The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Ep. 199: Michael Kopech’s 2020 vision

On a special 200th episode of the White Sox Talk Podcast, Michael Kopech joins Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey at SoxFest. Kopech rocks a White Sox onesie which he won on the podcast in December (1:20). He talks about his rollercoaster 2018 season (6:20), why the timing of his Tommy John surgery couldn’t be better (13:00), the challenge of not pitching in 2019 (15:10), going after Deadspin by sticking up for a teammate he hasn’t met (18:00), why the White Sox players are talking about winning a World Series in 2020 (28:05) and more.

Ep. 198: Yonder Alonso on all things Manny Machado

Newly acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso joins Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey at podcast and sheds some new light on his relationship with brother-in-law and MLB free agent Manny Machado. Alonso discusses how Machado was with him when he found out he was acquired by the White Sox, and even said he FaceTimed with Machado during SoxFest. Yonder also shares the story of how he thought he was actually going to be drafted by the White Sox years ago and expands upon his relationship with manager Rick Renteria.

Ep. 197: Rick Hahn and Rick Renteria from SoxFest

Chuck Garfien is joined by Rick Hahn, Rick Renteria, and Jason Benetti in a live podcast taping from SoxFest1:45 - Hahn on why Machado decision is taking so long4:15 - Renteria on why he’s not concerned about Machado timing changing his lineup5:15 - Hahn on why rumors from media have almost all been wrong this offseason6:45 - Renteria on Yonder Alonso and his skillset7:30 - Renteria on which 2018 Sox players grew the most during the season8:55 - Renteria on Yoan Moncada and growth during season and off-season10:20 - Hahn on visiting Eloy Jimenez and his family in the off-season12:50 - Reacting to Eloy saying that he plans to win Rookie of the Year13:45 - Hahn on the pursuit of Machado and how the Sox are major players in free agency15:45 - Hahn on why Sox are set up for a very bright future17:15 - Hahn on why he used the word ‘fail’ when describing pursuit of Machado19:00 - Hahn on his favorite offseason additions21:00 - Renteria on how much contact he has with players in the offseason22:10 - Renteria on his own offseason and approach23:00 - Renteria on what baseball nightmare he wakes up from24:05 - Hahn on status of Kelvin Herrera and status for opening day25:05 - Renteria on Carlos Rodon26:05 - Renteria on how to cultivate leadership in a young clubhouse

Ep. 196: Joc Pederson to the White Sox?

Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss the rumor that the White Sox have been in talks with the Dodgers about acquiring outfielder Joc Pederson.Good move? Bad move? (1:30) What should the White Sox give up for him? (8:30) Plus, don't overlook the moves the White Sox have already made this offseason (17:20), why Dane Dunning and Zack Burdi didn't get an invite to White Sox spring training (19:40) and a SoxFest preview (23:15)

Ep. 195: Inside the White Sox prospects trip to the Dominican Republic

Thirteen of the White Sox top American born prospects are in the Dominican Republic this week for a cultural exchange trip organized by the White Sox, giving players like Dylan Cease, Nick Madrigal, Zack Collins and Dane Dunning a first-hand experience to learn about the country where many of their Latin teammates like Eloy Jimenez call home. Chuck Garfien speaks with Ryan McGuffey who is covering the trip for NBC Sports Chicago. They talk about the White Sox training academy in the Dominican Republic (3:50), what the players are learning and how they're bonding on the trip (6:30), the crazy atmosphere going to a Dominican Winter League game (11:10), going with Reynaldo Lopez to the home where he grew up (14:40), personal stories from the trip (23:15) and more.

Ep. 194: Instant South Sider Daniel Palka

Daniel Palka spoke with Chuck Garfien about a whole bunch of topics.Losing weight this offseason and how he's done it (3:15), the Chicago Bears losing in the playoffs (5:48), why he walks around with a baseball bat wherever he goes (11:05), his connection with White Sox fans and the South Side of Chicago (16:10), his humorous Twitter feed (20:25), his Uber driver asking if he can use his bathroom (28:00), going to his first SoxFest this year (33:12), his conversation this offseason with hitting coach Todd Steverson (40:18), why he loves Roberto Clemente (44:05) and much more.

Ep. 193: Don Cooper goes A to Z on the White Sox pitching staff

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper came on the podcast to talk with Chuck Garfien about a whole bunch of White Sox pitchers. What does Ivan Nova bring to the pitching staff? (5:00) How Alex Colome and Kelvin Herrera changes the dynamic of the bullpen (6:15). What was wrong with Carlos Rodon in 2018? (10:05) What White Sox pitcher will take the biggest stride in 2019 (18:00). How they've pitched to Manny Machado in his career (34:00). They also talk about Dane Dunning, Carson Fulmer, Dylan Cease, Zack Burdi, Alec Hanson, Zack Thompson and more.

Ep. 192: Yonder Alonso, Jon Jay....is Manny Machado next?

With the White Sox reportedly signing Jon Jay, another close friend of Manny Machado's, are they closing in on the coveted free agent? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber examine the latest move, the special bond between Machado, Alonso and Jay and if this improves the White Sox chances of signing Machado (2:30). Do the Yankees still have real interest in Machado? (7:10)The choice Machado has to make (10:20) and more. Then we take a look at the signing of reliever Kelvin Herrera (18:00), how he improves the bullpen (21:30), do the White Sox have the best bullpen in the A-L Central? (25:00) And we give our current chances that the White Sox sign Machado (32:00)

Ep. 191: White Sox make offer to Machado, how serious are the Phillies?

Since it's a Chicago vs. Philadelphia weekend, who between the White Sox and Phillies has the edge to sign Manny Machado? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Tom Cooper discuss the White Sox reported offer to Machado (2:10), why haven't the Phillies spent that "stupid money" yet? (5:00), wouldn't it be great if Machado revealed he signed with the White Sox during the Bears-Eagles playoff game? (11:45). Then Phillies insider Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins the podcast to talk about the Phillies pursuit of Machado (18:10), why it's taken so long for the Phillies to meet face to face with Bryce Harper (23:12) and more.

Ep. 190: 7 years? 10 years? Making Sense of the Latest Harper and Machado Rumors

The new year arrives with new rumors about the White Sox pursuit of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. One report says the White Sox are willing to give Harper a 10-year deal, another says the White Sox won't offer more than 7 years. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber discuss what it all means and speculate what's happening behind the scenes in negotiations (1:30), if the Yankees signing of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki changes anything in their pursuit of Machado (11:15), is A.J. Pollock really "a fit" with the White Sox? (15:00), who will be the White Sox 5th starter? (19:40) and more.