Baseball Beat: Friday, September 28th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, September 28th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com & XM MLB Insider
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Sutcliffe, Broadcaster, ESPN
Tune: When the Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Daron Sutton, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tune: Showdown by Electric Light Orchestra
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Tony Gwynn, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres & TBS
Tune: Fame by David Bowie
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866)652-6696
Tune: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines and the final week of the season including the Colorado Rockies and Troy Tulowitzki, National League races prove parity is working in baseball, Philadelphia Phillies remarkable comeback in the NL East, Milwaukee Brewers are finished for the season, and a preview of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado series this weekend. Sutcliffe discussed the final weekend of the season and the national game he is calling tonight between the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers including the club’s defensive issues, Padres pitching strength, and the crucial loss of Mike Cameron. He also discussed Greg Maddux comparing his endurance to Cal Ripken. Sutton discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the story about how Micah Owings was selected to replace Brandon Webb as the starting pitcher yesterday and concerns about tonight with the Rockies success against Webb. Shpigel discussed the New York Mets including the lack of energy and sense of panic in the clubhouse, Tom Glavine’s struggles earlier in the week as the point that reality they could lose hit the team, poor attendance and low energy at Shea Stadium, Willie Randolph’s trust of the bullpen, and Oliver Perez starting tonight. Gwynn discussed the San Diego Padres including his expectations for this weekend’s Padres/Brewers games, belief that Greg Maddux will attack Milwaukee hitters tonight, and his upcoming role broadcasting game for TBS’s coverage of the playoffs.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
When the Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie
1:45 p.m.
Showdown by Electric Light Orchestra
2:25 p.m.
Fame by David Bowie
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, September 27th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, September 27th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Phillips, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (New York Mets)
Tune: That Smell by Lynard Skynard
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
Tune: I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Chip Carey, Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves & TBS
Tune: Time of the Season by Zombies
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News
Tune: One by Three Dog Night

Guest Summaries:
Phillips discussed national headlines and pennant races including the Philadelphia Phillies surge and Charlie Manuel’s consistency as manager this season, New York Mets struggles and that current criticism is unfair for a first place team, Colorado Rockies success in the last two weeks, and how important Tony Clark is to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Noble discussed the New York Mets including the club’s current one game lead in the National League East, bullpen as the key to the team’s struggles, Billy Wagner’s health, and Pedro Martinez’s return has become a once a week igniter. Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including last night’s win over the Atlanta Braves, the club’s heart as the main source of success, and how much the energy of the club affects the team’s play. Edes discussed the Boston Red Sox including the organization’s desire to win the American League East, a scout’s theory on Eric Gagne’s struggles, possibility of facing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the Division Series, and debated who would be the Red Sox Game 2 starter. Carey discussed the Atlanta Braves including the reason for the club’s failures this year, Andruw Jones future in Atlanta, Mark Teixeira’s return next season, and how upgrades to the rotation is the key to next season. He also discussed TBS’s coverage of the playoffs this year. Ringolsby discussed the Colorado Rockies including the team’s surge in the last week and a half and how the final weekend will decide it all.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
That Smell by Lynard Skynard
1:45 p.m.
I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
2:25 p.m.
Time of the Season by Zombies
2:45 p.m.
One by Three Dog Night

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, September 26th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, September 26th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
Tune: It Don’t Come Easy by Ringo Starr
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Grant, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres
Tune: Alive Again by Chicago
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, The Denver Post (Rockies Beat)
Tune: Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)
Tune: You Keep Me Hangin’ On by Vanilla Fudge

Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines and pennant races including the breaking news that Umpire Mike Winters has been suspended for the remainder of the season. He also discussed covering the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies series this week, National League MVP race being tied with the NL playoff race, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chris Young doing his share, and Ruben Amaro, Jr. as a future general manager. Rogers discussed the Chicago Cubs including last night’s dismantling by Dontrelle Willis, race with the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central, and the prospects of the Cubs in the playoffs. Grant discussed the San Diego Padres including last night’s game winning three-run home run with Brian Giles down to its final strike. He also briefly discussed the Milton Bradley/Mike Winters incident from Sunday. Verducci discussed national headlines including the news that Winters was suspended, quick action by Major League Baseball, and how the suspension will affect the work of other umpires. He also discussed his Sports Illustrated cover story on the upcoming playoffs, the Colorado Rockies as the biggest story in baseball right now, National League East race with the New York Mets struggling, strange circumstances surrounding the San Diego Padres decreasing National League Wild Card lead, and American League playoff teams. Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including Troy Tulowitzki’s emergence this season, Matt Holliday as NL MVP, and how the Rockies clubhouse has a college team feel. Rubin discussed the New York Mets including the club’s struggles and decreased lead in the NL East, Phillip Humber’s first career start tonight, David Wright’s NL MVP chances lessened, and Willie Randolph being second guest from all angles in September.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
It Don’t Come Easy by Ringo Starr
1:45 p.m.
Alive Again by Chicago
2:25 p.m.
Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
2:45 p.m.
You Keep Me Hangin’ On by Vanilla Fudge

