The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Latest Episodes:

What Nelson Cruz returning to Minnesota means for the Twins and White Sox Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

With White Sox killer Nelson Cruz resigning with the Twins, how does this affect not only the Twins but the White Sox in 2021? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss where the White Sox stand after the big move by their division rivals, and will rookie Andrew Vaughn be ready to be the White Sox regular DH? Plus, can the White Sox rely on Carlos Rodon and is the White Sox front office done making moves?

(1:50) - First impressions of Nelson Cruz going back to Minnesota

(5:10) - Did the White Sox have a chance to get Nelson Cruz?

(10:30) - Will Andrew Vaughn be the DH the White Sox need?

(17:10) - What will the White Sox do to try to slow Cruz this season?

(22:20) - Who will be the five starters in the White Sox rotation? Should the White Sox keep adding pitching?

(30:46) - Are the White Sox done adding to the roster before the start of the season?

The White Sox ’Tournament of G.O.A.T.S.’ Which team is the all-time best? Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

Which White Sox team is the best in franchise history? 2005? 1906? 1959? 1993? The White Sox and Out of the Park Baseball came together to create a video game simulation where 16 of the best White Sox teams battle it out in the Tournament of G.O.A.T.S., to determine which squad is the all-time greatest. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with Rich Grisham, COO of Out of the Park Developments about the fun details of the video game and tournament. Then Chuck, Ryan, and Chris Kamka go over their brackets, predicting the winners of each match-up and who they think will win the entire tournament. Who ya got?

(2:10) - Rich Grisham on pitting teams from different eras against each other

(5:30) - Simulating games in using all the ballparks in White Sox history

(9:30) - Which matchups create the most intrigue in the tournament?

(15:00) - Chuck, Ryan, and Chris fill out their brackets, March Madness style

(24:50) - The 2020 White Sox are in the tournament

(34:15) - 1977 "South Side Hitmen" vs 2000 "The Kids Can Play"

(43:00) - Will the 1917 World Series Champions make it out of the first round?

(49:30) - Which team wins the tournament?

White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal wants to join MLB’s 3,000-hit club Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

Nick Madrigal is ready for big things in 2021 — and over the course of his big league career. Chuck Garfien goes 1-on-1 with the White Sox second baseman, discussing Madrigal’s rookie season, what he looks to build off of, what he is looking to do in 2021, and his career goal of joining the 3,000-hit club.

(2:15) - Nick Madrigal breaks down his rookie season and what it was like to debut in the middle of a pandemic

(6:00) - Madrigal on whether the shortened season allowed him enough time in the majors to feel comfortable

(11:40) - Madrigal talks about issues he's had facing certain pitchers and what he learned from the White Sox playoff appearance

(23:30) - Madrigal feels 3,000 hits is a very reachable goal for his career

Why MLB Network’s Jon Morosi voted for Mark Buehrle for the Hall of Fame Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

White Sox great Mark Buehrle was one of several first-timers on this year's Hall of Fame ballot. He didn't earn election this time around — no one did this year — but a noticeable amount of voters included Buehrle on their ballots. That group included MLB Network's Jon Morosi, who joins Chuck Garfien to discuss why he put Buehrle on his ballot this year and why he believes the legendary White Sox lefty belongs in the Hall of Fame. Morosi also weighs in on the 2021 White Sox, making his pick for the team's X-factor that could put the South Siders over the top.

(2:36) - Why Jon Morosi included Mark Buehrle on his Hall of Fame ballot

(9:55) - How will pitchers be judged by Hall of Fame voters since wins aren't as meaningful as they used to be?

(13:00) - The process voters go through when filling out their Hall of Famer ballots

(16:00) - Reaction to Curt Schilling not wanting to be on the ballot next year

(20:00) - Will the White Sox make another move this offseason? Who is the X-factor that could put them over the top?

(26:35) - Where will Nelson Cruz sign?

(28:55) - Morosi's thoughts on Tony LaRussa

Where’s Nelson Cruz going to sign? Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

Nelson Cruz has been a White Sox killer for the past two seasons with the Minnesota Twins, but the free-agent DH could find a new team this offseason. Where will he land? Could it be with the White Sox? Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber discuss how Cruz moving could affect the AL Central, the benefits of him hypothetically heading to the South Side, and why this year’s free-agent market is a particularly tricky one for designated hitters.

(2:00) - Is there a chance the White Sox sign Nelson Cruz?

(6:30) - Cruz has killed the AL Central

(11:30) - Will the DH return to the National League in 2021?

(20:00) - Will Rick Hahn make another big move?

(28:10) - What this offseason’s free-agent deals could tell us about what unsigned players will get?

(33:00) - Who will sign Cruz?

Gordon Beckham opens up about his White Sox career Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

When Gordon Beckham was called up by the White Sox in 2009, it said in the newspaper "The savior is here." What was it like to play under such hype and expectations? Beckham speaks with Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey about the pressure he faced from fans and Chicago media and how he grew from that experience. He talks about the popularity of his walkup song "Your Love" by the Outfield, gives his thoughts on the current White Sox team, and also announces his retirement from baseball here on the podcast.

(5:20) - Beckham's love of The Outfield and his famous walk-up song, "Your Love"

(9:25) - Beckham announces his retirement from baseball

(13:00) - Dealing with the pressure of being a top prospect and getting compared to Mitchell Trubisky

(30:25) - How organizations build teams now vs. when he was a young player

(37:15) - Beckham's final home run and hit came against the White Sox

(43:25) - Best memory playing in the majors

(51:28) - Thoughts on the current White Sox

Why Liam Hendriks signed with the White Sox Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

The White Sox signed the best closer on the free-agent market, but what convinced Liam Hendriks to come to the South Side? Chuck Garfien goes 1-on-1 with the White Sox new ninth-inning man to find out what brought him to Chicago. Hendriks also shares his expectations for the upcoming season and explores the way he plays the game, his competitive nature, and his experience being a free agent.

(2:46) - When Hendriks started to think about signing with the White Sox

(8:12) - The evolution of his nickname and changing it when he signed with the White Sox

(9:55) - Hendriks’ personality on and off the field

(16:00) - Getting released so many times. Look out Twins, Royals and Cubs.

(22:14) - How he turned his career around to become one of the best closers in baseball

(31:00) - How good is the White Sox lineup?

(35:22) - How badly does Hendriks want a ring?

(38:35) - Life in Australia

Oddsmakers like the White Sox chances of winning the World Series Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

The White Sox started the 2019 season with 75-1 odds to win the World Series. Two years later, things have dramatically changed. The White Sox are among the teams with the best odds to win the World Series in 2021. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber discuss why the White Sox are suddenly among the favorites and compare the White Sox to other potential World Series contenders.

(2:30) - First impressions of the White Sox odds to win the World Series

(9:35) - Dark horse teams to win the World Series

(13:10) - What were the odds in 2005 when the White Sox won the World Series?

(19:00) - All the issues the White Sox had, they addressed them in the offseason

(24:46) - Which player would be better for the White Sox: Michael Brantley or Nelson Cruz?

(31:30) - Other AL Central teams odds to win the division

Aaron Bummer raves about the White Sox signing Liam Hendriks Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

The White Sox made a major move by signing Liam Hendriks. What do his new teammates think about their new closer? White Sox reliever Aaron Bummer joins Chuck Garfien to discuss what Hendriks will bring to the bullpen and why the White Sox will "win a heck of a lot of games" with him as their closer. Bummer also talks about what he's working on with new pitching coach Ethan Katz, his thoughts on new manager Tony La Russa, and why he'd be in favor of the White Sox signing Michael Brantley.

(2:15) - Aaron Bummer on signing the best closer in baseball in Liam Hendriks

(6:25) - How will all the different types of pitchers will work together in the White Sox bullpen

(10:40) - Thoughts on new manager Tony La Russa

(14:35) - Working with Ethan Katz to become a more efficient pitcher

(19:00) - What it was like to lose in the Wildcard round last season

(23:50) - Michael Brantley as a White Sox?

White Sox sign Liam Freakin’ Hendriks! Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

The White Sox have added another big-time piece to the puzzle, reportedly signing free agent closer Liam Hendriks to a four-year deal. What does the addition of Hendriks do for the bullpen and the White Sox quest to win a World Series title in 2021? Chuck Garfien is joined by Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber to break down the latest offseason splash.

(2:40) - First impressions of the signing of Liam Hendriks

(6:40) - How many teams were in on Hendriks?

(10:15) - Hendriks' mentality as a closer

(15:00) - Will Hendriks remain dominant in the later years of his contract?

(20:50) - What moves are next for the White Sox?

(26:05) - Is the Hot Stove about to heat up?