Baseball Beat: Thursday, January 31st

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, January 31st edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting this week as Charley Steiner is on vacation. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean Deveney, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Blair, Globe and Mail
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Bowman, MLB.com (Atlanta Braves)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Greg Couch, Chicago Sun-Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Anthony McCarron, New York Daily News
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal (Indians Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Deveney discussed national headlines including how Johan Santana being dealt to the New York Mets impacted other organizations about Major League Baseball as well as the latest on Erik Bedard. Blair discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including Reed Johnson’s contract situation, Rod Barrajas signing, and some reaction to national stories. Bowman discussed the Atlanta Braves including how Johan Santana joining the division will impact the Braves and the team’s chances to return to the top of the National League East. Couch discussed Chicago baseball including his piece on the Johan Santana trade impacting the Cubs and last weeekend’s Sox Fest. McCarron discussed the New York Mets including the acquisition of Santana, latest on negotiations with the Mets, how Omar Minaya used the Minnesota Twins pressure to his advantage, and how Santana will prevent extensive losing streaks. Ocker discussed the Cleveland Indians including how the eventual Santana extension will affect C.C. Sabathia’s contract negotiations.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, January 30th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, January 30th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting this week as Charley Steiner is on vacation. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Henson, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Dan Connolly, Baltimore Sun
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lavelle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Andrew Baggarly, San Jose Mercury News (Giants Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Henson discussed national headlines including the reported Minnesota Twins/New York Mets trade involving Johan Santana and latest Erik Bedard trade negotiations. Rubin discussed the reported New York Mets acquisition of Santana, signing him long-term, how he impacts their roster, and how the much better the team will now be in 2008. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including the signing of Pedro Feliz, future of Wes Helms, and how the Mets acquisition of Santana will impact the Phillies in the National League East. Connolly discussed the Baltimore Orioles including the latest on Bedard trade negotiations, belief that other teams beside the Seattle Mariners are now involved in Bedard talks, Andy McPhail and Peter Angelos relations, and how the continued talks affect Brian Roberts’ possible trade. Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including the reported trade of Johan Santana, questions about the prospects that Twins are getting in return, and surprise that the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox backed out of talks. Baggarly discussed the San Francisco Giants including how 2008 will be a rebuilding year, loss of Pedro Feliz, not having to cover Barry Bonds, and the long-term plans for the organization.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, January 29th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, January 29th 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
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Stiglich, Oakland Tribune (A’s Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Street, MLB.com (Mariners Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Jason Beck, MLB.com (Detroit Tigers)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Johan Santana trade reports, Pedro Feliz’s signing in Philadelphia, and Roger Clemens case to prove his innocence. Stiglich discussed the Oakland A’s including Jack Custs weekend comments about being in the Mitchell Report, Billy Beane’s organizational rebuild, and Joe Blanton and Huston Street as potential mid-season tradees. Baxter discussed national headlines including his piece on the lack of new umpires in Major League Baseball, strange bonuses in player contracts, Buscon System robbing Latin youths of funds, and MLB interest in expanding to Latin American markets. Street discussed the Seattle Mariners including the latest on the Erik Bedard trade negotiations and his believe that the trade could get done today. Beck discussed the Detroit Tigers including Brandon Inge finally meeting with the media yesterday as well as his new role with the club, bullpen concerns, and competitive nature of the American League Central.

Baseball Beat: Monday, January 28th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, January 28th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Lavelle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Brian McTaggart, Houston Chronicle (Astros Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger; Emcee, 85th Annual New York Baseball Writers Dinner
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Barry Svrluga, Washington Post (Nationals Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Fraley discussed national headlines including the latest on Eric Bedard/Adam Jones trade reports and Albert Pujols anger toward the local television station. Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including Friday’s long-term signings of Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer and latest on Johan Santana trade discussions. McTaggart joined us from the Houston Astros mini-camp to discuss the club and his coverage of the camp this week. Graziano discussed emceeing the 85th Annual New York Baseball Writers Dinner including some stories from the event including Johnny Damon, Bobby Murcer, Denny McLain, and more. He also discussed attending a Friday event with Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein speaking about building organizations. Svrluga discussed the Washington Nationals including Paul Lo Duca’s knee injury, last week’s piece on Nick Johnson’s return from injury, progress of Jesus Flores, and new stadium. Hickey discussed the Seattle Mariners including the latest on the reported deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