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, September 25th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, September 25th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSportsline.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
Tune: Room to Move by John Mayall
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
Tune: Coming Home by Delaney and Bonnie
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Sullivan, San Diego Union-Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dusty Baker, ESPN
Tune: Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
Tune: Keep on Pushing by The Impressions

Guest Summaries:
Miller discussed the latest national headlines and pennant races as well as the Milton Bradley/Mike Winters story including his belief that Winters should be disciplined, Bradley’s emotions got the best of him, and Bud Black did the right thing. Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including the club’s bullpen troubles, how Manny Ramirez’s absence has hurt the lineup, Clay Buchholz’s role in the bullpen, and Eric Gagne’s shoulder could be hurt. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including being tied for the National League Wild Card, how the club is focusing on just winning and not other club’s results, and whether Pat Gillick will possibly replace Charlie Manuel as manager in the off-season. Sullivan discussed the San Diego Padres including the Bradley/Winters incident, the loss of Mike Cameron to injury, Chris Young’s injury and impact on the club, and skepticism about Jason Lane’s potential to contribute on the team. Baker discussed his move to broadcasting this year and how he has a newfound respect for broadcasting. He also discussed end of Barry Bonds tenure with the San Francisco Giants and how he was a teammate with Hank Aaron when he broke the home run record and was told he would not be returning. He mentioned on Bonds should be a designated hitter in the American League if he wants a chance at a ring. The whole segment is saved in sound bytes and is worthy of a replay. Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including the final week of the season and how this is Joe Torre’s most satisfying season as manager.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Room to Move by John Mayall
1:45 p.m.
Coming Home by Delaney and Bonnie
2:25 p.m.
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry
2:45 p.m.
Keep on Pushing by The Impressions

Baseball Beat: Monday, September 24th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: George Vecsey, New York Times
Tune: The Long Race by Bruce Hornsby
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Steve Physioc, Broadcaster, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Tune: Heaven by Talking Heads
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Shannon, Broadcaster, St. Louis Cardinals
Tune: Riding with the King by John Hiatt
2:45 p.m.
Guest: George Frazier, Broadcaster, Colorado Rockies
Tune: Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines, pennant races, and the final week of the season including Milton Bradley’s incident on Sunday and Barry Bonds final days in San Francisco. Vecsey discussed New York baseball including the Yankees chances to take the American League East and the Mets chances to hold onto the National League East and wondered if steroids aided Guillermo Mota is success. Physioc discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including yesterday’s AL West clinching game, Bill Stoneman’s low-key work as General Manager, and the Angels success in the playoffs depending on the club’s depth and pitching. Ratto discussed the end of Barry Bonds tenure in San Francisco including the lack of the surprise in the announcement, how successful and lucrative the marriage has been, and where Bonds will go to seek employment in 2008. He also discussed the Milton Bradley episode in San Diego yesterday. Shannon discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including the ceremony at New Busch Stadium honoring his 50 years in baseball yesterday. He also discussed Tony LaRussa’s future with the Cardinals. Frazier discussed the hottest team in baseball the Colorado Rockies including Matt Holliday’s race for the NL MVP, Troy Tulowitzki’s race for Rookie of the Year, and his first-hand account of the Milton Bradley incident.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
The Long Race by Bruce Hornsby
1:45 p.m.
Heaven by Talking Heads
2:25 p.m.
Riding with the King by John Hiatt
2:45 p.m.
Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

Baseball Beat: Friday, September 21st

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Grace, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tune: Young Blood by The Band
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Brian Anderson, Broadcaster, Milwaukee Brewers
Tune: Hang on to Your Life by Guess Who
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal; ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
Tune: New York City by Delbert McClinton
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866)652-6696
Tune: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed national headlines and pennant races including his belief that the media is affecting Terry Francona’s lineups for the Boston Red Sox, players having a hard time dealing with the pennant race, rotation struggles in Philadelphia, and discusses why Willie Randolph’s leadership is being questioned. Grace discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the club’s lead in the National League West having shrunk to a half game, D’backs rotation good despite their numbers, Kirk Gibson’s tremendous influence on the team’s young hitters, and the tremendous cohesiveness of the young roster. Anderson discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including last night’s tough defeat in Atlanta in the opening game of their series and how crucial this weekend’s series is to their playoff chances. He also discussed Ben Sheets most recent injury and answered the latest question of “Who is Jeff Bennett?” McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including the club’s nose dive in the American League East in the last week, Manny Ramirez oblique injury, Hideki Okajima’s struggles, mystery of Eric Gagne, and how the panic is more of a Boston fan thing than a team thing. Davidoff discussed New York baseball including the soaring New York Yankees and struggling New York Mets and how Willie Randolph shouldn’t shoulder the blame for the team’s current issues.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Young Blood by The Band
1:45 p.m.
Hang on to Your Life by Guess Who
2:25 p.m.
New York City by Delbert McClinton
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, September 20th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, September 20th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is broadcasting a day game in Colorado with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so Jeff Joyce is hosting today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Henson, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Andy Call, Canton Repository (Indians Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times (Angels Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Dave Sheinin, Washington Post
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, XM MLB Insider; FoxSports.com
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News

Guest Summaries:
Henson discussed national headlines and pennant races including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees battle for the American League East, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks as enjoyable teams to watch, and home field advantage has an impact in the Division Series. Call discussed the Cleveland Indians including their sweep of the Detroit Tigers this week, C.C. Sabathia as the AL Cy Young leader, and Joe Borowski’s development as closer. Digiovanna discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Ervin Santana’s issues, Bartolo Colon’s lack of impact in the playoffs this year, and the club’s many weapons on offense. Sheinin discussed national headlines including Joe Torre’s success with the Yankees this year and whether he’ll return in 2008, New York Mets troubling collapse and the difference between the Mets and Red Sox’s swoons being the Mets could miss the playoffs if they lose the division. Rosenthal discussed the breaking news that the Houston Astros will be naming Ed Wade their new General Manager today. He discussed the historical connection between Ed Wade and Tal Smith as well as the extensive interview process and the decline of the club’s farm system. Henning discussed Detroit Tigers including the team missing out on the playoffs after this week’s sweep in Cleveland, Justin Verlander’s mistakes in the second half, and Kenny Rogers return in 2008.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, September 19th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, September 19th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN Magazine
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
Tune: Free Falling by Tom Petty
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)
Tune: Disorder in the House by Warren Zevon
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Dave Anderson, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gary Matthews, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
Tune: When You’re Hot You’re Hot by Jerry Reed
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times
Tune: When This Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed national headlines and pennant races including comparing the Mets/Phillies and Red Sox/Yankees races as well as Eric Gagne’s struggles. Massarotti discussed the Boston Red Sox including his belief there is no reason to panic if they lose the division, the club setting their playoff rotation, comparing the Detroit Tigers 2006 September run with the Red Sox present run, and how home field advantage doesn’t mean anything in today’s game. Shpigel discussed the New York Mets current struggles including the fact some of the players seem out of touch, Jose Reyes second half fall and lack of maturity, and the clubhouse believing their own hype. Anderson discussed his semi-retirement from a New York Times Sports of the Times columnist including his career, changes in journalism today, and covering the final season of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Matthews made his debut on Baseball Beat and discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including his first year broadcasting, Charlie Manuel’s success in managing this year, Aaron Rowand’s impact on the team, and the core of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. Telander discussed the Chicago Cubs including his piece today on Carlos Zambrano, National League East race, and the possibility of playoffs in Wrigley Field.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Free Falling by Tom Petty
1:45 p.m.
Disorder in the House by Warren Zevon
2:25 p.m.
When You’re Hot You’re Hot by Jerry Reed
2:45 p.m.
When This Battle is Over by Delaney and Bonnie

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, September 18th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, September 18th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is broadcasting a double header in Colorado with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so Jeff Joyce is hosting today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Drew Olson, Senior Editor, OnMilwaukee.com;
Co-Host, The D-List; Milwaukee’s ESPN 1510
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ian Browne, MLB.com (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Hale, New York Post (Mets Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Antonen discussed national headlines including the Cleveland Indians/Detroit Tigers series he is covering this week, Boston’s struggling rotation, and Carlos Zambrano starting on three days rest tonight. Strauss discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including last night’s near 11-run come from behind victory last night, this week’s series with the Philadelphia Phillies, minor update on Juan Encarnacion’s health, Chris Carpenter’s rehab, and the mood of the clubhouse. Magruder discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including last night’s loss to the San Francisco Giants and the lack of panic over the club’s recent struggles. Olson discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Scott Linebrink, Yovanni Gallardo’s success of late, Ben Sheets return as a catalyst to the pitching staff, and Prince Fielder as the club’s cornerstone. Browne discussed the Boston Red Sox including last night’s loss in Toronto, Kevin Youkilis’s swollen wrist, Manny Ramirez hopefully returning this weekend, and possible playoff match-ups. Hale discussed the New York Mets including the second consecutive sweep to the Philadelphia Phillies, last night’s loss in Washington D.C., infield defense issues, and Pedro Martinez’s impact.

Baseball Beat: Monday, September 17th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, September 17th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner has a travel day with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so Jeff Joyce is hosting today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Stan McNeal, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marcus Hayes, Philadelphia Daily News (Phillies Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Kathleen O’Brien, Newsday (Yankees Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Greg Couch, Chicago Sun-Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Jason Beck, MLB.com (Detroit Tigers)

Guest Summaries:
McNealdiscussed national headlines and Wild Card races including Jim Thome joining the 500 home run club and Pedro Martinez re-inventing himself as a pitcher since his return from injury with the New York Mets. Hayes discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including the weekend sweep of the Mets in Shea and Cole Hamels return. O’Brien discussed the New York Yankees including taking two of three from the Boston Red Sox in Fenway over the weekend, Jorge Posada following the big collision, and the club’s rotation. Couch discussed the Chicago Cubs and White Sox including Jim Thome’s 500th home run, Ozzie Guillen’s extension, and the Cubs chances to take the National League Central. Shaikin discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels including his Sunday piece on Nomar Garciapara and his recent coverage of HgH and steroids in baseball. Beck discussed the Detroit Tigers including the weekend sweep in Minnesota and this week’s pivotal series in Cleveland.