The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Jake Burger: ”I finally feel like my full self again”

After two long years dealing with injuries and depression, Jake Burger is healthy and back in action. Chuck Garfien is joined by the White Sox former 1st round pick to discuss his journey to become a better version of himself, his breakthroughs in 2020 and earning a spot on the White Sox 40-man roster.(3:00) - How Burger is feeling today(9:00) - Why his struggles prepared him for the pandemic(19:05) - A great story about facing Garrett Crochet in intrasquad games(24:15) - How his family and friends helped him get through the hard times(33:08) - What it means to be added to the White Sox 40-man roster

Mark Buehrle’s Hall of Fame chances with MLB Network’s Brian Kenny

Mark Buehrle is without question one of the greatest White Sox players ever. But was he good enough to be elected into the Hall of Fame? Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB Network's Brian Kenny to discuss Buehrle's case for Cooperstown and what might keep him out. Chuck and Brian also discuss Tony La Russa and his fit with the White Sox.(2:44) - Mark Buehrle's Hall of Fame chances(7:40) - Buehrle's player comparisons(11:25) - Measuring longevity versus excellence(16:40) - Will Buehrle be more appreciated in the next four or five years?(20:30) - Was Tony La Russa the right fit for the White Sox?

Our free agent predictions!

With Hot Stove season underway, it's time to dive into free agency. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber predict where 10 of the top free agents will wind up signing, including predictions for the White Sox free-agent haul.(3:00) - How many teams will be spending on free agents this year?(10:00) - José Quintana(13:09) - Jackie Bradley Jr.(15:05) - James McCann(18:02) - Michael Brantley(21:50) - Alex Colomé(25:40) - Liam Hendricks(28:30) - Marcell Ozuna(33:50) - George Springer(45:09) - J.T. Realmuto(46:38) - Trevor Bauer

José Abreu wins the American League MVP

White Sox first baseman José Abreu is the American League MVP after a career year during the 2020 season. Chuck Garfien is joined by Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka to break down Abreu's season and what lies ahead for the White Sox. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the fan reaction to Tony La Russa's DUI charge and wonder how the players will receive La Russa when the 2021 season begins.(2:25) - José Abreu wins MVP(8:20) - AL MVP runners up(14:00) - What does this MVP mean to Abreu?(22:00) - Abreu's thoughts on Tony La Russa(26:00) - Building a winning organization

Reaction to Tony La Russa’s DUI charge

According to reports, new White Sox manager Tony La Russa was charged with a DUI one day before he was officially hired by the White Sox. Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey discuss and react to the news and what it might mean for the White Sox going forward. Later in the podcast, Chuck and Ryan are joined by USA Today's Bob Nightengale to discuss the charge and the details around it.(2:05) - How White Sox fans are reacting to the news(7:20) - Awkwardness of Rick Renteria finishing second in AL Manager of the Year vote(11:34) - Bob Nightengale joins the podcast(15:50) - How should the White Sox handle this situation?(20:35) - Marcus Stroman tweets seeming refusal to play for Tony La Russa(24:30) - Will White Sox fans get over this?

Peter Gammons on the White Sox offseason

Chuck Garfien speaks with legendary baseball writer Peter Gammons about what he saw from the White Sox in 2020, what they might do this offseason, what free agents will sign where and more.(3:45) - Are the White Sox ready to contend?(6:25) - Why Michael Brantley is a good fit with the White Sox(14:40) - Where will Trevor Bauer and George Springer sign?(22:05) - How teams might structure their pitching staffs in 2021(24:40) - What about Jackie Bradley Jr or Andrew Benetendi for the White Sox?(33:00) - Gammons memories covering Tom Seaver's 300th win

James McCann on free agency, La Russa and more

Has James McCann played his final game with the White Sox? Chuck Garfien speaks with the free agent catcher about his status this offseason and if there's a chance he could sign with the White Sox, his thoughts on the firing of Rick Renteria, the hiring of Tony La Russa, his connection with Lucas Giolito and more.02:45 - His status as a free agent and how the pandemic could affect his market10:10 - How the season ended in Oakland14:00 - Why he thinks Tony La Russa is the right fit for the White Sox20:40 - His connection with Lucas Giolito26:45 - What it was like playing the season during the pandemic32:05 - More on McCann's free agency

NBA’s Frank Kaminsky: the biggest White Sox fan on the planet

In a fun and lively conversation with Chuck Garfien, 7-foot center Frank Kaminsky of the Phoenix Suns talks about his all-time favorite team: the White Sox. He tells the story about why he was in tears during Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, why he likes the hiring of Tony La Russa, hates the Cubs and much more. 03:25 - Growing up a White Sox fan. 06:20 - Why he cried after Paul Konerko’s grand slam in the World Series. 08:20 - Why he likes the hiring of Tony La Russa21:45 - Wearing a Cubs Bartman jersey to a Bulls game in 201636:15 - Playing in the NBA bubble with the Phoenix Suns40:10 - Wanting to be Frank Thomas when he grew up

Ozzie Guillén reacts to the hiring of Tony La Russa

In a conversation with Chuck Garfien, Ozzie Guillén talks for the first time since being notified by the White Sox that they would not interview him for their managerial opening. Chuck and Ozzie have a long discussion about how Ozzie felt about not getting the chance to interview, his thoughts on Tony La Russa getting the job and whether he thinks La Russa will succeed in his second stint as the White Sox manager.(2:34) - Where does Ozzie stand on the Tony La Russa hire?(9:15) - Is La Russa going to fix the issues the White Sox had last season?(15:30) - Ozzie says if the White Sox had hired A.J. Hinch it would have hurt him(24:32) - Will La Russa fit in with the personality of the team?(30:00) - Rick Renteria could be your friend, but La Russa will be your manager(42:32) - La Russa could be the best free-agent addition -- player or manager -- the White Sox have made in years.

World Series MVP Dave Stewart describes what it’s like to play for Tony La Russa

Tony La Russa's hiring as the new White Sox manager has been greeted with mixed reactions from South Side baseball fans. But La Russa is undoubtedly one of baseball's all-time winners. Seeking insight on what it's like to play on winning La Russa teams, Chuck Garfien talked to three-time World Series champ and 1989 World Series MVP Dave Stewart, who won it all with La Russa's Oakland A's. The two discuss what it was like playing for La Russa, the type of manager he'll be for the White Sox and the kind of winning mentality he'll bring to the organization.(2:49) - Dave Stewart discusses what Tony La Russa brings to a team(9:10) - The different ways La Russa manages his bullpen(13:17) - What does La Russa think about baseball players' calls for social justice?(19:10) - Will La Russa allow his players to show their personalities on the field?(25:23) - Chuck's review of the Stewart interview