White Sox Business: A show about the Chicago White Sox

Quiet the chorus of cheers, quiet down, now. I know everyone's elated about Chicago's newest, freshest, dopest manager in town...wait, what, Tony La Russa? So, yeah, Jon and James react to the La Russa being 'the guy' in Chicago. How did this move come about? Was it the right move? What part, if any, did Rick Hahn play in this addition? And how many mai tais has James had since hearing the news?! Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we aren't idly chatting about Jimmy John's, Jane the Virgin, college football or any number of quasi-cumbersome, time-stalling topics, we're discussing White Sox baseball, and who better to talk about disappointment than with Jon, James and special guest, White Sox play-by-play announcer, Jason Benetti! The trio talk the obvious first, mai tais and getting plastered as well as Jason's daily grind now post-Sox season. What did Jason think about Renteria's late-season in-game decisions, and aside from the forgettable moments, how did it feel to announce contests where stakes were higher than they have been in past years (3:00)? The group discourse shifts to Chicago's coaching hunt and rumors that Tony La Russa is a prime candidate to fill the team's vacant manager role (10:15). Do the rumors hold water? Who else could assume Chicago's position as head honcho? Why is James green with avarice (13:45)? Without fans present, how did Jason draw the requisite energy needed to call Lucas Giolito's no-hitter, and in general terms, where did that passion come from throughout the year in a season like this one (16:30)? What struggles were present when broadcasting remotely (20:30), and how did Jason manage team expectations and the transition from a rebuilding Sox organization to playoff contenders (26:15)? What was it like calling games with Steve Stone (28:45)? Plus, is there an added sprinkle of excitement in covering games now that Chicago has moved from a team remodeling themselves to being in the same breath as contending teams (33:45)? Oh, and what's a White Sox podcast without college football talk and random ramblings while I'm not being paid by the hour? In all seriousness, thank you to Jason for hopping on today, and to you all for sticking with us through the season. It's been a weird year, but this show has, hopefully, provided a much needed get away for you amid more weighty matters. Jon, James and myself wish you all good health and thank you for your continual support, so please keep liking, rating, commenting, subscribing, reading, listening, sending money to my GoFundMe and everything else you all do so that we can continue making this...podcast is too generous of a word...audio stream of conscious that happens to, occasionally, talk about the White Sox. Season two of WSB is in the books, we'll talk to you all before too long. With desperation in hopes you'll help me keep my job, Producer Cam Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Follow Jason on Twitter: @jasonbenetti Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago White Sox made a series of moves to their coaching staff, parting ways with both manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper. Jon and James discuss the factors at play in these decisions and look ahead to who Chicago could hire to fill both vacancies. Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon and James are balancing the books Dave style to figure out how much money the White Sox can save this offseason on expiring contracts and potential non-tenders (1:00). Then the guys set their sights on Schaumburg, Illinois where top pitching prospects Matthew Thompson, Andrew Dalquist and Jared Kelley spent the last few months making up for lost time. Did the talented trio get enough development time in this weird 2020 season? (11:49) Finally, we check in on the teams who are still playing in the 2020 Postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James is livin' life! He's guzzling down mai tais while crafting GIF of Tim Anderson's adjustments at the plate. There's no better way to spend a "vacation"! Yeah, so, James created a series a GIF that he embedded into his feature highlighting Anderson's critiques ahead of the wild-card row with Oakland (2:00). What tweaks did the 27-year-old make ahead of playoff time and how does it contribute to his name among Southsiders? Rick Hahn is set to address the media sometime this week, what questions can we expect the Sox's GM to field (8:00)? TRADE MACHINE TIME! Jon's looking to pitch his Sox trade idea while James is looking at his watch wondering where his waiter is with his next mai tai (13:00). Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The A's were just lucky Yolmer was on normal rest. He would have torched Oakland...if weren't pulled within the first 2/3 innings. Jon and James cruise through Chicago's season-ending loss to the Athletics in the wild-card round (:30). Why were there so many pitching changes? Was this all according to plan? Is there a decision that could have altered the result? Talking about Ricky's job security has become a reoccurring segment (2:45). Maybe that's how we'll start every show going forward, idk. A hobbled Eloy and Crochet, who was injured in-game, would have been nice if they remined healthy...and NO, I am not stating the obvious (13:45). J&J, Jon and James, not to be confused with Jimmy John's, which is quite delectable, attempt to summarize Chicago's 2020 season and look ahead to what lies ahead (19:30). Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silver lining: the White Sox are playing postseason baseball for the first time in over a decade! So it's best to avoid ruminating on Chicago's epic collapse wherein seven of the last eight games were lost (:30). OK, we give, we give! How do the speedbumps and pitfalls at the regular season's end foreshadow what's to come? Jon and James make more concessions by reacting to Sox discourse and discuss Rick Renteria's job security (5:00). It's apropos to move Throw Back Thursday to Tuesday because Oakland sports several names familiar to Sox fans (11:30). In order to move forward, we have to go back. Back to Jimmy Cordero's fully thought out decision to plunk Wilson Contraras in the regular season's final stage (15:30). AJ&J also chat about Giolito and McCann's souvenir no-hitter rings as well as local television ratings and announcers (20:00) before dishing out their series predictions (28:30). Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Losing five of your last six games in the thick of postseason seeding while your division's crown is on the line is a bold move, Cotton. But that's exactly what the Chicago White Sox are doing. Jon and James attempt to diagnose Choke-ago's woes as well as share their thoughts on Sox players' reactions to this pressure-packed, near-climax to the season (1:00). What can we take away from Abreu's comments (12:00)? J&J chat about updated postseason matchups and where the Sox fall come October (14:30). Garret Crochet is one of very, very few positives buoying the collective White Sox fandom's sanity (20:15). Was Gio Gonzales the right call to pitch at the end of game two in Believeland (23:00)? Robert's rugged stretch continues (24:45). Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Experience The Athletic's award-winning journalism for yourself at just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cleveland's seen better days, though Detroit deserves some thanks, yet they're vying for a spot in the postseason. Chicago is set to engage Cleveland in a four-round bout, and joining Jon and Jimmy Boy to break the AL Central contests is The Athletic's esteemed Indians scribe, Zack Meisel (:30). Zack, in his infinite wisdom, explains Cleveland's fall from gleeful, non-contact, winning celebrations and playoff security to uncertainty and a near Mt. Everest-sized collapse. James highlights the expectations for the Palehose's quad, including the ailing Indians being perceived as a final, pre-postseason hurdle (8:00). The keyboard peckers punctuate their chat by discussing the clubs' pitching matchups (13:30). If we had a nickle for every time we mentioned the starting rotation, we'd own a Jimmy John's by now (19:15). Plus, where does Dylan Cease fit into the fold? Who's more likely to hold Sox fans' hearts hostage in MVP voting, Anderson or Abreu (26:30), and what's going on with Robert (29:30)?Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenbergFollow Zack on Twitter: @ZackMeisel   Try the award-winning journalism The Athletic offers for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/southside  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Champaign, beer, other alcoholic beverages (considering you're of age), water, Capri Sun, I don't care; just spray whatever harmless beverage you have, because the White Sox deserve to be showered with praise after earning their first postseason berth since 2008! Jon and The Athletic's Chicago White Sox playoff corespondent, James Fegan, describe the bubbling emotion after Chicago took three of four games against Minnesota to secure a playoff bid (:30). OK, now that that's taken care of, the Palehose have their sights aimed at the AL Central title (6:30). The guys gaze into their crystal TV set to see the Sox's potential match up (14:15). To further jump into the postseason pool, the Sox scrivener and Jon wade through the club's potential three through five starters (22:45). Oh, how could I forget? A less than thought out Notre Dame segment (31:00)!Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg  $1 a month for award-winning sports coverage? No way. Ha, yes way! Experience The Athletic for just a buck a month by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the University of Notre Dame, a paralleled education institution where the student body's mood is generally dictated by the football team's success. The lows are low and highs...well, it's mostly all low. Just look at the 2013 natty. Yikes. Jon and Fighting Irish alum, James, examine Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada's plate discipline, specifically, how manipulating their hands has improved their at bats (5:30). *Insert timely breaking news sound effect* Dallas Keuchel has been placed on the 10-day IL (9:45). With Keuchel seemingly unavailable the next two series, is concern for his injury greater than what was initially thought? Was Reynaldo Lopez's stint in Schaumburg long enough to make a meaningful tweak to his game? Let's make an excuse to talk about Notre Dame and its football team (13:30)! Andrew Vaughn continues to develop at the Sox's satellite camp in hopes of earning a big league spot in the near future (21:00). James brown noses his boss by opining Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert's chances at hitting 300, hell, let's make it 500 career home runs (28:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it safe to say the White Sox's dance game be weak? Without Zack Collins, semi-coordinated, out-of-step routines are but a shell of themselves. All right, let's broach everyone's favorite topic, the pitching staff: Dallas Keuchel was limited in his last start because of back pain and Alex Colome, though effective, has a recovery routine equivalent to the time it takes James to score in FIFA (a long ass time), among other red flags. What are Jon and James' opinion of the Sox dinged up hurlers as we head into the home stretch of the regular season (2:45)? What's the difference between a warlock and wizard? I guess it doesn't matter because Lucas Giolito's changeup is seemingly vanishing in front of opposing hitters to the point where magic is a valid explanation (11:00). James details Yoan Moncada's persistent struggle with post-Covid-19 symptoms (17:30). Plus, a look ahead to Chicago's remaining divisional series with the AL Central title at stake (22:15).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sox dynasty is forming! Just you watch! Chicago will be known as the creme de la creme of all professional sports leagues once they've dispatched Kansas City...Pittsburgh...and Detro...I'll stop now. Reynaldo Lopez, once again, failed to produce at least two innings of work against Minnesota, and was pulled from the series finale after recording just five outs (:30). Jon and James try to diagnose the reason behind Lopez's shortcomings before ranking the three through five starters' upside (4:00). OK. You Bizners win. Let's talk about Ricky's bullpen management (8:15). We learned that the Sox learned some valuable lessons from the Twins series, did you (14:30)? Go ahead and spit shine the ol' MLB crown, because it's coming home to Chicago after the next three series...and only those three series, we're not taking into account anything else (23:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We'll always have Jarrod Dyson to remind us of this year's trade deadline. Jon and James take inventory of the Sox and other clubs after the trade deadline (:30). Why weren't the Sox disposed to making more trades? Do we find their lack of deals disturbing, young Bizner? Yolmer and Madrigal are back, yay (6:30)!! Why was there a meeting of the team's elder statesmen (10:15)? Was there merit to the Sox dealing for Clevinger, and was Kopech ever going to be really traded (14:00)? Lastly, J&J give you the 411 on the Twins (16:15).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On an abnormal night at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the park's power cut out, a burning smell wafted into the press box and short ribs weren't served, Lucas Giolito made baseball history. Jon and James react to Giolito's no-hitter against Pittsburgh and the weight of history that accompanied the last throws (:30). The guys dive into Giolito's 2018 game-changing transformation, and his ironclad bond with James McCann (8:00). James details Rick Giolito's, Lucas' father, viewing experience as the innings grew shorter and the anticipation swelled (12:00). Plus, how did the rest of the Giolito clan watch Lucas make history (18:45)? Follow James on Twitter: @jrfeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aside from winning the pennant, an AL Central title, or an MVP award, what better scene is there than the White Sox hoisting the Crosstown Cup for the first time since 2016 *Chef's Kiss*? Jon and James skip the blather and bounce directly into their takeaways from the Sox/Cubs series (:30). Jon Lester's stuff has reached the not-good-enough-to-get-away-with-mistakes tier and it showed. Abreu, Eloy and Luis were all dialing long distance (7:30). Which players should comprise Chicago's All-City team taking into account this series (13:30)? Dallas Keuchel keeps demonstrating how reliable he is (23:30). Plus, why did Renteria allow Cease to pitch through the sixth inning (26:45)? Oh, and Chicago plays Pittsburgh next, fwiw (29:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just hand the pennant to the Sox now. Did you not see how they dismantled Detroit?! What?! Detroit is the opposite of good? OK. Jon and James are conducting the White Sox-Won't-Lose-Another-Game-Train (not really) and their first stop is at Tim Anderson station (:15). How elite has Anderson been since his return to the line up? Is his smoldering bat just a few degrees cooler than Fernando Tatis Jr. as the world's current, best hitter? The South Side's spitfires finally strung together a series of encouraging starts (13:00). What was working for Giolito in his career-high day? What are James' thoughts about Dane Dunning's debut (15:30), and what about Dylan Cease and Gio Gonzales (18:30)? The guys take a peek at this weekend's Crosstown Cup, including the probable starters (31:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone needs to pay DJ Kahlid overtime after the Sox's monstrous fifth inning home run hoedown against St. Louis on Sunday. Aside from the jaw-dropping homer exhibition, the Sox only narrowly avoided a sweep against a team that hadn't played a game in over two weeks (:30). What does this near catastrophe at the hands the Cardinals mean for Chicago? Although the team is playing .500-caliber baseball, is Ricky on the hot seat (7:30)? Regardless of the answer, why should/shouldn't he be the target for criticism? A multitude of issues have washed over the Sox so far this year, but which is the biggest cause for concern (17:00)? Lastly, the White Sox carry a rigid attitude on access (25:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We may never escape Marc Carig's sneer and haughty gaze from his West/East coast media ivory tower (call back to last episode, so take a listen if you missed it, Bizners), but that won't stop us from persevering and chatting about the Sox! Dallas Keuchel spoke his mind and the truth when he addressed his teammates and commented on some players "kind of going through the motions" (:30). Was a reality check necessary, and is Keuchel's haranguing enough to galvanize the Sox? The "Energizer bunny, baby", Tim Anderson's, return to the offense could not have come at a better time (7:45). Plus, is Anderson still the best option at leadoff right now? How will the Sox adapt to all their bullpen injuries (13:00)? Could we finally see Garrett Crochet? With the Sox playing in Chicago through August 30th, could this homestand be the panacea for the Sox's inconsistent play (20:00)?Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior baseball writer for The Athletic, Marc Carig, is a Pale Hose stan. Because of this, James is compelled to ask why? Why would a West/East coast (he travels when there isn't a global pandemic) media savant be enamored by the Sox? Tune in and enjoy the ride, Bizners. Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Marc on Twitter: @MarcCarig Listen to Marc's podcast, Beyond the Scrum: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-scrum-the-baseball-stories-we-didnt-write/id1500667276 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James seriously thought he had a shot at hitting lead off for the Sox in light of Tim Anderson's injury. He really applied himself, for 30 whole minutes, in his complex's courtyard using a dish towel as home plate, what he learned from the Sox's performance facility and his wits. But when it was announced that Luis Robert would lead off, all bets were off (4:45). Jon and James analyze Robert's compelling weekend performance and his aptitude to hit first in the order. James describes his and Ricky's relationship, and the guys recall his interactions with media at his various stopping points (7:30). Dylan Cease recorded a quality start against the Royals, what was working for the 24-year-old and, caliber of opponent aside, is this the type outing he needed to jump start his year (16:30)? Welcome to the Big Leagues, Nick Madrigal (18:30)! The duo wrap up today's show discussing how Chicago is shepherding their Latin American prospects during the pandemic (23:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James and I had a full-length conversation about Jimmy John's before recording today's show. He stopped me midway through our chat and asked, "Was it you that I mentioned my issue with "Vito" meat?" It wasn't. Which means James has had, at least, two in-depth discussions about Jimmy John's subs. Welcome to 2020. It's time for the Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Cleveland edition (1:00). Giolito flaunted his fastball en route to Chicago's second win of the season. Are we already taking Yasmani for granted, and what was James' sense of his and Gio's battery? Tim Anderson may have, intentionally or unintentionally, destroyed Brad Hand's career with his postgame comments, and LUIS ROBERT'S HIT STREAK CONTINUES (5:15). The bad in the Cleveland series starts and ends with the questionable lineup configurations (13:15). The ugly, well, that's fairly obvious (20:30). James describes how Chicago is enhancing their player development amid a global pandemic (24:15), and we preview the Royals series (30:00).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Go to dugoutmugs.com/TheAthletic and use promo code “MLB30” for 30% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cleveland's deluge gave Jimmy the opportunity to tube down I-90 to reach Progressive Field. Unfortunately, when he arrived on Monday, he had to paddle back to his hotel because the game was rescheduled as a double-header. Silver lining: Jimmy copped a Jimmy John's ULTIMATE PORKER on the way back. Jon and James react to Reynaldo Lopez's injury and how his time out of the rotation will affect the team (1:15). The guys chat about the status of Rick Renteria (8:30) before gabbing about the latest Michael Kopech news (12:00). Crackjack double-header pregame analysis is served up by J&J on the way out (17:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Enjoy a refreshing beverage in your own Dugout Mug today! Visit dugoutmugs.com/TheAthletic and use code "MLB30" to save 30% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Read like Eminem's 'Without Me') Guess who's back, back again? Dan Hayes is back, why is he back? Consider telling a friend. Ol' Two Timin' Dan Hayes makes his long waited return to WSB to preview the Sox's season opener against Minnesota and much more. Let's get this out of the way first, who will win the AL Central (:30)? Does it really matter now that the playoffs are expanded?There are players that, situationally, may have latent value compared to others; is the long way of saying Jon, James and Dan identify X-factors on both Chicago and Minnesota (5:30). We give Yelp a run for its money with our White Sox short ribs review (9:15), oh, and, the three through five spots in Chicago's rotation is a tad disconcerting (11:45). James details Carlos Rodon's emotion postgame presser as well as the young pitcher's arduous journey back from injury (17:30). The gambling community loves the White Sox (22:15)! Plus, the guys swap White Sox war stories from their times on the beat...Justin Moreneau is such a conspirator (26:30).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenbergFollow Dan on Twitter: @DanHayesMLB Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James really needs to wash his dishes; it's honestly getting out of hand. He doesn't even have a clean mug to use. This platform is ad free but please, someone send James a clean Dugout Mug, or any mug for that matter. Speaking of mugs, the White Sox poured runs into an quasi-empty and clean Wrigley Field on Sunday night against the Cubs in an exhibition game, which prompted Jon and James to share their observations from the contest (:30). Jon is all about the intrastate jawing on social media (that rapscallion--6:30). How crucial is Nick Madrigal to Chiacago's offense; is Andrew Vaughn on his way to Schaumburg, and will Yoan Moncada be ready for Opening Day (9:00)? The gents swap their impressions about the synthetic crowd noise (15:30) before discuss Lucas Giolito receiving the starting nod for Opening Day (20:45). Why did the Sox eliminate some baseball operations jobs (23:30)? Plus, we break some (food) news (28:00).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T-minus one week until the White Sox are playing actual baseball! Jon and James fling words back and forth regarding Dallas Keuchel's theory on how young teams, like the Sox, perform (:45). Jon's latest trip to The Rate to watch a Sox workout stirred up two thoughts 1) Harold's Chicken should be a park staple and 2) Luis Robert is, uh, pretty heckin' good (5:45). We put James on the spot by asking him what are the biggest remaining questions surrounding the team, as the league hurls towards the opaque regular season (13:15). Schaumberg Sox is a cool name (19:00), plus Jake Burger didn't make the taxi squad, so where's he off to now (23:30)?Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James was mere milometers away from pure mai tai bliss when theWhite Sox announced prodigious young pitcher, Michael Kopech, would forego playing the 2020 MLB season. Now the biggest question on all Sox fans' minds is: why is Kopech sitting out? Jon and James list the known reasons why the 24-year-old won't be playing this season (:45). White Sox's pitching coach Don Cooper has expressed concern for Kopech, though in such a manner that speculated Kopech's history of mental heath struggles being the impetus for removal. Despite the well-intended message, neither Kopech's party or the White Sox are associating the hurler's choice with his medical history (6:00). Will there be added pressure on Kopech to perform next baseball season (12:30)? Who will fill the pitching void in the White Sox rotation (18:15)? How confident are Dane Dunning and Jimmy Lambert contributing in a year like this (21:50)? Lastly, Luis Robert isn't human (24:45).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News! News?! Well, sort of. Jonny G (no relation to Kenny G[?]) and Jimmy Pop chat about Lucas Giolito's comments on his White Sox cohorts who are currently missing from action (i.e. Moncada, Kopech, Cuthbert), plus ANDREW VAUGHN AT 3B ALERT (2:15). James then dives into his story of Reynaldo Lopez, who he, himself, believes has gained command over his previously inconsistent mental approach to baseball (8:45). What about White Sox's schedule jumped out to Jon and James (13:15), and The Field of Dreams game pits Chicago against St. Louis, but is traveling a dream for sports media members during the pandemic (18:25)? Is there any value to going to away games? You can pay the Sox to plant a cutout of yourself, a friend, a family member, whomever, in The Rate's stands. The guys envision which Chicago media members/former players would make for the best cutouts (25:15).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't know if it's true or not, but James says he's grown six inches and can dunk now. Jon didn't corroborate that claim, but I like to imagine James posterizing an NBA-caliber center while screaming "This one's for you, Brey!" Finally, Jon and James were able to set foot in the sacred, though desolate, Guaranteed Rate Field for the first time this year. The guys share takeaways from Sox practice (:45) before conversing about Yoan Moncada being "held out" of Monday's team workout (6:15). How alarming are the current Covid-19 testing delays, and have any members of the Sox expressed concern about testing inconsistencies (11:00)? Carlos Rodon, who should only be know as 'Hard Carl', is primed to contribute this season, but where does he fit in Chicago's rotation (17:00)? Plus, James and Dan Hayes will get to throw down (as long as they keep six feet apart from one another) as Chicago and Minnesota clash in their season openers (23:45).Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Greenberg and James Fegan parse through Chicago's player pool and notice a surprising omission of a former first-round pick. Plus, is there any indication as to where the Sox's second training site will be?Follow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jon on Twitter: @jon_greenberg Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Greenberg and James Fegan detail Chicago catcher's, Yasmani Grandal, rise from amateur baseball success to potential guiding voice in the White Sox clubhouse. Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah baseball, sweet, sweet baseball, how we've missed you. Now, how do we plan on covering you during one of the most strenuous times in recent memory? Jon Greenberg and James Fegan lay out what obstacles reporters face covering teams in a condensed season and amid a pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball! Baseball is back! Scream it from the mountain tops! Hug the closest fan next to you...psych! Don't do that. We're in the middle of a pandemic. Jon Greenburg and James Fegan broach if the condensed season is good or bad for the young White Sox (:30). Just how good is Chicago's advanced scouting, and can it be a valuable instrument in a shortened year (3:30)? We take mildly informed shots in the dark, in regards to Chicago's overall record, for your entertainment (6:45). Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're at the point where every MLB negotiation update is like the fisherman from that State Farm commercial that teases and tempts us with that tantalizing dollar bill. Tom and James aggressively apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer at hearing the news of Rob Manfred and Tony Clark rendezvousing in Arizona (1:30). What concessions will both sides need to make in order to reach a compromise? Tom, in an act of defiance, denounces MLB's expanded playoffs (9:45). How can the Sox cash in on the universal designated hitter (16:30)? Plus, we give hugs and kisses to Tom as he departs from White Sox Business (25:00).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow a generic soccer account on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom and James aren't the only White Sox faithfuls that have put their cojones on a table at some point in time. The Bizners tour Chicago's draft selections and react to Tony Vitello, White Sox first-round selection Garrett Crochet’s coach at Tennessee, "cojones" comment (2:45) and whether the 20-year-old left-handed pitcher will sign below slot value (7:30). The guys also study Chicago's remaining four draft picks: righty hurler Jared Kelley (9:30) as well as the trio of pitchers that rounded out the draft - Adisyn Coffey, Kade Mechals and Bailey Horn (18:00). Plus, baseball's driving towards a cliff at an alarming rate (21:30).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Table Cojones on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy one year anniversary to White Sox Business! Get your rammin' man hard hats on and buckle up, this episode is dynamite. Out of the blocks, Tommy and Jimmy rejoice that there's White Sox news to cover, though that's short lived, as James expresses his concerns about Chicago's first-round draft selection, Garrett Crochet (1:00). The Athletic's senior baseball writer, Keith Law, then joins the Business to indulge Tom and James on all their questions about Crochet, among other things, and the draft as a whole (9:15)! What observations has Keith made about Crochet's pitching repertoire that's liken him to another former all-star White Sox pitcher? What's Crochet's ceiling? A middle of the rotation hurler or an effective long-term reliever (15:25)? Where does Crochet rank among current White Sox prospects (19:15), plus who does Keith believe to be the most surprising first-round get (21:30)?  Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Keith on Twitter: @keithlawFollow the big Bizner on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man, I've had so many hard outs lately; I think Tom's mentioned it in, like, the last three episodes. But hey, that's the life of a superstar producer - yaknowwhatImean ahah. Speaking of superstars, which soon-to-be White Sox will ascend to the game's pinnacle? Keanan Lamb, Senior MLB Draft Writer at Baseball Prospectus, joins Tommy and Jimmy to determine which precocious young fellow will be joining the White Sox in this year's MLB Draft (9:30). Keanan gives you Bizners the 411 on prospects projected to Chicago, such as Reid Detmers (12:15), Max Meyer (13:30), Pete Crow-Armstrong (18:00), Patrick Bailey (19:30), Heston Kjerstad (25:00), Garrett Mitchell (28:00), Ed Howard (29:30) and with all the chips on the table, Keanan shares who he believes Chicago will draft 11th overall (32:15). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelli Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Kenan on Twitter: @keananlamb Follow the White Sox's Draft on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Husband of the year, James Fegan, who is also the head chef of his own imaginary restaurant that I came up with, Feeding Fegan, whipped up a delectable dinner for his misses. What did he make? Hell if I know. But it instigated a hunger in me that can only be quelled by baseball talk. Eric Longenhagen, FanGraphs Lead Prospect Analyst and consummate hairy gentleman, gives Tommy and Jimmy the deets on this year's draft (5:15). How did Eric's approach to this year's draft differ than in years past as he, and the rest of the scouting world, are conforming to the pandemic? WHO WILL THE WHITE SOX DRAFT? TELL US, ERIC (18:50)? Considering the circumstances, is this the year for Chicago to gamble on a prospect (24:45), plus, Eric enlightens the boys on Luis Robert's swing adjustments (37:30) and Nick Madrigal's upside (42:15). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelli Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Eric on Twitter: @longenhagen Follow James' Imaginary Restaurant on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Scoops Fegan strikes, which we wished was more often, you know it's going to be good episode. James unveils and details news he broke earlier today; the White Sox plan to pay minor league players through June (1:30). What was the impetus for Chicago paying its fledgling professional athletes, and why aren't all clubs taking note? Tommy Boy and Jimmy welcome Hall of Fame Baseball writer and The Athletic MLB scribe extraordinaire, Jayson Stark, to the Business (9:00). The trio tackle presumptive plans to jump-start the season, and ponder baseball's standing and stature in America if there isn't a 2020 season. Are the initial reports about MLB/MLBPA sour negotiations normal practice, or is there more to read into (14:30)? Is the current player/owner battlefield a preview for 2021 and a new CBA (16:30)? Jayson gives his take on if stomaching rate stats in a shortened season is possible, and what aspect of the game will be forever altered by this phenomena (23:30)? James' three-wins, zero-loss record is put to the test another edition of 10-ty Questions (33:30). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Jayson on Twitter: @jaysonstFollow #SandalSzn on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% on your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wait? You purposefully tuned into this show? Double-check to make sure it's the podcast you think it is, you probably meant to click on the 'What Is Sports?' series. Oh, you didn't?! Well, all right, we're glad to have you...I haven't thought this far ahead. OK. Tom and James react to the White Sox keeping its full-time employees, and play off of news that isn't really news, but we treat it like news. Will the season be one big asterisk? Even the counting stats? What's our favorite White Sox memorabilia and where does "Glow" rank among The Athletic's sports series rankings?Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow 'And There Was Never A Doubt' on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Business is open and we're glad you stopped in to listen (even if it wasn't intentional). Tommy and James use Jim Margalus (@SoxMachine) recent tweet as a prompt to discuss the excitement and validity of a possible White Sox championship in a condensed season (2:30). After, we three (that includes me!) draft our favorite baseball movies in a four-round no holds barred slugfest that features James screaming "dammit" at the top of his lungs (14:50). How can we conceivably wrap up an episode without mentioning Tiago (46:30)? Plus, Tom's Two Cents returns as he dismantles MJ's flu game conspiracy theories (49:30).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow the guy you wish you could be on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At this point, we need a White Sox Business virtual avatar daycare between old-enough, though angsty and cranky, Tiago Fegan, and Iowa State's scorned, though equally hungry and tired, OC, Sweets McCrae (can Tom and Jimmy afford child support...maybe that's why they do this show?). James recounts his disheveled appearance in his Zoom call with WSB favorite, ex-Sox and current Samsung Lions' infielder in the KBO, Tyler Saladino (8:00). Saladino reveals KBO's preventative and reactionary safety measures, including unpleasant Covid testing (12:30). Good Take/Bad Take comes and goes like James in Tiago's life, but while we play, we consider MLB's coronavirus testing frequency (22:00), baseball can be played without players spitting, chewing, or eating sunflower seeds (26:15), Blake Snell’s Twitch comments weren’t great from a PR standpoint (31:40) and It is Jerry Reinsdorf’s fault the Bulls dynasty ended after six titles (42:30---podcast properly edited by Jacqueline Fegan).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Sweets McCrae on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he's not writing comedy skits, drinking rum (?) and Coke (?) and flipping off girl scouts, James and Tom are delivering hard hitting (it's an intended baseball pun) interviews with members of the White Sox like pitcher Aaron Bummer, who joins us today (3:15)! Twitter aficionado, Aaron, breaks down why he liked James' tweet featuring himself in his formative years giving the 'bird' before discussing his thoughts on MLB proposal for a 2020 season (11:00), maintaining fit despite less training structure (14:45) and the hardships those without a contract (like Bummer has) may face during this time (17:00). Bummer reacts to radical changes to the game, including the three-batter rule (18:45) and a condensed draft (23:15). Jimmy and TomTom pick Bummer's brain about how to approach a fight, considering he was involved in the Tigers brawl back in 2000 (25:50). Plus, is the job of the head football coach at Bummer's alma mater, Scott Frost, Nebraska, in jeopardy (31:30)? James 10-ty question winning-streak is put to the test (38:15). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Aaron on Twitter: @aaronbummerFollow the host of 10-ty Qs on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another rollicking edition of White Sox Business! A show where James references his affection for 'Jane the Virgin', but every insightful question Tom and I pose to Jimmy to better understand the series (and our friend), he shrugs us off, and comments about finishing the series a week ago and that it's old news. With that out of the way. Tom and Notre Dame's sketch group president key in on Ken Rosenthal's latest MLB plan reports that include cross-league divisions and the universal DH (6:30). We (that includes me, Cam, the producer of this show...please remember me) draft our favorite sports that aren't baseball (22:15) before we shoehorn in today's 'Fegan Focus', the myopic MLB Draft (40:45). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow James' Sketch Comedy Group on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since last episode, it's been decided that James has no taste in music, and that Vanessa Carlton's 'A Thousand Miles' is, one hundred percent, a banger. Speaking of bangers, today's interview with the Birmingham Barons radio announcer, Curt Bloom, is absolutely smashing (4:00)! The guys chat about Curt's near three-decade stint as the Barons announcer, starting back in 1992, and his interactions with a certain NBA star turned bat-toting wonder, Danny Aing...PSYCH...it's Michael Jordan. HA GOT 'EM! The trio delve into 'The Last Dance' and Jordan's magnetic nature in the way he attracted fans as well as Curt's pick-up game with his Airness (10:00), MJ's gradual growth on the field (15:30), the better prospect, Luis Robert or MJ (20:25), and Curt's under the radar MJ tale (28:30). Before we wrap, Tom and SCOOPS pledge their allegiance to a KBO club for the season (37:45).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Curt on Twitter: @CurtBloom4Follow Jordan's bat on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James' favorite music is television static. His favorite pastime, watching paint dry. Truly a scintillating personality, and his hobbies run the gamut. There's nothing banal about the new Dos Equis man, and if think there is, which there isn't because he loves 'A Thousand Miles' (:45), you can just choke on your words...speaking of choking (perfect segue. Great job, Cam!), Lucas Giolito fell a game short of bringing home the hardware that matters in The Show Players' Tournament (4:55). Tom and James navigate the winners, losers and most memorable comments from The Athletic's White Sox fan survey (10:30), including: What were the team expectations for 2020 (before everything changed -- 13:15), Besides Luis Robert, which prospect will have the most fruitful career (18:55), Which current position player will end up having the best career (27:30), A shortage of pretzels in the press box provokes a battle royal among White Sox beat writers. Who survives (you won't believe the answer -- 35:45), and, the coup de grace, How often do you listen to the White Sox Business podcast (please...tell your friends. I'm scared. -- 39:35)? The duo, to their chagrin, take a look at the most...noteworthy comments (41:00).Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Vanessa Carlton Stan account: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey cool Biz and Bizners, it's your favorite Bizner producer, Producer Cam. Did you know there are few things that can survive contact with molten rock? Just (tiger) food for thought. The Athletic's Cubs beat reporter (and 'Onto Waveland' podcast co-host), Sahadev Sharma, joins the guys in imagining a divisional realignment, as reported by USA Today's Bob Nightengale, that would pit the Sox in the same grouping as the Cubs (4:10). Sahadev and James reveal their Cubs and White Sox Super Teams (9:30), and discuss the result of the controversial simulated game between the two fantasy clubs (#ShadySahadev - 15:20). Sahadev and the Sox Squad postulate if the pandemic has effectively closed the Cubs' window of contention (22:20) and if Kris Bryant will re-sign (31:00). Tom and James dive into the latter's piece about new Bears' tight end, Cole Kmet, and how the White Sox coveted him at one point (39:30). Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelli Follow James on Twitter: @JRFegan Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow molten rocks on Twitter: @WriteSox Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi, hello, and welcome to White Sox Business; a show where two maniacs talk about rum and coke, Mel Kiper Jr.'s less football savvy offspring and the Alps' geographical boundaries with some White Sox baseball sprinkled in. Tom and James react to the, in all likelihood (inevitable), cancellation, but for now, not cancelled, MLB's Field of Dream game between the Sox and Yankees. ESPN's Jeff Passan's recent report about baseball eventually starting stirs up hope in the hearts of baseball fans, even if it's just a little; however, the slightly optimistic news is kinda overshadowed by MiLB cutting bait with a large portion of its affiliates. How does this affect the Sox's minor league system? Plus, James Kiper Jr. grades the Chicago Bears draft! Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh yeah, baby! Another rollicking edition of WSB is here, and with a guest, no less. The Athletic's Minnesota Twins beat reporter (and longest-running interviewee, plus former Sox writer), Ol' Two Timein' Dan Hayes, joins Tommy and Jimmy to analyze...uh...proper sidewalk etiquette during the pandemic (4:15). OK, baseball talk. The triumvirate tackle an event in which tackles executed, the 2000 White Sox-Detroit Tigers brawl (17:40). The guys propose a White Sox-Twins Twitch streaming war lead by Sox ace, Lucas Giolito, and Twins hurler, Trevor May (21:45). Dan finally cracks and spills the beans on Minnesota's outlook if/when there is a season, plus, will Nelson Cruz finish his career with the Twins (28:15)? Triggered James is in rare form, as he unfurls a tirade defending Mark Buehrle from Tom's assertion that he was all grit and guile (36:40). Lastly, Dan answers what aspect of reporter he misses being cranky about (41:55). Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he's not embarrassing opposing batters as himself in The Show 2020 to a massive audience on Twitch, White Sox ace Lucas Giolito is doing a ton of other stuff that doesn't involve Tom or James. But, but, for 30 spectacular minutes, he joined White Sox Business to chat the video game lifestyle (3:45), conditioning and training during quarantine (12:05), owning the inside of the plate (17:15---and even hitting his pally, and fellow pitcher, Max Fried), the late Ed Farmer (23:45) and answering listener questions (31:30). After Giolito's departure, Tommy and James revisit the two brawls against the Detroit Tigers in 2000 in honor of its 20th year anniversary (35:30). Plus, we pizza-bate (48:15)! Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomFornelliFollow James on Twitter: @JRFeganFollow Lucas on Twitter: @LGio27 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane the Virgin and James have a lot in common, including that fact that they're both still virgins...actually, we might need to fact check that one. I've not watched JTV. After Jimmy briefly synopsizes Jane the Virgin, the duo dive into the greatest trade in Chicago White Sox franchise history, Jon Garland for Matt Karchner (4:55). Why is this trade the greatest in the storied Sox history? Well, listen and find out. Oh, also, the guys deliver perspective on the increased value of prospects and embracing analytics during this time (10:45). White Sox Business' magnum opus is here (well...maybe until Monday); Tommy and Jimmy each draft a team of current White Sox players, and we want you to decide who the better GM is (18:55)! Listen to the episode and vote on Twitter for whomever owns the best team!Tom's Twitter: @TomFornelli/@WriteSoxJames' Twitter: @JRFegan Save 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/southside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices