The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

How do the White Sox turn their offense around and how quickly can they do it? New director of hitting Ryan Fuller shares a lot of insight about his approach to hitting, his experience as a hitting coach with the Baltimore Orioles and how he'll improve the White Sox offense in both the major and minor leagues. Fuller talks about his success stories working with Anthony Santander, Ryan O'Hearn and new White Sox outfielder Austin Slater, how Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn can improve next season, the messaging he will have to hitters throughout the White Sox organization and more.

Chuck Garfien brings Jason Coyle onto the podcast to answer questions from Chicago sports fans about the launch of the Chicago Sports Network. Coyle is asked about distribution issues with Comcast, why there haven’t been carriage agreements with YouTube TV and Hulu, the launch of the CHSN streaming app, the antenna experience, if Ozzie Guillen will be back on pre and post game shows and more.

If you want to dream big about the White Sox, there’s no bigger hitter in their system than 6-foot-7 lefty power hitter George Wolkow. Chuck Garfien speaks with the 18-year-old phenom from Downers Grove about his first season in the minor leagues, how he grew as a player, what scouts are saying about him, his favorite home run last year, playing for a Class-A championship, what it would mean to play for his hometown White Sox and more.

Who knows the managing potential of Will Venable? Bruce Bochy does. Chuck Garfien speaks with the future Hall of Fame manager about Venable who was Bochy's associate manager the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers. Bochy talks about Venable's leadership style, how he helped the Rangers win a World Series in 2023, why he was hoping he wouldn't leave the Rangers and more. Bochy also tells stories about his 40-year relationship with Ozzie Guillen.

Chuck Garfien speaks with new White Sox manager Will Venable about what attracted him about the White Sox job, what he learned about managing from Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, Dave Roberts and others, the kind of coaching staff he wants to put together, if Grady Sizemore will be a part of it, holding players accountable, the kind of baseball he wants the White Sox to play, why he feels like he’s ready to be a manager and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers about new White Sox manager Will Venable. Jesse covered Venable when he was with the Cubs from 2017-2020. They’ll share what people in the game are saying about Venable and what he’ll bring to the White Sox.

The podcast is back! Chuck Garfien returns for the first pod with the new Chicago Sports Network, and his first guest is none other than Hawk Harrelson. Hawk talks about the 2024 White Sox season, how he got through it and what the team was missing the most on the field and in the clubhouse. Plus, what the White Sox need in a new manager, if Jerry Reinsdorf is considering selling the team, Hawk’s favorite Bob Uecker stories, how he would have called Scott Podsednik’s World Series home run and much more.

As you may know, NBC Sports Chicago’s 20-year run serving Chicago’s passionate fans, its partners, and community is coming to a close on Monday, Sept. 30. This is our final episode of The White Sox Talk Podcast. In an emotional episode, Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey walk down memory lane, discussing the 20-year run of NBC Sports Chicago and the White Sox Talk Podcast, including some of the best moments in show history. We thank our viewers, readers, listeners, and followers for their incredible support over the last two decades. If you are a subscriber of the White Sox Talk Podcast, you will automatically receive podcast episodes from the new Chicago Sports Network.

What kind of pitcher are the White Sox getting in first round pick Hagen Smith? Chuck Garfien speaks with the former Arkansas Razorback about getting drafted by the White Sox, his 17-strikeout performance this year against Oregon State, why he’s a better pitcher with runners in scoring position, the seven no-hitters he threw in high school, how close he is to the majors and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the nightmare season of 2024. Why is the offense THIS bad? How did they go from division champs to worst White Sox team in history in three years? How many losses will they have when the season ends? Are there any positives to take from this year? Chuck goes looking for some.

Chuck Garfien speaks with new White Sox bench coach Doug Sisson in a candid conversation about the team's struggles, his approach as a coach, what he expects out of players and what needs to happen for the White Sox to turn things around in the future. Sisson explains why Grady Sizemore is fit to be a manager and has connected with the players, why he doesn't believe in "flushing" things, being the manager of the 1999 Harrisburg Senators when Milton Bradley Jr. produced one of the greatest moments in the history of minor league baseball and more.

