Sox Machine

Latest Episodes:

How is the 2025 White Sox 26-man roster shaking out Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Rundown

[Intro] Colson Montgomery is back thanks to his back spasms calming down. It looks like he's the frontrunner to be Opening Day shortstop, but what if he doesn't pick up his hitting? What if the back barks on him again? Then what's the White Sox plan at shortstop?

[19:08] Position outlook: Outfield. With Andrew Benintendi and Austin Slater doubtful in being ready by Opening Day, what is the White Sox outfield roster looking like?

[26:23] Position outlook: Infield. Lenyn Sosa is having a strong spring and possibly earned himself another shot on the MLB roster. Who else is joining him on the bench? Could Brandon Drury hit himself into a major league contract? Or will someone like Jacob Amaya get the nod just in case Montgomery gets hurt?

[36:59] Best story from camp is the emergence of RHP Shane Smith who is impressing with his 98 MPH fastball. Would the White Sox be better off having Smith be in the rotation over Bryse Wilson?

White Sox Spring Training Injury Updates and 2025 Minnesota Twins Preview with Dan Hayes Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Rundown

[Intro] Josh Nelson provides updates on how the White Sox are performing during Spring Training, and latest injury news. Which isn't looking great for the White Sox outfield and Colson Montgomery
[5:21] Dan Hayes of The Athletic joins to share his insights about the Minnesota Twins. What happened with the fallout of Justin Ishbia pivoting from buying the team? How will the Twins try to keep Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Carlos Correa healthy? Who could earn spots in the Twins starting rotation?

Early Observations of White Sox Spring Training Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Record Date: 2/24/2025

Rundown

[Intro] How is Arizona treating James Fegan this week?
[4:05] How Will Venable is liking or not liking what he is seeing in early game action
[6:54] White Sox adapting to a new pitching strategy of weird throwing angles
[12:47] Latest news on White Sox infield position battles with Miguel Vargas getting the nod at third base
[17:37] What do the White Sox make of Tim Elko?
[23:44] Jim Margalus joins to share his early observations watching Spring Training games and how it feels like a continuation of 2024
[35:15] Fun stats from the first three Spring Training games
[40:24] Oscar Colas getting hit in the face on a fly ball might signify his entire experience with the White Sox
[46:31] Justin Ishbia buying minority owner shares. What does this mean for near and long-term future for White Sox ownership?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

White Sox sign Mike Clevinger, Justin Ishbia buying shares, and Detroit Tigers preview with Cody Stavenhagen Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

Guest: Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic

Rundown

[Intro] Chicago White Sox sign Mike Clevinger to a minor league contract. Listen to White Sox GM Chris Getz explain his reasoning and plans for Clevinger
[7:05] Reporting from Jon Greenberg and Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Justin Ishbia has stopped his pursuit of buying the Minnesota Twins and now is buying more minority shares of the Chicago White Sox
[9:06] AL Central Preview begins with the Detroit Tigers as beat reporter Cody Stavenhagen joins the show. He shares how the Tigers offseason went, why Tarik Skubal could be on the trade block, how the offense looks with Gleyber Torres, and manager AJ Hinch's job security.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

White Sox Big Data Problem Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Record Date: 2/17/2025

Rundown

[Intro] Sound clips from White Sox manager Will Venable, and players Andrew Benintendi and Colson Montgomery on the first day of all players reporting for camp
[8:24] How's Arizona?
[11:57] Following up from James Fegan's feature about the White Sox Big Data Problem. How the White Sox identified and addressed these gaps, what the desired outcome is, and how it could lead to a new way the organization moves forward. Perhaps the days of having a Top 10 payroll are still ways away, but can the White Sox emulate a team like the Milwaukee Brewers?
[50:41] College Baseball Opening Day recap: James got a chance to watch Oregon State in-person and Josh shares hit thoughts from the Shriners College Showdown tournament in Arlington, Texas
[61:27] Around MLB: Detroit Tigers miss out on signing Alex Bregman and Mike Trout is moving to right field

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keith Law stops by to talk 2025 White Sox Farm System Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Guest: Keith Law, The Athletic

Rundown

[Intro] Soundbites from White Sox GM Chris Getz and manager Will Venable after first day of Spring Training
[5:12] Jim Margalus has his annual chat with The Athletic's Keith Law about the White Sox farm system. Where the system sits today, why they need more talent, what Law needs to see from Colson Montgomery to restore some faith, and the intriguing Noah Schultz

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spring Training 2025 Preview Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Rundown

[Intro] Does entering the camp feel differently with new manager in 2025 than in 2023?
[7:32] Spring storyline: How does Luis Robert Jr. look?
[10:57] Spring storyline: Is Colson Montgomery ready for the majors?
[13:32] Spring storyline: Can Brian Bannister and Ethan Katz find magic with unlocking starting pitcher potential?
[18:04] Fantasy Baseball PSA
[18:50] New faces joining White Sox camp in Brandon Eisert and Brandon Drury
[26:41] Opening Day Eve live podcast PSA
[27:40] Position battle: Shortstop
[32:16] Position battle: Second Base
[38:17] Position battle: Third Base
[48:40] Pittsburgh Road Trip PSA
[49:39] Starting rotation outlook with Drew Thorpe on the mend

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

White Sox Prospect Week and 2025 PECOTA Projections Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Record Date: 2/3/2025

Rundown

[Intro] Prospect Week has started at Sox Machine. How are we feeling about the farm system? Does the number of Top 100 prospects move the needle for White Sox fans anymore?
[19:36] James Fegan attended Super 60 showcase and shared his insights on the prospect event
[24:53] Opening Day Eve show announcement
[25:51] Baseball Prospectus released their PECOTA projections and have the 2025 White Sox finishing 61-101
[34:10] Sox Machine Fantasy Baseball League announcement
[34:55] Umpire Pat Hoberg fired for gambling
[45:51] Old Friend, Dylan Cease, could be traded during Spring Training. Again.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What we learned from SoxFest 2025 Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Rundown:

[Intro] You can read how Josh Nelson felt about SoxFest, but James Fegan shares his thoughts about the event
[6:43] Drew Thorpe has a setback in his rehab that could impact his ability to be ready for Opening Day
[13:09] Noah Schultz is feeling confident coming off his 2024 campaign and why further developing his pitch mix is a focus
[16:54] Hagen Smith has several pitches, but he shared why the cutter is becoming his best pitch.
[21:21] Braden Montgomery use of advance hitting technology could help give him a step up in development and why Josh thinks Montgomery has the makings to be a star player.
[31:02] Man, it sure feels like it's Colson Montgomery's job to lose as Opening Day shortstop
[37:57] Miguel Vargas has gained weight this offseason and bulking up is in hopes of increasing his exit velocity
[43:34] Looking at the current Non-Roster Invitees, James picks a handful of players who could make the Opening Day roster

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025 MLB Hall of Fame Class and the Los Angeles Dodgers wild spending spree Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Rundown

[Intro] How's the weather in your neck of the woods?
[4:07] Ichiro, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner are voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim Margalus isn't exactly thrilled with Wagner's selection. Why it's tough to grade closers when it comes to overall greatness. James Fegan also shares his theory on how Ichiro was one vote shy of being a unanimous selection.
[18:51] Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones missed the cut. With a weak 2026 class, do they get the necessary votes to make the hall next year?
[29:50] According to FanGraphs, the estimated luxury tax payroll for the Los Angeles Dodgers is around $370 million, or $290 million more than the Chicago White Sox. Why their spending spree will cause friction among owners even though it does come off as whining. Especially with the Dodgers injury history.
[53:40] Remembering Jeff Torborg and Bob Uecker.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected