Sox Machine

Blue Wire

About

The Sox Machine podcast covers Chicago White Sox news, interviews, analysis, and more. Hosted by Josh Nelson, Jim Margalus, and James Fegan.
"We watch the Chicago White Sox so you don't have to!"

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893 episodes

White Sox swept at home to start 2024

Record Date: 3/31/2024 Show sponsor: Gametime - Save $20 off your first ticket purchase on Gametime using promo code SOXMACHINE Rundown [Intro] White Sox get swept at home to start 2024 by the Detroit Tigers. How is Pedro Grifol feeling after the opening weekend, and with three one-run losses, is bad luck partially to blame? [6:39] Good stuff: Garrett Crochet was excellent on Opening Day and is drawing comparisons to 2021 Carlos Rodon [16:47] Good stuff: Luis Robert Jr. had a multi-home run game thanks to his offseason training program [25:14] Good stuff: White Sox shortstops are hitting home runs again [29:45] Bad: Eloy Jimenez is hurt again and Lenyn Sosa is taking his roster spot [40:11] Bad: Benintendi, Vaughn, Moncada, and Jimenez really struggled offensively over the weekend [41:28] Series Preview: Atlanta Braves [49:38] Around MLB: White Sox not alone in getting swept at home, Bailey Ober gets batted around, and Mookie Betts is off to a crazy start [58:17] Announcement: Sox Machine is returning to 670 the Score with weekly segments #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 4m
Apr 01
Sox Machine On the Air: Opening Day 2024 on Bernstein & Holmes

Radio Show: Bernstein & Holmes on 670 WSCR AM Date: 3/28/2024 Josh Nelson joins Dan Bernstein, Laurence Holmes, and Leila Rahimi to preview the White Sox 2024 season and recap Opening Day Eve show at Ramova Theater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23m
Mar 30
Sox Machine Live: Opening Day Eve show at Ramova Theater

Explicit Warning Live show date: 3/27/2024 Rundown [1:10] - Courtney Finnicum of Baseball Isn't Boring Podcast and Laurence Holmes of 670 the Score join Josh Nelson [25:45] James Fegan and Jim Margalus join Josh to talk about the opening series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

47m
Mar 28
Let's talk about White Sox culture

Record Date: 3/25/2024 Rundown [Intro] Pedro Grifol is a big culture guy. We'll hear a lot about culture this season when things look bleak for the White Sox. What does "culture" mean in this context and why is it so important to Grifol? [20:26] Kevin Pillar was cut but is now back. Robbie Grossman signed after Pillar was cut. So how does the White Sox bench look just days away from Opening Day? [33:09] Who is going to be in the White Sox bullpen on Opening Day? [41:31] How we feel about Michael Kopech being the White Sox closer? [48:12] Most interesting White Sox bullpen arms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 2m
Mar 25
MLB Chaos and 2024 White Sox Season Preview: Catchers and Starting Pitchers

Record Date: 3/21/2024 Rundown [Intro] Shohei Ohtani is mixed up in some trouble thanks to his translators big gambling debt [12:57] MLB Players have begun a mutiny against the union [24:58] White Sox Food Day recap [31:21] 2024 Preview: Martin Maldonado [44:55] 2024 Preview: Max Stassi [52:27] 2024 Preview: How the White Sox SP rotation will start the season [67:14] James Fegan's conquest to create as many Chris Flexen puns as possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 12m
Mar 22
2024 Season Preview: Chicago White Sox Infielders

Record Date: 3/17/2024 Rundown [Intro] What we did on St. Patrick's Day [2:49] Pedro Grifol being coy who the Opening Day starting pitcher is [9:29] 2024 Preview: Andrew Vaughn [27:17] 2024 Preview: Nicky Lopez [34:28] 2024 Preview: Paul DeJong [43:47] 2024 Preview: Yoan Moncada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 5m
Mar 18
Dylan Cease Trade Aftermath

Record Date: 3/14/2024 Rundown [Intro] Chris Getz speaks about trading Dylan Cease and his hope of what the White Sox got in return from San Diego [9:41] James Fegan shares his insight on the White Sox direction post Dylan Cease era [13:48] How Pedro Grifol's job gets much tougher with a compare and contrast between his style and former White Sox rebuilding manager, Rick Renteria [34:59] Michael Kopech moved to the bullpen [41:50] White Sox rebuilding the starting rotation [48:05] What are the external options available for the White Sox in finding innings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 4m
Mar 15
BREAKING: Dylan Cease traded to San Diego

