the Hall of Fame 18:03 - His incredible 1998 second half and the batting tip he received that made it happen.

Luis Robert has been a big story in the Arizona Fall League. He recently had a 14-game hitting streak and was named the AFL Player of the Week. Chuck Garfien went to Arizona for a firsthand look at one of the White Sox top prospects. On the podcast, Garfien first speaks with Robert’s minor league hitting coach Charlie Poe. Then he talks with Mike Ferrin of MLB Network Radio about Robert as well as the White Sox reported pursuit of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. 03:24 - Poe on Robert’s 14-game hitting streak 04:30 - Robert’s new favorite English word to say 07:25 - Why Poe compares Winston-Salem manager Omar Vizquel to Prince 09:10 - Why other top prospects stop what they’re doing whenever Robert comes to the plate. 11:00 - Mike Ferrin talks about his impressions of Robert 18:00 - Can the White Sox sign Harper or Machado?

It’s all Bryce Harper, all the time! The White Sox seem to be aggressive in pursuing Bryce Harper, but does it make sense for the White Sox? What would it mean for the outlook of the organization if he signed? How should the White Sox pitch the team to Harper? Ryan McGuffey, Slavko Bekovic & Chris Kamka discuss. Plus, Vinnie Duber chimes in from the GM Meetings in San Diego to break down what Rick Hahn and Scott Boras have said about the situation. 0:30 – Bryce Harper-mania! 1:55 – The White Sox have the money to spend 3:40 – How did focus go from Machado to Harper? 5:00 – The “marketability” of Bryce Harper 6:25 – Does the window and timing make sense to sign Harper? 10:53 – Vinnie Duber joins podcast from GM Meetings in San Diego 11:45 – Are the Sox willing to spend what it takes to land Harper? 13:30 – How does Scott Boras play into this? 15:30 – What does it mean if the Sox sign Harper? 18:30 – Are there more moves on top of a potential Harper signing? 21:20 – What would Rick Hahn’s pitch be? 22:30 – Is this the White Sox version of Jon Lester signing? 23:40 – Why would Harper leave Nationals? 25:30 – Do the Indians play into the timing of a move? 27:00 – Chances Harper signs with the White Sox?

As free agency begins, the White Sox have openings and money to engage in what should be a very active offseason. Prized talents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado headline an all star class. As the GM Meetings kick off in Carlsbad, CA, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported that the White Sox have interest in both stars. Morosi joins the podcast to discuss the White Sox chances of landing one or both (1:50) Why a creative and possible frontloaded contract would strengthen their case (3:45). We discuss whether some of Machado’s postseason antics devalued his price tag, if at all (9:15) and if we should expect free agency to pick up quicker than last year’s extremely slow pace (12:30). Is the non-waiver trade deadline a thing of the past? (14:45) And, what percent chance does he give the White Sox to land Machado or Harper? (16:10). Plus, our Chris Kamka joins the conversation and says if there ever was a time to make a splash…this is it (18:15).

With Jose Abreu entering the final year of his contract, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka discuss the different scenarios involving Abreu going forward. Ryan explains why Abreu is the most underrated superstar the White Sox have ever had (3:15) Should the White Sox trade Abreu? (8:30) Should the White Sox sign him to an extension? And if so, for how long and how much? (10:45) What about signing Paul Goldschmidt when he's a free agent in 2020? (21:00)

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper speaks with Chuck Garfien about Chris Sale winning a World Series with the Red Sox (3:30), Dave Roberts' decision to pull Rich Hill in Game 3 (12:28), what Cooper thinks about how starters and relievers were used in the World Series (17:40), how he communicates with a pitcher to know if he should stay in a game or not (21:11), what kind of moves the White Sox might make this offseason (25:31) and more.

The White Sox have been trying to solve the catcher position ever since A.J. Pierzynski's last season in 2012. Now, they might have a new problem: too many catchers! Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber break it all down and try to come up with solutions (2:31). What do the White Sox do about Welington Castillo? (6:28) Could Omar Narvaez be their future catcher? (09:58) Where do Zack Collins and Seby Zavala fit in the future? (11:30) Should they trade Omar Narvaez while his stock is high? (15:00) Plus, will the White Sox make things even more crowded and draft a catcher with their first round pick next year? (16:00) Chuck also names every catcher the White Sox have had since Pierzynski. (20:00)

Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski comes on the podcast and tells Chuck Garfien why he’d sign Nolan Arenado over Manny Machado (6:15). Pierzynski criticizes Machado for saying that he doesn’t play hard everyday (7:08). Would he make Machado the face of the White Sox franchise? (12:30) He also talks about how bullpenning cost the Milwaukee Brewers a spot in the World Series (14:45). He reveals the former White Sox player who had a gift for recognizing players who tipped their pitches (21:00). Pierzynski tells behind the scenes stories about former teammates Nick Swisher, Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd and more (28:00).

