Baseball Beat: Friday, February 29th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, February 29th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting a Spring Training day game with the Los Angeles Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Howard Bryant, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Harding, MLB.com (Colorado Rockies)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Wendel, Author
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Adam McCalvy, MLB.com (Milwaukee Brewers)
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866)652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Bryant discussed national headlines including how the feeling of Spring Training is unique to baseball, belief the Tampa Bay Rays will not be able to afford to keep their players, and how tough a situation Roger Clemens and Major League Baseball are in following the Mitchell Report. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including Julio Lugo’s work to improve in 2008, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s sophomore year in Boston, humorous story on Dustin Pedroia’s glove, Bartolo Colon’s signing, and Clay Buchholz’s heavier workload. Harding discussed the Colorado Rockies including the confidence in the clubhouse this year, Jeff Baker v. Jayson Nix battle for second base, and Manny Corpas contract extension. Wendel discussed his article on Cuba’s change in leadership and how that will affect Major League Baseball in the future as well as his baseball books on Cuba. McCalvy discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including the club’s work to improve its defense in 2008, Ryan Braun’s move to left field, and Bill Hall’s transition to third base.

Baseball Beat Special Edition: Thursday, February 28th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, February 28th Special Edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

9:05 a.m.
Guest: Lester Munson, ESPN
9:30 a.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
Tune: Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
10:05 a.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
10:25 a.m.
Guest: Pete Van Wieren, Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves
Tune: Oh, Atlanta by Little Feat
10:45 a.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
Tune: Louie, Louie by The Kingsmen

Guest Summaries:
Munson discussed Roger Clemens including his belief that Clemens attorneys have failed him, how his overstatements are getting him in trouble, compares Clemens testimony to Andy Pettitte’s deposition, compares his case to Barry Bonds, how the Congressional Hearings made Congress look stupid. White joined Charley in the broadcast booth at Holman Stadium at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. He discussed national headlines including how the Detroit Tigers cannot win the World Series on offense alone, how the Los Angeles Dodgers leaving Vero Beach is the right move for the organization, teams not wanting to overspend, and his thoughts on Roger Clemens. Donovan discussed national headlines including covering the Clemens circus at Houston Astros camp yesterday, coverage of Cleveland Indians camp today, his article on the Detroit Tigers and Dontrelle Willis, and National League West competitiveness. Van Wieren joined Charley in the broadcast booth at Holman Stadium at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida prior to the Atlanta Braves Spring Training opener. He discussed the Atlanta Braves including the club trying to regain its dominance, how odd it is to see Andruw Jones in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform (he was taking batting practice in front of Charley and Pete), joy of seeing Tom Glavine in a Braves uniform again, Mike Hampton’s comeback, and John Smoltz efforts to refine his game during the spring. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including Mark DeRosa’s health, Ryan Dempster’s risky move to the rotation, and Lou Pinella’s impact in year two in Chicago.

Tunes Summary:
9:30 a.m.
Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
10:25 a.m.
Oh, Atlanta by Little Feat
10:45 a.m.
Louie, Louie by The Kingsmen

Baseball Beat Special Edition: Wednesday, February 27th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, February 27th Special Edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

9:05 a.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
9:25 a.m.
Guest: Paul Hagen, Philadelphia Daily News
Tune: Morning has Broken by Cat Stevens
9:45 a.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
Tune: A Ray of Hope by The Rascals
10:05 a.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
10:25 a.m.
Guest: Tyler Kepner, New York Times (Yankees Beat)
Tune: Everybody is a Star by Sly & The Family Stone
10:45 a.m.
Guest: Larry Stone, Seattle Times
Tune: Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including the infusion of technology in reporting, Roger Clemens situation, and Barry Bonds chances of playing in 2008. Hagen discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including Brad Lidge’s recovery following surgery, Pedro Feliz should improve the club’s production at third base, rotation questions surrounding Brett Myers and Adam Eaton, and the rivalry with the New York Mets. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including his report on the club’s interest in Barry Bonds, Scott Kazmir’s injury, Carl Crawford’s remarks, and if the organization is ready to take the next step to contention. Rosenthal joined Charley in the broadcast booth at Holman Stadium at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. He discussed national headlines including players not talking about steroids, Los Angeles Dodgers move from Vero Beach for Spring Training, National League West competition, and remaining unsigned free agents. Kepner discussed the New York Yankees including Joe Girardi as manager, Joe Torre’s absence, describes the Yankees club as young, how they are no longer overpaying for mid-level free agents, and rotation concerns. Stone discussed national headlines and Seattle Mariners including his piece on Bret Boone in Washington Nationals camp and Erik Bedard’s impact in the American League West.

