The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Well, this was a surprise. The White Sox are hiring Pedro Grifol to be their next manager. Who is he? What does he stand for? What will he bring to the South Side? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak to the perfect guy. Royals broadcaster Rex Hudler comes on the podcast to deliver the inside scoop about Grifol and then some. Hudler explains why he thought the Royals were going to hire Grifol to be THEIR manager. Plus, why he's the right fit for the White Sox. Chuck and Guff also talk about the decision by the White Sox to not hire Ozzie Guillen.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox beat writer James Fegan of The Athletic about what’s going on with the White Sox managerial search. What’s the latest? Who’s the best fit? What do White Sox fans want (and not want) in the new manager? And who does James think will win the job in the end?

Former White Sox teammates Bobby Jenks and Toby Hall are quickly making names for themselves in the baseball coaching ranks. In their first season together, Jenks (manager) and Hall (hitting coach) led the Grand Junction Rockies to their first Pioneer League championship in 41 years. They join Chuck Garfien on the podcast to talk about their coaching styles and hopes of getting back to the majors as coaches in the future. Plus, Jenks opens up about his past troubles with alcohol, his memories of the 2005 World Series and more.

Picked by many to win the division and contend for a World Series, the White Sox came up way short in 2022. Why did the season go backward? Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka dig into what happened and explain the biggest reason why the White Sox struggled in 2022. They also discuss what needs to happen to fix their problems for next season.

Chuck Garfien sits down with baseball visionary Mike Veeck, son of former White Sox owner Bill Veeck to talk about the game’s past, present and future. They discuss how his idea of Disco Demolition became the best and worst promotion in baseball history, how actor Bill Murray saved Veeck's baseball career, why the pitch clock will be a huge win for baseball, what MLB should do to improve the game going forward and more.

One of the greatest hitters in White Sox history could be wearing a different uniform next season. Is this a done deal? What would it take for the White Sox to bring José Abreu back? Should they?? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss all of the Abreu scenarios, the future for Andrew Vaughn and Chuck’s crazy idea if the Sox really decide to shake things up at first base.

Willie Harris might be the third base coach for the Cubs, but after scoring the game-winning run in Game 4 of the 2005 World Series, the White Sox are clearly in his blood. One day he hopes to manage. What about on the South Side? Chuck Garfien speaks with Harris about his managing ambitions, what he learned as a player from Ozzie Guillen, Terry Francona and Bobby Cox, why he thinks he'd be a good fit right now with the White Sox, stories of him managing Eloy Jimenez and Danny Mendick in the minors and more.

With potential candidates starting to emerge for the White Sox managerial job, Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey go over the top names, discussing everyone from Bruce Bochy to Ron Washington to Ozzie Guillen. Who’s the best fit? Who gets the job? Chuck and Guff give their thoughts and the odds for each candidate.

With the 2022 season in the books, Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn to talk about what he learned about the team this season, what was missing this year, leadership inside the clubhouse, what kind of manager they should hire, how close the White Sox are from being an elite team and more. Chuck closes the podcast with thoughts about the season and his hopes for 2023.

On the day that Tony La Russa announced that he is leaving the White Sox due to health reasons, GM Rick Hahn addressed many pressing topics in his season-ending press conference. What kind of manager are they looking for? Will they bring back Jose Abreu? What roster changes are coming? Will they break up the core? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss all of this and more.

Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen react to the breaking news that Tony La Russa is expected to retire as White Sox manager. They discuss the job Tony did as manager, what kind of manager the White Sox need to hire to replace him, and if Ozzie is interested in the job. USA Today's Bob Nightengale broke the story about La Russa's retirement. He speaks with Chuck about Tony's health problems, possible candidates and if big changes are coming to the roster.

Instead of the Guardians crumbling in September like Elvis Andrus predicted, it was the White Sox who crumbled away the 2022 season. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey break down what went wrong with the White Sox and why Cleveland will be playing in the postseason.