For many White Sox fans, Comiskey Park was their introduction to White Sox baseball when they were young. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka share their memories of the old ballpark. Among them: Chuck talks about seeing Al Cowens charge Ed Farmer on the mound in 1980 creating a bench clearing brawl (8:26), Ryan tells the story about catching a Mike Greenwell foul ball (10:11), Chuck talks about being there for the 1983 All-Star Game (12:49), they discuss the final game ever played there (15:11) and read favorite memories sent in by White Sox fans (16:44).

It might be a long shot for the White Sox to sign free agent Manny Machado, but here on the White Sox Talk Podcast, we like dark horses. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss what it would take to bring Machado to the South Side. Plus, is he "the" guy the White Sox are targeting this offseason? Will the Rockies listen to trade offers for Nolan Arenado a year before he reaches free agency? Plus, Chuck talks about a cost-controlled, All-Star on a rebuilding team that could be an answer at third base.

Chuck Garfien speaks with stat guru Chris Kamka about what happened inside the numbers with the White Sox in 2018, with many stats that will surprise you. They talk about Yoan Moncada, Daniel Palka, Matt Davidson, Tim Anderson, Omar Narvaez and more. Plus, Chuck brings up two White Sox prospects not named Eloy Jimenez or Dylan Cease who did something statistically that deserve some recognition.

White Sox minor league outfield instructor Aaron Rowand speaks with Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey about the impressive group of outfielders he's been working with in the minor leagues. "I challenge you to find another organization with as much talent in the outfield in their minor league system," Rowand says. He gives great insight about Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Micker Adolfo, Luis Gonzalez, Alex Call, Luis Basabe, Steele Walker and more. Plus, why he's so impressed with number-one draft pick Nick Madrigal.

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka go over their preseason predictions, explain what happened to the White Sox in 2018 and what it all means for the future. They discuss Lucas Giolito, Tim Anderson, if Avisail Garcia will be back next season, plus Eloy Jimenez, Matt Davidson, Zack Collins, Gavin Sheets, Jace Fry and more.

Rick Renteria sits down with Chuck Garfien and gives the one word he'd use to describe the 2018 season. He talks about taking criticism for some of his in-game decisions, how Tim Anderson has taken the next step in his development, what Yoan Moncada learned this year, what affect Eloy Jimenez will have on the team when he comes to the majors, what keeps him up at night, why this season meant more to James Shields than people realize, if Renteria will find time to relax this off-season and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox outfielder Daniel Palka who as a 26-year-old rookie has come out of nowhere to become one of the White Sox most popular players in 2018. They talk about the time Palka gave a pitcher a black eye in Little League, how he used to be a relief pitcher at Georgia Tech, why the Twins gave him up on him, the time when Chuck called Palka’s walkoff homer this year, his friendship with Kyle Schwarber, how he has connected with so many White Sox fans and more.

Hawk Harrelson sat down with Chuck Garfien to talk about his emotions prior to calling his final White Sox game. Why has he been such an unspoken announcer in his career? Does he have anything prepared for his final inning? How does he want to be remembered? That and more on this edition of the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss the trials and tribulations of Yoan Moncada's first full season in the majors and what kind of player they think he will become. Plus, they talk about White Sox buried treasure that Chuck found on the internet: Nolan Ryan pitching a no-hitter into the 9th inning against the White Sox from 1974 with audio from Harry Caray's call that night.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Ryan McGuffey and Matt Dahl, executive producers of the documentary "Hawk" which looks back at the life and career of Ken "Hawk" Harrelson. They talk about how they made the documentary, Harrelson's emotional return to his childhood home in Savannah, Georgia, going back to Fenway Park with Harrelson, how he met his wife at a Putt-Putt golf championship, what Mark Buehrle's perfect game meant to Harrelson's career and much more.

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB.com Senior Writer Jim Callis to discuss the White Sox farm system in 2018. Callis explains why they named Dylan Cease the 2018 Pitcher of the Year in the minor leagues, why the Cubs will come to regret trading Cease and Eloy Jimenez to the White Sox, how soon Nick Madrigal will be ready for the majors, what outfielder besides Jimenez and Robert has the highest ceiling, why Kodi Medeiros could become a lights out left-handed reliever, plus thoughts on Zack Collins, Alec Hansen, Steele Walker and many more.

With the shocking news that Michael Kopech has a significant tear in his UCL joint and is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber bring you the news and what it means for Kopech and the White Sox going forward. You’ll hear Kopech describe what happened and G-M Rick Hahn discuss the details of the injury. Yeah, this sucks.

Chuck Garfien talks with James Fegan of the Athletic about a number of White Sox topics: biggest takeaway from the 2018 season, how aggressive the White Sox will be in the off-season, his favorite story he wrote this year, who will be the starting catcher in 2020, most underrated White Sox prospects, the Eloy Jimenez situation, etc. Then Chuck speaks with White Sox reliever Caleb Frare about how he got traded to the White Sox, the funny story about how he learned he was getting called up to the majors and more.

With a winning record since mid-July, and many young players making big contributions at the major league level, the White Sox are making some noise in the American League. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about how things are changing on the South Side. Chuck speaks with Daniel Palka and Matt Davidson on the field after their dramatic home runs in the 9th inning against the Tigers. Plus, Rick Hahn talks about the decision to not bring up Eloy Jimenez until 2019.

Rain wreaked havoc with another Michael Kopech performance, suspending play and cutting short his second home start, just like the first one. Still, there was a lot to be excited about with Kopech and Yoan Moncada hitting a home run against his former team. Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber break down his abbreviated start, Kopech talks about the game and facing the team that traded him to the White Sox. Chuck also interviews James Shields about Kopech’s development and predicts that the White Sox will soon have one of the best pitching staffs in the game.

Who and what are the biggest surprises on the 2018 White Sox? And with a winning record since the All-Star break, are they better than people think? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Slavko Bekovic break it all down.

The day after making his White Sox debut, Michael Kopech spoke to Chuck Garfien about his first start in the big leagues, the raucous crowd, what it was like facing Joe Mauer, wanting to pitch after the rain delay, getting emotional with his dad after the game and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the major league debut of Michael Kopech: the atmosphere in the ballpark, Kopech’s performance on the mound and behind the scenes stories in the Kopech family suite. You’ll hear Kopech’s post-game press conference and Chuck’s interview after the game with former White Sox reliever Addison Reed who now pitches for the Twins.

With the big news that Michael Kopech is coming to the majors, Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber talk about the decision by the Sox to bring up their top pitching prospect and the excitement that Kopech will bring to the team and the 2018 season. Kevan Smith discusses what kind of stuff Kopech has and what it was like catching him in the minor leagues. Plus, they talk about Paul Konerko’s unforgettable day in the booth with Hawk Harrelson.

Carlos Rodon speaks with Chuck Garfien about his dominant stretch of starts and how he’s started to figure things out as a major league pitcher. Rodon talks about controlling his temper on the mound and how he’s learned to win on days he doesn’t have his best stuff. He explains why he doesn’t miss any of Daniel Palka’s at-bats, how he’s impressed with Michael Kopech, why he sympathizes with Kopech being in Triple-A, why he’s not wearing an undershirt during games and much more.

With Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech dominating in Triple-A, we tackle the No. 1 question on the minds of every White Sox fan. Are either or both of the White Sox top prospects going to play in the majors this year? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Slavko Bekovic give their takes and predictions. Plus, what other minor leaguers should be called up in September?

With Yoan Moncada in a slump and being dropped down to 8th in the lineup, Chuck Garfien spoke with White Sox hitting coach Todd Steverson about his struggles. How does Moncada get out of his slump? Does he need to change his approach? What he’s learning right now? Are the strikeouts getting to him? And more. Plus, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago and Scott Merkin of MLB.com come on the podcast to talk about Moncada as well.

Don Cooper came on the podcast and had a lot to say about Michael Kopech, Dylan Cease, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Carlos Rodon, Dane Dunning and so many other White Sox pitchers. He brought a long list with him to talk about them all. Coop also spoke frankly about the challenges of the rebuild, fans supporting the team, why he’s excited about the future and more.

White Sox G-M Rick Hahn was our featured guest live at Reggie’s Rock Club in front of a live audience. No topics were off limits with our podcast crew and in the Q&A with White Sox fans. He talked about Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Zack Burdi, Luis Gonzalez and many of the White Sox prospects. Plus, Hahn spoke about his own impatience in the rebuild, the highlight of his tenure as GM, how many prospects have to hit for the rebuild to work, if the White Sox will spend big money in free agency and much, much more.

On the day Jim Thome is inducted into the Hall of Fame, we play the best parts of his speech. Chuck Garfien interviews Paul Konerko who talks about what it was like to be Thome's teammate, why he traveled to Cooperstown to be at Thome's induction and more. Chuck speaks with Jim's dad who explains how his son used to hit rocks in the driveway when he was a kid, frequently breaking windows across the street. Chuck also tells a funny story about famous documentarian Ken Burns.

With Jim Thome getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, Chuck Garfien interviews Thome, Jerry Reinsdorf and Ken Williams in Cooperstown, NY. Thome talks about how he made it from Peoria to Cooperstown, his biggest White Sox moment and how he was able to be so clutch during his baseball career. Reinsdorf compared Thome to a certain Chicago Bull, what he told Thome after they acquired him and how he almost missed his 500th home run. Williams discusses how the trade for Thome went down, why 2006 was the World Series that got away, Thome’s performance in the Blackout Game and much more.