Tunes Summary:
9:25 a.m.
Morning has Broken by Cat Stevens
9:45 a.m.
A Ray of Hope by The Rascals
10:25 a.m.
Everybody is a Star by Sly & The Family Stone
10:45 a.m.
Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder

Baseball Beat: Special Editions

With this being the final spring for the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner is going to offer seven special editions of the show from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (eastern)/6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (pacific). Charley will host the show live from Holman Stadium in the same format with six writers, broadcasters, or celebrities as guests daily.

The Beat will air special Vero Beach editions on the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 27th
• Thursday, February 28th
• Monday, March 3rd
• Tuesday, March 4th
• Thursday, March 6th
• Friday, March 7th
• Monday, March 10th

Baseball Beat: Xtra with Chuck Wilson will air in The Beat’s regular time slot of 1 to 3 p.m. (eastern)/10 a.m. to noon (pacific) during days when Baseball Beat: Special Editions air. Baseball Beat: Xtra will cover the news of the day from different angles than the traditional Baseball Beat.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, February 26th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, February 26th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is off with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Phil Miller, St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twins Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Martin Fennelly, Tampa Tribune (Rays Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Brian McTaggart, Houston Chronicle (Astros Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including reports of Tampa Bay’s interest in Barry Bonds. Rubin discussed the New York Mets including Johan Santana’s impact and Pedro Martinez full-time return. Miller discussed the Minnesota Twins including Francisco Liriano soon-to-be making camp on account of Visa issues, how the no one has seem Liriano throw a pitch in 18 months, and how all the new players are meshing. Schmidt discussed his reports on Roger Clemens including an investigation into his testimony, partisan attacks on Brian McNamee at the hearings, and how the story will continue in the coming weeks. Lancaster discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the latest on Scott Kazmir’s injury, yesterday’s report about the club being interested in Barry Bonds, and how this season’s bullpen is drastically improved over any previous year in Tampa. McTaggart discussed the Houston Astros including Roger Clemens being in camp today and Hunter Pence’s health following his injury walking through a sliding glass door last week.

Baseball Beat: Monday, February 25th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, February 25th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. Chuck Wilson hosted as Charley was traveling to Vero Beach, FL for Dodgers Spring Training. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jonah Keri, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post (Marlins Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mike DiGiovanna, LA Times (Angels Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Radano, South Jersey Courier-Post (Phillies Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Ian Browne, MLB.com (Red Sox Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Keri talked about the Brewers needing continuing offensive dominance in order to rule the NL Central. Jonah also talked about where Bonds may end up at the start of the season. Gonzales talked about the White Sox’s on-field changes and the new attitude in the Sox clubhouse. Capozzi talked about the Marlins getting their new stadium, his positive impression of Cameron Maybin, and Hanley Ramirez’s maturity problems. DiGiovanna talked about the Angels spring training and how their new acquisitions are fitting in with the club. Mike also talked about how Orlando Cabrera’s leaving has affected the shortstop position. Radano came on to talk about the Brad Lidge knee injury and preview his road back. Mike also talked about the revamped starting rotation and how that the backend is a concern. Browne came on to talk about Francona’s extension and the signing of Bartolo Colon. Ian discussed how giving Francona his extension gives the team stability and how signing Colon brings flexibility and insurance to the starting rotation.

Baseball Beat: Friday, February 22nd

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Tune: I Go to Extremes by Billy Joel
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun
Tune: Gonna be Some Changes Made by Bruce Hornsby
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Tune: Real Real Gone by Van Morrison
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:
Brown discussed national headlines including the Kansas City Royals and Trey Hillman’s impact, how Dayton Moore has made the Royals legit again, Texas Rangers weak pitching staff, and Billy Beane’s rebuilding of the Oakland A’s. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including how Jim Leyland turned the roster around with his presence two years ago, Gary Sheffield’s comments on Scott Boras, and the latest on Brandon Inge. Kubatko discussed the Baltimore Orioles including manager Dave Trembley’s first full year as well as Brian Roberts health. Noble discussed the New York Mets including Johan Santana’s impact compared to Pedro Martinez’s signing, how the Mets attitude has changed since last season and how they are putting pressure on themselves, Pedro’s health and how good he’s looked thus far in Spring Training, and how Willie Randolph taking the brunt of last season’s collapse. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Juan Gonzalez chances to make the team, Albert Pujols health, how Troy Glaus fills a need for a power right-handed bat and solved a problem by getting rid of Scott Rolen, Cesar Izturis replacing David Eckstein at shortstop, and rotation concerns.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
I Go to Extremes by Billy Joel
1:45 p.m.
Gonna be Some Changes Made by Bruce Hornsby
2:25 p.m.
Real Real Gone by Van Morrison
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

I will be out of the office on Monday, so Associate Producer Ian Spring will be here for all of your Baseball Beat rundown needs.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, February 21st

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal; ESPN.com
Tune: These Are Better Days by Bruce Springsteen
1:45 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
Tune: NyQuill by Peter Gammons
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer
Tune: Baby You’re a Rich Man by Beatles
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Lyle Spencer, MLB.com (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
Tune: Angel by John Hiatt

Guest Summaries:
Kurkjian discussed national headlines including his work this spring, Joe Torre’s presence with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tony LaRussa’s challenge of leading an underdog St. Louis Cardinals team, Albert Pujols health, and his thoughts on Ryan Howard’s arbitration win. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including Coco Crisp’s comments about wanting to be traded if he doesn’t start in centerfield, Curt Schilling’s health and contract, the club not counting on Schilling for anything, and Manny Ramirez. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including Jeff Francoeur and Yunel Escobar being in good shape, Mike Hampton’s health, Brandon Jones in the outfield, and Mark Teixeira’s contract in the final year of his deal. Rogers discussed national headlines and Chicago baseball including the Cubs centerfield position, Ryan Dempster in the rotation, and bullpen questions. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including Ryan Howard winning his arbitration case, his discussion with the media following, Brad Lidge as the team’s closer, and Jimmy Rollins latest comments. Spencer discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Vlad Guerrero’s desire to play the outfield, Jon Garland’s impact on the Angels, and Kelvim Escobar’s health.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
These Are Better Days by Bruce Springsteen
1:45 p.m.
NyQuill by Peter Gammons
2:25 p.m.
Baby You’re a Rich Man by Beatles
2:45 p.m.
Angel by John Hiatt

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, February 20th

I am back from being a fan at the NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans today. Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, February 20th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
Tune: It Takes Two by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
Tune: Going to a Go Go by Smokey Robinson
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Astros Beat)
Tune: I Can’t Explain by The Who
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)
Tune: Living in the Future by Bruce Springsteen

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including his article listing the top stories of the spring, Torii Hunter in Anaheim and Oakland A’s rebuild. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the lack of a replacement for Tony Clark, Trot Nixon nearing a deal, and how Dan Haren’s deal will be evaluated years from now. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including C.C. Sabathia’s comments that he will not discuss his contract status the rest of the season, Hoynes belief that he is eager to be a free agent, and how his negotiations with the team will impact the club this year. Passan discussed national headlines including his piece The Performance-Enhancing Drug Tour 2008 and his pick of the Cincinnati Reds as his surprise team. Footer discussed the Houston Astros including Miguel Tejada’s arrival at camp yesterday, J.R. Towles ascension to starting catcher, and how Spring Training seems odd without Craig Biggio. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including Ian Kinsler’s new contract, Nolan Ryan’s role and impact on the franchise, and how Jon Daniel’s rebuilt farm system is set to start producing in the next couple years.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
It Takes Two by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
1:45 p.m.
Going to a Go Go by Smokey Robinson
2:25 p.m.
I Can’t Explain by The Who
2:45 p.m.
Living in the Future by Bruce Springsteen

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, February 19th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Cransick, ESPN.com
1:45 p.m
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Sheinin, Washington Post
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Dave Niehaus, Broadcaster, Seattle Mariners; 2008 Ford C. Frick Winner

Guest Summaries:
Klapisch discussed the Andy Pettitte press conference from yesterday including Pettitte coming off very honest at the press conference, Pettitte being a model for players not using performance enhancing drugs, and about Brian Cashman’s work with the Steinbrenner’s. Crasnick discussed the national headlines including his views on the San Francisco Giants camp, National League West, Fukudome fever hitting Chicago, battles in Chicago Cubs camp and questions about who would start in centerfield and close, and his thoughts on the Pettitte press conference. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers camp including Eric Gagne’s statement, the fact Gagne did not really say anything, and how the Brewers look so far in spring training. Edes discussed about the Curt Schilling situation with the Boston Red Sox and the effect Schilling’s injury has on the rest of the rotation. Sheinin discussed the Washington Nationals, return of Nick Johnson, Dmitri Young’s influence on Elijah Dukes, club’s signing of Odalis Perez, and the fact the Nationals do not have to throw him in the rotation right away. Niehaus discussed winning the Ford C. Frick award, thoughts winning the award, reflection on his career, road he has gone from his work with the California Angels to the Seattle Mariners, and how broadcasting has changed over the years.