Shane Smith snubbed? Baseball America's excluded him from their All-Rookie team when he had better numbers than at least one pitcher who got the recognition over him.

Host Todd Welter dissects Smith's impressive stats, comparing them to Yankees' Will Warren. The discussion shifts to Colson Montgomery's unconventional inclusion as DH. He also discusses how the Chicago's South Side team can replicate something the city's North Side team, the Chicago Cubs, have done.

The new Fan Poll Friday's segment reveals intriguing insights on bullpen priorities, next season expectations, and 2025's biggest surprises.

0:00 Intro: Shane Smith snubbed, Colson Montgomery recognized

5:10 Comparing Shane Smith's stats to Will Warren's

10:14 Cubs defense could apply to White Sox rebuild

15:52 Addressing second base remains a question mark

20:31 New segment: Fan Poll Fridays introduced

24:39 Expectations for next season and biggest surprises

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The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees-Toronto Blue Jays matchups.

The hosts also challenge the "championship or bust" mentality, exploring the value of the entire MLB season beyond October glory. Tune in for expert insights on how analytics and gut instincts shape postseason baseball strategy.

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FanDuel

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Former White Sox stars shine in playoffs. What could have been for Chicago's South Side squad?

Host Todd Welter analyzes ex-White Sox players Garrett Crochet, Dylan Cease, and Carlos Rodon making waves in October. He explores why the Chicago White Sox struggled to retain top talent, dissecting issues in drafting, player development, and contract negotiations. Welter tackles listener questions on Luis Robert Jr.'s positioning, Mike Tauchman's potential role, and balancing free agent signings with prospect growth. The discussion covers Colson Montgomery's future, Grant Taylor's pitching metrics, and MLB's complex arbitration system.

0:00 Intro: Former White Sox players in playoffs

5:09 Reasons to ponder "what could have been"

15:54 Colson Montgomery's hitting profile and potential

25:04 Exploring outfield options and prospect development

30:10 Difference between arbitration and pre-arbitration players

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Chicago White Sox fans, the debate is on! Who's the team's best hitter this season? Host Todd Welter breaks down the top contenders, including Colson Montgomery's power surge and Kyle Teel's impressive stats.

Recent coaching staff changes take center stage as Welter analyzes the dismissals of pitching coach Ethan Katz and hitting coach Marcus Thames. He explores the impact on young talent and the team's future. The discussion shifts to former White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet's dominant performance for the Boston Red Sox in their wild card series against the Yankees. Welter reflects on the trade that sent Crochet to Boston and ponders what could have been.

0:00 Intro: White Sox best hitter debate

5:09 Comparing Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teal's stats

15:49 Why Ethan Katz and Marcus Thames were let go

24:28 Analyzing the Garrett Crochet trade

28:32 What if: 2020 Wild Card Series Game 3

5-Hour ENERGY
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Host Todd Welter and Chicago Sun-Times beat reporter Kyle Williams break down the surprising dismissals of pitching coach Ethan Katz and hitting coach Marcus Thames.

They analyze Will Venable's first year as manager, highlighting his data-driven approach and player relationships. The discussion covers standout performances from Shane Smith and Colson Montgomery, bullpen management challenges, and offseason priorities for the South Siders.

0:00 Intro: White Sox coaching staff shakeup

5:22 Standout players from the 2025 season

8:58 Will Venable's performance as manager

14:17 Improved clubhouse atmosphere in 2025

16:42 Offseason needs: Starting pitching a priority

23:23 Potential offseason moves and payroll outlook

28:40 Cubs playoff predictions and coverage

5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Host Todd Welter breaks down Shane Smith's dominant final start and unexpected rise as the team's best pitcher.

The discussion covers Michael A. Taylor's retirement impact and Will Venable's praise for the veteran's leadership. Key topics include the Birmingham Barons' Southern League championship with standout performances from prospects Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith

0:00 Shane Smith's dominant final start

5:10 Smith's impressive rookie season performance

16:22 Should White Sox add veteran outfielder?

26:42 Tanner McDougal shines in playoff start

5-Hour ENERGY
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

GUARDIANS SURGE, TIGERS COLLAPSE: MLB PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP

Cleveland Guardians stun Detroit Tigers with late-season comeback. Can they clinch a playoff spot in the final weekend? Jeff Carr and Justin Lada break down the Guardians' impressive turnaround, highlighting key players and strategic moves. The discussion covers the Tigers' epic collapse, vulnerable teams heading into October, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen concerns. Sully introduces his "Summer Score" metric, offering unique insights into team performance. Don't miss the heated debate on MLB's playoff format and its impact on fan engagement. Tune in for expert analysis on the most exciting storylines as the regular season comes to a dramatic close.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Host Todd Welter and SB Nation's editor of SouthSideSox.com, Brett Ballantini, dissect the White Sox's historically abysmal performance, breaking down their record-setting futility. They then talk about the offseason wish list. Then they wrap up discussing if the team can ever rebuild the trust it broke with the fanbase.

0:00 Intro: Historic White Sox losing season

5:01 Pitching not the problem, hitting historically bad

10:53 Discussing candidates for next White Sox manager

18:45 Evaluating Grady Sizemore as interim manager

24:39 Outlook for 2025 season and beyond

5-Hour ENERGY
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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)