Chuck Garfien speaks with pitcher Davis Martin who has been one of the White Sox biggest surprises this season. Martin talks about the advice he received from pitching coach Richard Doston that's made him a better pitcher, his first major league start and the beer shower he received after his first major league win. He explains why he'd follow Lance Lynn into a burning building, why he doesn't like the pitch clock and more.

The White Sox needed a sweep to stay in the AL Central race, but the Guardians came to town and showed them who's boss. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey wave the white flag. Why are the Guardians going to win the division? Why won't it be the White Sox? It's the podcast we never saw coming when the season began.

It's THE series of the season for the White Sox. Three games at home against the Guardians. Chuck Garfien explains why the White Sox will get a much-needed sweep over their AL Central rivals and have you believing in the White Sox again! He also gives the reasons why the White Sox will not get a sweep, and if you should be bracing for another letdown.

It’s must-win time for the White Sox, especially against the first place Guardians. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about the four pivotal games against them in the next week and what it will take for them to overtake them for the division. Plus, they talk about Ken Rosenthal’s article about Tony La Russa and whether he will return this season.

With Tony La Russa still not cleared by doctors to return to the dugout because of a heart ailment, will he be back this season? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the La Russa situation. They also talk about what it will take for the White Sox to beat the Guardians for the AL Central title.

With four weeks left in the regular season, who is going to end up winning the division?! Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey break down the chances for the White Sox, Guardians and Twins. Who has the best offense, pitching, schedule, health and intangibles? They predict how many wins it will take and who will take home the AL Central when all is said and done.

With one month left in the season, Justin Verlander might still be the favorite to win the Cy Young Award, but Dylan Cease is coming on strong! Chuck Garfien breaks down Cease's Cy Young Award case and what needs to happen for him to overtake Verlander and everyone else to take home the award. Then, Chuck speaks with Dylan about his near no-hitter against the Twins, if he regrets how he pitched to Luis Arraez with two outs in the ninth and how the White Sox players-only meeting last week has helped spark the team and get them back in the AL Central race.

Chuck Garfien has a candid conversation with outfielder Gavin Sheets about the White Sox challenging season, not meeting expectations, and what they need to do to turn their season around. They discuss Tony La Russa’s absence from the team, Gavin's extraordinary home and road splits, how teams are taking advantage of their aggressive hitters and more.

For the second year in a row, the White Sox have been decimated by injuries. Why can’t they stay healthy? Chuck Garfien has a candid conversation with former White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik about his injury history as a player and what the White Sox need to do to stay on the field. Later, they’re joined by Scott’s 2005 World Series teammate Joe Crede who talks about his White Sox career, Tadahito Iguchi, how Joe was unprepared for Podsednik’s walk-off homer in the World Series and more.

Chuck Garfien gets together with Roger Bossard for a riveting conversation with the longest-tenured groundskeeper in major league history. Roger talks about his family's lineage (he and his dad Gene have been the only White Sox groundskeepers in the last 82 years), his 110-hour work weeks, Disco Demolition, his signed baseball from the Rolling Stones, his favorite White Sox players, why he and Rickey Henderson didn't get along and so much more.

After a rough loss in Kansas City, Chuck and Guff discuss another injury to a key White Sox player. This time it's Michael Kopech. Did the White Sox take too long to remove him from the game? Plus, why the 2022 season is great for singles! What happened to the homers? Chuck explains why he believes Johnny Cueto is the MVP of the White Sox, and not Dylan Cease. Plus, we celebrate going over 5 million downloads of the podcast by giving away an autographed baseball signed by Jose Abreu!

After sweeping the Tigers and winning dramatic games against the Astros, the White Sox are looking like the team many expected in 2022. They’re back, but are they really back? Chuck Garfien and Gordon Beckham talk about the White Sox recent play and if they’re poised for a big finish to the regular season. Then, Dylan Cease speaks with Chuck, Gordon and Ozzie Guillen about his start against Justin Verlander, why he intentionally balked with Alex Bregman on second base and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Lucas Giolito about the White Sox struggles this season and Johnny Cueto’s comments that the White Sox need to show more fight. They talk about Dylan Cease’s chances of winning the Cy Young Award and Cease's matchup against Justin Verlander. Plus, the story behind the Randy Moss jersey inside the clubhouse, what it’s going to take for the White Sox to win the division and more

With Tim Anderson out approximately six weeks with a torn ligament in his left middle finger, how do the White Sox overcome such a big injury? Chuck Garfien speaks with Ozzie Guillen about the loss off TA, what’s been missing from the White Sox and more.

When he’s not hosting shows for the Big Ten Network, Dave Revsine is living and dying with the White Sox. Chuck Garfien speaks with Dave about how he became a diehard White Sox fan as a child and the frustrations he’s having with the 2022 season. They also talk about how they met as co-workers at ESPN in the 1990’s, the Big Ten adding USC and UCLA and if more teams will be added to the conference in the future.

Make sure to watch this episode on our YouTube page by clicking HERE! With the White Sox only adding reliever Jake Diekman before the trade deadline, will that be enough for them to win the AL Central? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss who the White Sox are, who they aren’t, and what needs to happen for them to beat the Twins and Guardians for the division title. And maybe their secret weapon is playing in Double-A.

The trade deadline came and went, and the only addition the White Sox made was acquiring left-handed reliever Jake Diekman from the Red Sox. Why didn’t Rick Hahn and the White Sox do more? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the lack of moves before the deadline. Then, Chuck, Ozzie Guillen and Frank Thomas talk about the Sox standing pat, what’s missing in the clubhouse, if they can still win the division and more.

You can watch this episode live from our new podcast studio by clicking HERE. Make sure to subscribe to the NBC Sports Chicago YouTube page so you won't miss an episode! With the Washington Nationals listening to offers for superstar Juan Soto, we’re going there! Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB Network Radio’s Mike Ferrin about what it will take for the White Sox to acquire Soto, if he’ll be traded before the deadline or this off-season, and if the White Sox can put together a big enough package to bring Soto to the South Side. (3:13) - Juan Soto fills a lot of the White Sox needs but do they have the depth needed to trade for him? (13:00) - Will Juan Soto be traded at the deadline? (19:50) - Are the White Sox in on Juan Soto? (27:40) - Who are the other options for the White Sox to trade for

You can watch this episode HERE on YouTube as we debut our NEW PODCAST STUDIO! Make sure to subscribe to the NBCS Chicago page so you never miss an episode! Who should the White Sox add before the trade deadline on August 2? Chuck Garfien and Chris Kamka discuss potential targets for right field, second base, the bullpen and starting rotation.

Ozzie Guillen answers questions from White Sox fans. Topics range from Tony La Russa, managing in the future, Eloy Jimenez, Leury Garcia, the 2005 World Series, Terry Bevington and everything in between. (2:00) - How has the game changed since Ozzie's last year as manager in 2012? (9:00) - Does Ozzie want to manage again? (19:00) - The day Ozzie asked Jerry Reinsdorf to trade him (26:45) - What should the Sox do with Leury García? (32:00) - Favorite memory of the 2005 World Series (44:00) - Why Ozzie wants to work at a grocery store

The White Sox closed the first half of the season by sending a message to the first place Twins, taking 3 of 4 in Minnesota with two big blowout victories. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the week that might have turned the White Sox season around, what’s in store for the second half and more. (3:10) - Did the White Sox send a message with a dominating performance against the Twins? (15:00) - Will the offense be back in the second half? (18:00) - What's going on with Lance Lynn (23:00) -- The ask Ozzie Guillen anything podcast

With the All-Star break coming next week, Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince to look into the future and see what will happen in the second half of the season. Will the White Sox be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? Will they turn their season around? Who will win the AL Central? Will Dylan Cease win the AL Cy Young? And more. (7:38) - Who will win the AL Cy Young? (11:38) - Will the White Sox be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? (23:30) - Who will win the AL Central division? (32:15) - Who will have the better record, the White Sox or the Orioles?

It’s a big week for the White Sox. Back-to-back four-game series at Cleveland and Minnesota. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss what’s at stake for the White Sox, how they’ll do in these pivotal eight games, and what to make of Bob Nightengale’s report in USA Today that there’s a leadership problem inside the clubhouse. (3:30) - This is the most important stretch of games for the Sox in years (10:34) - Bob Nightengale in USA Today reports that there is unrest and issues in the locker room (21:25) - The energy and mood of the team has been different (30:30) - What is the recipe for success against the Guardians

Eloy's back. What about the White Sox? On the verge of getting swept by the first place Twins, Eloy Jimenez returned to the lineup and helped lead the White Sox to a dramatic come-from-behind victory. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the impact of getting Jimenez back in the lineup, the effect he has on the rest of the offense, what the White Sox have to do next to stay in contention, and more. (2:00) - Will Eloy help change the White Sox season around? (8:21) - Breaking down what Eloy brings to the Sox (11:10) - Tony LaRussa puts pressure on himself and the team to be better in the second half of the season (19:00) - The White Sox are getting ZERO production from the 3rd batter in the lineup (21:38) - What do the Sox need to do to turn around their season?

Chuck Garfien speaks with Dan Hayes who covers the Twins for the Athletic about this huge series between the White Sox and Twins on the South Side. Are the Twins the favorites to win the division? Is their starting rotation and bullpen good enough to hold off the White Sox and Guardians? Will the White Sox follow the lead of Lance Lynn and not look back? We can only hope. (4:13) - Should the Twins be concerned about the White Sox? (15:13) - Twins collapse vs the Guardians. We relive those moments. (21:20) - Why are the White Sox in 3rd place in the AL Central? (32:34) - What is it going to take for the White Sox to win the division?

After a rough two months at the plate to open the season, Josh Harrison has been on fire in June. He speaks with Chuck Garfien about how he broke out of his slump, facing criticism on social media and why he believes the White Sox will turn their season around.

Over two months into the season, the White Sox are under .500, not resembling the team that many thought would win the AL Central. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss the problems of this season, where the team is at right now, and if they believe the White Sox will turn their season around. (3:50) - White Sox home record has been awful (8:25) - Can the Sox overcome an injury plagued roster? (18:00) - Is it time for the Sox to make moves and shake things up? (33:35) - How can the White Sox turn this season around?

Chuck Garfien sits down with Andrew Vaughn to discuss the ins and outs of his approach at the plate, why this year is different from last year, what it would mean to make the All-Star team, and more. Later, Chuck breaks down Vaughn's numbers at the plate which reveals plenty more than meets the eye. (3:50) -Vaughn describes his philosophy and approach to baseball (8:00) - Getting himself prepared for a full season (9:45) - Vaughn on what it would mean to make his first All-Star appearance this year (13:40) - Numbers never lie: Andrew Vaughn's season so far through the stats

Infielder Lenyn Sosa is turning heads in Double-A this season, quickly becoming one of the best players in the Southern League at the age of 22. Chuck Garfien speaks with Birmingham Barons manager Justin Jirschele about Sosa's emergence as a hitter and fielder, his knack for driving in runs, how close he is to the majors and more.

If there's one player on the 2005 White Sox who hasn't been given enough credit, it's Freddy Garcia. Ozzie Guillen speaks with Chuck Garfien about what Garcia meant to their championship team, telling must-listen, untold stories about Garcia winning Game 4 of the ALCS in Anaheim and the World Series clincher in Houston. Ozzie also talks about Mark Buehrle getting the save in Game 3 and the experience of flying back to Chicago after winning the World Series. (2:50) - Freddy Garcia an underrated and underappreciated piece to the 2005 White Sox (8:20) - Freddy Garcia's heroics during the championship run (21:40) - Ozzie on Freddy's start in the World Series (27:20) - Celebrating the 2005 World series

How do you explain the rough start to this White Sox season? We asked White Sox fans on Twitter to sum it up in one word. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey read many of the responses and discuss how and why the season has gone south. They discuss injuries, the offense, Tony La Russa, the tough homestand against the Dodgers and Rangers, and more. (7:02) - LaRussa-ific. (13:50) - White Sox issues kept piling up over the weekend (24:26) - Waste. (34:35) - Demoralizing. (43:00) - Is Luis Robert overhyped? (50:40) - Odds the White Sox win the division

Since being called up from the minors, Jake Burger has provided a big spark to the White Sox offense thanks to his clutch hitting in the late innings. Chuck Garfien speaks with Jake about how far he's come in the last few years, controlling his emotions at the plate, the hitting advice he received from Paul Konerko, the quote by Joe DiMaggio that he lives by on the field, and more.

In June of 1983, the White Sox were under .500, struggling on offense (especially at catcher), and failing to meet expectations. Sound familiar? But in the middle of June, the offense woke up, the starting rotation got hot, and they ran away with the division. Could a similar pattern happen again this year? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey compare and contrast the disappointing starts for both teams, how close Tony La Russa came to getting fired in 1983, plus when and if this year’s White Sox team can turn its season around.

With the team off to a disappointing start, it's time to hear from White Sox fans! Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey tackle your biggest questions and concerns. Topics include Yasmani Grandal, Yoan Moncada, Josh Harrison, Yolbert Sanchez, the offense, defense, baserunning, coaching and a whole lot more! (3:40) - Should fans be this panicked about the season? (8:50) - Is the clubhouse panicking about the injuries and poor start? (18:50) - Why are multiple players slumping at the same time? (23:40) - What is wrong with Yasmani Grandal? (37:50) - Does Rick Hahn have the power to fire Tony LaRussa? (47:30) - Can Eloy Jimenez stay healthy?

Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen sit down with Tony La Russa to talk about the White Sox slow start, their struggles on offense, playing with urgency and more. Chuck speaks with A.J. Pierzynski who explains why he thinks the White Sox should win the AL Central by 20 games. Then, Chuck talks about the loss of Tim Anderson and what he thinks needs to happen for the White Sox to win the division.

Chuck Garfien speaks with longtime Chicago sportscaster Rich King who saw it all during his 48-year broadcasting career. King shares inside stories about some of the biggest names and biggest games he covered along the way. He also talks about his new book “Ike and Me: What a Time it Was” about the friendship he formed with WGN photographer Richard “Ike” Isaac. They also discuss the sportscasting business, where it was and where it is today. (4:00) - The "Golden Age" of Chicago sports (10:30) - Traveling with Harry Caray and Jimmy Piersall (25:51) - Rich describes his friend and photographer Richard "Ike" Isaac (34:42) - Rich describes his working relationship with sportscasting legend Dan Roan

Yasmani Grandal takes us behind the scenes what happened after Josh Donaldson called Tim Anderson "Jackie" during the Yankees series and Grandal confronted Donaldson at home plate. Grandal also talks about the addition of Johnny Cueto, his struggles offensively to start the season, the ceiling for Dylan Cease, and more.

In front of a national TV audience, Tim Anderson slugged a clutch 3-run home run in the 8th inning at Yankee Stadium, leading the White Sox to a doubleheader sweep, and getting in the last word after Josh Donaldson created a firestorm by twice calling Anderson "Jackie" during the game on Saturday. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss TA's big moment, how he handled the controversy, if this homer was bigger than his game-winner in the Field of Dreams game and if this series could be a turning point for the White Sox season.