The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Ep. 82: MLB.com’s Jim Callis reveals five under-the-radar White Sox prospects

We all know about the big name prospects in the White Sox organization like Kopech, Jimenez, Robert and Collins, but what about some of the lesser known players who could have big upsides in their future? MLB.com senior writer Jim Callis comes on the podcast to give Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey five minor league players that White Sox fans should look out for in 2018. They also talk about the White Sox deep farm system, the upside of Alec Hansen, and more.

Ep. 81: Best Guests and Top Moments of 2017

We wrap up the year with a greatest hits podcast, featuring the top 10 moments that happened on the podcast in 2017: Scott Podsednik brought to tears talking about his 2005 World Series home run, Eloy Jimenez saying he wants to be as good as Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout, Tim Raines explaining how he played baseball on cocaine, Mark Buehrle admitting he drank beers during Game 3 of the World Series before getting the save and more. Other guests include A.J. Pierzynski, Rick Hahn, Michael Kopech, Nick Hostetler, Alec Hansen and Dane Dunning.

Ep. 80: Hawk Harrelson, A.J. Pierzynski on being simultaneously loved and hated

Chuck Garfien sits down with Hawk Harrelson and A.J. Pierzynski in their first interview together to discuss their unique relationship which goes back 25 years to when Pierzynski was in high school and was considered the most hated baseball player in Orlando, Florida. Hawk talks about convincing Ken Williams to sign Pierzynski as a free agent in 2005, the time he wanted to fight Texas Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla after he beaned Pierzynski twice in a game. Harrelson tells the story about playing in a foursome with Michael Jordan, Jim McMahon and Mike Ditka. They also discuss the White Sox rivalry with the Twins in the 2000's, umpire Joe West, arm wrestling, Hawk's autobiography, AJ's plea to get Harrelson in the broadcasting wing in the Hall of Fame, their plan to call a White Sox game together next season, and much more.

Ep. 79: Rick Hahn says to expect things to be a lot more interesting at next year’s Winter Meetings

On Day 3 of the MLB Winter Meetings, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn came on the podcast to talk with Chuck Garfien about the White Sox offseason plans and their future. Among the topics: the trade market for Jose Abreu, rebuilding the bullpen and possible free-agent pitchers the White Sox might sign (Garfien gives Hahn a couple suggestions). Hahn also explains why next offseason the White Sox will be more active with moves, and he promises to come on a future remote White Sox Talk Podcast as long as there is karaoke. Then, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago joins the podcast to talk about Jerry Reinsdorf saying it will be “a joke” if Jim Thome doesn’t make the Hall of Fame on the first ballot and why the White Sox likely won’t trade for Manny Machado.

Ep. 78: Peter Gammons explains why Michael Kopech will win a Cy Young Award

On Day 2 of the MLB Winter Meetings, Chuck Garfien speaks with legendary baseball writer Peter Gammons, who shares his knowledge about the key figures in the White Sox rebuild. He explains why Michael Kopech will win a Cy Young Award one day, and he raves about Carson Fulmer as well as the returns the White Sox got last year at the Winter Meetings in the Sale and Eaton trades. Then Garfien is joined by White Sox manager Rick Renteria who talks about Jose Abreu’s leadership, if he sees the White Sox trading Abreu, what he’s seen from Luis Robert and more. We wrap up the podcast with NBC Sports Chicago’s Vinnie Duber, who’s covering the White Sox at the Winter Meetings. They discuss whether the White Sox would trade for Manny Machado or Christian Yelich and give a list of free-agent pitchers the White Sox should sign.

Ep. 77: Playoffs? Dan Plesac says White Sox could compete for wild card in 2018

On Day 1 of the MLB Winter Meetings, Dan Plesac of MLB Network joins Chuck Garfien to talk about the White Sox rebuild. He raves about the team future and says he believes the White Sox could compete for a wild card berth in 2018. Plesac talks at length about White Sox prospects Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech. He also uses his incredible photographic memory to recall certain at-bats he had in career against Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Cal Ripken, Rafael Palmiero and Mo Vaughn. You’ll also hear Rick Hahn speak with reporters about trade talk picking up since arriving at the Winter Meetings and A.J. Pierzynski talks about being named a White Sox team ambassador and wanting to call a game this season with Hawk Harrelson.

Ep. 76: Could the signing of Welington Castillo speed up the White Sox rebuild?

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka break down the White Sox signing of Welington Castillo. What does it mean for the pitching staff? How does it affect top catching prospect Zack Collins? Plus, Garfien explains why Castillo will make the White Sox more competitive in 2018. They all give "the one thing" the White Sox need to do at the MLB Winter Meetings next week, how they would have pitched Shohei Otani to come to the White Sox and Chris Kamka gives a heartfelt plea to get Minnie Minoso in the Hall of Fame in the debut of Kamka's Corner.

Ep. 75: White Sox trade rumors fact or fiction

On this edition of the podcast, Chuck Garfien, Chris Kamka and Ryan McGuffey tackle the latest trade rumors surrounding the White Sox. Are the White Sox really interested in Jackie Bradley Jr? Why the trade market for Jose Abreu could be strong this winter. What teams are possible destinations for Avisail Garcia? Is Omar Vizquel coming back to the White Sox organization? And more. Plus, the guys answer the best fan questions that didn't make it on the All-request White Sox Talk Podcast in October. They include questions about Jose Quintana, J.D. Martinez, Chet Lemon, Ross Gload, Chris Widger and hot dogs.

Ep. 74: White Sox Class A manager Justin Jirschele, youngest manager in professional baseball

27-year-old Justin Jirschele made quite an impression in his first season as manager of the White Sox Class-A affiliate in Kannapolis. He helped lead the Intimidators to the South Atlantic League championship, and was named White Sox Minor League Coach of the Year. Jirschele came on the podcast to speak with Chuck Garfien about how he went from playing minor league baseball with the White Sox to coaching in their system. He talks about how growing up with a dad who was coaching minor league baseball helped mold him as a manager who is wise beyond his years. Jirschele also gives a report on some of the top White Sox prospects he managed last season such as Jake Burger, Alec Hansen, Dane Dunning and Miker Adolfo.

Ep. 73: Chuck goes 1-on-1 with Frank Thomas

White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas came on the podcast to talk with Chuck Garfien about his past, baseball's present and the future of the White Sox. He talks about his first major league hit (a stand-up triple!), how fame affected him when he was a player, his appearance on David Letterman in the 1990's and more. Plus, what was wrong with the baseball this past season? Thomas has some ideas and tells Garfien how many home runs he would have hit with that baseball in his prime. He talks about working with Alex Rodriguez at Fox and what it was like whenever A-Rod's girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, came to visit in the studio. Thomas praises the White Sox rebuild and reveals an idea he presented to GM Rick Hahn about where all the top prospects should play this upcoming season. He describes what it was like going to Roy Halladay's funeral, if he sees the White Sox signing Manny Machado in 2019 and much more.