The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Ep. 174: The White Sox prospect you may not know but you should

Zach Thompson might be off your radar, but the White Sox prospect is someone to watch in the White Sox organization, not just for what he's doing on the field, but for what he says off of it.Chuck Garfien spoke with Thompson who had a 1.55 ERA last season with Winston-Salem and Birmingham. Thompson talks about the message he received from God that helped turn his career around (02:30), why he becomes a different person when he's on the mound (06:00), the talent he sees in the White Sox farm system and playing for Omar Vizquel (08:42), why he watches videos of open heart surgeries in the clubhouse (12:20) and more.

Ep. 173: Albert Belle talks Harper, Machado and his big White Sox regret

Will the White Sox spend the huge money to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado like they did in 1996 when they signed Albert Belle to a 5-year, $55 million contract, then the richest in MLB history? Chuck Garfien spoke with Belle about that and a whole lot more.3:02 - Belle's thoughts on signing with the White Sox 4:30 - Why he regrets leaving Chicago after 2 seasons7:25 - Why he was surprised the White Sox signed him11:23 - Will the White Sox spend the money to sign Harper or Machado? 12:32 - "I wouldn't give these guys past a five-year deal"15:46 - Belle explains his chances of making the Hall of Fame18:03 - His incredible 1998 second half and the batting tip he received that made it happen.

Ep. 172: Luis Robert does things that make you say wow

Luis Robert has been a big story in the Arizona Fall League. He recently had a 14-game hitting streak and was named the AFL Player of the Week. Chuck Garfien went to Arizona for a firsthand look at one of the White Sox top prospects. On the podcast, Garfien first speaks with Robert’s minor league hitting coach Charlie Poe. Then he talks with Mike Ferrin of MLB Network Radio about Robert as well as the White Sox reported pursuit of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. 03:24 - Poe on Robert’s 14-game hitting streak 04:30 - Robert’s new favorite English word to say 07:25 - Why Poe compares Winston-Salem manager Omar Vizquel to Prince 09:10 - Why other top prospects stop what they’re doing whenever Robert comes to the plate. 11:00 - Mike Ferrin talks about his impressions of Robert18:00 - Can the White Sox sign Harper or Machado?

Ep. 171: Bryce Harper: Dream, reality….or both?!

It’s all Bryce Harper, all the time! The White Sox seem to be aggressive in pursuing Bryce Harper, but does it make sense for the White Sox? What would it mean for the outlook of the organization if he signed? How should the White Sox pitch the team to Harper? Ryan McGuffey, Slavko Bekovic & Chris Kamka discuss. Plus, Vinnie Duber chimes in from the GM Meetings in San Diego to break down what Rick Hahn and Scott Boras have said about the situation.0:30 – Bryce Harper-mania!1:55 – The White Sox have the money to spend3:40 – How did focus go from Machado to Harper?5:00 – The “marketability” of Bryce Harper6:25 – Does the window and timing make sense to sign Harper?10:53 – Vinnie Duber joins podcast from GM Meetings in San Diego11:45 – Are the Sox willing to spend what it takes to land Harper?13:30 – How does Scott Boras play into this?15:30 – What does it mean if the Sox sign Harper?18:30 – Are there more moves on top of a potential Harper signing?21:20 – What would Rick Hahn’s pitch be?22:30 – Is this the White Sox version of Jon Lester signing?23:40 – Why would Harper leave Nationals?25:30 – Do the Indians play into the timing of a move?27:00 – Chances Harper signs with the White Sox?

Ep. 170: Machado AND Harper?! Jon Morosi says the White Sox have ’a seat at the table’

As free agency begins, the White Sox have openings and money to engage in what should be a very active offseason. Prized talents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado headline an all star class. As the GM Meetings kick off in Carlsbad, CA, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported that the White Sox have interest in both stars. Morosi joins the podcast to discuss the White Sox chances of landing one or both (1:50)Why a creative and possible frontloaded contract would strengthen their case (3:45). We discuss whether some of Machado’s postseason antics devalued his price tag, if at all (9:15) and if we should expect free agency to pick up quicker than last year’s extremely slow pace (12:30). Is the non-waiver trade deadline a thing of the past? (14:45) And, what percent chance does he give the White Sox to land Machado or Harper? (16:10).Plus, our Chris Kamka joins the conversation and says if there ever was a time to make a splash…this is it (18:15).

Ep. 169: What is Jose Abreu’s future with the White Sox?

With Jose Abreu entering the final year of his contract, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Chris Kamka discuss the different scenarios involving Abreu going forward.Ryan explains why Abreu is the most underrated superstar the White Sox have ever had (3:15) Should the White Sox trade Abreu? (8:30)Should the White Sox sign him to an extension? And if so, for how long and how much? (10:45) What about signing Paul Goldschmidt when he's a free agent in 2020? (21:00)

Ep. 168: Don Cooper on Chris Sale and the World Series bullpenning

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper speaks with Chuck Garfien about Chris Sale winning a World Series with the Red Sox (3:30), Dave Roberts' decision to pull Rich Hill in Game 3 (12:28), what Cooper thinks about how starters and relievers were used in the World Series (17:40), how he communicates with a pitcher to know if he should stay in a game or not (21:11), what kind of moves the White Sox might make this offseason (25:31) and more.

Ep. 167: Who plays catcher for the White Sox in 2019 and beyond?

The White Sox have been trying to solve the catcher position ever since A.J. Pierzynski's last season in 2012. Now, they might have a new problem: too many catchers! Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber break it all down and try to come up with solutions (2:31). What do the White Sox do about Welington Castillo? (6:28) Could Omar Narvaez be their future catcher? (09:58) Where do Zack Collins and Seby Zavala fit in the future? (11:30) Should they trade Omar Narvaez while his stock is high? (15:00) Plus, will the White Sox make things even more crowded and draft a catcher with their first round pick next year? (16:00) Chuck also names every catcher the White Sox have had since Pierzynski. (20:00)

Ep. 166: A.J. Pierzynski’s problem with Manny Machado

Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski comes on the podcast and tells Chuck Garfien why he’d sign Nolan Arenado over Manny Machado (6:15). Pierzynski criticizes Machado for saying that he doesn’t play hard everyday (7:08). Would he make Machado the face of the White Sox franchise? (12:30) He also talks about how bullpenning cost the Milwaukee Brewers a spot in the World Series (14:45). He reveals the former White Sox player who had a gift for recognizing players who tipped their pitches (21:00). Pierzynski tells behind the scenes stories about former teammates Nick Swisher, Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd and more (28:00).

Ep. 165: Memories of Old Comiskey Park

For many White Sox fans, Comiskey Park was their introduction to White Sox baseball when they were young. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Chris Kamka share their memories of the old ballpark. Among them: Chuck talks about seeing Al Cowens charge Ed Farmer on the mound in 1980 creating a bench clearing brawl (8:26), Ryan tells the story about catching a Mike Greenwell foul ball (10:11), Chuck talks about being there for the 1983 All-Star Game (12:49), they discuss the final game ever played there (15:11) and read favorite memories sent in by White Sox fans (16:44).