Baseball Beat: Holiday Editions

Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner will be playing some of the best chats of 2007 for the holidays. Beginning the week of December 24th through New Year’s Day, you’ll hear some of the best moments of our year.

Below is the complete list of guests, original air date, and the subject of the segment.

Monday, December 24th
01-09-07 Cal Ripken (Hall of Fame Announcement)
01-11-07 T.J. Quinn, formerly New York Daily News (Barry Bonds Amphetamines story)
02-09-07 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com, Mike Cameron (Player salaries)
02-16-07 Mark Fainaru-Wada, formerly San Francisco Chronicle (Subpoenas dropped)
02-20-07 Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Cincinnati Reds (Thom Brennaman coming to Cincy)
02-22-07 Denny Matthews, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Kansas City Royals (1st Appearance, Hall of Fame Announcement)

Tuesday, December 25th
04-13-07 Claire Smith, formerly Philadelphia Inquirer (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-13-07 Michael Wilbon, Washington Post (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-16-07 Bill Rhoden, New York Times (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-24-07 Buster Olney, ESPN.com (David Halberstam’s Death)
04-24-07 Bob Ley, ESPN (David Halberstam’s Death)
04-25-07 Howard Eskin, Host, WIP 610 (Charlie Manuel Situation)

Wednesday, December 26th
05-01-07 Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Josh Hancock’s Death, Alcohol)
05-01-07 T.J. Quinn/Brian Williams

Thursday, December 27th
05-16-07 Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times & John Eisenberg, Formerly Baltimore Sun (Debate about Selig/Bonds)
05-18-07 Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly (Jason Giambi Story)
05-25-07 George Will, Washington Post; Newsweek (Sports & Drugs)
05-30-07 Buzz Bissinger, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair (Kerry Wood piece in New York Times PLAY Mag)
06-07-07 Jerry Coleman, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, San Diego Padres
06-13-07 Harold Reynolds, MLB.com (New job)

Friday, December 28th
06-13-07 Richard Sandomir, New York Times (Press Boxes)
06-14-07 Claire Smith, ESPN (New job at ESPN, leaving Newspaper industry)
06-20-07 Bob Ley, ESPN (Sports Radio)
06-28-07 Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated (Frank Thomas hits #500)
08-08-07 Jon Miller, Broadcaster, San Francisco Giants; ESPN (Day after Barry Bonds 756; On his call)
08-08-07 Michael Wilbon, Washington Post (Day after Barry Bonds 756)

Monday, December 31st – Mitchell Report Edition
12-14-07 Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
12-14-07 Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated
12-14-07 Bob Ley, ESPN
12-14-07 Buster Olney, ESPN
12-14-07 Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
12-14-07 Selena Roberts, formerly New York Times; Sports Illustrated

Tuesday, January 1st
08-30-07 Matt Vasgersian, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres (Television Themes)
10-29-07 Jon Miller, Broadcaster, San Francisco Giants; ESPN (Day after WS Sweep)
11-01-07 Thomas Boswell, Washington Post (World Series Recap)

Baseball Beat will return live on January 2nd to start our fourth season in 2008. For hosts Charley Steiner and Chuck Wilson, Associate Producer Ian Spring, and myself we wish you all a Happy Holidays.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 21st

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 21st edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jon Paul Morosi, Detroit Free Press
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Adam McCalvy, MLB.com (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m. / 2:25 p.m. / 2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick surveyed the Hot Stove landscape going into the final two weeks of the year, including the rumors of a Johan Santana deal being completed soon. He also discussed performance-enhancing drugs and baseball’s handling of the issue in the future. Morosi talked about Dontrelle Willis signing an extension in Detroit and how that will benefit his performance given the new-found stability. He also talked about the Tigers now having numerous All-Stars on the team and updated the news on a Miguel Cabrera extension. McCalvy discussed how the Brewers are trying to take that next step this upcoming season, and need to improve their defense in order to do that, particularly by signing an experienced outfielder.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 20th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 20th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal (Indians Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Trent Rosecrans, Cincinnati Post (Reds Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Harding, MLB.com (Rockies Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register (Angels Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren, West as the best division in the National League, Houston Astros better in 2008 but in need of pitching, Miguel Tejada trade has a chance to be a bust, Chicago Cubs improving, Philadelphia Phillies unimproved, and Detroit Tigers success is tied to Dontrelle Willis performance. Ocker discussed the Cleveland Indians including their lack of off-season moves, how the team stands against the rest of the improved American League Central, C.C. Sabathia as the club’s leader, and his belief that Roger Clemens’ need to prove his innocence. Rosecrans discussed the Cincinnati Reds including the team’s 8th inning struggles last season, Jay Bruce as a future star, Homer Bailey needing to prove his upside, and Joey Votto as an underrated value. Salisbury discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including signing Chad Durbin and Geoff Jenkins, Brad Lidge’s impact on the bullpen, and Shane Victorino as the new starting centerfielder. Harding discussed the Colorado Rockies including the club’s rotation, Todd Walker as an option, Matt Holliday’s future with the organization, and the NL West as the best division in baseball. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including the team’s off-season, prospect Brandon Wood not major league ready with the bat, and the impact of adding Torii Hunter.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 19th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, December 19th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Kriegel, FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Perrotto, Beaver County Times (Pirates Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Greg Couch, Chicago Sun-Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 18th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 18th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Sun (Orioles Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Barry Svrluga, Washington Post (Nationals Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including the Mitchell Report, Andy Pettitte’s statement as proof that players are thinking getting healthy and not cheating, surprise at Houston’s overhaul, and the Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the signing of Cliff Floyd and the club’s off-season outfield moves. Zrebiec discussed the Baltimore Orioles including his story about Brian Roberts admitting to a one-time use of steroids, surprise that injury was not the reason for his use, fan reactions to Roberts use, and Peter Angelo supporting Roberts. Baumbach discussed New York baseball including the pressure on Roger Clemens to speak out, predicts Johan Santana will be a New York Yankee, and how the New York Mets got quality from the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including his discussion with Brendan Donnelly about being in the Mitchell Report, why players in the Report are not being more out spoken about their innocence and the latest on the club’s interest in Johan Santana. Svrluga discussed the Nationals including Stan Kasten’s comments on the Mitchell Report, Paul Lo Duca and Aaron Boone’s signing, and Elijah Dukes latest domestic problems.

Baseball Beat: Monday, December 17th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, December 17th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Dayn Perry, FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A’s Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Brian McTaggart, Houston Chronicle (Astros Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Kathleen O’Brien, Newsday (Yankees Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Perry discussed national headlines including Houston Astros acquisition of Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren, and the Mitchell Report post-script. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including the front office’s move to rebuild its roster, how health problems spurred the club’s rebuild, A’s proactive approach, prospects in return for Dan Haren, how the Haren deal improved market and price for Joe Blanton, and how the Mitchell Report impacted teams locally. Strauss discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including the team’s trade of Jim Edmonds to the San Diego Padres, Edmonds Hall of Fame chances, whether the club will give Colby Rasmus a chance as the team’s new centerfielder, and Scott Rolen’s future in St. Louis. McTaggart discussed the Houston Astros including Ed Wade’s complete rebuild of the Major League roster, Jose Valvarde and Miguel Tejada’s acquisition, loss of Chad Qualls, and his story today about Lance Berkman asking Roger Clemens to come clean. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including breaking the story that Bob Melvin has signed an extension with the club, Dan Haren’s acquisition, how the farm system made the deal happen, trading closer Jose Valverde, and how the loss of Tony Clark will impact the roster. O’Brien discussed the New York Yankees including the latest on the club’s trade discussions with the Minnesota Twins about Johan Santana, Hank Steinbrenner’s latest reporter interviews, and Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte’s names in the Mitchell Report.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 14th – Mitchell Report Edition

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 14th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. This is a special Mitchell Report edition of The Beat. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated
Tune: People Talkin’ by Lucinda Williams
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bob Ley, ESPN
Tune: Dirty Laundry by Don Henley
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
Tune: Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Selena Roberts, New York Times/Sports Illustrated
Tune: White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

Guest Summaries:
Boswell discussed the Mitchell Report including how the Report became bigger than originally planned. DeFord discussed the Mitchell Report including how the Report had few surprises and the MLBPA made mistakes in the past. Ley discussed the Mitchell Report including the fact the Report has to be accepted as history. Olney discussed the Mitchell Report including the collateral damage on players is huge, how the Report is worthless, belief that steroid use was bad but the Report did nothing to help, MLB could have moved on without the Report, and how the Report only scratches the surface. Justice discussed the Mitchell Report including Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte being in the Report, how sad it is to have this come out on their careers, belief the Commissioner made the right move in having the Report commissioned. Roberts discussed the Mitchell Report including her belief that the Report was good to expose baseball and how self-preservation got Mitchell his evidence.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
People Talkin’ by Lucinda Williams
1:45 p.m.
Dirty Laundry by Don Henley
2:25 p.m.
Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 13th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 13th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Houston Astros)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hurd, Contra Costa Times
2:00 p.m.
Mitchell Report

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including his extensive thoughts on the Mitchell Report and how it has the opportunity to change the future of baseball as well as how it will put more pressure on the MLB Players Association to police drug use. Footer discussed the Houston Astros including the club’s acquisition of Miguel Tejada, non-tendering Adam Everett (who signed with the Minnesota Twins), Chris Burke’s future, and rotation concerns. Hurd discussed national headlines including Aaron Rowand’s signing with the San Francisco Giants, how his signing let’s them keep Tim Lincecum, preview of the Mitchell Report.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 12th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, December 12th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Sun
Guest: Mike Fish, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, XM MLB Insider; FoxSports.com
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain Dealer (Indians Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal; ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Andrew Baggarly, San Jose Mercury News (Giants Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Zrebiec discussed his breaking news that the Baltimore Orioles traded Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros. Fish discussed his investigative work on steroids in baseball including Thursday’s release of the Mitchell Report. Rosenthal discussed the breaking news of the Baltimore/Houston trade. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including Josh Barfield’s future, rotation questions, and trade rumors surrounding talks with Oakland. Magruder discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including trade discussions with Oakland and Mitchell Report. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including trade talks with the Minnesota Twins for Johan Santana and whether Jacoby Ellsbury is worth dealing. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including their signing of Fukudome, Ryan Theriot as shortstop, and Mark DeRosa. Baggarly discussed the San Francisco Giants including the trade discussions with the Toronto Blue Jays for Alex Rios, interest in Hideki Matsui, and Pedro Feliz future in San Francisco.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 11th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 11th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune (Cubs Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bryan Hoch, MLB.com (Yankees Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune (Padres Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Fraley discussed national headlines including the upcoming Mitchell Report, negative impact of low payroll teams in baseball, and his belief the Minnesota Twins have to move Johan Santana by opening day. Sullivan discussed the Chicago Cubs including the club’s pursuit of Fukudome, Mark Prior’s future in Chicago, and Kerry Wood’s return. Hoch discussed the New York Yankees including continued interest in Johan Santana and Dan Haren, Hideki Matsui trade discussions, and the reported LaTroy Hawkins signing. Justice discussed the Houston Astros including Ed Wade’s work as the new General Manager, analyzing the organization’s rebuilding, Chris Burke’s need to play, and the upcoming Mitchell Report. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including last week’s acquisition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, Brandon Inge and Marcus Thames future in Detroit, Joel Zumaya’s health, suddenly out of control payroll, and the club’s Achilles heal in the bullpen. Krasovic discussed the San Diego Padres including the signing of Randy Wolf, interested in Fukudome, second base opening, and loss of Milton Bradley.