The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

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.

It's been an up and down start to the season for the White Sox. Is it too early to panic? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss their biggest concerns with the White Sox right now, with panic levels ranging from 1 to 10. Offense, defense, Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal and more. (3:30) - Issues with the offense (16:13) - Panic level on Jose Abreu (20:00) - Will Yasmani Grandal be better later in the season? (25:50) - A.J. Pollock panic meter

Johnny Cueto's White Sox debut was impressive to say the least, throwing six scoreless innings against the Royals with seven strikeouts. Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen talk about his electric performance, why he'll be better in the majors than the minors, and what he could bring to the White Sox rotation. They also talk about Andrew Vaughn batting ninth and more.

A month into the season, the White Sox are looking up at Minnesota in the AL Central. Are the Twins for real? Will the White Sox end up beating them out for the division title? Chuck Garfien speaks with Twins beat writer Dan Hayes about the Twins hot start, how the two teams have played, and they look into the future to see how the season might play out for these two AL Central rivals. (3:00) - Who is leading the Minnesota Twins to first place? Oh Carlos Correa right (13:08) - Recapping how the Twins beat the Whtie Sox (23:50) - How good are the Twins in the long term? (33:34) - Is the AL Central a 2 team race? (45:08) - Predicting how the Sox and Twins will play for the remainder of the season

White Sox reliever Matt Foster is having a huge comeback season in 2022. What's behind his sudden and explosive dominance? Chuck Garfien speaks with Foster about his struggles last season and what he's done to become a lights-out, late-inning reliever for the White Sox bullpen. (2:00) - The difference between this season and last season? (5:30) - The lowest part of Foster's career was being sent down to the minors (11:17) - Foster on showing more emotion while pitching

It's a greatest hits of the White Sox 2-game sweep of the Cubs. Chuck Garfien, Frank Thomas, and Ozzie Guillen interview Dylan Cease and Lucas Gioltio. Plus, hear Jason Benetti and Steve Stone's hilarious post-game interview with Liam Hendriks. And why did MLB schedule the White Sox and Cubs to play on a Tuesday and Wednesday in early May??!! Chuck goes off. And yes, this needs to change!

Facing one of the best offenses in baseball, Dylan Cease dominated Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels on the South Side, giving up just 1 run in 7 innings with no walks and 11 strikeouts. Three-time MVP Trout went 0 for 3 with 3 K's against him. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey talk about his incredible performance, which Cease called "the best start of my career, by far."

During a cold April for the White Sox offense, Andrew Vaughn is emerging as one of the team’s best hitters. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss all that Vaughn is bringing to the table both offensively and defensively, where he should bat in the order, if his outfield play is sustainable, his future at first base, and why we appreciate all that is Andrew Vaughn. (3:40) - Andrew Vaughn needs to start every day (8:00) - Vaughn post-game interview after his clutch 3-run homer (13:30) - Are the White Sox at their best with Vaughn in the outfield? (22:00) - Why Vaughn will be better this season vs. last season

After winning the first three series of the season, the White Sox went on the road and completely lost their way, losing every game on the trip! What happened and where do the White Sox go from here? Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey are here to sort it all out. (2:15) - What is the concern level for the White Sox? (8:30) - Frustration with Tony La Russa playing Leury García (14:00) - The strategy of throwing to Byron Buxton (20:00) - Tony La Russa's lineups (29:00) - Eloy Jimenez is going to be out for a while

The pitch clock being used in the minor leagues this season is dramatically changing the pace of games and reducing game times by an average of 20 minutes. Some games are taking less than two hours to play! Chuck Garfien takes a closer look at how the pitch clock is affecting pitchers, hitters, and the viewing experience. When will this be coming to the majors? Sooner than you might think.