Baseball Beat: Friday, January 25th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
Tune: Help by The Beatles
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
Tune: Kansas City by Wilbert Harrison
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jayson Stark, ESPN
2:25 p.m.
Guest: George Vecsey, New York Times
Tune: Up on Cripple Creek by The Band
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:
Antonen discussed national headlines including the latest on Johan Santana, Detroit Tigers two issues, Chicago White Sox bullpen questions, what to expect from the Cleveland Indians, and Congressional Hearings. Noble discussed the New York Mets including their interest in Johan Santana, club’s interest in Livan Hernandez, and this weekend’s 85th Annual New York Baseball Writers Dinner. Mellinger discussed the Kansas City Royals including Dayton Moore’s rebuilding of the franchise, Brett Tomko’s signing, and Gil Meche. Stark discussed national headlines including his thoughts on the reported Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer signings in Minnesota, Ryan Howard arbitration situation, comparing Howard’s contract status with Albert Pujols. Vecsey discussed national headlines including broadcasting and how southern announcers tend to have a greater following.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Help by The Beatles
1:45 p.m.’
Kansas City by Wilbert Harrison
2:25 p.m.
Up on Cripple Creek by The Band
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, January 24th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Hal McCoy, Dayton Daily News (Reds Beat)
Tune: Watching the River Flow by Bob Dylan
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jim Souhan, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Tune: Poor House by Traveling Wilburys
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Curt Smith
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
Tune: Pay Me My Money Down by Bruce Springsteen
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
Tune: Slow Turning by John Hiatt

Tune Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Watching the River Flow by Bob Dylan
1:45 p.m.
Poor House by Traveling Wilburys
2:25 p.m.
Pay Me My Money Down by Bruce Springsteen
2:45 p.m.
Slow Turning by John Hiatt

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, January 23rd

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, January 23rd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
Tune: Last Fair Deal Gone Down by Eric Clapton
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun
Tune: Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley and the Wailers
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Wilbon, Washington Post
Tune: We Can Talk by The Band
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tim Sullivan, San Diego Union Tribune
Tune: The Longest Time by Billy Joel

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed national headlines including team’s committing long-term to young players, remaining free agent scrap heap, and Kevin Towers extension in San Diego. Rogers discussed the Chicago Cubs including his on-going report of discussions about a 7-2 trade with the Baltimore Orioles. Kubatko discussed the Baltimore Orioles including his report that the 7-2 trade is hearsay. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including its quite off-season, need for offense, negotiations to re-sign C.C. Sabathia, and Kenny Lofton’s role. Wilbon discussed national headlines including his career, beloved Chicago Cubs, and wonders how much fans truly care about steroids. Sullivan discussed the San Diego Padres including Kevin Towers contract extension.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Last Fair Deal Gone Down by Eric Clapton
1:45 p.m.
Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley and the Wailers
2:25 p.m.
The Longest Time by Billy Joel
2:45 p.m.
We Can Talk by The Band

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, January 22nd

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
Tune: Nashville Cats by Loving Spoonful
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
Tune: Money Honey by Ry Cooder
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Larry Stone, Seattle Times
Tune: Move ‘em Out by Delaney and Bonnie
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hummel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Tune: You Can Never Tell by Chuck Berry
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
Tune: Born in Chicago by Paul Butterfield