Chuck Garfien gets the inside scoop about what’s happening in the White Sox minor league system speaking with Farm Director Paul Janish. They talk about Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, George Wolkow, Rikku Nishida, Mason Adams, Tim Elko and more. He also gives an injury update on Yoan Moncada who’s been rehabbing in Arizona.

On the latest White Sox Talk Podcast, Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillén react to the White Sox big win over the New York Yankees and respond to White Sox fan questions in a live version of Ask Me Anything.

Early Thursday morning, the Chicago White Sox made the decision to fire manager Pedro Grifol after multiple franchise record-setting losing streaks

With the White Sox on pace for the most losses in modern baseball history, will Pedro Grifol be around to finish the season? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the misery that is the 2024 season, how much Grifol is responsible for it, and if/when Grifol should be replaced as manager of the White Sox.

On a special live edition of the White Sox Talk Podcast, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Gordon Beckham recap and react to the moves the White Sox made at the 2024 MLB trade deadline

With the White Sox expected to be big sellers before the trade deadline on July 30, which players will be on the move? Chuck Garfien speaks with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers about the trade market for Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr., Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, Tommy Pham and more.

After the White Sox chose pitcher Hagen Smith with the 5th overall pick in the MLB Draft, Chuck Garfien got on the phone with Dave Van Horn, the head baseball coach at Arkansas to find out more about the White Sox new power lefty. Van Horne talks about the kind of pitcher and competitor Smith will be with the White Sox, his 17-strikeout performance this past season against Oregon State, how the Royals and Cardinals were ready to draft Smith if the White Sox didn't and more. Chuck wraps up the podcast talking about why he thinks the White Sox chose Smith over Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone.

With the MLB draft starting on July 14, Jim Callis is back on the podcast to discuss who the White Sox might select with the 5th overall pick. Will it come down to West Virginia infielder J.J. Wetherholt and 5-tool high schooler Konnor Griffin? Could Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone fall to the White Sox? Should they take Arkansas lefty Hagen Smith instead? Plus, Callis talks about White Sox prospects who have made some noise this year like Noah Schultz, Brooks Baldwin and Edgar Quero. And why the White Sox 2022 draft could end up being a blockbuster in the future.

With 15 teams reportedly expressing interest in acquiring Garrett Crochet from the White Sox, Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the two roads the White Sox can take: trading Crochet for a huge return package or extending him for the future. Will Crochet’s stock ever be higher than it is right now? What would be a fair offer from the White Sox to extend him? Plus, what they’ve learned from past extensions for John Danks and Chris Sale and more.

Chuck Garfien gets the inside scoop about the Birmingham Barons pitching staff with their pitching coach John Ely. He explains why he thinks Mason Adams could succeed in the majors right now, how Ky Bush has transformed himself as a pitcher this season, and why he thinks the White Sox got a steal in acquiring catcher Edgar Quero from the Angels. Plus, John talks about growing up a White Sox fan and getting drafted by them in 2007.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox prospect Edgar Quero about his Birmingham Barons who won the first half title in the Southern League on Sunday. He talks about catching top pitching prospects Noah Schultz, Mason Adam and Ky Bush. They discuss his journey from Cuba to the United States, how he learned English on his own, if he thinks he's ready for the major leagues right now, what makes him excited about the future and more.

After speaking with the media this week, White Sox GM Chris Getz made it clear that the White Sox are ready to make trades and willing to deal anyone on the roster. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey react to Getz's comments about possibly trading Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet, when the White Sox will be competitive again, and the job status of Pedro Grifol. They also discuss how the White Sox got in this situation in the first place, looking back at past drafts, spending and developing.

The White Sox are expected to be active in the trade market this summer. Who is the most likely to get dealt? Chuck Garfien speaks with USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale about the White Sox trade pieces. What are the chances Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet get traded before the deadline? Who else could be on the move? When will the trade market heat up? Bob talks about Pedro Grifol’s job status and shares a name that could be a target for the White Sox if they make a manager change in the offseason.

