The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Ep. 179: White Sox pitch to Bryce Harper

With the story out from Yahoo Sports that the White Sox had Jim Thome in their pitch to Bryce Harper last month, Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Slavko Bekovic take a closer look at what it all means. What Thome might have said to Harper and why his words carry a lot of weight (3:45), what Michael Jordan and Jose Abreu have in common with the Harper situation (9:00), the Bryce Harper White Sox billboard Ryan wants to build in Chicago (18:10) it turns out Magic Johnson was not in the Dodgers pitch (22:40), how does Patrick Corbin signing with the Nationals affect the Harper sweepstakes? (24:50) and when will Harper sign? (32:00) and more.

Ep. 178: White Sox get hot stove cooking! Colome in, Avi Garcia and Matt Davidson out

The White Sox made their first big moves of the off-season, trading catcher Omar Narvaez for reliever Alex Colome, and non-tendering Avi Garcia and Matt Davidson. What does it all mean? Chuck Garfien, Vinnie Duber and Chris Kamka break it down. What does Colome bring to the table for the bullpen? (1:20)Why they non-tendered Davidson and is his MLB future as a pitcher? (9:00),the Avi Garcia vacancy in right field (14:00), Rick Hahn talks about White Sox off-season plans (17:00).

Ep. 177: If no Harper, no Machado: What’s the White Sox Plan B?

If the White Sox don't sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, who should they sign/acquire instead? Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Vinnie Duber play GM and provide their plans for this winter and beyond. Is a certain super utilityman the answer? (5:00) What closers make the most sense? (8:20) Who's the best fit for the starting rotation? (13:10) What outfielders should they pursue? (18:30) If they don't sign Machado, how do they solve third base in 2019 and the future? (25:05)

Ep. 176: Bob Nightengale says White Sox ’pretty much in on everybody’

Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey speak with USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale who explains how aggressive the White Sox have been in the free agent and trade market (4:05), the chances the White Sox sign Bryce Harper (6:08), who they might sign if they don't get Harper or Machado (11:30), plus they get his thoughts on Jose Abreu, Dallas Keuchel, another option for third base and more.

Ep. 175: Looking for White Sox deals on Black Friday!

This being Black Friday, we're going White Sox shopping! Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey and Slavko Bekovic visit the MLB Superstore looking for the best deals and bargains to put under the Christmas tree for the 2019 White Sox and beyond. Chuck finds a third baseman he wants in aisle 7 (6:15), Slavko has his eyes on a starting pitcher who could be a game changer for the rotation (9:45), same with Ryan who wants to acquire a former Cy Young Award winner (12:30). Chuck is enamored with a certain closer (15:00), they're all trying to find a veteran outfielder to provide leadership (23:12), there's a dynamic power hitter everyone seems to be overlooking in the middle of the store (28:45), and much more.

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).