Sox Machine

This episode is presented by Ankin Law and South Side Food Drive. Need personal injury law help? Visit ankinlaw.com. The South Side Food Drive has now raised more than $20,000. To join, visit https://myfooddrives.org/team/782427Rundown[Intro] The Chicago White Sox introduce Derek Shomon as their new hitting coach. Audio from Chris Getz and Will Venable, who share their excitement in bringing Shomon on board. Getz also chimes in why the White Sox are having such turnover at the hitting coach position, and Shomon shares his goals for White Sox hitters. [15:04] James Fegan joins from Las Vegas as he covers the 2025 MLB GM Meetings. He shares what the White Sox are hoping to improve upon offensively adding Shomon to the coaching staff. Jim Margalus chimes in about the White Sox continued focus on improving their results against fastballs. [22:52] Around MLB: Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are indictment is a shocker when considering the amount of live prop bets that MLB allows. What will change for MLB when it comes to gambling to avoid future instances of game fixing? [33:15] GM Meetings: James and Jim share what they hope to learn from the GM Meetings as Getz speaks to the media on Wednesday, November 12. [40:03] Josh Nelson presents his Offseason Plan Project to Jim and James for their feedback. How do they feel about Josh's plan, and how close could the White Sox actual offseason activity look like his plan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Sox Machine is also helping with the South Side Food Drive to raise donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Every $1 donated is worth three meals. You can join the virtual food drive by donating at this link: https://myfooddrives.org/team/782427Rundown[Intro] Chicago White Sox hire new pitching coach Zach Bove from the Kansas City Royals. White Sox general manager Chris Getz and manager Will Venable share their insight on the new hire. [10:02] How can Bove help the White Sox pitching staff? [31:15] Next hire incoming is the White Sox handing the hitting coach duties to Derek Shoman[36:06] Luis Robert Jr. is officially coming back as the White Sox exercise his $20 million option.[40:50] Chris Getz talks about the White Sox upcoming strategy when approaching free agency. Don't expect long term deals from the White Sox as they may repeat signing five or more players to one year contracts.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Sox Machine is also helping with the South Side Food Drive to raise donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Every $1 donated is worth three meals. You can join the virtual food drive by donating at this link: https://myfooddrives.org/team/782427[3:20] The World Series did make it back to Toronto, and in a somewhat surprising way with the Blue Jays leading the series, three games to two. But it's Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching Game 6 for the Dodgers. Can he duplicate his performance from Game 2 and force a Game 7? [17:02] The Chicago White Sox are close to hiring new pitching and hitting coaches according to Sox Machine's James Fegan. [22:54] Today, the 2025/26 Offseason Plan Project kicks off. Jim Margalus breaks down how the process will work this offseason, and more importantly, what is this offseason's budget. [31:18] A new game for the podcast harkening back to Siskel and Ebert in which Josh and Jim play Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down. This edition is reviewing James shortlist of free agent pitchers for the White Sox. [34:18] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Martin Perez[36:36] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Zack Littel[44:43] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Chris Paddack[50:32] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Dustin May[55:21] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Anthony DeSclafani[57:37] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Erick Fedde[62:10] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Cody Ponce[68:36] Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down: Hiroto Saiki / Anthony Kay / Drew Anderson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Thoughts on the World Series as it heads to Los Angeles tied one game apiece. Early on it seems clear that the Toronto Blue Jays have to get to the Dodgers bullpen earlier. With how the starting pitching stacks up, can the Blue Jays win at least one game in LA to get the series back home? [9:33] First Base Review: It seems the debate to start 2026 is "Who should get more of the playing time at first base: Miguel Vargas or Lenyn Sosa?" What can the White Sox do to help Sosa defensively? Can these two help get the White Sox closer to league average offense in 2026?[24:10] Second Base Review: What does Chase Meidroth need to accomplish to settle the question if he’s the White Sox long-term plan at second base? [36:46] Shortstop Review: The position belongs to Colson Montgomery, as long as he's healthy. If Montgomery does miss any time, who are the best backup options? Is this an area where the White Sox could look for outside help? [44:25] Third Base Review: Who is the White Sox primary starting third base before the offseason begins? Miguel Vargas doesn't grade as a good defender at the position, Curtis Mead didn't show much offensively, and Bryan Ramos is out of options. Is this a position of need for the White Sox to find outside help?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] James Fegan is back and shares his experience of running the Chicago Marathon.[7:05] Our World Series preview as Seattle suffers another heartbreak, George Springer's big moment, Shohei Ohtani coming off one of the best performances ever, Vlad Guerrero Jr. crushing this postseason, and our series predictions.[24:43] Two bold managerial hires with the San Francisco Giants, bringing Tony Vitello from college baseball, and Kurt Suzuki agreeing to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.  [39:20] White Sox Catchers Review: With how well Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero hit, do the White Sox have a Top 10 catching unit in baseball? Also, is it automatic that both Teel and Quero are with the White Sox to start 2026? What possibility is there of one being dealt to help address other areas in the roster? [50:31] White Sox Outfielders Review: This is a unit that sorely needs to be addressed, as only five outfielders are on the current 40-man roster, and both Mike Tauchman and Derek Hill could be non-tender candidates. What kind of outfielders should the White Sox target this offseason, and what are the odds Jerry Reinsdorf shocks the world by signing a big free agent?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] The Chicago White Sox starting pitching staff had a 4.39 ERA, which ranked 21st in MLB. However, the starters FIP of 4.89 ranked 29th in MLB. So if the rotation pulled off a minor miracle carrying a better ERA with minimal defensive improvement, what did we like about the White Sox starting pitchers in 2025?[10:59] On the flip side, what we didn't like about the White Sox starting pitchers in 2025. [18:00] Are Davis Martin and Sean Burke guarantees in making the starting rotation next season?[20:55] Any concerns of a Shane Smith regression for 2026?[26:06] Yoendrys Gomez made 12 starts for the White Sox this past season. How should the White Sox handle Gomez going into next season?[30:42] After sifting through the current White Sox starters, Josh Nelson begins building out his whiteboard of rotational depth. This practice includes determining when Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith join the team. [42:30] The hope for how the White Sox starting rotation could look like at the end of next season[45:43] If the White Sox are stuck in the clearance aisle when shopping for starting pitching help, which free agents could fit that spending limit?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] A few thoughts on the League Championship series. It seems like Milwaukee could be in big trouble heading to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, after a big Game 3 win in Seattle, could Toronto steal another game to send the series back to Canada? [10:50] The Bullpen Review is to help recap the previous season's production while looking ahead in how the White Sox could improve this unit. Starting with what we liked from the White Sox bullpen in 2025.[17:55] What we didn't like about the White Sox bullpen in 2025.[20:40] Does Will Venable believe in closers? [28:38] Will the White Sox revisit the idea of having Grant Taylor start games? [33:24] Looking at Roster Resource's projected eight-man bullpen for the White Sox in 2026.[39:25] Brandon Eisert has dramatic splits at home vs. away. [43:51] Josh sets up his 2026 bullpen whiteboard and is looking at two openings to find new pitchers[50:46] Jim pitches the idea of the White Sox pursuing Arkansas pitching coach, Matt Hobbs, as Ethan Katz's replacement Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Congrats to James Fegan for completing the Chicago Marathon[4:47] Championship Series Preview: Can Andrew Vaughn continue to be Milwaukee's hero in the postseason?[16:59] ALCS Preview: Blue Jays vs. Mariners - How Toronto focused on improving bat speed helped them overwhelm the New York Yankees. [29:38] NLCS Preview: Brewers vs. Dodgers - Does Milwaukee's regular season success vs. Los Angeles carry over to the postseason? [35:55] Chicago White Sox only have three players entering arbitration this offseason: Mike Tauchman, Steven Wilson, and Derek Hill. What are the chances that any of those three get tendered a contract? [44:54] The Savannah Bananas announced their 2026 World Tour, which includes stops in Chicago and Nashville. The Bananas playing a series at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, which seats over 100,000. If the Bananas can draw over 100,000 for one game, will MLB attempt to do the same in the near future?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Best of luck to James Fegan who is running the Chicago Marathon this weekend! [2:00] MLB Postseason recap as the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers advance to their respective Championship Series. We've got two Game 5's as Tarik Skubal takes the ball for Detroit against Seattle, and the Chicago Cubs hold their ground at Wrigley to earn a return trip back to Milwaukee. [6:00] Travis Sawchik wrote a feature story for Driveline Baseball about how power ages for MLB hitters. What he found was a bit surprising as bat speed decreases, power numbers dip, and even plate discipline typically doesn't improve with more experience. The prime power years appear to be ages 22 to 26. So why are MLB teams not being more aggressive with callups to take advantage of a player's athletic peak? And for aging hitters, why Air Pull% is key metric for staying power.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Catching up on White Sox news, lots of changes on the coaching front, including pitching coach Ethan Katz. What was the driver for not renewing contracts?[6:23] How do we assess Ethan Katz's tenure as pitching coach?[12:46] Are we surprised the White Sox didn't hold on to Sergio Santos?[15:45] Looking at team Stuff+ during Katz's tenure and how the quality of arms could make the next pitching coach's job tricky. If the level of talent doesn't improve, can they succeed where Katz couldn't? [32:12] Arizona Fall League will start soon but unfortunately Braden Montgomery is dealing with an ankle injury. [36:44] Who to track in the AFL?[39:51] What's the playing time strategy for Hagen Smith in the AFL?[44:02] The 2025 Chicago White Sox Roster Quiz. Josh, Jim, and James attempt to name all 62 White Sox players.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] A big thank you to our supporters at Sox Machine for following the 2025 season with us. [5:08] Colson Montgomery delivered a season highlight with his go-ahead two run home run vs. Washington.[9:31] Shane Smith finishes 2025 on a very strong note by pitching a gem in Game 162.[15:12] Initial assessment of 2025 season. While it was much better than last year, how do the White Sox make up the difference between their actual record (60-102) and their expected record (71-91)? [25:31] Thoughts on Will Venable's first season as White Sox manager[30:28] Michael A. Taylor retires[34:04] Sox Machine Fantasy Baseball Champions announced[35:10] 2025 Season Awards: White Sox MVP[43:19] 2025 Season Awards: White Sox Best Pitcher[48:15] 2025 Season Awards: White Sox Most Improved Player[53:21] MLB Postseason Predictions: Jim has the Mariners over Phillies, Josh has the Padres over Blue Jays Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[INTRO] The Chicago White Sox slide in September has been disheartening. After starting 8-2, the White Sox are 1-11 in their last 12 games. What gives? Why did things suddenly turn sour for the White Sox?[8:12] Series Preview: Washington Nationals[11:19] What's left to play for with the White Sox? [21:11] The Birmingham Barons win back-to-back Southern League titles[29:55] Why Caleb Bonemer was selected as Baseball America's White Sox MiLB Best Player[37:39] Around MLB: It should be a very chaotic ending to determine who wins the AL East and Central.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.The Chicago White Sox hosted a podcast row for their home 2025 season finale. Rundown[Intro] Chicago White Sox Director of Player Personal, Gene Watson, joins Josh Nelson to talk about the 2025 season. What his highlight of the year was, how Watson and Jim Thome help with draft efforts, and breaking down how the White Sox scouts prepare for the offseason. [17:05] James Fegan stops by from the press box to share insight from his conversation with Brian Bannister. Why the White Sox feel that Hagen Smith is back on track, and why the Sox want Jonathan Cannon to stop throwing his sinker in pregame warmups. [29:21] Chief Marketing Officer, Brooks Boyer, joins Josh in podcast row. How the White Sox marketing tackled promoting a 121-loss team, what the stadium plans are, CHSN broadcasts, and why they stopped wearing black at home this season.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.PSA: Sox Machine will be part of the Chicago White Sox fan appreciation event held in the Craft Cave at Rate Field on Sunday, September 21. Stop by and be part of the show!Rundown[Intro] Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz hosts his end of the regular season press conference. Touching on many topics including highlights of the season, what to do about the catching situation, plans for Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, and what to hope for in 2026.[16:33] Baltimore series recap, which was another dud for the White Sox as they have lost six straight games. James Fegan provides additional insight from the Getz presser as we will get a clearer picture from him at the GM Meetings in November. [25:24] Martin Perez left Wednesday's game early with a sore shoulder. The injury is not career threatening but there is the mutual option that the White Sox will be declining. So what's next for Perez? [31:24] With nine games to go, a quick look at the White Sox stat leaders. Before the Padres series, Shane Smith / Davis Martin / Adrian Houser are all tied with six wins. Will any pitcher get to seven wins for the White Sox? [37:27] Josh Nelson got a FromThe108 bobblehead from Tuesday's game. If Sox Machine had a bobblehead, what would be the beverage choices? Also a marketing idea for the White Sox to use for 50/50 raffles next season. [40:20] Series Preview: San Diego Padres. Can the White Sox snap their losing streak? Plus, Jose Abreu returns this weekend. Is a retirement announcement coming? [48:18] Around MLB: Update on the postseason race and Justin Verlander refuses to retire.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Chicago White Sox get swept again in Cleveland, and just like in April, they only score three runs in three games. So what gives? Why did the White Sox have a terrible time scoring runs in Cleveland this season?[12:05] Series Preview: Baltimore Orioles. What is the Orioles path forward this offseason? What's the White Sox pitching plan for Monday's game?[23:22] MLB Postseason Race: American League. How we think the AL West will be won? Does Cleveland have a good chance of overtaking the last playoff spot? [43:25] MLB Postseason Race: National League. Why the Dodgers lead in NL West feels safe. If the New York Mets don't make the playoffs, are they this season's biggest disappointment?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] White Sox manager Will Venable comments on the recent run as his team is 25-25 since the All-Star Break[2:52] James Fegan reports from the clubhouse how the players are believing that their recent play can be the new normal.[5:24] In the first half of 2025, the White Sox were 26-55. Since? 31-35 with 15 more games to be played. Is it possible the White Sox can generate some chaos and finish at least 10-5 to secure a winning second half? [10:05] Kyle Teel is now on a 20-game on-base streak. With how well he's playing, what is Teal's ceiling? Can he be a future All-Star catcher for the White Sox? [19:55] Latest Grant Taylor injury update[22:07] Shane Smith was excellent again on Thursday. Posting a 2.84 ERA in his last eight starts, is Smith getting stronger as the season inches closer to the finish line?[27:38] What's the gameplan for Sean Burke moving forward?[34:09] The Baltimore Orioles requested to interview Josh Barfield for their general manager opening, in which he declined. [39:53] After the New York Yankees deal fell through, the White Sox have agreed to terms with 12-year old Braston Basker. Are these types of deals what White Sox fans should expect from the new International Scouting efforts? [46:55] Series Preview: Cleveland Guardians.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] The red hot Chicago White Sox have won seven of their last eight games. It's been a great change of pace, even though it feels a bit strange in trying make sense of what everyone is watching. [6:46] With a 23-24 record post All-Star Break, are the White Sox closer to contending than initially thought? While the crew doesn't see a Manny Machado / Bryce Harper situation like in 2019, there's a debate if the White Sox should change their sights this offseason. Instead of just looking for cheap, veteran fits to fill out the roster like they have done recently, should the White Sox look to make more meaningful upgrades. Especially what lies ahead with the 2027 season possibly impacted by CBA negotiations. [31:17] Lenyn Sosa is the first White Sox hitter in 2025 to reach 20 home runs. While it's likely he won't be the last, has Sosa's productive season earn him a guaranteed spot on the 2026 roster? [39:51] If you missed the play because of football, Will Robertson made one of the best defensive plays this season. Is his home run robbery the best play for the White Sox? [43:32] Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays[50:32] Around MLB: Sox Machine Fantasy League, the home run Karen incident, and the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to struggle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode presented by Ankin Law and Ramova Theater. Live Show Recording: September 6, 2025Guest: Courtney Finnicum, Baseball Isn't BoringRundown:What do you make of the Chicago White Sox post All-Star Break? Is this level of performance real?Why do you think the White Sox went from one of the worst offenses in baseball before the All-Star Break, to now a Top 10 unit? Colson Montgomery: Is the future star White Sox fans have been waiting for?Shane Smith: Is he the White Sox Ace going into 2026? (This will be after his Friday night start)What's been your favorite thing about the 2025 White Sox? What's your biggest concern about the 2025 White Sox? Heading into the offseason, what is the White Sox biggest need that you want to see them address before Spring Training 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Chicago White Sox had a great time in Minneapolis, which is a rarity. [7:33] Helping drive the offense, outside of monster home runs from Colson Montgomery, are the catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero. Are Montgomery's home runs overshadowing Teel's impressive season? Why the White Sox should continue to figure out a way to have both Teel and Quero in the lineup. [29:11] Series Preview: Detroit Tigers. Shane Smith has been on a roll in his last seven starts thanks to pounding the strike zone with two-seamers. But after four games feasting on the Twins pitching, the White Sox now have to face Tarik Skubal this weekend.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Josh Nelson shares the event details Sox Machine is looking to host in 2026[4:45] Dan Szymborski of FanGraphs.com joins the show to share how ZiPS is viewing key, young White Sox players. Why ZiPS thinks Colson Montgomery and Shane Smith can be 2+ WAR players in 2026. The defensive uncertainty of Miguel Vargas, and which catcher ZiPS prefers between Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero. Also, Dan's asked how he would spend $25 million if running the White Sox?[39:55] Jim Margalus and James Fegan join the show to share the news that Mike Clevinger indeed will be returning to the White Sox[48:33] Fan Question: What is the 2026 starting pitching rotation looking like?[55:40] Who else are the White Sox calling up in September?[63:47] Around MLB: Bob Nightengale reports that MLB executives think its "Unfathomable" Luis Robert Jr.'s option gets picked up, Fegan's fantasy baseball update, and Justin Verlander's 121-pitch outing.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.