Baseball Beat: Friday, August 31st

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 31st edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner has a travel day with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
2:25 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines and pennant races including Billy Wagner’s blow save and loss in Philadelphia yesterday, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as a formidable threat in October, and National League Central battle between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs with the Milwaukee Brewers fading. He also discussed his Sports Weekly cover story on manager burnout. Kernan discussed New York baseball including the New York Mets being swept in Philadelphia and retracting his Sunday column about the NL East being over following the Philly massacre. He also discussed the New York Yankees, Joba (Chamberlain) rules, and American League East race. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including yesterday’s comeback victory, Shane Victorino’s success, and Cole Hamels return timetable. Whicker discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including their sweep in Seattle, Jeff Mathis, and the club’s flaws. He also briefly discussed this weekend’s San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers series. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including the club’s season coming down to their next six games against the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in Atlanta. He also discussed the team’s weak rotation following John Smoltz and Tim Hudson holding them back, comparison of Shane Victorino and Jeff Francoeur, and a brief discussion about Chipper Jones Hall of Fame credentials.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, August 30th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, August 30th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Matt Vasgersian, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres
Song: Movin’ on Up from The Jeffersons
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
Song: Room to Move by John Mayall
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Buck Martinez, Host, Baseball This Moning
Song: Hats Off to Larry by Del Shannon
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Art Thiel, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Song: Hold Your Head Up by Argent

Guest Summaries:
Nightengale discussed national headlines including this week’s pennant race match-ups. He also discussed Bud Selig being in Minneapolis for the Twins stadium groundbreaking, New York Yankees success over Boston, shock of the Detroit Tigers fall, and Esteban Loiaza’s chance to succeed with his new team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Vasgersian discussed the San Diego Padres including this week’s success over the Arizona Diamondbacks and taking over first in the National League West. We played the Jefferson’s theme Movin’ On Up as the rejoin music which led to a discussion about old television theme songs including Rockford Files, Sanford & Son, Barney Miller, Hill Street Blues, and Mission Impossible. It may not be replay worthy, but certainly something of interest if you are looking for something off center. Hoynes discussed the soaring Cleveland Indians including sweeping the Minnesota Twins and the Seattle Mariners coming to town tonight. Rogers discussed Chicago baseball including Ozzie Guillen’s latest blow-up, Milwaukee’s struggles in the second half and last night’s return of Ben Sheets, Alfonso Soriano not 100 percent, and Carlos Zambrano. Martinez discussed the pennant races including a discussion about his interviews with Joba Chamberlain and Brian Cashman. He also discussed Loaiza’s move to the Dodgers. Thiel discussed the Seattle Mariners including this week’s sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels and the tough road ahead in Cleveland, Detroit, and New York.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Movin’ on Up from The Jeffersons
1:45 p.m.
Room to Move by John Mayall
2:25 p.m.
Hats Off to Larry by Del Shannon
2:45 p.m.
Hold Your Head Up by Argent

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, August 29th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, August 29th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner has the day off, so Jeff Joyce is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jonah Keri, ESPN.com Page 2
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Adam McCalvy, MLB.com (Brewers Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Doug Padilla, Los Angeles Daily News (Angels Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sam Donnellon, Philadelphia Daily News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com (Indians Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Keri discussed national headlines including pennant races, Pedro Martinez to the New York Mets bullpen, and Mike Mussina replaced in the New York Yankees rotation. McCalvy discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including their drop to third place in the National League Central, Ben Sheets return tonight, and the pressure on the team to make the playoffs. Padilla joined the show from SafeCo Park in Seattle and discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Nathan Haynes replacing Chone Figgins and the club relying on Vladimir Guerrero more than ever. Donnellon discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including last night’s walk-off win over the New York Mets, Brett Myers encounter with a Philadelphia writer over the weekend, Kyle Lohse and Adam Eaton’s continued failures, and Freddy Garcia leaving as a free agent. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including Manny Ramirez’s injury, Eric Gagne tipping his pitches, and Bobby Kielty’s injury. Castrovince discussed the Cleveland Indians including their expanded lead in the American League Central, series with the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners this week, and the club’s lack of interest in Bob Wickman.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, August 28th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, August 28th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner has the day off, so Jeff Joyce is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Larry Stone, Seattle Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune (Padres Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Passan discussed national headlines and this week’s key pennant race match-ups. He also touched on the Houston Astros firings of Tim Purpura and Phil Garner. Graziano discussed the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies series he covered last night including Billy Wagner’s unknown problem. He also discussed the start of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees series including Mike Mussina’s troubles and Kyle Farnsworth quiet success. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including this week’s series with the Milwaukee Brewers, Alfonso Soriano’s return from injury tonight, and Lou Pinella pushing the right buttons to tense up the club. Justice discussed the Houston Astros firings of Purpura and Garner including his thoughts about Tal Smith and Cecil Cooper. Stone discussed the Seattle Mariners including this week’s series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Jeff Weaver’s second half success, Raul Ibanez’s hot streak, and John McLaren’s work as manager. Krasovic discussed the San Diego Padres and this week’s series with the Arizona Diamondbacks including Chris Young’s imminent return.