Live video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-WWlt0ORPw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 4m
Mar 14
2024 Season Preview: White Sox Outfield and Detroit Tigers with Cody Stavenhagen

This episode is sponsored by Gametime. Download the Gametime app and save $20 off tickets to sports, concerts, theater, and comedy shows using promo code SOXMACHINE. Record Date: 3/10/2024 Rundown [Intro] Oscars talk as James will be upset about Best Actress award and Jim only watches Bluey [5:10] 2024 Preview: Andrew Benintendi [26:11] 2024 Preview: Luis Robert Jr. [37:51] 2024 Preview: White Sox right fielders [47:39] 2024 AL Central Preview: Detroit Tigers with Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 15m
Mar 11
Is Michael Kopech at risk of not making the starting rotation?

Record Date: 3/7/2024 Rundown [1:41]: In honor of John Schriffen's early catchphrases, Josh pitches the idea of buying the rights to T.I. "Bring Em Out" [4:22]: Michael Kopech had control issues against the Dodgers, and after the performance, manager Pedro Grifol would not commit a starting rotation spot for him. Should Kopech worry about his role with the White Sox? If Kopech is not in the starting rotation, who would be? [20:36] Eloy Jimenez adjusting his hand placement has done wonders this spring. Is it the magic cure to get him back to his 2019 form? [30:27] Josh has another crazy thought: could Nicky Lopez be a 2 WAR player in 2024? [41:44] With the annual steak dinner bet coming up, Josh needs Jim and James to help set the line for White Sox O/U Runs Allowed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

57m
Mar 08
Good signs early at camp from White Sox pitchers

Record Date: 3/3/2024 Guest: Brenden Moore, Illinois Government Reporter Rundown [Intro] Latest update regarding the White Sox pursuit of a new stadium in the South Loop is now forcing them to work on a single proposal with the Chicago Bears. How is Springfield feeling about the proposals and conversations with Jerry Reinsdorf? Guest Brenden Moore joins the show to share his unique insight covering Illinois politics and circles two important dates when a proposal could be voted on. [22:44] Dylan Cease is throwing harder in Spring Training than last year's camp. Why that's a good sign and why Cease thinks everyone is sleeping on the White Sox. [33:27] Erick Fedde made his first start for the White Sox and looked good against right-handers. However, there's a question about his attack plan against left-handed bats moving forward. [38:55] For two innings, Michael Kopech looked strong striking out five. Question now is how he looks when starts start to push more than four innings if he's purely just fastball / slider arsenal. [41:02] While Garrett Crochet is still searching for a second pitch to throw for strikes, his fastball seems to have recapture his missing velocity since Tommy John surgery [49:04] Pedro Grifol's comments about the second batter in the lineup causes confusion [58:35] After Matt Chapman signs for a small deal with the San Francisco Giants has Scott Boras overplayed his hand with his four big clients? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 9m
Mar 04
Sox Machine Live!: White Sox defense better on paper

Stream Date: 2/29/2024 Rundown MLB.com projects that the Chicago White Sox defense will improve from last overall in 2023 to 9th. How much do we believe in these projections, and are they good enough to spur a 10+ win improvement in 2024? Eloy Jimenez is raking to start Spring Training. Can he maintain this level of production in the regular season? Is Jimenez the best chance for the White Sox to see drastic offensive improvements? James Fegan share some news regarding White Sox relievers as some will not be ready by Opening Day Garrett Crochet looked good in his first spring outing. What do we need to see in future appearances to gain confidence he can handle multiple innings workload? #Bluewirevideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 3m
Mar 01
What we like (and not like) early from White Sox spring training games

Record Date: 2/25/2024 Rundown [Intro] Jerry Reinsdorf turned 88 years old on Sunday. What gifts would we give to Jerry to celebrate his birthday? [7:32] What we like from the White Sox so far in the early spring training games [16:58] Liking what we are hearing from John Schriffen on the broadcasts [24:25] What we don't like from the White Sox so far in the early spring training games [32:59] Cody Bellinger re-signs with the Chicago Cubs. Now where will Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman sign with? More importantly, when will they sign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

58m
Feb 26
White Sox Playing F.A.S.T.

Stream Date: 2/22/2024 Rundown Jerry Reinsdorf wants to leave Bridgeport White Sox want to play Fearless Aggressive Selfless Technically sound baseball in 2024. What does it mean to play FAST, and how will Pedro Grifol measure success outside of wins and losses? Latest injury news from James Fegan Tim Anderson signs with the Miami Marlins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 2m
Feb 23
Breaking down Jerry Reinsdorf's South Loop stadium scheme with Neil deMause

Record Date: 2/21/2024 Rundown Josh Nelson provides the latest report from Crain's Chicago on how Project 78 is a $4 Billion endeavor and the three reasons Jerry Reinsdorf believes the White Sox have to move out of Bridgeport. James Fegan interviews Neil deMause, who co-authored Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money into Private Profit. deMause explains what tax breaks Project 78 is already getting, what to be mindful of when Jerry Reinsdorf pitches "No new taxes," and what the likelihood of this proposal will be accepted is.  #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m
Feb 22
White Sox South Loop Plans with Justin Laurence of Crain's Chicago

Record Date: 2/20/2024 Guest: Justin Laurence, Crain's Chicago Rundown How surprisingly fast and aggressive the White Sox / Related Midwest have been with Project 78 What is Jerry Reinsdorf asking for? Why are the White Sox and Related Midwest making a point of helping with Soldier Field debt? How big of a sticking point is extending the Hotel Tax? How exactly would the state of Illinois benefit from this South Loop stadium? Questions from Patreon supporters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27m
Feb 21
Bannister will fix'em

Record Date: 2/18/2024 Rundown [Intro] Sox Machine hits a new supporter milestone [4:37] White Sox have a record number of 70 players at Spring Training which includes the return of Bryan Shaw [13:52] How Brian Bannister is getting White Sox pitchers back to their best form [22:53] If Michael Kopech rediscovers his 2021 self, does that give confidence to keep him as a starting pitcher? [27:38] Garrett Crochet adds a cutter to his arsenal [42:07] Latest South Loop plan update as Jerry Reinsdorf is asking for $1 Billion from the state Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

59m
Feb 19
First impressions at 2024 White Sox spring training

Record Date: 2/15/2024 Rundown [Intro] Sound from White Sox manager Pedro Grifol speaking to the importance of early days at spring training and turning the page from 2023. Erick Fedde shares what he worked on to get back to the majors [7:07] James Fegan joins the show from Arizona. He explains even though Grifol would like to turn the page on 2023 it would be impossible to do so. Also a look at early position battles for spots in both the starting rotation and bullpen. [27:46] Jim Margalus joins the show to grade Chris Getz's first offseason as general manager. Josh Nelson gives Getz a C- for making the team better defensively but still lacking a clear long-term plan. Jim hands Getz a D, which was a F grade prior to acquiring Zach DeLoach and Dominic Fletcher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 1m
Feb 16
How the White Sox farm system is improving with Keith Law

Record Date: 2/13/2024 Rundown [Intro] Changes coming to the Complex Leagues and Keith Law is not a fan as it seems to be a cost cutting move [8:01] Why Law likes the White Sox farm system [12:31] Law's thoughts about Colson Montgomery [17:45] How the White Sox surprisingly built up depth at the catching position [20:58] Jake Eder and Jacob Gonzalez struggled after joining the White Sox last year. What do scouting reports say about their future value? [29:11] How White Sox pitchers Peyton Pallette and Tanner McDougal are faring after recovering from Tommy John surgery [32:45] Why Wilfred Veras is an intriguing prospect [41:02] How Brooks Baldwin is sneaking up on the industry [44:42] Law's book recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

54m
Feb 14
2024 Top White Sox Prospects with Jim Callis

Rundown [Intro] Is the Chicago White Sox farm system getting better? [3:55] Why Colson Montgomery is a Top 10 prospect [11:13] Noah Schultz is ranked #50 and Jim thinks the White Sox could push him to 80+ innings in 2024 [14:20] Why Bryan Ramos is underrated [15:50] How the Los Angeles Angels may have impacted Edgar Quero's development [20:04] Who arrives to the majors first: Nick Nastrini or Jake Eder? [22:19] Question from Patreon supporter Connor Cody [26:35] Question from Patreon supporter Rock-Beats-Paper [29:39] Questions from Patreon supporter Greg Diamond [32:46] Question from Patreon supporter Muhammed Darwish [40:18] 2024 MLB Draft Preview: Why both Jim and Josh like Georgia outfielder Charlie Condon as an early target for the White Sox at Pick 5. #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

56m
Feb 12
Sox Machine Live: Who is getting invited to spring training? (2024 Edition)

Stream Date: 2/8/2024 Rundown: Chicago White Sox are inviting more than 25 non-roster players to camp. Which players are most interesting to us as possibilities of making the 26-man roster? Baseball Prospects and FanGraphs released their 2024 standings projections. Why the projections recommend taking the Over in team wins for the White Sox in 2024 and what kind of play on the field would spark a surprise. Related Midwest released stadium renderings for the South Loop location. While they look great, Illinois state politicians are now pumping the breaks until they hear more about the financing plans. #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 1m
Feb 09
Sox Machine Announcement: Hello, James Fegan

