About this episode

Chuck Garfien discusses the early stages of the 2026 season with Dan Plesac, focusing on Munetaka Murakami's power and the White Sox's pitching strategies.

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB Network and CHSN White Sox analyst Dan Plesac for a conversation on the early stages of the 2026 season. They open with Munetaka Murakami’s power surge and why Plesac sees shades of Kyle Schwarber in his game. Plesac also shares his thoughts on Davis Martin’s impressive form and the early impact of rookie lefty Noah Schultz. Later, the conversation dives into the White Sox rotation’s standout numbers and what it will take for Shane Smith to work his way back to the big leagues. Plesac offers his perspective on modern pitching strategies like using an opener and what steps the Sox need to take to climb back to .500. He also reflects on his passion for covering the team as a lifelong South Side fan and shares why the return of the Southside rally polo has him fired up for the season ahead.

People in this episode

Host: Chuck Garfien

Guest: Dan Plesac

Topics covered

• baseball
• White Sox
• MLB analysis
• pitching strategies
• rookie performance
• player comparisons

Keywords

• Munetaka Murakami
• Kyle Schwarber
• Davis Martin
• Noah Schultz
• Shane Smith
• White Sox
• MLB Network
• pitching strategies
• baseball analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MLB Network, CHSN

Places: South Side

More episodes of The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

• Josh Barfield on Murakami, Montgomery and how they're rebuilding the White Sox · April 23, 2026 · 28 min
• This is the BEST VERSION of Davis Martin · April 16, 2026 · 32 min
• Charlotte Knights Manager Chad Pinder on Noah Schultz and Sam Antonacci · April 14, 2026 · 37 min
• Mike Vasil: This is the beginning of Dark Knight Rises · April 9, 2026 · 19 min
• Tristan Peters on his JOURNEY from the Savannah Bananas to the White Sox · April 7, 2026 · 24 min
• Ozzie Guillen talks keys to early-season turnaround and Opening Day memories · April 2, 2026 · 58 min

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