Baseball Beat: Monday, March 31st

Here is the rundown for the Monday, March 31st edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is broadcasting the Los Angeles Dodgers home opener today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Rawlings, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Zuckerman, Washington Times (Nationals Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Phil Miller, St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twins Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Sims, Broadcaster, Seattle Mariners
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Harding, MLB.com (Rockies Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Rawlings discussed national headlines including last night’s opener in Washington, Atlanta Braves being picked by many experts, and previewing each division for the start of the season. Zuckerman discussed the Washington Nationals including last night’s home opener, Ryan Zimmerman’s dramatic walk-off home run, increased revenue streams, long-term organizational plan, and how the new Nationals Park lacks a signature piece. Miller discussed the Minnesota Twins including Torii Hunter’s return to Minneapolis today, Carlos Gomez winning the centerfield job, and how many are overlooking the Twins this year. Antonen discussed national headlines including last night’s opener in Washington, how Nationals Park is missing the “WOW” factor, and previewing each division. Sims discussed the Seattle Mariners including today’s home opener, Erik Bedard’s start, and Dave Niehaus throwing out the first pitch today. Harding discussed the Colorado Rockies including today’s road opener in St. Louis, defending their National League championship, and Jayson Nix replacing Kaz Matsui.

Baseball Beat: Friday, March 28th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Doug Glanville, Former Player, New York Times Op/Ed
Tune: Mind Games by John Lennon
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Harvey Araton, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bob Elliott, Toronto Sun
Tune: And Your Bird Can Sing by The Beatles
2:45 p.m.
Listener Calls

Guest Summaries:
Verducci discussed the national headlines including the excitement of Opening Day. Tom also talked about baseball being a global game and his baseball preview edition of Sports Illustrated. Tom also gave his prediction of a Tigers and Cubs World Series. Glanville discussed the player’s perspective of the last week of spring training when they are on the bubble of making the Major league club. Doug also talked about his first roommate in spring trainging and other great minor league stories. Araton discussed his latest article about the baseball union. Harvey talked about how Donald Fehr and the union hurt the innocent players during the steroid era. Elliott discussed the Toronto Blue Jays and their injuries going into the season. Bob also talked about David Eckstein taking over at shortstop and the value of Alex Rios, who is on the verge of getting a new contract.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, March 27th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
1:35 p.m.
Guest: Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle; CBSSports.com
Tune: Everybody Knows This is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Candiotti, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lyle Spencer, MLB.com (Angels Beat)
Tune: Permanent Hurt by John Hiatt
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
Tune: Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines including his belief that the Cleveland Indians are the team to the beat, Detroit Tigers bullpen and starter issues, youth movement by the New York Yankees, Kelvim Escobar’s injury, and his pick of the Atlanta Braves as underrated. Ratto discussed national headlines including the 2008 woes of the San Francisco Giants including Barry Bonds being removed from the ballpark and how they need a marquee player to step forward. Candiotti discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Randy Johnson as a big question mark and Micah Owings struggles this spring. Spencer discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including health concerns surrounding the team, Kelvim Escobar’s long-term health, and an emotional discussion about Preston Gomez’s health and how the media handles these very personal stories. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including the remarkable story of Kerry Wood’s return and Reed Johnson’s signing.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Everybody Knows This is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2:25 p.m.
Permanent Hurt by John Hiatt
2:45 p.m.
Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, March 26th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat) – From Japan
1:40 p.m.
Guest: Mario Impemba, Broadcaster, Detroit Tigers
Tune: Stay Awhile by Dusty Springfield
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
Tune: I Want You Back by Jackson 5
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Jim Souhan, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Tune: Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

Guest Summaries:
Edes joined us from Japan following the Boston Red Sox season opening win over the Oakland A’s. He discussed the Red Sox including today’s loss to the Oakland A’s, Rich Harden’s performance today, how Hideki Okajima stole Daisuke Matsuzaka’s thunder, comparing Matsuzaka to Beatle-mania, upcoming Red Sox exhibition at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and overseas travel affecting the club. Impemba discussed the Detroit Tigers including Miguel Cabrera’s contact extension, Curtis Granderson’s injury, and thoughts on the team’s chances in the American League Central. Nightengale discussed national headlines including the breaking report that Preston Gomez was hit by a car this morning. Davidoff discussed New York baseball including Andy Pettitte missing his first start, Hank Steinbrenner as less wild than his father, impression on Jose Canseco’s new book, and thoughts on what teams will improve this year. Souhan discussed the Minnesota Twins including Joe Nathan’s contract extension, impact of a legitimate closer on a young rotation, Francisco Liriano’s current state, and a review of the Johan Santana trade.

Tunes Summary:
1:40 p.m.
Stay Awhile by Dusty Springfield
2:25 p.m.
I Want You Back by Jackson 5
2:45 p.m.
Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, March 25th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, March 25th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Silverman, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat) – From Japan
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Witrado, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Stiglich, Contra Costa Times (A’s Beat) – From Japan
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Fraley discussed national headlines including this morning’s season opening game in Japan, how parity is impacting teams to take more infield, belief that Barry Bonds will eventually sign, and previewing some of the divisions around Major League Baseball. Silverman joined us from Japan following the Boston Red Sox season opening win over the Oakland A’s. He discussed the Red Sox including J.D. Drew’s injury, Brandon Moss replacing Drew and breaking out today, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s performance today, and differences in covering the game in Japan. Witrado discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including his new role sharing the beat with Tom Haudricourt, Manny Parra pressing, Chris Capuano’s injury, and hopes to compete in the National League Central. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including Joe Nathan’s contract extension, Carlos Gomez winning the centerfield job, and Francisco Liriano looking good but not like the Liriano of old. Stiglich joined us from Japan following the Oakland A’s season opening loss to the Boston Red Sox. He discussed the Oakland A’s including Emil Brown’s base running blunder, how Bob Geren had emphasized aggressive base running throughout the spring, passion of Japanese fans, and globalization of baseball. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including John Patterson’s signing, Milton Bradley’s health, and Josh Hamilton’s chance to breakout this season.

Baseball Beat: Monday, March 24th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, March 24th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson will be hosting today as Charley Steiner is off today with the Los Angeles Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Henson, Yahoo.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Blair, Globe & Mail
1:45 p.m.
Guest: David Murphy, Philadelphia Daily News (Phillies Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Price, Broadcaster, Detroit Tigers
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer (Reds Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Henson discussed national headlines including his trip to China covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, Major League Baseball’s grand interest in international growth and the World Baseball Classic, and the Detroit Tigers long-time signing of Miguel Cabrera. Blair discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including the injury to Scott Rolen and how it hurts the club’s defense, releasing Reed Johnson, Shannon Stewart making the team, and B.J. Ryan being shutdown. Murphy discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including his new job covering the club’s beat for the Philadelphia Daily News, Adam Eaton as the fifth starter, and update on Brad Lidge’s health. Price discussed the Detroit Tigers including Miguel Cabrera’s reported long-term signing, Curtis Granderson’s injury, Brandon Inge as Granderson’s replacement in centerfield, and how the Tigers are short on pitching to make a deal. Baxter discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers including the club being in Arizona for the final week and a half of Spring Training for the first time, Jeff Kent’s health concerns, and the club’s glaring hole at third base with Nomar Garciaparra and Andy LaRoche being injured. Fay discussed the Cincinnati Reds including his Sunday piece suggesting the team should sign Adam Dunn long-term, Dusty Baker’s impact on the roster, whether the bullpen will be improved, and how the youth will impact the club competing in the National League Central.

Baseball Beat: Friday, March 21st

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
Tune: Tommy Can You Hear Me by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)
Tune: Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Dusty Springfield
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Alan Ashby, Broadcaster, Toronto Blue Jays
Tune: Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
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:
Bodley discussed national headlines including comparing Bobby Cox and Jim Leyland’s success as managers, John Smoltz shoulder tightness, and the upcoming 100,000+ sold-out exhibition at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Chris Capuano’s injury not being his biggest problem, Ben Sheets health, and Ryan Braun’s second year in the majors. Hickey discussed the Seattle Mariners including the Seattle Mariners including Erik Bedard’s impact on the rotation and how the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s pitching injuries makes Seattle the favorite in the American League West. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including the club’s rotation, Dontrelle Willis impressive spring, and dealing with the bullpen as the Achilles heel of the club. Ashby discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including B.J. Ryan being shutdown, Jeremy Accardo as the legitimate future closer, and competing in the American League East.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Tommy Can You Hear Me by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Dusty Springfield
2:25 p.m.
Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, March 20th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, March 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: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
Tune: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding
1:45 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal Constitution (Braves Beat)
Tune: None but the Brave by Bruce Springsteen
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post (Rockies Beat)
Tune: Do It Again by Beach Boys
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Dave Lennon, Newsday (Mets Beat)
Tune: Soul Sacrifice by Santana

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including Barry Bonds free agency, Chicago White Sox chances of competing in the American League Central, Cubs still owning the city of Chicago, and his coverage of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Tempe, AZ today. Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including Tuesday’s exhibition game at Virginia Tech, Joba Chamberlain starting the year in the bullpen, Phil Hughes first full year in the rotation, and youth on the roster. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including Mike Hampton’s return this spring, Rafael Soriano’s role as the team’s closer, and Jeff Francoeur’s return from getting beaned in the face. Rogers discussed national headlines and Chicago baseball including Jose Contreras looking to return to form this season, Kerry Wood’s latest flare-up, and pitching injuries on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies and his present tour of the Grapefruit League including Matt Holliday’s expectations for another big year, Jayson Nix potentially winning the second base job, and a National League West breakdown with his pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks as the division champion. Lennon discussed the New York Mets including update on the roster full of injuries, Johan Santana adjusting to the National League, Orlando Hernandez probably going to make the roster in spite of his performance, and Pedro Martinez’s return this year.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
I’ve Got Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding
1:45 p.m.
None but the Brave by Bruce Springsteen
2:25 p.m.
Do It Again by Beach Boys
2:45 p.m.
Soul Sacrifice by Santana

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, March 19th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Gurnick, MLB.com (Dodgers Beat)
Tune: Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, OC Register (Angels Beat)
Tune: Pretty Little Angel Eyes by Curtis Lee
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer (Indians Beat)
Tune: People Get Ready by The Impressions
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 including the Boston Red Sox boycott today in Fort Myers, covering the final day of Dodgertown on Monday, and how impressive Adam Jones has been for Baltimore. Gurnick discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers trip to Beijing, China along with Charley last week including how the trip was made to impact baseball in China and the impressive unity between the United States and China. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar’s injuries. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including today’s boycott and timeline today as well as tonight’s flight to Japan. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including final roster decision and chances to repeat in the American League Central.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd
1:45 p.m.
Pretty Little Angel Eyes by Curtis Lee
2:25 p.m.
People Get Ready by The Impressions
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, March 18th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, March 18th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is off with the Los Angeles Dodgers today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jonah Keri, ESPN.com Page 2
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Griffin, Toronto Star
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean Deveney, The Sporting News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Chris Russell, Reporter, MLB Home Plate (New York Yankees v. Virginia Tech Game)

Guest Summaries:
Keri discussed national headlines including questioning why teams have not signed Barry Bonds and Howie Kendrick as a rising star. Griffin discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including A.J. Burnett and how their team’s health as well as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will play a role on the club contending in the American League East. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including how Orlando Cabrera improves the team, second base opening, and how Nick Swisher has brought a positive, loose atmosphere to the clubhouse. Deveney discussed national headlines including Evan Longoria and Colby Rasmus being sent to the minors. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Tony Larussa managing a rebuilding club, Colby Rasmus being sent down, Mark Lamping leaving as team President, expectations for Kyle Lohse, and Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder’s rehab. Russell joined us from Blacksburg, Virginia to discuss the New York Yankees exhibition against Virginia Tech.

Charley Steiner returns to Baseball Beat on Wednesday following his return from the Beijing, China tour with the Los Angeles Dodgers.