Sox Machine

Rundown [Intro] [1:42] [4:43][10:11][14:01][23:15][32:54][36:20][53:51][59:24][64:49] [72:19]

Rundown [Intro] [4:47]James FeganJim Margalus[12:24] [19:39][26:31][29:32][37:47]Series Preview: Minnesota Twins[51:23]Around MLB:

Live show recording from Ramova Theater for 2025 Opening Day Eve on March 26, 2025. Guests: [Intro][30:44]

Record Date: 3/23/2025 Rundown [Intro][5:44][13:38][15:16][18:49][21:32][26:27][31:54] [32:57][36:39][38:43][40:35][43:46][45:24][48:27][51:01][52:57]

Record Date: 3/17/2025 Rundown [Intro] Sox Machine 3.0 Launch [3:29] Sean Burke Opening Day Starter [11:19] How will rest of Starting Rotation shake out? [20:54] Latest Injury updates [31:54] St. Patrick’s Day Luck Boost [42:14] Joey Gallo, the pitcher [51:03] MLB Opening Day: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

Rundown: [Intro][6:10][27:32][37:34][45:52]

Rundown [Intro] Colson Montgomery is back thanks to his back spasms calming down. It looks like he's the frontrunner to be Opening Day shortstop, but what if he doesn't pick up his hitting? What if the back barks on him again? Then what's the White Sox plan at shortstop? [19:08] Position outlook: Outfield. With Andrew Benintendi and Austin Slater doubtful in being ready by Opening Day, what is the White Sox outfield roster looking like? [26:23] Position outlook: Infield. Lenyn Sosa is having a strong spring and possibly earned himself another shot on the MLB roster. Who else is joining him on the bench? Could Brandon Drury hit himself into a major league contract? Or will someone like Jacob Amaya get the nod just in case Montgomery gets hurt? [36:59] Best story from camp is the emergence of RHP Shane Smith who is impressing with his 98 MPH fastball. Would the White Sox be better off having Smith be in the rotation over Bryse Wilson?

Rundown [Intro] [5:21]

Guest: Jeff Ellis, Locked On Guardians Podcast Rundown [Intro] Andrew Benintendi is out 4-6 weeks after getting hit in the hand by a pitch. White Sox GM Chris Getz shares what his plans are for the roster after injury news and audio from Benintendi about his desire to still make Opening Day. Also, injury updates from Getz regarding Colson Montgomery and Bryan Ramos. [9:01] AL Central Preview: Cleveland Guardians. Guest Jeff Ellis from Locked On Guardians joins the show to share his insight about the reigning AL Central champions. Why the team won't be impacted as much after trading Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor away, why the starting pitching is still an issue, and will Jose Ramirez ever be traded away. Plus a little MLB Draft talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 2/24/2025 Rundown [Intro] How is Arizona treating James Fegan this week? [4:05] How Will Venable is liking or not liking what he is seeing in early game action [6:54] White Sox adapting to a new pitching strategy of weird throwing angles [12:47] Latest news on White Sox infield position battles with Miguel Vargas getting the nod at third base [17:37] What do the White Sox make of Tim Elko? [23:44] Jim Margalus joins to share his early observations watching Spring Training games and how it feels like a continuation of 2024 [35:15] Fun stats from the first three Spring Training games [40:24] Oscar Colas getting hit in the face on a fly ball might signify his entire experience with the White Sox [46:31] Justin Ishbia buying minority owner shares. What does this mean for near and long-term future for White Sox ownership? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic Rundown [Intro] Chicago White Sox sign Mike Clevinger to a minor league contract. Listen to White Sox GM Chris Getz explain his reasoning and plans for Clevinger [7:05] Reporting from Jon Greenberg and Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Justin Ishbia has stopped his pursuit of buying the Minnesota Twins and now is buying more minority shares of the Chicago White Sox [9:06] AL Central Preview begins with the Detroit Tigers as beat reporter Cody Stavenhagen joins the show. He shares how the Tigers offseason went, why Tarik Skubal could be on the trade block, how the offense looks with Gleyber Torres, and manager AJ Hinch's job security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 2/17/2025 Rundown [Intro] Sound clips from White Sox manager Will Venable, and players Andrew Benintendi and Colson Montgomery on the first day of all players reporting for camp [8:24] How's Arizona? [11:57] Following up from James Fegan's feature about the White Sox Big Data Problem. How the White Sox identified and addressed these gaps, what the desired outcome is, and how it could lead to a new way the organization moves forward. Perhaps the days of having a Top 10 payroll are still ways away, but can the White Sox emulate a team like the Milwaukee Brewers? [50:41] College Baseball Opening Day recap: James got a chance to watch Oregon State in-person and Josh shares hit thoughts from the Shriners College Showdown tournament in Arlington, Texas [61:27] Around MLB: Detroit Tigers miss out on signing Alex Bregman and Mike Trout is moving to right field Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Keith Law, The Athletic Rundown [Intro] Soundbites from White Sox GM Chris Getz and manager Will Venable after first day of Spring Training [5:12] Jim Margalus has his annual chat with The Athletic's Keith Law about the White Sox farm system. Where the system sits today, why they need more talent, what Law needs to see from Colson Montgomery to restore some faith, and the intriguing Noah Schultz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] Does entering the camp feel differently with new manager in 2025 than in 2023? [7:32] Spring storyline: How does Luis Robert Jr. look? [10:57] Spring storyline: Is Colson Montgomery ready for the majors? [13:32] Spring storyline: Can Brian Bannister and Ethan Katz find magic with unlocking starting pitcher potential? [18:04] Fantasy Baseball PSA [18:50] New faces joining White Sox camp in Brandon Eisert and Brandon Drury [26:41] Opening Day Eve live podcast PSA [27:40] Position battle: Shortstop [32:16] Position battle: Second Base [38:17] Position battle: Third Base [48:40] Pittsburgh Road Trip PSA [49:39] Starting rotation outlook with Drew Thorpe on the mend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 2/3/2025 Rundown [Intro] Prospect Week has started at Sox Machine. How are we feeling about the farm system? Does the number of Top 100 prospects move the needle for White Sox fans anymore? [19:36] James Fegan attended Super 60 showcase and shared his insights on the prospect event [24:53] Opening Day Eve show announcement [25:51] Baseball Prospectus released their PECOTA projections and have the 2025 White Sox finishing 61-101 [34:10] Sox Machine Fantasy Baseball League announcement [34:55] Umpire Pat Hoberg fired for gambling [45:51] Old Friend, Dylan Cease, could be traded during Spring Training. Again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown: [Intro] You can read how Josh Nelson felt about SoxFest, but James Fegan shares his thoughts about the event [6:43] Drew Thorpe has a setback in his rehab that could impact his ability to be ready for Opening Day [13:09] Noah Schultz is feeling confident coming off his 2024 campaign and why further developing his pitch mix is a focus [16:54] Hagen Smith has several pitches, but he shared why the cutter is becoming his best pitch. [21:21] Braden Montgomery use of advance hitting technology could help give him a step up in development and why Josh thinks Montgomery has the makings to be a star player. [31:02] Man, it sure feels like it's Colson Montgomery's job to lose as Opening Day shortstop [37:57] Miguel Vargas has gained weight this offseason and bulking up is in hopes of increasing his exit velocity [43:34] Looking at the current Non-Roster Invitees, James picks a handful of players who could make the Opening Day roster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] How's the weather in your neck of the woods? [4:07] Ichiro, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner are voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim Margalus isn't exactly thrilled with Wagner's selection. Why it's tough to grade closers when it comes to overall greatness. James Fegan also shares his theory on how Ichiro was one vote shy of being a unanimous selection. [18:51] Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones missed the cut. With a weak 2026 class, do they get the necessary votes to make the hall next year? [29:50] According to FanGraphs, the estimated luxury tax payroll for the Los Angeles Dodgers is around $370 million, or $290 million more than the Chicago White Sox. Why their spending spree will cause friction among owners even though it does come off as whining. Especially with the Dodgers injury history. [53:40] Remembering Jeff Torborg and Bob Uecker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Dan Szymborski, FanGraphs Link to White Sox 2025 ZiPS Projections: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2025-zips-projections-chicago-white-sox/ Rundown [Intro] Customary to ask "Why does ZiPS hate the White Sox?" [2:45] Why Dan Szymborski expects more wins in 2025 for the White Sox [6:58] Patreon Question: What percentile outcome were the Sox for cumulative team WAR last year relative to your preseason projections? [7:52] Patreon Question: If the 2025 White Sox played exactly according to the above projections, would they be in danger of losing 121 games again? [8:47] ZiPS projections for Luis Robert Jr. and if he can still be traded for top prospects [11:31] Why ZiPS likes Chase Meidroth [13:47] What ZiPS thinks of Colson Montgomery after his uneven 2024 season at Charlotte? [16:31] How would Szymborski handle Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn? [21:21] What does ZiPS think of Miguel Vargas? [23:49] Why Szymborski thinks the signings of Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, and Josh Rojas are pointless for the White Sox [26:24] If you could grant a 25% increase in offensive production to three White Sox hitters, which would Szymborski choose? [28:16] Why ZiPS is low on Jonathan Cannon entering 2025 [30:54] Patreon Question: What are the three-year ZIPS projections for Martin, Burke, and Cannon? [33:44] Worst ZiPS projected bullpen ever [36:09] How should we grade Will Venable in his first year as manager? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] At this pace, Chris Getz could churn out half the 26-man roster we saw late in 2024. Is this amount of roster churn a good thing? [6:00] Hello, Martin Perez. What the White Sox are hoping to get out of Perez, how long he figures to stay, and why Josh likes this signing [17:36] Hello, Josh Rojas. Why does this signing feel like Nicky Lopez 2.0? Is Rojas the clubhouse leader to be the starting third baseman in 2025? [29:41] Hello, Tyler Gilbert. Why are the White Sox trading young relievers for older relievers? [39:24] Hello, Bobby Dalbec. What's the hope by signing Dalbec to a minor league contract? Is Dalbec a better backup option to Andrew Vaughn than Tim Elko? [45:50] What's next for the White Sox this offseason? Could finding a cheap shortstop be Getz's next signing? [52:14] Josh's projected 26-man roster payroll presently is below $65 million Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] 2024 was a very eventful year at Sox Machine [2:57] James Fegan's favorite moments covering the White Sox including a story about Garrett Crochet's walk-up music [16:25] 2025 New Year's Resolutions for the Chicago White Sox from fans [26:54] James resolution for the White Sox: Play better defense [31:20] Jim's resolution for the White Sox: Show more empathy towards fans [36:38] Josh's resolutions for the White Sox: Win more division games, score more than 615 runs, and someone hit 25 home runs Personal Resolutions for 2025 James wants to cut down on his french fry intake Jim wants to finish reading Powerbroker Josh wants to get his weight under 215 pounds by November Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices