South Side Sox: for Chicago White Sox fans

Well hey there, strangers, it's been a couple of months since our last mothership podcast. But with a day off falling right at the midpoint of the season and a platform change to Riverside.fm in progress, it seemed a reasonable time to sit down and talk White Sox baseball. To that end, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Kristina Airdo and Hannah Filippo joined Brett Ballantini to check in on Chicago's first half and future fortunes. What excites each of us most about the position the White Sox are in at the moment? Assessing Will Venable's first half-season as a manager What is most troubling about the place the White Sox now sit, still a mere five games better than the 121-loss club of a year ago? Taking a hard, not fawning, look at the Noah Schultz promotion Is there about where each of us expected to be as fans at the 81-game mark of 2025? Speed round: Will the second half be better or worse for the White Sox, as well as thoughts on a final loss total  Will Colorado break the modern mark for losses? Some of us feel the Rockies will BLOW PAST 121 Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britt, who contributes to the Casual Diehard/Willets Pen family, joined Chrystal to preview the upcoming series with the Giants and talk about how pitching is pretty cool. Here is what they talked about in a longer and somewhat silly episode: What's new with the Giants? Have you heard of a player named Rafael Devers? Buster Posey's new role Rating the offseason moves and trade deadline needs Can the Giants keep up the good momentum as the Dodgers start to regain arms? All-Star Game picks and funny memories The ticking time clock that is Tommy John Tim Lincecum, because of course! Pitching matchups Keys to winning the series Players to watch out for Fears heading into the series The poor Colorado Rockies What on earth is happening with the Orioles? Adley Rutschman, I Think You Should Leave, and the Driving Crooner Follow Britt on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 11th episode of the 2025 season features host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Julie Swieca-Gannon. We're really grateful to Julie for agreeing to come back midway through the season to continue sharing her journey with us and discussing several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Career Reflections Julie discussed some of her on-the-air experiences, including one that got a bit scary, as well as some of her professional highlights, including covering the Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire home run chase. She recently saw Sammy at an event! Did he recognize her? Tune in to find out! 2025 Season Expectations Julie shared her thoughts on the White Sox organization's current state and how soon she thinks the team will be competitive again. We promise not to hold her accountable. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to opine about the last two weeks of baseball. Here is what the ladies talked about: The Rafael Devers of it all, featuring internet trolls Dennis Santana's suspension after trying to hit a fan The Dodgers and Padres feud, and how LA gets away with everything Will Tyler Glasnow ever be healthy? Sammy Sosa's return to Wrigley and how the Cubs ruined Steve Bartman's life Nolan Arenado, Juan Soto, and Andrew McCutchen's milestones Good stadiums with bad teams, and judging Fenway PR nightmare: Clayton Kershaw, ICE, and Nezza Shohei Ohtani is pitching again, and Chrystal has a theory Injuries and updates Ron Washington's health scare Wander Franco's trial is coming to a close Boomer takes about pitchers pitching Miguel Vargas appreciation You can keep up with Bayleigh on Twitter/X. Chrystal is primarily on Bluesky but sometimes on Twitter/X. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruth Kapelus, board member and newsletter editor for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), joined Chrystal to discuss our neighbors to the north, the Toronto Blue Jays. Here is what was discussed: What's new with the Blue Jays? With the AL up for grabs, can the Blue Jays snag a wild card spot? Trade deadline moves Rating the offseason Anthony Santander didn't pull any offseason interest. Is that a bad omen? Needing another starting pitcher who isn't 40 and injury-prone Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: the extension and concerns All-Star Game picks Pitching predictions Will this series be even with no sign of power hitters? Keys to taking the series Fears heading into the series The bullpens are being taxed, and starters are not going deep enough Detroit domination Paul Skenes needs run support, and perhaps a new team to thrive Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound Rafael Devers trade Accessibility and marketing for players, blackout restrictions, cable and being priced out of baseball You can follow Ruth on Bluesky and subscribe to her Substack for more musings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 10th episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi/South Side Sox writer, podcaster, and editor Kristina Airdo joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Prospect check-in: A rundown on the latest prospect promotion, Grant Taylor. Also, overall thoughts on the performances of Edgar Quero, Chase Meidroth and Kyle Teel. Trade thoughts: Has Luis Robert Jr. made himself more tradeable with an overall improvement over the last few weeks? The ladies are shocked by La Pantera's DRS in 2025. White Sox trends and troubles: Will they be as bad this year as last? Are there some positive signs that things are improving? Are the changes enough to move the needle? Down on the farm: Who has been standing out over the past few weeks? Shane Murphy and George Wolkow both won Player of the Week honors for June 9-15. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe and hit that like button) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some jerk sabotaged a cable in his neighborhood the day before, West Coast correspondent Will Allan was able to fire up his copper wire to connect with duty geezer and father, Leigh ... on the Isle of Man! Yes, No. 146 is the first international edition of Sharing Sox and most likely the only international podcast in the South Side Sox/Sox Populi annals. The never-before MLB podcast from the Isle of Man began with talk of the Andrew Vaughn-Aaron Civale trade — including Civale's possible trade value a month from now. That led to other possible trade values of White Sox gettables, including Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Miguel Vargas, Mike Vasil and Adrian Houser ... which led to the wild difference between ERAs and FIPs for Vasil and Houser. Then it was onto great praise for Chase Meidroth offset by great concern over the hole at first base (Leigh again brought up the idea of plunking Andrew Benintendi there). The podcast ended up with the Athletic feature about the deadened ball flying about four feet shorter this year. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Streiff, formerly of Redbird Rants, is back to talk about Cardinals baseball and help set up this next White Sox series with Chrystal. Somehow, there is nothing new but a lot going on in St. Louis. Here is a rundown of what Chrystal and Taylor discussed: What's new with the Cardinals? Ollie Marmol is getting better at making decisions, especially with the bullpen The Cards would be dead last without Nolan Arenado Rating the offseason Overall thoughts on how the season will play out All-Star Game picks Pitching matchups Chaim Bloom's new involvement with the Cardinals and replacing John Mozeliak New White Sox ownership Biggest threat to the White Sox Keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Weird outfields Who truly won the Juan Soto trade? Opening role for starters Baseball is fun and weird again post COVID-19 season How are the Dodgers sustaining their season with all the injuries? The Tommy John surgery epidemic Lance Lynn's retirement While Taylor has mostly checked out of social media, you can find him on Twitter/X and Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the ninth episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi podcaster Delia Ritchie joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and our special guest Kirsten Ramos. Kristen is the CEO of her own company, Elevate Performance Solutions, a community advocate for common-sense public safety laws to reduce gun violence, and the den mom of the 108. Melissa and Delia talked to Kirsten about her professional experience, working to save lives through community advocacy, and the importance of finding your people while, of course, fitting in some White Sox conversation. So, whether you're a die-hard South Side fan or not, there's something for everyone. We invite you to sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball and life, including: Career Reflections: Kristen's educational background and how she arrived at the decision to start her own company. Moms Demand Action: What are some things that the average citizen can do to help the cause? White Sox Chatter: How did she become a Sox fan, her favorite player, surviving the South Side rollercoaster, and facilitating camaraderie among the Sox community? Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about everything happening in Major League Baseball and the state of their respective Sox. A quick note: Towards the end of the episode, Chrystal brought up Pete Alonso tying David Wright for second place on the franchise home run list. Moments after the recording ended, Alonso nuked another home run, giving him sole possession of second place, and now nine home runs away from Darryl Strawberry's record. Here is what the ladies covered during this episode: Roman Anthony's 497-foot grand slam as he dies in the minor leagues, and the Red Sox being bad Kyle Teel's call-up, Tim Elko's return, and how good Chase Meidroth has been The woman who cursed the Rockies Texas is the bad place, and the Rangers won't be holding a Pride Night yet again The Dodgers are down bad with pitching Craig Kimbrel's DFA Injuries galore featuring Alex Bregman, Ryan Mountcastle and Shane Beiber The Detroit Tigers — who are good Jac Caglianone AL/NL Player of the Month for May Reinstatements after one-year betting ban Kim Ng's new league — professional softball, FINALLY Evan Longoria's retirement Francisco Lindor and the man that he is Marcelo Mayer's first home run Pete Alonso's record-breaking home run State of the Sox Find Bayleigh on Twitter/X and Chrystal on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had the full South Side Sox minors crew together (Joe Resis, Kristina Airdo, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Hannah Filippo) joining host and reluctant minor league recapper Brett Ballantini to discuss recent trends and the overall look of the system, along with discovering how badly Brett can beat a bad joke into the ground. With a full crew, we opted for a potluck approach this time around, so here were our topics in rough order of appearance: Rundown of the state of the system, if the season ended today there would be only one playoff team in the mix, the Birmingham Barons (themselves just 28-24 at time of recording) Joe's first topic was an obvious one: Kyle Teel, just called up from Charlotte. Praise for his game, appreciation that the White Sox are embracing a youth movement (one year late), as it were, and acknowledgement of Teel fighting his way out of a long and rough slump in-between hot starts to April and ends to June Kristina voluntarily chose to discuss the wincably-bad Charlotte pitching staff Melissa countered with talk of Lucas Gordon's case for promotion Hannah talked Kannapolis clubbers, including the impressive Caleb Bonemer Brett wrapped up the first half with a rundown of the system and posing the question of why a top-ranked system produces so few wins Joe started the second half with an in-depth study of Samuel Zavalas and the extended Zavala family Kristina flagged concern in Birmingham surrounding the disappearance of Hagen Smith Melissa says whoa there, how have we talked this long without mentioning site hero RIKUU NISHIDA in Birmingham? Brett's pick is to take a WAR review of the Garrett Crochet trade and estimating that this could be at the very least a win-win deal for both sides Hannah laments the loss of Oscar Colás, now an Angel Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael "Lux" Farina joined Chrystal for a quick update on Kansas City and a series preview. The Royals will make the trip up to Chicago for a three-game set full of good pitching matchups. Here is what we talked about: What's new in Kansas City? Jac Caglianone's recent call-up and first MLB hit Who did Michael pick for last place in power rankings this year? All-Star game picks Chase Meidroth Rating the offseason What needs were met, and why didn't K.C. get a power bat? Avoiding a couple of hot messes the Royals were eyeing in the offseason The Royals won't climb to the top of the American League Central, but 86 wins is a reasonable task for the team Pitching matchups Michael Lorenzen's recent struggles and Seth Lugo's health Threats to the White Sox Keys to winning the series What Michael worries about for the upcoming series MLB roundup: surprises, hot takes and what we're seeing Someone cursed the Rockies Making Jerry pay for his sins You can find Michael on Twitter/X or Bluesky. You can also read his work over at Farm To Fountains and listen to his podcast Royal de Lux on the Fans First Sports Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Day of Bless You Boys joined to discuss the Tigers and help break down the series. Having quite a year, the Tigers have stormed into first place in the AL Central, reminding everyone that they are the team to beat. And they're only getting healthier, and unfortunately, better. Here is what Chrystal and Brandon talked about: The Javy Báez resurgence: from injury to center field star What's new in Detroit AJ Hinch saved the organization Casey Mize figured out his splitter, and Spencer Torkelson is a hitting machine Are the White Sox cursed? Chrystal's thoughts on Will Venable Rating the offseason Alex Bregman is a persona non grata in Detroit Brandon's thoughts on the season Pitching matchups Is Tarik Skubal the best pitcher in baseball right now? Another Cy Young Award year? Relief pitchers shouldn't win the Cy Young and other old-head takes Bullpen standoffs, clearing the benches, and why isn't there music involved? The biggest threat to the White Sox Keys for the Tigers to win the series Fears heading into the series Gambling has ruined sports Don't send death threats to anyone Robot umps and getting accustomed to new rules Why socks? You can find Brandon and Bless You Boys on X and Bluesky, and on our sister site with the same name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the advertised deadline for trading Luis Robert Jr. gone, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast corespondent, Will, start off looking at some other trade possibilities. Will suggests Miguel Vargas' resurrection may not be for real and this would be a good time to trade him and get valuable returns. Leigh suggests one of the young starting pitchers, maybe Jonathan Cannon, despite word on the farm that Noah Shultz and Hagen Smith are both struggling. Both consider Andrew Benintendi — if the Sox eat a lot of salary — but decide that's not a Jerry-ish thing to do. Other fronts covered include Lenyn Sosa's ability to hit .280 but only have an on-base percentage of .298, the quandary of a defense that lacks a true shortstop, now or possibly nigh on forever, the unlikelihood that Mike Tauchman can sustain his current pace, the possibility of converting Edgar Quero to just a right-hand hitter if his huge splits continue, the likelihood Andrew Vaughn may be through as a major league (he's struggling in Charlotte), and how the schedule turns nasty after this weekend in Baltimore.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dream, of For The Numbers Fantasy, joined Chrystal to chat about the sorry state of the Baltimore Orioles and help preview the upcoming series. The White Sox and Orioles face each other in what could be a mid-off after a slow start from the O's, and well, Chicago being uninspiring after a painful, record-breaking season in 2024. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Orioles Was Brandon Hyde's firing a scapegoat for deeper issues within the organization? The grass isn't always greener; see Rick Hahn and Chris Getz as an example of that How much can the front office be blamed when the product on the field can't hold up their end of the bargain? Rating the offseason Jackson Holliday's mechanical changes and move to leadoff Injuries have plagued Baltimore, and pitching is abysmal Pitching matchups, of the three, Tomoyuki Sugano might be the only good O's starter the White Sox will face Trade bait, and the lack thereof with Luis Robert Jr. Old friends of the White Sox who are doing better elsewhere Is Gunnar Henderson the biggest threat to White Sox pitching? The keys to winning the series Fears ahead of the series Why we're seeing a lack of the long ball and fun home runs The AL East has been really bad, and the AL Central has been really good The Dodgers are deep in the pitching injury drought You can find Dream on Twitter. He will also help out with some fantasy tips and betting at FTN Fantasy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Spector joined the show to chat about the New York Mets and the upcoming series with the White Sox. Could Chrystal have answered all of these questions, considering her dual fandom? Yeah. But what is the fun in that? Here is what they talked about: What's new with the Mets? Hot April, cold May Juan Soto has had a slow start, and Pete Alonso has been streaky at best Will the Rockies lose 122? Grading the offseason Thoughts on how the season will go for the Mets Anything other than going to at least the NLCS will be boring Adrian Houser was so bad with the Mets Pitching matchups Chrystal is a Tylor Megill apologist The biggest threat to the White Sox Keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Around the league: Red Sox City Connects, the Orioles, ranking ballparks, Dugout of History podcast You can find Jesse on Bluesky and look for Casual Diehard, especially Dugout of History, wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the seventh episode of the 2025 season, Kristina Airdo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Crosstown Classic Conversation: Is it a Fading Rivalry? The once electrifying "Crosstown Classic" between the White Sox and Cubs seems to have lost its spark. In recent years the Cubs have consistently dominated, and the White Sox have rarely shown the readiness to challenge that narrative. Red-Hot Miguel Vargas: Beyond the Stance. Miguel Vargas, the AL Player of the Week for May 12, exploded with a .417/.423/1.000 slash line, including two doubles, four home runs, nine RBI, and five runs. Is his recent surge solely attributable to his adjusted batting stance? More importantly, can he sustain this success in the long term? Minor League Spotlight: A closer look at emerging prospects like Andre Lipcius and Ryan Galanie, alongside updates on highly-touted talents Noah Schultz, Kyle Teel, Hagen Smith, and Braden Montgomery. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about what's new in Major League Baseball: The Red Sox and White Sox are bad The Tigers managed to get it right What on earth happened to the Orioles? Rafael Devers drama Red Sox City Connects and how team stores suck Pete Rose Kolten Wong retires at 34 after not playing since 2023 The other side of 30 can be good or bad Aaron Judge — is he human? The Twins have finally lost a game after a 13-game win streak Is the American League Central sort of good right now? The Angels swept the Dodgers! Mick Abel outshone Paul Skenes in a crazy turn of events Is Paul Skenes leveling out? RIP P00P series Jac Caglianone has been promoted to AAA Bub Black and the Rockies Dan Serafini's trial for murdering his father in-law and causing serious harm to his mother in-law, who died by suicide a year later The White Sox have given Chrystal Stockholm Syndrome How secure is Alex Cora's job? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Berlin Kofoed, also known as Cube, joined to discuss the upcoming Chicago White Sox-Seattle Mariners series. Despite the piled-up injuries and lack of pitching depth, the Mariners still lead the American League West and have maintained a winning record. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Mariners? Were offseason needs met? Would've, Could've, Should've: Pete Alonso edition Thoughts on how this season might go The Mariners keep losing pitchers Potential pitching matchups for the series Fears heading into the series How do the Mariners win the series? Threats to the White Sox T-Mobile Park We hate the Yankees and love the Mets Are the Rockies really dead, or can they resurrect the season? Tired of the Dodgers Our little adult sons in the minor leagues You can follow Cube on Bluesky or X/Twitter and follow their work on Circling Seattle Sports. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara Sanchez from Bleed Cubbie Blue joined to chat about the upcoming Crosstown series and what's going on over on the North Side. The Cubs have been on fire lately, leading the National League Central, but not everything is perfect at The Friendly Confines. Sara talked about the issues Chicago's other baseball team sees, and the chaos that always ensues during this particular series. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Cubs Both teams have A+ giveaways, especially for heritage nights Rating the offseason Kyle Tucker was a great addition to the squad, but pitchers were needed Kyle Hendricks, the lack of retiring numbers, and who should be the next statue Is first place sustainable? No Wild Card will come from the NL Central Jed Hoyer's contract year The 2016 team and where they are now Pitching matchups Stats go out the window and vibes take over Fights, cup snakes and maybe a Pope sighting The biggest threat to the White Sox Mallory Swanson Keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Will Atlanta be better soon? Will the Rockies be historically bad? The Dodgers hype might be overblown The other teams in California You can find Sara on Bluesky and read her work on our sister site, Bleed Cubbie Blue. You might even see a familiar name this Friday for the series preview on the site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it sheer coincidence that with a White Sox fan in charge of things in the Vatican the team won three out of four prior to this recording? Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and current Ohio Valley correspondent (while doing a play in Cincinnati) Will delve into the papal impact, as Will points out that suffering is a major factor in Catholicism, which could well explain why Leo XIV became a White Sox fan even though his mother rooted for the Cubs and his father for the Cardinals (although, of course, he went on to become a cardinal himself). The cast ranges from the divine to the execrable, ending with a discussion on Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson and the fact MLB teams themselves operate virtual casinos and inundate innocent fans with efforts to tempt them into their dens of gambling iniquity, so banning the two is now hugely hypocritical. The duo have suggestions on how Cooperstown should cope with those so far banned for gambling, or worse, steroid use, suggestions that will never be followed. In between the discussion is all White Sox, from the pleasant, like how to handle having too many good players at one position (catcher) and the hitting of Edgar Quero and the rejuvenated Miguel Vargas. On the less pleasant side, it's the position situation at first base, with the question there being whether Tim Elko coming to the team has caused Andrew Vaughn to improve his play and whether it's possible, if Elko turns out to be for real after the league writes its book on him, a desperate Boston would take Vaughn to replace the injured Tristan Casas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the sixth episode of the 2025 season, Allie Wesel, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Courtney Finnicum to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Career Reflections: Courtney discussed her background and how she started in sports media, as well as advice for women interested in getting started in the space. She also talked about hosting her own podcast, Pitch and Moan, how she goes about preparing for it, and her favorite guest — he's kind of a big deal. Be sure to listen to find out who it is. She's also having a really cool guest on her show soon, so be sure to tune in! White Sox Fandom: Courtney shared why she's a diehard South Side fan and her expectations surrounding this year's team and direction. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wick Terrell, editor of Red Reporter, is back to talk about the upcoming White Sox opponent, the Cincinnati Reds. The last time we chatted was ahead of the Eloy Jiménez appendicitis series in May 2023. But with a new manager (Terry Francona) and the absence of long-time Red Joey Votto, we're looking at a fresh team. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Reds? Rating the offseason Will the Reds retire Joey Votto's number? Joey Votto, quiet now, but once a great social media presence and bus driver Thoughts on the season, and how there is no time to sit around and wait for players to get healthy Pitching matchups and tall, lanky lefties Pour one out for Johnny Cueto The biggest threat to the White Sox Isn't it nice to have catching and pitching depth? Keys to winning the series Biggest fears heading into the series -- is it the bullpen? Wick's Annual Dumb Predictions: How are the Orioles so bad, and when is it time to hit the panic button? Who will beat the Dodgers? Pope memes and Paul Konerko Avoiding a repeat of 121 losses now that God is on our side Just two dudes naming dudes You can follow Wick and Red Reporter on Bluesky, and Red Reporter on SB Nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fifth episode of the 2025 season, Hannah Flippo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi writer/podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Prospect check-in: A rundown on the Edgar Quero and Chase Meidroth promotions. Trade thoughts: Is Luis making himself more tradable with an overall improvement over the last few weeks, as well as the increase in base stealing? Examining the division: Looking through the AL Central, are the Tigers really that good? Could we end up with four teams better than .500? White Sox trends: Will they be as bad this year as last? Are there some positive signs that things are improving? Fashion review: What has social media been telling us about how fans feel about the new City Connect uniform? Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incomparable Chris Towers joined the podcast to give an update on the Marlins, break down the series, and make jokes about being old. You might know Chris from his work over at CBS Sports and the Fantasy Baseball Today newsletter. Here is what we discussed: What's new with the Marlins Rating the offseason Is this a rebuild? Kim Ng's plague upon both houses Thoughts about the 2025 season for the Marlins Embracing the teal 2005 Pitching matchups Giving up on pitchers and how healing from Tommy John surgery is not linear Toeing the line of fun-bad Andrew Vaughn is bad, but he was failed along the way Threats to the White Sox Keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Baseball is the best MacKenzie Gore Nathan Eovaldi has evolved Too old to go to punk shows Everything is a meme You can find Chris mostly on Bluesky. Subscribe to his newsletter and listen to the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our 600th podcast celebration, Brett Ballantini had the Sharing Sox duo of Leigh and Will Allan on, for the very first time together, the mothership. We attempted to make zero references to the 2025 White Sox, but failed. Still, this is mostly contemporary White Sox-free: Revisiting the first episode, Sept. 9, 2020, and acknowledging that the first on our Megaphone player is No. 8, that October. The first seven Sharing Sox podcasts were with Sports Illustrated and not (yet) on our player The first "true" podcast, then, No. 8, was on Oct. 14, 2020, and it concerned ... the managerial search (that ended with the hiring of Tony La Russa). The duo was shocked and horrified in remembrance of that time, and that innocence Does the duo regret landing on the White Sox as their team to root for? What drove the father-son duo to start the podcast in the first place? Favorite guests on the show How hard is it to continue doing this, both 143 programs and yes, still covering a team with narrow hopes of something better any time soon? The highlights of being able to do this podcast with a family member Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To commemorate the 600th Sox Populi Podcast, we had podcasting mainstays Chrystal O'Keefe (Visiting Dugout, Soxy Chicks, Estrogen Power Hour, et. al), Joe Resis (Sox Pop on the Farm) and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach (Ladies' Night) on to discuss the past four-five years of podcasting at Sox Populi and South Side Sox. Brief acknowledgement was made for Sharing Sox (the subject of podcast 601) and Tommy Barbee, our Father Soxivus and co-host of Killer B's, but then we dug into some talk with each host/guest about their respective programs. We bridged our break discussing the connection between our two most revolutionary podcasts, Estrogen Power Hour and Ladies' Night. And in the end, we wound up talking about the "mothership podcast," the catch-all program you're listening to right now. Throughout, host Brett Ballantini got his teeth kicked in, playfully (maybe). A special and enigmatic voice kicks off the podcast! The strange accounting that actually lands this podcast as somewhere around 608 or 610 Brett's habit of bullying (? gulp) some hosts into doing even more for Sox Populi The original name of the pirate radio broadcast, Estrogen Power Hour The most satisfying mothership podcast ever In a longer podcast post than usual, we'll roll the credits for all our podcasts: Mothership Podcast (Brett Ballantini, host) 190 programs beginning Jan. 28, 2020 Sharing Sox (Will and Leigh Allan) 143 programs beginning Sept. 9, 2020 Visiting Dugout (Chrystal O'Keefe, host) 82 programs beginning March 20, 2023 Sox Pop on the Farm (Brett Ballantini, host) 60 programs beginning May 4, 2021 North Side Sox (Sam Sherman and Janice Valenzuela), 23 programs beginning October 2020 Sox Pop Postgame Podcast (Brett Ballantini, host) 20 programs beginning April 13, 2021 Ladies' Night (Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, host) 13 programs beginning March 20, 2024 Killer B's (Tommy Barbee and Keelin Billue) 12 programs beginning Oct. 30, 2020 Sox Pop Pregame Podcast (Brett Ballantini, host) 10 programs beginning Oct. 7, 2021 Dugout Metrics (Brett Ballantini, Luke Smailes, Trevor Lines) 10 programs beginning Dec. 10, 2020 The Big Blurt (Rob Colletti and Bill Meincke) eight programs beginning Jan. 29, 2021 Soxy Chicks (Chrystal O'Keefe and Bayleigh Von Schneider) seven programs beginning March 30, 2024 DISH Deluxe (Brett Ballantini, host) six programs beginning July 17, 2023 Estrogen Power Hour (Keelin Billue, Janice Valenzuela, Colleen Sullivan, Chrystal O'Keefe) five programs beginning May 16, 2021 Live! three programs Time Out! (Di Billick, host) two programs beginning Aug. 1, 2024 Planet White Sox (Brett Ballantini and Trooper Galactus) two programs beginning Sept. 15, 2022 Group Therapy (Sam Sherman, host) two programs beginning April 26, 2022 Explain it to Me Like I'm 5 (Keelin Billue, host) two programs beginning March 8, 2022 Second Hand Embarrassment (Jacki Krestel, host) one program on Jan. 12, 2024 (Don't add them up, the math is a little fuzzy.) Also, the milestone podcasts, at least per our Megaphone player: Podcast 1 Mothership Podcast 1: Janice Valenzuela at Sox Fest, Jan. 28, 2020Podcast 100 Mothership Podcast 42: A Sweep, a Six Pack, and the Power of Strawberry Cheesecake Cannolis, April 26, 2021Podcast 200 Postgame Podcast 8: Goodbye 2021 season, Oct. 12, 2021Podcast 300 Sharing Sox 83: Is That a Rotund Female We Hear Warbling?, Aug. 27, 2022Podcast 400 Visiting Dugout 17: Detroit Tigers, May 25, 2023Podcast 500 Visiting Dugout 45: Minnesota Twins, April 29, 2024 Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somehow it's been more than 10 months since our last Farm podcast, so we returned with authority — namely, three authorities (Joe Resis, Kristina Airdo, Hannah Filippo) and a host (Brett Ballantini). We spent an hour covering each affiliate ... yes, even the Winston-Salem Dash: An assignment for the missing Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, and a last chance to escape for our newest minors writer, Hannah Kannapolis highlights, including the dynamic Javier Mogollón (proper pronunciation please), the promoted Braden Montgomery and the anomaly, Lyle Miller-Green ... plus the ascendance of Christian Oppor In Birmingham, specifics include William Bergolla, Rikuu Nishida and Wilfred Veras, but heading to the break a quick round: Do either Hagen Smith or Noah Schultz see Charlotte or Chicago this year? The Libertyville Connection Charlotte talk centers on the good (Tim Elko!) and bad (Colson Montgomery) Dash talk was brief but c'mon, Jeral Perez (again, pronunciation please) is playing like the BEST prospect in the system Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend of the pod Kevin O'Brien is back to talk to Chrystal about a division rival — the Kansas City Royals. After winning a series against the Houston Astros (thanks to the rain!), the White Sox embark on a four-game series against Bobby Witt Jr. & Co. Tune in to hear what Kevin said about the Royals and how this series might play out. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Royals Rating the offseason The slow start from Kansas City How he feels about the season going forward Pitching matchups Cole Ragan's unsuccessful first Tommy John surgery that led to a second surgery Keys to winning the series Who is hitting the ball right now -- potential threats to the White Sox Fears heading into the series Is the American League Central wide open? The Colorado Rockies Aaron Judge, of course Pete Alonso and the Mets are good The battle of staying healthy The Giants and Oracle Park You can follow Kevin on Bluesky and Twitter. I would also recommend checking out his work on Pitcher List, The Royals Reporter, and his new podcast Crown Talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recording on the day after Luis Robert Jr. stole a grand slam and then knocked in four runs himself, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and (while he's in a play in Cincinnati) Ohio Valley correspondent, Will, call for the White Sox to trade Luis before another game is played, taking whatever a contending team will offer. Said urging by people who are very much his fans is not just so the Sox can perhaps pick up a decent prospect, or at least a top-of-the-line parking lot attendant, but to free Robert from captivity and let him play in meaningful games where his immense skills can be useful and he can enjoy the game. This won't happen, of course, but at least we were pulling for you, Luis. On the bright side, the duo cover the excellent appearance of Edgar Quero and the post-adjustment success thus far of Miguel Vargas, and what appears to be a pleasant abundance of catching talent. This being the White Sox, the bright side on position players is limited, so the conversation ventures to the darker aspects, of which there are many, most notably Andrew Vaughn. Five years in, the excuses for Vaughn's weakness (now 0.0 bWAR for his career), while often valid, are wearing thinner than a Swedish pancake, so the question is asked, “Why won't they give Tim Elko a chance?” Elko is tearing up Triple-A ball in Charlotte, so why not find out if he's strictly a AAAA player, or if he can hack it in the majors? He can't be worse than Vaughn defensively, because Charles Comiskey himself would be better, even while deceased — and maybe he can hit. Otherwise, there is disagreement over whether to let youngsters take over and sit the 30+ has-beens or never-weres when they're off the IL, and much praise for the excellent performance of the young starting pitchers. Will even ventures into the possibility the team could be adequate by 2027 or 2028. Oh, yeah — Will also has a rant against the Colorado Rockies, for apparently trying to destroy the White Sox record for ineptitude just one year after it was set, leaving Sox fans nothing to strive for this season. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chrystal hosted fantasy baseball expert Anthony to chat about the Houston Astros and what to expect from the upcoming series. Here is what was discussed: What's new in Houston? How would Anthony rate the offseason? Thoughts about the 2025 season for the Astros Pitching matchups featuring Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Lance McCullers Jr McCullers' first start since the 2022 World Series The biggest threat to the White Sox Keys for the Astros to take the series Fears heading into the series Losing pitchers Aaron Judge is not human Twins pitching and the American League Central José Abreu, lover of the heat but not humidity, or maybe he was just too old? White Sox city connects and terrible ownership First baseman woes Are the Dodgers who we thought they were or will they finally fall? Giants love The Mets -- is it finally going to happen? You can find Anthony on Bluesky and follow along with his fantasy baseball work at SportsEthos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fifth episode of the 2025 season, Kristina Airdo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and special guest Chrystal O'Keefe to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Career Reflections: Chrystal recounted her journey to becoming a writer and podcaster, sharing advice she has for women interested in the field. She also discussed her personal role model and how she serves as one to her own children. 2025 White Sox Lamenting: We couldn't pass up the opportunity to chat with Chrystal about her South Side fandom. She talks about surviving the last several years of awful baseball and who she has enjoyed watching so far this season. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago White Sox are finally playing a new team, so that means a new episode. I had the incomparable Jordan White on to provide an update on the Milwaukee Brewers and help break down the upcoming homestand. Jordan provided the analytics and keen insight on what to expect: What's new with the Brewers? Rating the offseason, and an old friend alert on the mound Feelings on the season for the Brewers Pitching matchups — Freddy Peralta will dominate, but the other two games might be evenly matched Who is the biggest threat to the White Sox, aside from themselves? The keys to winning the series Fears heading into the series Jarren Duran, mental health, and saying harmful things to players Family will always name search on social media Torpedo bats, the National League, and Tigers love You can follow Jordan on Bluesky. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago White Sox wrapped up a series in Sacramento by falling from ahead and losing a series with an extra-inning loss — a loss that put them at, you may want to sit down for this, THE EXACT SAME RECORD PACE AS 2024 (if you've been living under a rock, that's 41-121). Seems a good time to sit down, as Brett Ballantini did with Hannah Filippo, and wonder what in the world we are doing following this team: An overall assessment of the feeling in 2025 vs. 2024 which, frankly still leaks out a bit more hope How the White Sox are better in 2025: The starting pitching, while not better up top than 2024's Crochet-Fedde combo, is holding its own and may be flexing more depth overall; the offense has had some strong bursts, despite its inconsistency; rookies to get excited about What is not different, 2025 vs. 2024: Luis Robert Jr. is bad, the in-game decision-making and team urgency hasn't proven to be better Will the White Sox finish better than the Colorado Rockies, who trail the White Sox by 2 ½ games as of this recording? Also a mini-Visiting Dugout preview with Brewers expert Hannah, who says, yes, the White Sox are about to get swept by the Brew Crew Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about what's going on in Major League Baseball at the moment. Topics: Haters Chrystal got to watch competent baseball, and that's why this episode is late Shohei Ohtani is the first MLB player to become a dad, apparently Aaron Judge and Eugenio Suárez are doing well Jarren Duran stealing home Paul Skenes is pitching out of his mind Lucas Giolito and Liam Hendriks return to the Red Sox Matt Strahm and the Declaration of Independence Injuries galore featuring Logan Gilbert, Shane McClanahan, Luke Keaschall, Blake Snell, Cole Ragans, Corey Seager, Martín Pérez, and Spencer Strider Travis Jankowski to the Rays Walt Jocketty Tommy Pham's gestures and food orders Javier Báez is washed Triston McKenzie's DFA Jorge López -- can you fight? Drama in Atlanta Chrystal's concert story Red Sox update Follow Bayleigh on Twitter/X and Chrystal on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth episode of the 2025 season Allie Wesel, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Jacki Krestel to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things, including: Family ties: Jacki spoke with the ladies about growing up in a sports-loving family and how her early experiences with her dad helped her form a lifelong passion for softball and the White Sox. Personal sports background: Jacki discussed her early love for softball, from her T-ball days to playing on a Division II college team. Content creation: Jacki shared her introduction to content creation and why she took a step back last season. Also, despite how an outsider may view her as a natural at it, she does find it challenging. 2025 White Sox lamenting: We couldn't pass up an opportunity to talk about the Pale Hose. The girls chatted about the current state of the team, and Jacki shared her good vibes with us. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, it's not Groundhog Day. The White Sox are shipping off to Boston to face the Red Sox. Unless Lucas Giolito is pitching for the Red Sox this coming Patriots' Day, the White Sox hopefully won't suffer the same fate they did in 2021. In a sillier episode that is a bit different from the usual series previews, I talked to a sleep-deprived Ed Hand about what happened last week in Chicago and the most recent Red Sox vs. Rays series. We also discussed what the next laundry series will look like. Here is a bit of what we talked about: I lied to Ed, apparently Garrett Crochet hates Chicago Sean Newcomb hate The many nicknames for Chase Meidroth The catcher conundrum in Boston, and old friend alerts Will anyone get hot on the Red Sox? Lucas Giolito update Boston's pitching depth Is Major League the best baseball movie? An idea for Jobu's latest sacrifice We need to know more about Roberto Clemente, and Ed's reading corner Are the Pirates just laundering money? Who will beat the Dodgers? The Padres and Dylan Cease The Giants are actually good The White Sox are winning it all and Meidroth is about to raise hell You can follow Ed and his podcast on Twitter. You might even see a familiar face on a recent podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and (for the moment as he performs in a play at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park) Ohio Valley Correspondent, Will, start off by eschewing reality as best they can, talking about some White Sox high points. Those include Edgar Quero about to make his MLB debut a few hours after they recorded the cast, the apparent upturn in enthusiasm and effort led by youngsters like Brooks Baldwin and Chase Meidroth, what seems to be improved defensive fundamentals (at least most of the time), and the strength of most of the starting rotation so far. And there's the added thrill that the Rockies may actually be worse than the Sox. Then, of course, reality raised its ugly head and they ventured into a team hitting a robust .200 with a .579 OPS, which in turn led to an unfortunate evaluation of Luis Robert Jr. and what little, if anything, the Sox could get in trading him. The duo did, however, refrain from mentioning a slightly used rosin bag in that discussion. As for Andrew Vaughn, well, uh, er, nuff said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Die-hard Athletics fan and friend of the podcast Aaron Cameron joined to discuss the Athletics' recent developments, both good and bad. We also discussed the A's coming to Chicago for a series opener on Jackie Robinson Day. While we could've recorded for hours with many side quests, here is a bit of what our lively conversation consisted of: A temporary and frustrating move to Sacramento Growing pains and a disadvantage at home Will Las Vegas work? One last trip to the Oakland Coliseum Rating the offseason, did the A's spend money? Contention windows Pitching matchups and the importance of a veteran pitcher Keys to winning a series Threats to the White Sox Fears heading into the series and bad bullpens What it's like to have a love-hate relationship with the Angels Ron Washington, Will Venable, Grady's Ladies, and a disdain for Mark Kotsay If you don't already follow Aaron, you can find him on Bluesky and X. Join us in our threads where we just talk about a bunch of old guys who played baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the White Sox tumbling from first place (OK, they were 2-4, and they were tied for last place at the same time) to last, it was time for Brett Ballantini to assemble Chrystal O'Keefe, Joe Resis and Hannah Filippo to discuss the state of the team. The crux of this podcast was how similar or different this 2025 team feels from 2024: Backing that things are different are the run differential of only -3, as well as the team having won four games "already." The pitching staff is holding up OK, and the club already has more blowout wins in 2025 than a year ago Now on the other hand, 4-11 means the White Sox are still on track for 119 losses, and they currently sit in last not just in the division but the American League. Overall, the club still can't hit worth a damn The verdict? Three of us are skewing toward 2025 being more of the same as 2024, while sunshine Chrystal thinks the vibes of the club are too good not to make for a measurable improvement. We have 147 games to still to find out Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first laundry series of the season is ahead, as the White Sox host the Red Sox in Chicago. With Garrett Crochet and Lucas Giolito in the starting rotation, the White Sox might see some old friends. Bayleigh, known also as the co-host of Soxy Chicks, was on to chat about her Sox and preview the series. Here is what we discussed: What's new with the Red Sox Boston is willing to invest in players, and Jerry Reinsdorf  is not Rating the offseason moves Hopes for the season What to expect from the starting rotation Keys to win Fears heading into the series The biggest threat to the White Sox State of the Red Sox You can find Bayleigh on Twitter/X. Please support our White Sox writing and podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi podcaster Delia Ritchie joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Julie Swieca Gannon to discuss several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite beverage because the girls hit a home run conversing about all things baseball, including: Family Ties Julie talked with the ladies about growing up as a Chicago-area native who spent her formative years in Mt. Prospect/Arlington Heights and how her early experiences with her dad and rooting for her hometown teams really helped her form a lifelong passion for sports. Career Reflections Julie discussed her educational background, experiences, and how she landed her position at 670 The Score. She also described some of her professional highlights, including coverage of the GOAT Michael Jordan and South Side fan favorite Mark Buehrle. 2025 Season Expectations Julie shared her thoughts on what she's looking forward to the most in 2025 and whether or not Will Venable has what it takes to right the ship. She also bravely provided us with her overall team win/loss prediction for the year. Don't forget to check out the Sox Populi YouTube channel (and please subscribe) or listen on Megaphone below. If you love our White Sox coverage, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the writing and podcasts going strong! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices