Sox Machine

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

Record Date: 12/26/2024 Rundown [Intro] Mike Tauchman explains why he signed with the White Sox and how being from Chicagoland area helped the decision-making. Also what his goals are for 2025 and how we wants to be a positive influence on the White Sox clubhouse. [12:15] Bryse Wilson signed with the White Sox in his attempt to establish himself as a starting pitcher after pitching the last two seasons with Milwaukee in mostly relief appearances. If the starting role sticks it's because of his cutter and changeup. [17:18] Matt Thaiss has been traded twice this offseason but is hoping that he's found a good landing spot with the White Sox. Citing his past working experiences with White Sox catching coach Drew Butera, Thaiss is eager getting to know the White Sox pitching staff as well as helping Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero with their development. [21:40] White Sox spent their Rule 5 pick on pitcher Shane Smith, who like Wilson, also wants to establish himself as a starting pitcher but is ready for whatever role the White Sox have for him. [24:48] Chase Meidroth will be part of the White Sox middle infield spring training competition. Meidroth provides insight on his plate approach which stems from his days at University of San Diego. [28:50] Kyle Teel loves the game of baseball and art of catching. He goes into detail of his learning experience game calling, one-knee catching stance, and ready to prove his worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 12/19/2024 Rundown [Intro] Appreciation of the work Herb Lawrence and Vinnie Duber put in at CHGO covering the White Sox in recent light of the company's layoffs. [12:40] Sports betting market has released 2025 MLB Futures Win total, and the Chicago White Sox are set at 49.5 wins. That would be the lowest projected win total ever, and the crew debates if the number is set right [24:31] Chicago White Sox trade for catcher Matt Thaiss. How does he fit on the roster, and does this buy more development time for Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero? With how Spring Training went last year for catchers, does it make sense for Chris Getz to find one more veteran catcher? [38:19] Chicago White Sox sign pitcher Bryse Wilson. Is the plan for Wilson to be a starting pitcher? Or, will Wilson replace Michael Soroka in the bullpen as a swingman? [48:43] James Fegan hypes up his upcoming interviews for Sox Machine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 12/12/2024 Rundown [Intro] Why the White Sox felt they had to make this particular deal for Garrett Crochet [5:23] Why this trade return for Crochet feels better than the Dylan Cease return [9:13] How did other pitchers becoming available in the trade market influence timing of deal? [13:42] Kyle Teel: How is the White Sox catcher situation looking now? Do the White Sox still need another catcher to start 2025 season? [22:16] Braden Montgomery: Is Montgomery the make or break prospect return for this trade to be considered a success? [29:43] Chase Meidroth: Another super utility infielder for Will Venable? [37:49] Projected White Sox starting pitcher rotation with Crochet now gone [41:33] What's next for the White Sox after Winter Meetings? [44:55] Our biggest takeaways MLB-wide after Winter Meetings: Why the local TV bubble is playing a huge factor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Mike Ferrin, MLB Radio Rundown [Intro] Publishing this podcast episode as quickly as possible after Max Fried signed with the New York Yankees and Nathan Eovaldi is returning to the Texas Rangers. With more starting pitchers coming off the board, are we closer to Garrett Crochet being traded? [5:49] During Chris Getz's media session, the topic of catchers came up as the White Sox will be exploring options to add depth [9:46] Jim Margalus attended the MLB Draft Lottery and was able to get some insight on who the White Sox could take with the first pick of Rule 5 Draft. [17:53] Mike Ferrin of MLB Radio joins the show to talk about the MLB Draft Lottery, the top prospects we'll be discussing all spring, but more importantly the impact of NIL and Major League Baseball. How drafting strategies will change as teenagers deal with the conflict of deciding to take money and play college baseball, or start their professional baseball careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 12/9/2024 Rundown [Intro] White Sox manager Will Venable talks about his new coaching staff and Grady Sizemore being his offensive coordinator. [4:20] White Sox general manager Chris Getz talks about the new coaching staff, Garrett Crochet trade conversations and strategy, and how he wants to add outfielders and starting pitchers [10:06] Jim Margalus and James Fegan join the show to discuss the breaking news of outfielder Mike Tauchman signing with the White Sox [16:17] Will the White Sox add more than trade away during these Winter Meetings? [21:07] Reactions to the idea Getz is willing to wait until Spring Training to trade Crochet [24:19] Does Getz have to wait until Max Fried or Corbin Burnes sign before trading Crochet? [26:30] What should White Sox fans takeaway from the day's media session with Getz and Venable [30:07] White Sox pursuit in finding cheap starting pitching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recording Date: 12/8/2024 Rundown [Intro] 2024 Winter Meetings generating more news on Day 1 than all of 2023 Winter Meetings [3:00] Dick Allen makes the Hall of Fame, finally. [9:50] According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Juan Soto is signing with the New York Mets for a deal that could pay him more than $800 million over the contract's lifetime. Why this type of deal raises questions about sustainability in rising free agent contracts, and how disappointing it is to be a White Sox fan knowing ownership would never make the necessary deals to land players like Soto. [28:04] Latest Garrett Crochet gossip has the Boston Red Sox not being aggressors in talks, but Cincinnati and New York Yankees are very interested Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] Sox Machine will be heading on the road to Dallas, Texas covering the 2024 Winter Meetings. The crew shares their favorite memories of past Winter Meetings and what to expect concerning coverage. [13:09] The Chicago White Sox still haven't officially announced their 2025 coaching staff, which creates confusion as to why and raises the open question of how new manager Will Venable isn't bringing more new faces to the clubhouse. [27:01] Garrett Crochet will garner attention in Dallas, and James Fegan is hearing about the possibility of another three-team trade format [36:51] Frankie Montas and Matthew Boyd signed new deals with an AAV greater than $14 million despite recent injuries and poor performance. Is it time to reconsider how we calculate WAR/$ for pitchers as the free agency market continues to inflate? [46:03] There will be another vote for Hall-of-Fame as Dick Allen gets another crack. Will he finally make it, and why John Donaldson's contributions shouldn't be ignored. [1:00:00] Making fun of Rob Manfred's new rule proposal, the Rule 5 Draft for White Sox, and MLB Draft Lottery results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 11/26/2024 [Intro] It's the Thanksgiving episode which Jim, James, and Josh share what they are thankful for after a historically bad 2024 season [22:16] SoxFest 2025 details and the #108ing Live Show [26:20] We have some trade gossip to chew on as USA Today's Bob Nightengale mentioned the Philadelphia Phillies floating an offer of Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford for Garrett Crochet. Would this deal format meet Chris Getz's trade requirements to move Crochet? [41:18] In response to James' recent column about the White Sox defensive shortfalls, who would be better suited in being the primary DH for 2025: Andrew Benintendi or Andrew Vaughn? [55:15] Juan Soto sweepstakes are moving along. We share our picks of which team will end up signing Soto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] Josh is back from vacation, and with how trends go with Sox Machine staff spending time away, when Jim takes a break is when Garrett Crochet gets traded [5:12] White Sox hire Ryan Fuller to be their new Director of Hitting. James Fegan shares his impressions of Fuller as Jim contemplates what would be the mark of a good first season [27:06] Austin Slater is the White Sox first free agent signing of this offseason. Why Slater and what are the hopes of him providing a positive impact in 2025? [43:07] Finally, Will Venable announced that Walker McKinven will be his new bench coach. How McKinven is a sort of catcher whisperer and the ways it could impact the White Sox roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] Why Jim Callis still loves the Arizona Fall League [3:32] How Colson Montgomery fared during the AFL and what is his future outlook? [14:14] What to make of Tim Elko? [21:12] What did we learn about Grant Taylor at the AFL? [26:42] Who has impressed the most in the AFL? [30:25] What to make of George Wolkow? [40:26] Which teams have the best prospect packages to make a Garrett Crochet trade a reality? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] Latest news from MLB's GM Meetings as the Chicago White Sox hire Ryan Fuller to be their new Director of Hitting [3:09] Ex-MLB'er Ian Miller, who worked with Will Venable in 2020 during his time at the Chicago Cubs, joins the show to share his insight working with the new White Sox manager. How Venable helped him with preparation during Spring Training, what Venable cares about while working with players, and how he can help transform the White Sox clubhouse Link to Ian Miller's full interview with Will Venable on Jan. 2, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Record Date: 10-30-2024 Rundown [Intro] Happy Halloween as the Chicago White Sox provide a treat to fans by making an outside hire of Texas Rangers associate manager, Will Venable [14:48] Why is Venable taking the White Sox job? [20:50] Venable is a big Rick Renteria supporter [27:16] What could Venable's coaching staff look like? Are more coaching changes coming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] The Sox Machine Offseason Plan launch! [3:34] White Sox payroll obligations [8:30] White Sox arbitration decisions [18:43] White Sox club option decisions [19:22] White Sox pending free agent decisions [24:25] White Sox next manager decision [27:23] White Sox trade ideas [34:29] White Sox free agent target ideas [53:09] 2024 World Series Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] What a week for the White Sox [5:23] Why are the rumors of a sale happening now? [10:23] What are we hearing at Sox Machine within the White Sox organization about sale rumors? [13:17] Who could be in talks of buying the White Sox, and how it impacts Project 78 efforts? [27:01] White Sox managerial search update with new names added to the search list [35:52] Which new rumored coaching targets are most intriguing as the next White Sox manager? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rundown [Intro] White Sox rumored managerial candidates continues to grow [7:33] Is past playing experience a factor in the White Sox managerial search? [9:15] Which candidates checks off the most boxes for Chris Getz's peferences? [16:22] Can a new manager make an immediate impact with this roster? [22:30] Which former manager or current coaches not rumored currently should the White Sox interview? [32:53] Major League Baseball's local TV mess and how it will impact this upcoming offseason [54:44] MLB Postseason talk [65:21] Bob Nightengale says the Detroit Tigers will be the AL Central favorites in 2025. Do we agree with that notion? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices