Podcast
Sox Machine
Hosted by Blue Wire, Jim Margalus, Josh Nelson, James Fegan · EN
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!"
40episodes
Episodes
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Time To Start Believing in the White Sox
3d ago00:56:43Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Sox Machine 20th Anniversary Group Tickets Saturday, August 8th - 6:10 PM CT: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Ticket link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026SoxMachineMeetup Tickets are $39.51 per person Rundown [Intro] Recap of the Chicago White Sox series win against their inner-city rival, the Chicago Cubs. Hear from Will Venable, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, and Tristan Peters. [5:37] Jim Margalus joins the show, and after the White Sox finish 7-2 in this homestand, is it time to start believing in the White Sox? They have the fourth best record currently in the American League and seemingly getting key contributions from everyone. [19:30] The White Sox offense has been clicking as they've scored five or more runs in six consecutive games. What might be the biggest surprise is how many home runs they've already hit. [25:19] A shoutout to Sox Machine subscribers, new and old, as we hit a milestone and earned enough to send James Fegan to the All-Star game to report from the festivities. [30:32] Speaking of All-Star, Davis Martin was outstanding again on Saturday. [36:54] Seranthony Dominguez coughed up another lead on Sunday. Is it time to start worrying about Dominguez as the closer? [40:17] MiLB Talk: What to make of Jacob Gonzalez? [47:51] Seattle Mariners series preview: What to watch during Noah Schultz's start, and can the White Sox offense hit Bryan Woo? [51:22] Around MLB: Big series as the Brewers vs. Cubs and Dodgers vs. Padres begin this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Red Hot White Sox Ready for Crosstown Classic
6d ago00:51:22Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Sox Machine 20th Anniversary Group Tickets Saturday, August 8th - 6:10 PM CT: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Ticket link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026SoxMachineMeetup Tickets are $39.51 per person Rundown [Intro] The Chicago White Sox are riding high extending their winning streak to five games, and are 22-21 after sweeping the Kansas City Royals. What do we make of the White Sox being above .500 at this stage of the 2026 season? We know why this team could stumble, but in what ways can the White Sox continue to overachieve. [10:34] Bottom of the lineup chaos [16:46] Many random, good things happened for the White Sox this week against Kansas City. Highlighted by Derek Hill saving the day, and Randal Grichuk big four RBI game. [20:27] Recapping the pitching performance against the Royals and thinking out load what is ailing Noah Schultz. [28:30] The start of our Crosstown Classic preview [30:56] Manager Will Venable provides an update on Kyle Teel and his non-availability for this weekend series. [34:30] Pitching probables for White Sox vs. Cubs [36:47] Can Sean Burke start the series on the right foot? [38:43] Is Saturday's start going to be the national launch pad for Davis Martin? [43:44] One matchup to watch: Seranthony Dominguez vs. the Cubs power left-handed bats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Chicago White Sox 2026 First Quarter Grades
1w ago01:06:41Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Sox Machine 20th Anniversary Group Tickets Saturday, August 8th - 6:10 PM CT: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Ticket link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026SoxMachineMeetup Tickets are $39.51 per person Rundown: [Intro] The Chicago White Sox fought hard on Sunday to comeback and win the series against Seattle. Now 19-21, one game back in the AL Central and tied for a wild card spot, does being surprise early contenders change the process in how Chris Getz and the front office approach this season? [5:37] How are the White Sox players feeling about their recent play? [8:27] The rehab play for Kyle Teel [12:56] Miguel Vargas had a big weekend against Seattle. With his increase in offensive production, the White Sox have found themselves a solid middle of the order. [19:14] Can three hitters carry a team's home run production effectively? [22:56] Series preview: Kansas City Royals [29:29] First Quarter Grades: Offense [35:19] First Quarter Grades: Defense [40:21] First Quarter Grades: Starting Pitchers [47:46] First Quarter Grades: Bullpen [54:35] First Quarter Grades: Overall [60:34] Around MLB: SF Giants and Minnesota Twins early struggles Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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2026 ZiPS Update with Dan Szymborski
2w ago00:37:04Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Sox Machine 20th Anniversary Group Tickets Saturday, August 8th - 6:10 PM CT: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Ticket link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026SoxMachineMeetup Tickets are $39.51 per person Rundown [Intro] Latest Chicago White Sox news as they optioned RHP Jordan Leasure to make room for veteran reliever Trevor Richards. Keith Law is mocking Grady Emerson first overall and why Roch Cholowsky's hitting against Big Ten pitching might be a reason, and a Sox Machine PSA with group tickets now available for purchase on August 8 which is also Ozzie Guillen's number retirement ceremony. [5:21] Best friend, Dan Szymborski of Fangraphs.com, joins the show to share how ZiPS is thinking about the Chicago White Sox start to 2026. [7:18] What is the outlook for the AL Central? On average, how many wins will it take to win the division? [12:31] What does Dan need to see from the White Sox to consider them a serious dark horse contender to make the postseason? [15:03] In what ways has Munetaka Murakami exceeded ZiPS projections, and what could a future contract extension look like? [20:38] How Davis Martin is surprising everyone with his performance [23:13] First impressions of Noah Schultz, who is struggling to figure out what his strikeout pitch will be [26:37] If the White Sox do hang around in the playoff race, how aggressive should they be with promotions? [29:08] What kind of impact does ZiPS project Kyle Teel will have with the current White Sox? [32:03] Fan Question: With home run totals surging in the minor leagues, how does ZiPS take that into consideration with current projections for prospects? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Missed Opportunity in Anaheim
2w ago00:54:21Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown [Intro] The Chicago White Sox won on Monday in a very convincing fashion and had a chance to take the division lead. But a tough loss on Tuesday and a rough outing on Wednesday feel like a missed opportunity for this young White Sox team. Should fans still take solace in a 3-3 West Coast road trip? Is it a good sign that the team is playing well enough lately that losses are painful again after three consecutive 100-loss seasons? [16:59] Noah Schultz had a tough outing on Wednesday. In his last two starts, Schultz has walked more batters than he struck out. Is that a big concern for the rookie? [22:28] Davis Martin dominated on Monday and currently ranks third in pitcher WAR according to FanGraphs. Is the slider his new go-to strikeout pitch? What do we make of this start to 2026 for The Dart? [32:50] The White Sox traded for reliever Trevor Richards. How does he fit in the White Sox bullpen? [36:59] White Sox named Caleb Bonemer and Hagen Smith as April's minor league players of the month. After homering against Gerrit Cole, Bonemer has already matched his home run total from last year. How much longer will Bonemer be with the Winston-Salem Dash? [46:28] Seattle Mariners series preview featuring a good pitching matchup on Friday night between Emerson Hancock and Sean Burke. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Good Vibes Keep Flowing in San Diego
2w ago00:51:54Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown: [Intro] The Chicago White Sox win a tough series in San Diego, largely thanks to more outstanding pitching. Given recent performances and current talent, is this level of production sustainable as injuries affect depth and roster decisions? [6:09] Building off their recent success in San Diego, injuries are now impacting the White Sox's pitching depth. Given this, could the White Sox search for solutions in free agency, as they did last year with Adrian Houser? [8:51] How does anyone hit Noah Schultz? [13:22] Sean Burke's strong performance streak continues. [16:57] Unsung bullpen heroes: Tyler Davis and Bryan Hudson [25:48] Unsung bench heroes: Tristan Peters, Drew Romo, and Derek Hill [32:16] AAA News: Braden Montgomery and Shane Murphy get promoted while Shane Smith goes on the IL [37:12] LA Angels series preview [42:11] Around MLB: Are the Mets, Phillies, Astros, and Red Sox dead? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Is the tide turning for White Sox?
3w ago01:08:06Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown [Intro] The Chicago White Sox are 14-17 after sweeping the Los Angeles Angels. But they went May only 1.5 games back of Cleveland and Detroit for first place in the AL Central. They are 13-12 in their last 25 games. So how is the clubhouse feeling about this stretch? Do the White Sox believe they can stick around longer than expected? [17:33] Colson Montgomery ranks in the top three of many categories for American League shortstops. Should we pay him more attention to how he's been starting in 2026? [31:54] Davis Martin is performing like a Top 10 pitcher in MLB. Is he buying into his start in what could be his breakout season? [39:48] Drew Romo hit two home runs in his last game. Should the White Sox split up 50/50 playing time between Romo and Edgar Quero? [44:03] Braden Montgomery and Caleb Bonemer are raking to start 2026. Is a promotion incoming for both? [55:29] Series preview against San Diego Padres. If Anthony Kay struggles again, is it time to find another starting pitcher? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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2026 First Month Recap
3w ago01:01:28Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown [Intro] Audio from the press conference held by Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz prior to the start of the Nationals series. His early thoughts on Munetaka Murakami, and if there have been discussions about a contract extension. Plus, injury updates on Kyle Teel and Tanner McDougal. Manager Will Venable explains the rationale of the White Sox DFA'ing Reese McGuire for Drew Romo. [9:51] James Fegan joins the show to recap the news and action from Rate Field. The offense's dependence on the home run was a factor in the series loss. Also, what's wrong with Jordan Leasure? Why replace McGuire with Romo? And how Kyle Teel is far more important than we originally thought (and we thought he was important). [30:46] Jim Margalus recaps the first month of 2026. Why the 11-17 start could have been worse. Looking at Munetaka Murakami's on pace stats, which is most likely to happen: 64 home runs, 115 RBI, 127 walks, or 237 strikeouts? Josh Nelson also shares his desire for the White Sox front office to make a decision on Grant Taylor's role on the pitching staff. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Home Runs Power Another Series Win at Arizona
4w ago00:47:17Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown [Intro] Chicago White Sox hit eight more home runs in their series win over Arizona. Is the home run offense by design for the 2026 White Sox? [7:07] Munetaka Murakami is grabbing all of the headlines for good reason. But Colson Montgomery is also heating up. Is he ready to carry the offense much like he did last year? [15:19] Miguel Vargas is also flexing some power thanks to have the league's most improved bat speed from last season. [18:00] Josh is hopping on the Everson Pereira bandwagon, but Jim is is hesitating [23:40] Why Sam Antonacci's first career home run was perfect for his style of play [26:42] After a poor start against Arizona, what's the path forward to get Anthony Kay on track? [30:41] What to expect from new guy, Tyler Davis [34:53] Tanner McDougal injury update [36:37] Series Preview: Washington Nationals Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Home Run Party in Sacramento
Apr 2000:55:38Tap to summarizeThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal. Rundown [Intro] The Chicago White Sox hit eight home runs in their series win at Sacramento. Munetaka Murakami hit three of them and is starting to boom again at the plate. Is his production similar to that of Kyle Schwarber? [8:32] Everson Pereira had three doubles and made some nice defensive plays in right field. Can he lock down this outfield position? [14:47] Weird Metrics: Colson Montgomery is having way more success hitting in the day versus at night. Is this a thing for hitters preferring to hit in natural sunlight compared to under the lights? [20:27] Noah Schultz was excellent in his second career start, allowing one run over five innings. What worked well for him against the Athletics? [24:32] Davis Martin is off to a fantastic start in 2026. What's been working for him against right-handed hitters, and despite the good results, what kind of go-to pitch is he searching for to neutralize left-handers? [34:08] With how well Hagen Smith has been pitching for Charlotte, is it time for another MLB debut? [40:17] Around MLB: The New York Mets have lost 11 games in a row, and Mason Miller is on some type of heater. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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