Miami Marlins chart a bold path from 100-loss season to playoff contenders—can the Chicago White Sox mimic their turnaround? Todd Welter and guest Eli Sussman, host of the Fish on First Podcast, break down how Peter Bendix transformed the Marlins' front office using Tampa Bay Rays-inspired strategies, analytics, and a roster overhaul. The conversation explores critical moves like trading Trevor Rogers for Connor Norby, the calculated swap of Edward Cabrera for Owen Cassie, and the impact of strategic bullpen flips. Key topics include the Marlins’ shift in organizational culture, Bruce Sherman’s investment focus, and fresh leadership under manager Clayton McCullough. The discussion compares the Marlins’ rise to the White Sox’s current rebuild, questioning whether Chicago is just one year behind Miami's blueprint. Inside takes on fan engagement, the arrival of new talent like Murakami, and the hiring of hitting coach Derek Shoman add valuable perspective. Do the White Sox have what it takes to replicate Miami's success? 00:00 Marlins' Leap & White Sox Hopes Introductions, overview of Marlins' 2025 turnaround, and comparing to White Sox aspirations. 00:33 Marlins Front Office Overhaul Deep dive into Peter Bendix’s impact, hiring strategy, investment in infrastructure, and organizational philosophy. 11:16 White Sox Parallels & Manager Talk Discussion shifts to White Sox comparisons: internal restructuring, ownership, prospects, recent trades, and managerial hires. Includes analysis of Marlins’ Clayton McCullough and hitting coach Derek Shoman’s move to Chicago. 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! Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast 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. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. 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.