Baseball Beat: Monday, August 27th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, August 27th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner had a travel day with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so Chuck Wilson hosted today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Henson, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Paola Boivin, Arizona Republic
1:45 p.m.
Actual Calls, Actual Listeners
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Molony, MLB.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Marcus Hayes, Philadelphia Daily News (Phillies Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Ian Browne, MLB.com (Red Sox Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Henson discussed the division and wild card races and the surprising success of the Seattle Mariners. Boivin talked about the upcoming series versus the Padres, the success of the young players this year, and how Brandon Webb can now focus on pitching and winning again after ending his scoreless inning streak. Molony talked about the Bagwell retirement ceremony last night before being called away to cover an Astros press conference. Jim speculated it may be a major announcment involving Phil Garner. Hayes broke down Ryan Howard’s season thus far and how he has struggled a bit at the plate. He also touched on the upcoming Mets series and the calf injury of Shane Victorino. Browne talked about the weekend dismantling of the White Sox by the Red Sox and how Boston has hit it’s healthy stride at the perfect time, right before a Yankees series.

Charley Steiner has a day off on Tuesday and broadcasting a Los Angeles Dodgers day game on Wednesday, so Jeff Joyce will be hosting the next two days.

Baseball Beat: Friday, August 24th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 24th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
Song: The Long Race by Bruce Hornsby
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Song: Shape I’m In by The Band
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bryan Burwell, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)
Song: Shape I’m In by The Band
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696
Song: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed national headlines and pennant races including David Wells return to the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night and the Detroit Tigers rotation issues. Massarotti discussed the Boston Red Sox including Curt Schilling problems as the anchor rotation and how he’s lost his power, Eric Gagne’s lack of success and how his real test will be in New York, and how the team in general is not battle tested this year. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including its rotations issues, offenses lack of run production, and health woes. Burwell discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including this weekend’s series with the Atlanta Braves, health of Albert Pujols, players playing through pain but not hurt, and Tony LaRussa as the captain of the Cardinals ship. Shpigel discussed the New York Mets including this weekend’s series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Carlos Delgado’s struggles and the team’s search for a new first baseman next season, Paul Lo Duca’s return, and Pedro Martinez’s rehab.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
The Long Race by Bruce Hornsby
1:45 p.m.
Shape I’m In by The Band
2:25 p.m.
King of the New York Streets by Dion
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, August 23rd

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 23rd edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is broadcasting a day game with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Lennon, Newsday (Mets Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Carroll Rogers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun (Orioles Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic (Diamondbacks Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Daniel Cabrera’s struggles and the All-Time Rawlings Gold Glove awards with debates about Wes Parker and Joe Morgan. Lennon discussed the New York Mets including Paul Lo Duca’s impending return from the disabled list, Pedro Martinez’s rehab, and Guillermo Mota. Rogers discussed the Atlanta Braves including the issues with the club’s rotation after John Smoltz and Tim Hudson and Mark Teixeira’s impact in the clubhouse and on the field. Kubatko discussed the Baltimore Orioles including last night’s 30 runs allowed in the first game of the double header against the Texas Rangers. He also discussed some of the jokes in the press box during the game, the team’s resurgence in the second game, and Dave Trembley’s extension as manager and how he’s earned the players’ respect. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including Jermaine Dye’s contract extension, Scott Podsednik’s injury and chances to return next season, and the future of the White Sox rotation after Mark Buehrle. He also discussed Joseph Reaves formerly of the Arizona Republic accepting a new role in the Los Angeles Dodgers front office. Piecoro discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Brandon Webb’s scoreless innings streak ending last night, Chris Young in centerfield, and Justin Upton’s emergence in the majors.

Clips to Click: August 17-23

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MEDIA of the WEEK
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Clip of the Week:

• Intersections are impossibly emotional by Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe

Clips to Click:

• Hamilton, fateful pitch will be forever linked to Tony C by Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
• Ankiel looks forward to when he’s no longer a story by Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• Baseball’s unwritten rules need revising by David Steele, Baltimore Sun
• Sports, justice, race and … Bonds by Monte Poole, Oakland Tribune
• The reality hidden in celebration: Ryan in a big slump by Jim Souhan, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
• Giambi’s Candor Earns Him a Pass From Selig by Jack Curry, New York Times
• Feats of Clay: Buchholz gets the call as Red Sox Nation greets a new phenom by Amalie Benjamin, Boston Globe
• If Braves make playoffs, they can win it all by Mark Bradley, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Left for dead to left side of infield by Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle
• Twins’ action says thanks to Reardon by Patrick Reusse, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
• A’s Beane not afraid of change by Tim Kawakami, San Jose Mercury News
• Dodgers Again Show the Up-and-Down Nature of Baseball by Jim Alexander, Riverside Press Enterprise
• Saunders never let them see him sweat: the Angels starting pitcher is the calm amid the chaos of a near-fight, harassment by fans and a blown call in his team’s victory over the Red Sox at Boston by Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times
• Guillen one gamble that paid off big time by Steve Kelley, Seattle Times
• Cubs have become one of baseball’s big spenders by Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• Best move might be toughest: Joe Maddon will wisely protect his young pitchers by John Romano, St. Petersburg Times
• Cashman & Co. draft up plan that is on the money by Bill Madden, New York Daily News
• Marlins manager not the problem by Mike Berardino, Sun-Sentinel
• Webb’s pursuit evokes Drysdale by Paola Boivin, The Arizona Republic
• On a Zoom Zoom night, an island gem by Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press
• O’s allow 30 runs in historic loss to Rangers by Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun
• No Minor Accomplishment by Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
• Mismatched Sox: Since the Red Sox’s last visit to the Cell, Boston hasn’t missed a beat but White Sox’s dropoff is off the charts by Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
• Bochy fine with Lincecum’s gestures by Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle
• Angels of ‘07 look like team from ‘02 by Doug Krikorian, Press Telegram

Blog of the Week:

• Non-Prospect Diary: Dirk Hayhurst

Book of the Week:

• O Holy Cow by Phil Rizzuto, Hart Seely, Tom Peyer

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, August 22nd

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, August 22nd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Buck Martinez, Host, Baseball This Morning; Broadcaster, Baltimore Orioles
Song: Stay by Maurice Williams
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mike Hegan, Broadcaster, Cleveland Indians
Song: When This Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Candiotti, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat)
Song: Catch Us If You Can by Dave Clark
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Lyle Spencer, MLB.com (Angels Beat)
Song: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including the Atlanta Braves trade deadline moves improving the roster but falling in the standings, Brandon Webb’s run at a record, and the latest on the pennant races around baseball. Martinez discussed the Baltimore Orioles move to hire manager Dave Trembley full-time for next season, Eric Bedard’s potential as an American League Cy Young contender, and Leo Mazzone’s role in his second year with the Orioles. Hegan discussed the Cleveland Indians including this week’s series in Detroit and what the club needs to do the rest of the way to make the playoffs. Candiotti discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Brandon Webb’s start tonight as he continues his run at the scoreless innings record. He also discussed the team’s struggles this week against the Milwaukee Brewers, emerging star Justin Upton, and the National League West race. Edes discussed the Boston Red Sox including Curt Schilling’s comments about being interested in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Eric Gagne’s performance, David Ortiz’s eBayed car, and the team in their rear view the New York Yankees. Spencer discussed the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim including Garrett Anderson’s team record setting 10 runs batted in performance last night.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Stay by Maurice Williams
1:45 p.m.
When This Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie
2:25 p.m.
Catch Us If You Can by Dave Clark
2:45 p.m.
Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, August 21st

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, August 21st edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mario Impemba, Broadcaster, Detroit Tigers
Song: The Kids are Alright by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
Song: Free Falling by Tom Petty
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Rizzs, Broadcaster, Seattle Mariners
Song: Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
Song: This Wheel’s on Fire by The Band

Guest Summaries:
Antonen discussed national headlines and the pennant races including the St. Louis Cardinals as the biggest surprise of the second half, Cleveland Indians good enough to win if they can overcome the struggles with their bullpen, and the New York Yankees finally playing up to potential with productive young pitchers. Impemba discussed the Detroit Tigers including this week’s American League Central showdown with the Cleveland Indians and the developing rivalry. He also discussed Gary Sheffield playing hurt for Jim Leylan, Kenny Rogers possibly being back next week, and answered the question “Who is Jair Jurrjens.” Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including last night’s win in Arizona, rotation troubles, Chris Capuano’s move to the bullpen, and the mood of the clubhouse. Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including last night’s extra innings loss in Anaheim, Joba Chamberlain’s success and eventual move to the rotation, Wilson Betemit as an upgrade over Miguel Cairo, Melky Cabrera as the centerfielder of the future and how he compares to Bernie Williams, Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi as part-time players, and finally how the club should focus on the AL Wild Card. Rizzs discussed how he got his start in radio including a letter he wrote to Jack Brickhouse as a 12 year-old and how his reply helped motivate him to become a broadcaster. He also discussed the Mariners place atop of the AL Wild Card including the club’s four game win streak and John McLaren’s success as manager. Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including this week’s series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the National League East and Wild Card race.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
The Kids are Alright by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Free Falling by Tom Petty
2:25 p.m.
Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
2:45 p.m.
This Wheel’s on Fire by The Band