Shane Smith was an All-Star in 2025, but can the Chicago White Sox pitcher make the leap to elite ace status? The gap between dominant stuff and consistent excellence requires three critical improvements.

Todd Welter breaks down Smith's path forward, analyzing his stamina concerns after fading in June and July, his underutilized curveball that posted a 48.1% whiff rate, and the advanced metrics where he needs to match Cy Young caliber arms like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. 

The discussion also examines the organizational dysfunction that followed Tony LaRussa's rehiring five years ago, when unclear leadership between Jerry Reinsdorf, Kenny Williams, and Rick Hahn contributed to the franchise's decline. Plus, the Sherman Johnson hiring from the Baltimore Orioles organization signals the White Sox's direction for their hitting coach position, with Ryan Fuller's network likely playing a key role.

0:00 Intro

1:04 Shane Smith's path from dude to ace

3:07 Stamina issues derailed Smith's rookie season

6:11 Pitch selection needs improvement for success

8:12 Comparing Smith to Cy Young winners

9:14 Tony La Russa hire marked franchise dysfunction

12:18 Jerry Reinsdorf's regret that changed everything

15:25 Would La Russa have succeeded in Chicago

17:28 Front office finally functioning with collaboration

19:29 Sherman Johnson hire signals hitting philosophy direction

22:32 Why Marcus Timms had to go

24:35 Joel McKeith makes sense as hitting coach

27:09 What the hitting coach role requires

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, 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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.