The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Where’s Nelson Cruz going to sign?

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

What the Francisco Lindor trade means for the White Sox

How can one man have all that power to essentially make a 3 team race into a 2 team race? The Cleveland Indians traded away one of the game's best players in Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets, seemingly leaving the White Sox and Twins to battle for the crown in the AL Central division. Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber, and Ryan McGuffey discuss the impact the trade will have on the division and can the White Sox use this to their advantage to take control of the AL Central. The crew also discusses how the Sox and Twins stack up vs each other and who they think the Sox should grab next in free agency.(2:04) - First impressions on Cleveland punting on the season(5:58) - The White Sox should take advantage of this to take the division(10:55) - How will the Twins respond to the Lindor trade?(15:30) - Measuring the Twins and White Sox rosters(21:00) - The Twins know how to win

Will the White Sox sign Liam Hendriks?

As the White Sox build their roster ahead of the 2021 season, they are reportedly interested in adding a free-agent closer, connected to Liam Hendriks, Brad Hand, and Alex Colomé in various rumors. Will Hendriks, the best ninth-inning man of the bunch, end up on the South Side? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber discuss the rumors involving Hendriks and the White Sox and what it might take to bring him to Chicago.(1:20) - What teams are interested in Hendriks' services?(7:00) - What type of contract would the White Sox be willing to do with a free-agent closer?(13:30) - What Hendriks would bring to the White Sox?(20:40) - Other closing options for the White Sox(27:00) - Should the White Sox bring Colomé back?

Dylan Cease feeling optimistic about 2021

Last year the White Sox made the playoffs, but this year the team has a bigger goal in mind. Chuck Garfien discusses the feeling around the 2021 White Sox with starting pitcher Dylan Cease, who feels really good about the upcoming season. Cease shares his disappointment with his 2020 campaign, his feelings about new pitching coach Ethan Katz and his goal of following the road map of White Sox ace Lucas Giolito to turn his career into something special. (2:28) - Cease looks back at his 2020 season and isn't too happy about it (7:05) - Frustration with not performing how he wanted to in 2020 (12:20) - The chances the White Sox sign Liam Hendriks (17:40) - Worries about if and when the 2021 season will start (22:12) - What it was like having Dallas Keuchel on the team last season

IT’S OUR FREAKIN’ 500TH PODCAST PALOOZA!

It's the 500th episode of the White Sox Talk Podcast and we couldn't have done it without you! The entire White Sox Talk crew of host Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, Chris Kamka, Vinnie Duber and Adam Hoge are all aboard to answer questions from White Sox fans, they replay some of the greatest moments from the first 500 episodes, and are joined by a surprise White Sox fan from across the globe. So sit back, relax and strap it down as we celebrate 500 episodes of the White Sox Talk Podcast.(2:00) - Reliving the very first episode of the White Sox Talk Podcast(10:30) - Fan Question: What is the one free agent you would sign right now to complete the White Sox roster(15:25) - Fan Question: How are the White Sox spending their money during the pandemic?(20:02) - Fan Question: Who should the White Sox sign as a DH?(26:30) - Surprise fan guest joins the podcast(36:54) - Fan Question: Can the White Sox compete with the super teams in the league?(41:45) - Top moments from the podcast featuring Rick Hahn, Mark Buehrle, A.J. Pierzynski and more(54:30) - Fan Question: Should the White Sox go all in and trade 3 of their young stars to try and win in 2021?(1:00:46) - Fan Question: What is your favorite White Sox memory?