Guest Summaries:
Cafardo discussed his Sunday piece on Minnesota Twins General Manager including his belief Johan Santana will be dealt, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and New York Yankees, and how a long-term signing of Santana is not the Red Sox style. Rosenthal discussed national headlines including his Scott Boras piece, Boras calling him to discuss some of the finer points of the piece prior to our segment, Boras/Alex Rodriguez rift, and his belief that Andy Pettitte will deny any steroids link with Roger Clemens. Stone discussed the Seattle Mariners including his piece on the clubs trade negotiations with the Baltimore Orioles for Erik Bedard, debate over trading Adam Jones, and Chicago White Sox as the other team in the hunt for Bedard. Klapisch discussed New York baseball including the new ruling Steinbrenner’s, how Brian Cashman is dealing with Hank Steinbrenner, Mets need for an ace, and how the post season will impact their financial success. Hummel discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Yadier Molina’s contract extension, Albert Pujols comments, and last night’s St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including the signing Octavio Dotel.

Tunes Summary:
1:05 p.m.
Nashville Cats by Loving Spoonful
1:25 p.m.
Money Honey by Ry Cooder
1:45 p.m.
Move ‘em Out by Delaney and Bonnie
2:25 p.m.
You Can Never Tell by Chuck Berry
2:45 p.m.
Born in Chicago by Paul Butterfield

Baseball Beat: Monday, January 21st

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Howard Bryant, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post
Tune: If I Could Build My Whole World Around You by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune
Tune: Warmer Days by Blues Traveler
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hagen, Philadelphia Daily News
Tune: Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler and James Taylor
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
Tune: Growin’ Up by Bruce Springsteen

Guest Summaries:
Bryant discussed African-Americans in baseball today as opposed to other sports, focusing on the lack of MLB involvement in African-American communities at the youth level. Renck talked about the deals the Rockies struck with Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki (still pending as of press time). He emphasized that Holliday is still listening to his agent, Scott Boras, but this is a goodwill short-term contract that keeps Holliday where he succeeds. Sullivan discussed the looming sale of the Chicago Cubs and how the plan of attack now is to sell Wrigley Field, and naming rights to it, separately from the club itself, in order to maximize revenue. Davidoff discussed his Sunday piece on the widening rift between Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, refuting the fact that those two guys are best friends. He also updated the status of the Yankees’ pursuit of Johan Santana and how that might affect Pettitte being leaned on so heavily with the Mitchell Report distraction as well. Hagen talked about the distance between Ryan Howard and the Phillies, which currently is a $3 Million difference, setting the stage for an arbitration showdown. Gilbert discussed the ‘coming-of-age’ in Arizona, as the young players get older and more experienced. He also touched on spending last week at the Diamondbacks fantasy camp.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
If I Could Build My Whole World Around You by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell
1:45 p.m.
Warmer Days by Blues Traveler
2:25 p.m.
Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler and James Taylor
2:45 p.m.
Growin’ Up by Bruce Springsteen

Baseball Beat: Friday, January 18th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, January 18th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Selena Roberts, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
Tune: Beginnings by Chicago
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Doug Glanville, Former Player and New York Times contributor
Tune: Tell Me Why by The Beatles
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tony Kornheiser, Washington Post and PTI
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Tune: Get Ready by The Temptations
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners
Tune: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Roberts came on to talk about her move to Sports Illustrated, writing her first column that appeared in the most recent edition, and the difference between working at a newspaper versus a magazine. Bodley discussed his move to MLB.com and the struggles of print media versus the Internet. Hal also talked about his work at USA Today and the big stories that broke during his many years at the paper. Glanville discussed his op-ed piece he recently wrote in the New York Times about the choices players make when they decided use P.E.D’s. Doug also talked about his views on the Mitchell report and the culture in the MLB clubhouses he was in. Kornheiser discussed his return to XM as his show returns to XM Sports Nation, Channel 144, this Monday at 8:15am. Tony also talked about becoming a multimedia superstar and dealing with all that comes with that. Edes discussed a variety of things with Charley including the reports that Curt Schilling is slimming down as he promised to do. He also talked about his upcoming article with Bill Werber, the oldest living baseball player.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Beginnings by Chicago
1:45 p.m.
Tell Me Why by The Beatles
2:25 p.m.
Get Ready by The Temptations
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones