2020 Best of: FutureSox Podcast

Below are links to a number of podcasts that stood out across 2020. You may subscribe and listen to the FutureSox Podcast at any preferred outlet, including Apple, Google and Spotify.

BEST OF 2020

March 17 — Keith Law
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome The Athletic’s Keith Law to the podcast to discuss White Sox baseball amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Keith touches on the 2020 MLB Draft and provides his evaluations on Luis Robert, Michael Kopech, Andrew Vaughn, Nick Madrigal, Jonathan Stiever, Bryce Bush and more.

March 20 — Kiley McDaniel
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome ESPN Baseball Insider Kiley McDaniel to the FutureSox podcast. The three discuss Kiley’s background with Fangraphs and what led him to ESPN before switching gears to prospects. They talk about newest Cuban White Sox prospect Norge Vera, and the White Sox’ rumored interest in Yoelkis Cespedes and Oscar Colas. Other topics include the Sox’ potential draft strategy, their interest in Texan pitcher Jared Kelley and Mount Carmel HS shortstop Ed Howard, Luis Robert, the development of Nick Madrigal and Andrew Vaughn, and much more.

March 24 — Josh Nelson
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome Sox Machine Podcast host Josh Nelson to the show to discuss White Sox as mandatory sheltering and social distancing continues. Josh touches on a lot of important organizational philosophies that helped the Sox get to where they are today. He also mentions the value in guys like Bryce Bush, Kade McClure, Matt Zaleski and several others. Later, the guys talk about the uncertainty over the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft and the implications should baseball decide to push it to 2021.

March 26 — Matt Spiegel
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome 670 the Score host Matt Spiegel to the FutureSox podcast. The guys react to the news related to the MLB Amateur Draft, as well as get Matt’s take on the job Rob Manfred has done as commissioner during these trying times. Spiegel offers up a story about touring the White Sox spring facilities. He also talks about organizational philosophy and how its changed since the start of the 2010 decade. 

April 7 — Alyssa Bergamini
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome Alyssa Bergamini of the Chicago White Sox to the podcast to discuss Alyssa’s journey as a multi-media journalist. She talks her experience with the organization, the player’s she’s been able to work with across her eight-year career and what it means to work for a club she’s rooted for her entire life. 

May 2 — Eric Longenhagen
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcome FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen to the show to discuss the future of amateur scouting departments, the value of analytics within the White Sox organization and the status of MiLB in 2020. Eric also breaks down the value of recent international target RHP Norge Vera, as well as how Yoelqui Cespedes & Oscar Colas look going into the next international signing period. Later, several top Sox prospects are evaluated like Yolbert Sanchez, Benyamin Bailey, Jose Rodriguez and Micker Adolfo, among others. 

May 17 — Julie Brady
FutureSox Advanced-A correspondent of the Chicago White Sox, Julie Brady, joined Mike Rankin on the podcast to talk baseball. Julie shares her story on how she was captivated by the White Sox, her path to working in the minor leagues and how she joined us at FutureSox. Julie later highlights several players she was able to cover over the last two Dash seasons, including: Luis Robert, Nick Madrigal, Andrew Vaughn, Jonathan Stiever, Konnor Pilkington, Kade McClure and Yermin Mercedes, among others. The two also share their perspective on baseball’s current state during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

June 4 — Blake Rutherford & Micker Adolfo
Clinton Cole spoke with outfielders Blake Rutherford and Micker Adolfo to catch up on how their routines are holding up as they await word on the 2020 Major League Baseball season. Adolfo has been a part of the White Sox system since 2014, following what was then a franchise record $1.6 million international signing commitment. The 24-year-old outfielder shares what he’s been working on following Tommy John surgery in 2018.

June 9 — Emily Waldon
National prospect writer Emily Waldon of The Athletic and Baseball America joined Mike Rankin and James Fox ahead of the 2020 MLB Draft. Emily covers the Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliates and previewed what the White Sox division rivals have in top prospect Tarik Skubal, as well as what their draft strategy will be on June 10-11. Waldon also led an initiative to help MiLB players who were affected by COVID-19 by providing them work opportunities through her network. The trio also discusses what a unionized Minor League scene would look like and how it would impact Major League Baseball as a whole. 

June 13 — MLB Draft recap
Mike Rankin, James Fox and Sean Williams break down the Chicago White Sox five round 2020 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. The guys share their excitement and optimism over second round pick Jared Kelley, who was often described as a top-20 prospect in the class. They follow the conversation with an explanation of Garrett Crochet’s value following his selection at No. 11 overall. Later, the trio provides an evaluation of the remaining three picks: RHP/SS Adisyn Coffey, RHP Kade Mechals and LHP Bailey Horn. 

June 18 — Jared Kelley
Chicago White Sox 2nd round draft pick Jared Kelley joined the FutureSox podcast to discuss his experience getting drafted by the organization. The 18-year-old right handed pitcher shared perspective on his time in high school, how he feels about the effectiveness of his pitches, where he stands at this point in his career as well as the relationships he’s making early on with the White Sox. 

June 23 — Josh Norris
Senior Editor of Baseball America, Josh Norris, joined Mike Rankin and James Fox on the FutureSox Podcast to talk Chicago White Sox farm system. Where do Garrett Crochet and Jared Kelley rankin the Sox top-30? How does an expanded Arizona Fall League sound? What does the organization have in Bryce Bush, Luis Mieses, Bryan Ramos, DJ Gladney, Benyamin Bailey, Anderson Comas and Victor Torres, among others?

June 26 — Garrett Crochet
2020 Chicago White Sox No. 11 overall pick Garrett Crochet joined Mike Rankin and James Fox to discuss his process throughout draft season. Crochet detailed how his mentality and work ethic evolved as he progressed through the University of Tennessee. He also shared his workout schedule leading up to Major League Baseball’s 60-game season. 

July 19 — Andrew Vaughn
Clinton Cole had a conversation with Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn just a week prior to the start of the 2020 MLB season. Vaughn shared what it’s like playing with his big league teammates, how he spent his time during quarantine as well as his favorite baseball memory to this point in his career. 

August 10 — Devin DeYoung
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed Double-A Birmingham coach Devin DeYoung to the FutureSox podcast to discuss his role within the organization. He shared how intently he and the White Sox are working with biomechanics as a means of player development. DeYoung spent 2019 with the Boston Red Sox before returning to Chicago. Prior to his opportunity in the affiliated scene, DeYoung began his professional career in independent baseball. He provided perspective on the industry’s outlook moving forward. 

September 1 — Kevin Dziepak
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed Kevin Dziepak, formerly of 670 the Score and the Mully & Haugh Show, to pick his brain following Major League Baseball’s trade deadline. The White Sox were linked to several starting pitchers, including Lance Lynn, Mike Clevinger and Brandon Woodruff. What went behind the organization’s decision to stand pat? Later, the trio attempt to explore what’s ahead for the White Sox in 2020 and beyond. What will be the plan of attack this offseason? Are Reynaldo Lopez and Carlos Rodon legitimate rotation options moving forward? How does Dane Dunning fit into all of this? Kevin also details the value he believes Michael Kopech can provide to the Sox in 2021.

October 15 — White Sox move on from Don Cooper & Rick Renteria
Mike Rankin, James Fox and Dan Santaromita discuss the decision of the White Sox to move on from manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper. Tony La Russa emerged as an early candidate to fill the role as manager, but the panel isn’t necessarily sold on the rumors. They go on to explain their rationale behind supporting AJ Hinch if he were to join the organization. Mike, James and Dan also discuss internal candidates to fill the job as pitching coach. How will the White Sox incorporate Garrett Crochet into the equation next season? Is he a starter long term? Later, the guys highlight needs as the club heads into a pivotal offseason, as well as discuss the future of Nomar Mazara.

*Rick Hahn audio provided courtesy of the Chicago White Sox.

October 22 — Zack Burdi
Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed on 2016 first round draft pick Zack Burdi to discuss how he was able to overcome two major injuries on his way to his Major League debut in 2020. Burdi is entering an offseason fully healthy and shared insight on analytical incorporation throughout his time in the organization. 

December 3 — White Sox lose Great Falls Voyagers
Mike Rankin and Dan Santaromita dissected the recent decision by the Chicago White Sox to non-tender contracts to LHP Carlos Rodon and OF Nomar Mazara. The organization also announced its coaching staff following the hire of manager Tony La Russa. 

Later, former FutureSox Editor-in-Chief Matt Cassidy joined Mike and Dan to break down the significance of the Pioneer League no longer being recognized as Major League affiliated. As a result, the White Sox lost its rookie-level affiliate Great Falls Voyagers. Under the partnership of MLB,  the Pioneer League operates as independent. What does it all mean and what can we expect from this change moving forward? 

December 10 — White Sox trade Dane Dunning and Avery Weems
Mike Rankin, James Fox and Dan Santaromita got together to discuss several pieces of news surrounding the Chicago White Sox. 

The team lost right-handed pitcher AJ Puckett and selected right-hander Martin Carrasco in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. Earlier in the week, pitchers Dane Dunning and Avery Weems were traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for starting righty Lance Lynn. The White Sox also signed Adam Eaton to a one year deal with a team option in 2022. 

Mike, Dan and James reacted to the moves, as well as explored options within the system that may provide depth sooner rather than later. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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1 thought on “2020 Best of: FutureSox Podcast”

  1. Garret Crochet, Michael Kopech and Andrew Vaughn are going to be perennial All-Stars. Add that to what they already have – WOW! Can’t wait for spring training!

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