This early in the baseball season, what’s really happening with the White Sox and the rest of the AL Central? Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince for some early takeaways and freak out factors here in the month of April. Should White Sox fans be concerned about the rash of injuries, Liam Hendriks struggles in the ninth, and the play of Leury Garcia? They also talk about the White Sox challenging April schedule and cover the freak out factors in the rest of the division. Another injury to Byron Buxton, multiple players hurt with the Tigers, the Guardians front office attempt to win, and more. (5:23) - Should Sox fans be concerned about the injuries? (10:32) - Is Liam Hendricks' struggles in the ninth going to be an issue this year? (13:30) - Will Leury Garcia remember how to play baseball? (30:00) - How good will the Guardians be this year? (38:10) - Should Twins fans be concerned about Byron Buxton's injury?

One of the best early stories of the baseball season is about White Sox pitcher Tanner Banks who finally made it to the major leagues at 30-years-old. Chuck Garfien speaks with Banks about his long journey to the majors and why he never gave up on his ultimate dream. Banks tells stories about how he learned he made the team, striking out the side against the Tigers in his debut, and more. (4:00) - Tanner on what kept him going after so many years in the minors (9:42) - Tanner describes how and when he found out he made the big leagues (15:30) - Making The Show, Tanner's first game in Detroit (21:48) - Has it settled in yet that he's finally in the majors

The Tigers might be better this year, but in the opening series of the season, the White Sox made a statement against their AL Central rivals winning two out of three. Chuck Garfien and Gordon Beckham talk about how the two teams matched up against each other. Plus, Chuck speaks with Tim Anderson about the Tigers who might be gunning for the White Sox, but came up short in their first matchup with the White Sox in 2022. (2:40) - White Sox still feel like the dominant team in the division (8:00) - Tim Anderson reacts to the series win and being the hunted in the division (12:35) - How the White Sox overcome all of their injuries (17:07) - What statement was made after the opening series?

It’s time once again to look into the future and make our season predictions! How many strikeouts for Dylan Cease? Who will the White Sox acquire at the trade deadline? Who throws the next no-hitter? How many wins for the White Sox? What will happen in October?? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka make those predictions and many more! (5:00) - Who pitches more innings, Dallas Keuchel or Johnny Cueto? (12:50) - How many strikeouts for Dylan Cease? (28:32) - Who do the White Sox acquire at the trade deadline? (36:31) - Our boldest predictions! (45:44) - What happens in October.....

With Lance Lynn out for about 8 weeks with a knee injury, the White Sox need someone to help them fill the void. Hello, Johnny Cueto! The White Sox signed him to a minor league deal. He should be in the majors soon after that. What can we expect from the 36-year-old two-time All-Star? Chuck Garfien discusses the wide-ranging possibilities with Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka! (4:00) - When will Johnny Cueto be ready to join the White Sox? (11:00) - Expectations for Cueto (17:20) - What happens to the rotation when Lance Lynn returns?

You want a big spring training trade? We got one! Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox TV analyst Steve Stone about the AJ Pollock/Craig Kimbrel trade. Plus, Garret Crochet probably needs Tommy John surgery, and what if the White Sox are able to acquire A's pitcher Sean Manaea as well? Lots to talk about!

Chuck Garfien speaks with manager Tony La Russa about Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Craig Kimbrel, and the right field situation which caused controversy amongst White Sox fans this week when La Russa questioned the need for them to sign a right fielder from outside the organization. They also talk about this year vs. last year and if the White Sox are in a better position to win in 2022.

What happens when Chuck Garfien gets together with Jason Benetti and Steve Stone? You never know. Among the topics are, Chuck's terrible impression of Keith Jackson, Steve's encounter with Yermin Mercedes, the White Sox right field situation, what happens with Craig Kimbrel, what if Luis Robert plays 155 games, and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Michael Kopech at spring training about what he learned as a pitcher last season and now as a starter how he wants to become a "top tier pitcher" in the game. Kopech talks about how he lost his edge in the second half of last season, the thrill of pitching in the Field of Dreams game, his bout with COVID, his favorite game from 2021, and more. (2:15) - Kopech on what he learned after starting and finishing a full season (7:40) - Did getting 10Ks vs the Rangers give him a glimpse of what he can be? (13:30) - Kopech discusses the playoffs and what he's learned from losing (18:10) - Kopech on battling COVID

With Andrew Vaughn getting hurt in Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, what do the White Sox do about right field? MLB.com’s Scott Merkin joins the podcast to talk about Vaughn, Michael Conforto, and Yoelqui Cespedes. Plus, Chuck Garfien speaks with Gavin Sheets and Micker Adolfo about the competition for the right-field job. (2:20) - Scott Merkin reacts to the Andrew Vaughn injury (12:56) - Micker Adolfo on the competition at right field (16:04) - Gavin Sheets on his mindset for this year (18:35) - Scott Merkin and Chuck break down Yoelqui Cespedes and White Sox needs

Dylan Cease might be coming off a breakout season, but he’s looking to be even better in 2022. He speaks with Chuck Garfien at spring training about how he wants to improve, the pitch he’s been working on the most since last year, and how many strikeouts he thinks he can reach this season. Plus, how about that new mustache?! (3:20) - The story behind the 'stache (5:30) - Dylan on wanting more from himself this year (8:00) - Reacting to the Twins signing Carlos Correa (9:36) - Can he get to 250 strikeouts this year?

White Sox prized prospect Yoelqui Cespedes is off to a hot start in spring training. He speaks with Chuck Garfien about his love for baseball, not being able to play professionally for two seasons, and what it will take for him to reach his goal of making the major leagues in 2022. And fellow top prospect Oscar Colas makes a cameo appearance!

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito about why he added 20 pounds in the offseason. Plus, Dylan Cease's hunger to improve, Michael Kopech taking the next step, why Dallas Keuchel will turn things around, the White Sox lights out bullpen, and more. (2:33) - Lucas on the decision to add 20 pounds of muscle. (8:00) - Lucas breaks down Vince Velasquez (11:32) - Can Dallas Keuchel turn his White Sox career around?

Chuck Garfien speaks with Yermin Mercedes about his wild 2021 season: coming out of nowhere to win AL Rookie of the Month in April, his old school vs. new school controversy with manager Tony La Russa, and temporarily quitting the game in July. He reveals that he's come to spring training with a new mindset of being a team player. "Everything I'm doing right now, I'm doing it for the White Sox." (3:15) -What was it like winning Rookie of the Month last year? (5:20) - The controversy between Yermin and LaRussa on missing a take sign (10:40) - Yermin on what he's worked on and gotten better at (21:13) - Tony LaRussa on the difficulties of putting Yermin in the lineup

Chuck Garfien sits down with new White Sox reliever Kendall Graveman for this impactful and emotional interview at Camelback Ranch. Kendall talks about his recent ups and downs, having his Mariners teammates revolt when he was traded to the Astros last season, facing the White Sox in the playoffs, how the Blackout Game weighed into his decision to sign with the White Sox, why he apologized to Jose Abreu and Tony La Russa when he arrived at spring training and more.

Chuck Garfien sits down with new second baseman Josh Harrison. He explains why he chose to sign with the White Sox over other interested teams, why he’s so hungry to get back to the playoffs, getting up to speed with Tim Anderson, knowing how to play in the cold, and more.

Tim Anderson and Tony La Russa. Best friends? That’s what Tim said to Chuck Garfien in this fun and revealing conversation at spring training. Tim talks about the addition of Josh Harrison at second base, his thrilling walkoff home run in the Field of Dreams game, wanting to be on the White Sox for the rest of his career, and more. (2:20) - Tim on his walk-off home run in the Field of Dreams game (7:25) - How will Josh Harrison impact the team? (12:00) - Tim on wanting to be a White Sox forever (14:23) - The Tony La Russa and Tim Anderson growing friendship

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox closer Liam Hendriks for a candid conversation about the lockout, the addition of Joe Kelly to the bullpen, and why he expects the White Sox to be one of the most hated teams in baseball in 2022. (2:40) - Dealing with the lockout and using the time wisely (4:30) - How would an international draft impact overseas players? (9:40) - Liam's thoughts on the addition of Joe Kelly (10:15) - "We're gonna be one of the most hated teams in baseball