CONTENDER OR PRETENDER: White Sox offense CARRIES team while pitching REMAINS major October concern

The Chicago White Sox offense dazzled against the Philadelphia Phillies, but will shaky pitching hold them back from a postseason run? Key stats reveal how Chicago manufactured runs and frustrated opposing pitchers, propelling hopes for October baseball—if the starting rotation and bullpen can keep pace. Host Todd Welter scrutinizes the glaring gap between the White Sox’s potent lineup and inconsistent rotation, questioning if arms like Sean Burke and Davis Martin are ready for prime time. Welter spotlights the productive bats of Sam Antonacci, Tristan Peters, and Chase Meidroth, whose gritty, “annoyingly good” play is energizing the Southsiders. He breaks down why young relievers and future aces like Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith must remain untouchable as the trade deadline approaches and highlights which prospects could be moved for much-needed pitching help. With critical roster decisions looming, can General Manager Chris Getz position the White Sox as true contenders? 00:00 White Sox Hitting vs. Pitching Gap Analysis of the White Sox lineup's strength compared to pitching struggles; overview of the Philly series and team outlook. 10:10 Emerging Annoying Players Discussion on newly impactful players like Sam Antonacci and Tristan Peters, their contributions, and value as "annoying" assets. 21:04 Trade Deadline: Untouchable Prospects Examination of which White Sox prospects should be considered untouchable if the team becomes trade deadline buyers and farm system strategy. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwhitesox.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Cash App Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/2ut33jnc #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa®️ Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.comor on Amazon. HIMS To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.comLOCKEDONMLB Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started 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