As we just announced on Sox Machine Live, James Fegan, the award-winning reporter formerly of The Athletic, is joining Sox Machine as a White Sox beat writer. Join the show in progress below, celebrate in the comments, and consider signing up for our Patreon if you haven’t already. In addition to the announcement, we talk about the Chicago White Sox two trades this past weekend that impact the bullpen but provide hope in right field. #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

40m
Feb 05
How does the Corbin Burnes trade impact Dylan Cease?

Record Date: 2/1/2024 Rundown [Intro] The Baltimore Orioles trade for starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. How does this move impact the White Sox ability to trade Dylan Cease? [17:33] More details are reported about the flirtation of building a new White Sox stadium in the South Loop as real estate developer Related Midwest meets with top Illinois politicians. Meanwhile, Alderman Nicole Lee of the 11th Ward begins work on trying to convince the White Sox to stay at 35th and Shields [37:02] It's now February, and the trio of Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Cody Bellinger still haven't signed. What gives? [49:33] Will old friends, Tim Anderson and Yasmani Grandal, find new homes before Spring Training begins? [55:04] On Monday, February 5, Sox Machine will be making a big announcement about the site's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 1m
Feb 02
2024 ZIPS Projections with Dan Szymborski

Rundown [Intro] The 2024 ZIPS Projections are dismal for the Chicago White Sox. Dan Szymborski, in a way, sees the White Sox more depressing situation than Oakland [3:59] Why the White Sox coming into 2024 feels like the Scott's Tots episode from The Office [5:38] Luis Robert Jr. projections [7:49] Dylan Cease projections [11:01] Will it be a mistake if the White Sox don't trade Cease prior to Opening Day? [12:19] Added pressure on Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada [15:19] What do we make of Andrew Vaughn? [17:23] How the White Sox defensive strategy play out in projections [19:25] Who is the White Sox starting right fielder right now? [21:19] How ZIPS sees Erick Fedde [23:43] What to do with Michael Kopech [26:15] Which White Sox players could exceed projections? [28:35] Over/Under 63.5 wins for the White Sox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m
Jan 29
Back from vacation: White Sox South Loop plans and new TV announcer

Record Date: 1/25/2024 Rundown [Intro] Josh shares how his vacation to Australia and New Zealand went while Jim shares the painful winter weather he experienced in Nashville [8:01] White Sox Plans for the South Loop: While this is a distraction from what's happening on the field, the White Sox are not the only ones needing the public to focus on something else. The Mayor's office could also use a big project as Mayor Brandon Johnson's approval rating continues to dip. [27:03] White Sox hire John Schriffen as new TV play-by-play announcer: High energy announcer, John Schriffen, joins the White Sox at a time where excitement is hard to find. [45:10] Hello, John Brebbia: White Sox veteran reliever John Brebbia who could lead the bullpen in innings pitched in 2024. [50:35] Garrett Crochet wants to be a starting pitcher: Josh hates this idea. Jim is more open-minded about the possibility in what should be a lost 2024 season for the White Sox. [58:51] Mark Buehrle survives Hall of Fame voting: Can Buehrle survive a decade on the ballot? Will the BBWAA voters have change their minds on starting pitcher credentials to merit a call to the hall? [62:41] White Sox sign four international prospects while a corruption cases pile up in the Dominican Republic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 13m
Jan 26
Learning about Australian baseball with AJ Mithen

Listen to A Sporting Discussion wherever you subscribe to podcasts Rundown How AJ Mithen picked the Chicago White Sox as his MLB team to follow How baseball is received in Australia After the impressive World Baseball Classic 2023 run is baseball gaining momentum in Australia? Why the White Sox and other MLB teams should spend more on scouting the ABL Travis Bazzana is aiming to be the first Australian to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft. How Bazzana is blazing a new trail to follow for other young Aussie ballplayers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

44m
Jan 18
Tell Me A Story I Don't Know with George Ofman

Buy "Tell Me A Story That I Don't Know" from your local bookstore or online here. Rundown [Intro] Josh's quick preview of "Tell Me A Story I Don't Know' [2:26] George Ofman, who spend almost 50 years covering Chicago sports on the radio, shares his experience launching a podcast [6:07] What it was like for George to mentor Mike Greenberg [7:21] A story about Ozzie Guillen path to becoming White Sox manager and how he took the job away from Cito Gaston [12:54] A story about Jason Benetti's path to becoming a broadcasting star and why he wasn't going to be the White Sox play-by-play announcer for life [16:56] A story about why Steve Stone is the best baseball color commentator Chicago has ever had, and what it's like going out to dinner with him. [20:52] A story about launching The Score [23:14] How covering Chicago sports has changed over the years [25:18] A White Sox story from George that Josh didn't know Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

37m
Jan 15
The Saint of Second Chances with Night Train Veeck

The Saint of Second Chances is now available on Netflix. Link to film Rundown: [Intro] Josh's quick recap of The Saint of Second Chances, a must watch for Chicago White Sox fans [2:50] Night Train Veeck joins the show and shares what the filming experience was like [5:42] Why did Night Train get into the family business? [7:13] The lessons learned and wisdom bestowed from Mike Veeck to Night Train of the Disco Demolition Night [10:38] Why the family business model works [13:31] Night Train's experience working for Fan Engagement with the Chicago White Sox [19:14] What it's like to boss Mike Veeck around? [21:02] Night Train's experience learning how to operate an Australian Cricket league [26:01] Veeck family now part owners of Northern Ireland Football League club, Larne FC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

34m
Jan 11
P.O. Sox Mailbag: January 2024 Edition

Record Date: 1/6/2024 Rundown [Intro] Josh is heading out on vacation visiting Australia and New Zealand [4:21] Alec S. If this wasn’t your job, how many Sox games would you watch this upcoming season? The second half of last season I watched games around the league and realized how much good baseball there is to watch. I don’t see myself watching more than 40 Sox games this year [10:49] Michael In the spirit of a very old P.O. Sox question I asked where I wondered who would have the better career between Rodon, Kopech, and Alec Hansen. Which prospect that didn’t make the majors from the recent rebuild did you have the highest hopes on that didn’t pan out? What do you think went wrong? [18:16] John Phillips We will be going to Arizona again this year. We usually catch several Sox games and wander the practice fields. If you had this opportunity, where would you focus your attention? [21:43] Noah Amstadter In light of the Sox numerous AAAA acquisitions the past few weeks, are the team’s numbers in Ben Clemens’ metric looking any better? And isn’t strong AAA depth for this team as it currently stands kind of like carrying low deductible car insurance on a 17 year old beater with 300,000 miles? [27:52] Jordan How is BetterHelp not a sponsor of this podcast? I’m sure all of us Sox fans could greatly benefit from some professional help at this point…. [29:23] Benjamin Gazda How has a replacement for Benetti not been named yet? Do we even know who they are looking at to take the position? [39:02] Bryan Dolan What is a realistic statistical goal for Noah Schultz this year/has there been any noticeable comments or changes (ie bannister) to avoid recent developmental struggles ie Crochet/Rodon/ dear god Carson Fulmer. Enjoy your trip Josh!! It’s a dream of mine to make it there. [47:42] Asinwreck If Brett Phillips isn't the starting RF on Opening Day, who would be a realistic option? Also, can Josh bring Dave Nilsson back from Australia to manage the Sox? [57:04] Stephen Millark After signing roughly a dozen defensive replacements to one year deals, it doesnt seem like the White Sox have a real long term plan and probably don't have the farm system to achieve a real competitive team in Luis Robert's window of control. Considering that, is this the time to trade him? Even if you only get 80 cents on the dollar, those 80 cents probably do more to help the Sox return to the playoffs in 2-3 years than Robert does before he leaves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 9m
Jan 08
Still waiting on Chris Getz to make a big move

Record Date: 1/4/2024 Rundown [Intro] When will Chris Getz make his first big move? Also, a check on remaining available ex-2019 Kansas City Royals players that could be added. [5:26] Hello, Brett Phillips. Why are White Sox fans fearful that Phillips will be the Opening Day starting right fielder? [20:05] Hello, Chad Kuhl. While his fastballs are getting awful results, Kuhl can help the Charlotte Knights with pitching depth that they didn't have last year. Or, because of his above average slider, could the White Sox help Kuhl transform into a reliever? [30:51] Josh and Jim discuss Joel Sherman's column in the New York Post about the New York Yankees pursuit of starting pitching, and what Sherman is hearing about the White Sox asking price for Dylan Cease. [45:34] Yoshinobu Yamamoto secured some nice contract perks. It got Josh and Jim thinking about what kind of perks they would ask for signing a hypothetical MLB free agent deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 0m
Jan 05