Bucco Bantr

Mike Rankin and James Fox began the show by reacting to the Major League Baseball Rule 5 draft that saw the Chicago White Sox select right-handed pitcher Nick Avila. Then, Mike and James gave their thoughts on the Major League Baseball Draft Lottery. How sustainable is that model? Later, the show took a deep dive into the highlights of the White Sox's farm system, which includes positive updates on 2022 first round draft pick Noah Schultz and 20-year-old right-hander Cristian Mena, among others.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox reacted to the news of Jose Abreu's departure to the Houston Astros as well as the Chicago White Sox's decision to sign right-handed starter Mike Clevinger. How does Clevinger's addition to the active roster impact the way general manager Rick Hahn maneuvers the remainder of the offseason? Now that Abreu is no longer manning first base on the south side, how will the 26-man roster take shape? Is Jake Burger still a part of the White Sox's plans?

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Rundown:

• With Garrett Crochet's starting pitching future dashed, what are the player development lessons with his situation? How should those apply when watching Noah Schultz's development?
• Jose Rodriguez inches closer to the majors as he's added to the 40-man roster. Where does he stack up with other White Sox middle infield prospects?
• Adam Engel and Danny Mendick were non-tendered, but they should be considered player development wins for the White Sox.
• Baseball Prospectus released its Top 10 list. Josh and James review highlighting some key omissions and ponder how to rank recent draftees.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox opened the show by exploring the significant 40-man decisions ahead of general manager Rick Hahn and the Chicago White Sox. Mike and James reacted to former White Sox outfielder AJ Pollock's decision to decline his player option, making him a free agent. What does that decision mean for Oscar Colas, the free agent market and potential trade partners around the league? Later, the guys talked through Garrett Crochet's status as a Major League pitcher and whether or not the future includes the left-hander as a starter.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed on Alex Feuz, host of the Whole New Ballgame & Whole New Story Podcast, to talk about new Chicago White Sox manager Pedro Grifol. Based out of Kansas City, Alex provided insight on the qualities of the new Sox skipper after following Grifol's tenure with the Royals. Later, Mike and James discussed significant 40-man roster decisions on the horizon, which includes a focus on second base and right field.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox reacted to the White Sox's announcement of Pedro Grifol as the organization's manager. In an introductory press conference, Grifol and general manager Rick Hahn spoke on expectations and a new attitude surrounding the clubhouse. Mike and James listened back to a number of quotes from the aforementioned Sox representatives. Later, the show provided details about the rest of the coaching staff and who likely fills in as the new hitting coach.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox introduced Jeff Feyerer, a new contributor to FutureSox and Sox Machine, to discuss the latest on the Chicago White Sox's managerial search. Is Ozzie Guillen the top candidate? Later, the group shared their versions of the White Sox offseason plan. Mike, James and Jeff detailed positions of strength the organization may be able to deal from. 

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Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed on Ryan Johansen of johansenbaseball.com and winreality.com to discuss his time with the Chicago White Sox. Johansen worked with current hitting coordinator Andy Barkett and assistant general manager Chris Getz to help implement the information gathered through technology in player development. Later, Mike and James provided an update on the White Sox managerial search as well as reacted to the news of Sox Fest's cancellation.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed on Chicago White Sox hitting instructor Devin DeYoung, who is assigned to develop talent in Arizona for the franchise. DeYoung shared insight on organizational hitting philosophy and how new technology is being implemented in their teachings. He also explained the value of 'Project Birmingham' and what it means for players who were challenged at the double-A level for the first time in their respective careers.

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Mike Rankin and James Fox welcomed on Herb Lawrence of CHGO Sports in Chicago. The group reacted to rumors that included managerial candidates and uncertainty toward Jose Abreu's return to the south side in 2023.

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