With the White Sox reportedly listening to offers for everyone on their roster, Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss whether they should trade Luis Robert Jr and/or Garrett Crochet. Would it be best to build around them or is now the time to deal them? And what kind of packages could they get in return? Plus, they discuss the end of Sunday’s loss to the Red Sox when Pedro Grifol chose not to pinch hit for Martin Maldonado in the 6th and 8th innings.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet about his transition from reliever to starter, his name being involved in trade talks with the San Diego Padres, having a big season while the team is struggling, what it would mean to make the All-Star team and more.

Chuck Garfien, Ozzie Guillen, and Frank Thomas answer fan questions on the post-game show, which include baseball analytics and Pedro Grifol's future. They also react to Tommy Pham's explosive comments after his home plate collision with the Brewers' William Contreras. Chuck wraps up the podcast by putting this season into perspective.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox second baseman Nicky Lopez about his homecoming season with the White Sox, why it hasn't gone according to plan, and why the White Sox offense continues to struggle. They also talk about his upcoming 16-inch softball charity event and why the sport means so much to him and his family.

With the passing of NBA legend Bill Walton, we’re bringing back a special podcast from 2020 when Jason Benetti spoke with Walton for a COVID-19 benefit show. The eccentric NBA Hall of Famer provides wisdom, life advice and humor in a wide-ranging conversation about Michael Jordan, John Wooden, the Grateful Dead and the experience of calling a White Sox game with Jason.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Paul Janish for an in-depth conversation about the White Sox minor league system. Janish discusses his role with the team and the plan for developing players. They talk about Colson Montgomery, Bryan Ramos, Noah Schultz, Drew Thorpe, Edgar Quero and many others.

Trading Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, etc., stocked the White Sox farm system with many exciting pitchers. But with the White Sox offense ranking last in the majors in runs by a wide margin, how will the offense be fixed—both now and in the future? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about the wave of pitchers that are coming, the lack of power bats in the minors and question why Andrew Benintendi continues to get consistent playing time.

As a key member of the 2005 World Champion White Sox, Scott Podsednik knows what it takes for a team to become a winner. How do the White Sox get there? Chuck Garfien speaks with Podsednik about why the White Sox were able to take home a championship in 2005 and what needs to happen going forward for the White Sox to become winners again.

Chuck Garfien has two conversations with White Sox rookie Bryan Ramos. The first came during spring training when Bryan was dreaming about making it to the major leagues. The second chat is here in Chicago with Bryan talking about his first week as a member of the White Sox. He explains why he made it a priority to learn English, why being a team player is important to him, what he told his family when he found out he was going to the majors and more.

With Bryan Ramos called up from Double-A and several other prospects knocking on the door, Chuck Garfien speaks with 2005 World Series hero Scott Podsednik about his long, up and down journey in the minor leagues, what it takes to reach the majors, and once you get there, what needs to happen for a successful major league career.

A team filled with many of the White Sox top prospects, the Birmingham Barons have the best record in the Southern League at 19-7. Chuck Garfien speaks with manager Sergio Santos about what's being built in Birmingham and why they're having so much success. They talk about pitchers Drew Thorpe, Jairo Iriarte, Ky Bush and Mason Adams, plus hitters Edgar Quero, Brooks Baldwin and Duke Ellis. Plus, Sergio tells a great story about how he told Bryan Ramos he was being called up to the majors.

With the White Sox looking to build a new ballpark in the South Loop for the future, Chuck Garfien goes back to the past, speaking with author Ken Smoller about Comiskey Park and why it holds such a special meaning for White Sox fans all these years later. Smoller has written a companion piece to the popular 2023 documentary "Last Comiskey" with never before seen photos of the old park at 35th and Shields. They talk about the book, the ballpark, the final season in 1990, if Guaranteed Rate Field will have a similar effect on Sox fans in the future and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Gavin Sheets about their rough start to the season and how White Sox fans helped give the team a boost in sweeping the Rays last weekend. Gavin talks about the advice he received from his dad, Larry Sheets, who played for the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, a team that started the season 0-21. Plus, how the mindset has changed from hoping the White Sox can win to believing it.

With the White Sox off to their worst start in franchise history, Chuck Garfien is looking for hope wherever he can find it. The Birmingham Barons have come to the rescue. He speaks with Barons pitcher Drew Thorpe who the White Sox acquired in the Dylan Cease trade and has a 0.75 ERA in 4 starts. Chuck also talks about some of Thorpe's teammates who are off to hot starts in April: Jairo Iriarte, Brooks Baldwin, Edgar Quero, Ky Bush, Duke Ellis and Terrell Tatum.

With the White Sox off to their worst start in franchise history, is this team headed towards their worst season ever? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss all that is going wrong with the White Sox, what it will take for them to avoid a franchise record of futility in 2024 and where this season compares to the worst teams in baseball history.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Nick Nastrini about his first major league start, the journey it took for him to reach the majors, his visit to the ER a few weeks ago, how he found out he was being called up from Triple-A, striking out Bobby Witt Jr. in his first two at-bats, getting to share the experience with his family and more.

In 124 years of baseball, the White Sox never started a season like this. What's going on? How bad will this season get? Is there reason for hope?! Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about all that has gone wrong for the White Sox and more.

On the night that Yoan Moncada went down with a strained abductor muscle running to first base, Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen react to the news on the post-game show. Then, they answer questions from White Sox fans about the team's rough start to the season, who's to blame for their struggles, why they keep getting injured, who needs to step up offensively with so many players hurt and more.

A brutal start to the season has Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey wondering where it’s all going.

Erick Fedde gives Chuck Garfien the inside story about the changes he made to become MVP of the KBO League last season in Korea and how his new pitch mix is making him a better pitcher with the White Sox. Fedde talks about how he grips his new sweeper and changeup, why the Tigers Mark Canha was so surprised by one of the pitches Fedde threw him in his first start, how Martin Maldonado prevented Fedde from tipping his pitches and more.

The White Sox are 0-4. They’ve only scored 8 runs. Eloy Jimenez is already hurt again. What’s going on?! Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about the White Sox rough start. Plus, Garrett Crochet’s sizzling debut, the return of Mike Clevinger and more.

On a special edition of the White Sox Talk Podcast, Chuck Garfien and Gordon Beckham are live from Guaranteed Rate Field to get you ready for opening day. Chuck and Gordon are also be joined by White Sox pitcher Michael Soroka

Coming off a disastrous 101-loss season, how will the White Sox respond in 2024? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey take out their crystal baseballs and make their predictions for the season ahead. They discuss Andrew Benintendi, Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Garrett Crochet, etc. Plus, where the White Sox will rank on defense and walks, if/when Colson Montgomery makes his MLB debut, how many wins for the White Sox, their bold predictions for the season and more.

Chuck Garfien takes an inside look at how new White Sox GM Chris Getz has gone about fixing the clubhouse after last season's team broke into pieces on the way to a 101-loss season. Chuck speaks with outfielder Brett Phillips who was a World Series hero with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020. He gives Sox fans a peek behind the curtain as to what's been happening with the team during spring training and how it will translate on the field this season. Then, new White Sox reliever John Brebbia talks about the team that's been put together, the importance of clubhouse intangibles, and his very catchy entrance song that will likely become a thing on the South Side this season.

Nobody saw this coming. After pitching only 25 innings in the majors and minors last season, Garrett Crochet didn't just make the White Sox rotation, he's been named the Opening Day starter. On the podcast, Crochet gives his reaction to the surprising news and explains why he feels better suited to be a starter than reliever right now. Plus, Pedro Grifol talks about the decision to give Crochet the ball on Opening Day and then Chuck wonders who is going to fill out the rest of the rotation.

White Sox prospect George Wolkow just turned 18 years old and should be a senior at Downers Grove North High School. But instead, the 6-foot-7 outfielder drafted in the 7th round last year is in camp with the White Sox starting his professional career. Chuck Garfien speaks with George about growing up a White Sox fan, being in the spotlight at such a young age, what it would mean to play for the White Sox and more. Then, Chuck speaks with minor league hitting coach Nicky Delmonico about Wolkow's presence on the field, comparisons to Aaron Judge, etc.