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Entries from April 2008

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, April 30th

April 30, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, April 30th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Miami, Florida. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
Tune: I’m Free by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Pete Caldera, The Record (Yankees Beat)
Tune: Legs by ZZ Top
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Lee Jenkins, Sports Illustrated
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle; CBSSports.com
Tune: It All Went Down the Drain by Boz Scaggs
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tommy Hutton, Broadcaster, Florida Marlins
Tune: I’m Gonna Go Fishin’ by Dr. John

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines including large amount of injuries plaguing the game, lack of belief in babying starting pitchers, Philadelphia Phillies and Brett Myers approach in getting his velocity up, New York Yankees lack of run support for its young pitchers, and how impressive the Arizona Diamondbacks are in the National League. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Mike Cameron’s return last night, Ben Sheets difficult start, Eric Gagne and Derrick Turnbow’s struggles, and the slow start for the offensive. Caldera discussed the New York Yankees including updates on Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada’s injuries, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy’s struggles in the rotation, and how fans are viewing this year of re-loading (a.k.a. rebuilding) the Major League roster. Jenkins discussed his upcoming Sports Illustrated cover story on Kosuke Fukudome and the Chicago Cubs including similarities between Ichiro and Fukudome, concerns over the long-term success of the club’s pitching, and Alfonso Soriano’s return tomorrow. Ratto discussed the San Francisco Giants including Barry Zito’s move to the bullpen, how there is no Plan C for Zito, Giants made their own bed with this contract, and how the length of the contract will define him. Hutton discussed the Florida Marlins including this week’s series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the National League East, Hanley Ramirez as possibly the best overall player in baseball, and Scott Olsen improving with each start.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
I’m Free by The Who
1:45 p.m.
Legs by ZZ Top
2:25 p.m.
It All Went Down the Drain by Boz Scaggs
2:45 p.m.
I’m Gonna Go Fishin’ by Dr. John

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, April 29th

April 29, 2008 · 1 Comment

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, April 29th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Miami, Florida. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN
1:30 p.m.
Guest: Brian Williams, Anchor, NBC Nightly News
Tune: Eye in the Sky by Alan Parsons
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
Tune: Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
Tune: Am I Tough Enough by Fabulous Thunderbirds

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed national headlines including Joe Torre’s work in Los Angeles, update on Jorge Posada’s shoulder sprain, Arizona Diamondback’s youth coming of age, Barry Zito just doesn’t have the same stuff, Tampa Bay Rays can surprise this year, and John Smoltz age starting to catch up to him. Williams discussed national headlines and his beloved New York Yankees including a brief foray into the election. Edes discussed the Boston Red Sox including a breakdown of last weekend’s series in Tampa Bay, how April was about survival for the Red Sox, Mike Lowell back tonight, and David Ortiz’s struggles and frustration. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including health updates on Tom Glavine and John Smoltz’s health catching up to them, Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar’s minor injuries, and Rafael Soriano’s delayed return. Topkin discussed the first place Tampa Bay Rays including the weekend sweep of the Red Sox, James Shields becoming an ace, Scott Kazmir’s return, Evan Longoria’s emergence, evaluating the Matt Garza trade, and how the club can surprise this year.

Tunes Summary:
1:30 p.m.
Eye in the Sky by Alan Parsons
2:25 p.m.
Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds
2:45 p.m.
Am I Tough Enough by Fabulous Thunderbirds

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Monday, April 28th

April 28, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Monday, April 28th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.
1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tim Sullivan, San Diego Union-Tribune
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Andy Call, Canton Repository (Indians Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Bowman, MLB.com (Braves Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Andy Freed, Broadcaster, Tampa Bay Rays
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Rob Biertempfel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pirates Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Antonen discussed national headlines including who will stay competitive out of the surprising first place teams (Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland A’s, and Florida Marlins), St. Louis Cardinals developing pitchers, Oakland A’s impressive young rotation, deep concerns over Barry Zito’s performance for the San Francisco Giants, and how age is catching up with the Atlanta Braves. Sullivan discussed the San Diego Padres including how the club has fallen off the map this year, lack of offense is the key concern, unproductive minor league system will not be bringing much help, and whether the end is near for Trevor Hoffman’s career. Call discussed the Cleveland Indians including Grady Sizemore’s ankle sprain and consecutive games streak ending yesterday, C.C. Sabathia’s turnaround in his last two starts, and Aaron Laffy starting tonight. Bowman discussed the Atlanta Braves including how injuries have ravaged the club, big worries over John Smoltz shoulder, Yunel Escobar and Chipper Jones returning from minor injuries tomorrow, Tom Glavine’s return from the disabled list on Tuesday, why Tim Hudson has been pulled by Bobby Cox so early in his last two starts, and Rafael Soriano’s return will be delayed. Freed discussed the first place Tampa Bay Rays including yesterday’s complete game, shutout performance by James Shields, Edwin Jackson’s improvement this year, comparing Evan Longoria to Cal Ripken, and how the organization could get used to success. Biertempfel discussed the Pittsburgh Pirates including Frank Connelly’s impact, release of Matt Morris, Nate McLouth’s surprising impact, and rotation development concerns.

Categories: Chuck Wilson

Baseball Beat: Friday, April 25h

April 25, 2008 · Leave a Comment

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:30 p.m.
Guest: Tyler Kepner, New York Times (Yankees Beat)
Tunes: Don’t Bug Me When I’m Working by Little Village
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Price, Broadcaster, Detroit Tigers
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Ted Leitner, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres
Tune: Free Falling by Tom Petty & 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:
Donovan discussed national headlines including Andruw Jones’s struggles, Chipper Jones impressive start, Ron Washington out of time in Texas, and Walt Jocketty needs to bring stability to the Cincinnati Reds. Kepner discussed New York Yankees including Joba Chamberlain as young enough to be in the bullpen, Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes struggles, Hank Steinbrenner leading the organization, and Alex Rodriguez health update. Price discussed the Detroit Tigers including the resurgent Tigers after their rough start, Dontrelle Willis rehabbing his knee and dealing with not living up to expectations, and Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen switching positions. Leitner discussed the San Diego Padres including the club being in last place, Greg Maddux going for 350 wins, Trevor Hoffman’s struggles, Padres tough April schedule, and impressed with the Arizona Diamondbacks roster.

Tunes Summary:
1:30 p.m.
Don’t Bug Me When I’m Working by Little Village
2:25 p.m.
Free Falling by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Thursday, April 24th

April 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, April 24th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is at an event with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Barry Bloom, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune (Padres Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Bloom discussed national headlines including Greg Maddux’s performance last night, Trevor Hoffman blowing another save and whether his career is taking a downturn, and if Barry Bonds will play again. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the club’s games in Orlando this week, Evan Longoria’s contract extension, and how Troy Percival’s leadership has impacted the team’s young core. Hickey discussed the Seattle Mariners including Carlos Silva’s injury, J.J. Putz’s return from the disabled list, Erik Bedard’s rehab, and belief that the Mariners were never bidding for Frank Thomas. Baumbach discussed New York baseball including Carlos Delgado as a big concern for the New York Mets, Hank Steinbrenner’s comments, necessary patience from the front office with the New York Yankees young starters, and his belief the National League East is overrated. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Brian Barton’s impressive start, Kyle Lohse’s impactful signing, Colby Rasmus’s continued development, and Mark Mulder’s rehab. Krasovic discussed the San Diego Padres including Hoffman’s difficulties of late, Maddux going to win #350, and the team’s slow start.

Categories: Chuck Wilson

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, April 23rd

April 23, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, April 23rd edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson was hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jorge Arangure, ESPN Magazine
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati Enquirer
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Carroll Rogers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Roch Kubato, Baltimore Sun (Orioles Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Witrado, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Arangure discussed national headlines including the Cincinnati Reds firing of Wayne Krivsky and Walt Jocketty taking the reins, Miguel Cabrera extending his career by moving to first base, and his exclusive report on Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera’s feud. Daugherty discussed the Cincinnati Reds including breaking the news today that Wayne Krivsky was fired as General Manager of the Reds. He also discussed how the poor start was not the only reason for the firing, how Krivsky alienated people in the front office, and upside of Walt Jocketty taking over. Rogers discussed the Atlanta Braves including John Smoltz’s 3,000th strikeout last night, fitting the strikeout came with a splitter, and how the Braves have dealt with injuries in April. Kubatko discussed the Baltimore Orioles including the surprising Baltimore Orioles, how the youth movement and complete rebuild is working, Adam Jones impressive play in center, and how the organization will move forward in the years to come. Rosenberg discussed the Detroit Tigers including Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen switching positions, how Cabrera’s move affects Gary Sheffield, Curtis Granderson’s return, Justin Verlander’s hard luck loss, and bullpen woes. Witrado discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Eric Gagne’s struggles, pitching staff issues, and slow starts for Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.

Categories: Chuck Wilson

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, April 22nd

April 22, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, April 22nd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Cincinnati, Ohio. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune
Tune: Shining Star by Earth Wind & Fire
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
Tune: Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Candiotti, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post
Tune: Green River by Creedance Clearwater Revival
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer (Indians Beat)
Tune: Every Breath You Take by The Police

Guest Summaries:
Brown discussed national headlines including the intrigue of Hank Steinbrenner’s comments, Brian Cashman’s rebuttal yesterday, New York Yankees panicking a bit over the Boston Red Sox April success, Milwaukee Brewers shattered pitching staff, and Arizona Diamondbacks surprisingly great offense. Downey discussed the Chicago Cubs and White Sox being in first place, Carlos Quentin in the outfield for the White Sox, Kenny Williams as one of the best General Managers in baseball, Reed Johnson as a gamer for the Cubs, and update on the chances of Brian Roberts being acquired. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including Jimmy Rollins going on the disabled list, no concern over Ryan Howard’s typical slow start, and Chase Utley leading the league in home runs. Candiotti discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including having the best record in baseball, Justin Upton’s breakout season, Micah Owings and Brandon Webb’s 4-0 starts, and concerns about the club’s bullpen. Kernan discussed New York baseball including his thoughts on Hank Steinbrenner, belief there is nothing wrong with his comments, feeling there is little panic in New York, and Steinbrenner was essentially asking Mike Mussina to improve. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians slow start, C.C. Sabathia’s troubles, Jake Westbrook going on the disabled list, and anemic offense.

Tunes Summaries:
1:25 p.m.
Shining Star by Earth Wind & Fire
1:45 p.m.
Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
2:25 p.m.
Green River by Creedance Clearwater Revival
2:45 p.m.
Every Breath You Take by The Police

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Monday, April 21st

April 21, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Monday, April 21st edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Cincinnati, Ohio. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
Tune: Son of Your Father by Elton John
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Richard Griffin, Toronto Star
Tune: Angry Young Man by Billy Joel
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Pete Van Wieren, Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post
Tune: Steppin’ Out by Joe Jackson
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Lyle Spencer, MLB.com (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
Tune: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Guest Summaries:
Miller discussed national headlines including Frank Thomas being released by the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees concerns, Hank Steinbrenner’s comments about the rotation in the New York Times today, Mike Mussina’s reaction, and how Miguel Tejada’s age issue will affect future free agents. Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including Steinbrenner’s comments, Joba Chamberlain’s move to the rotation, club’s patience with Philip Hughes and Ian Kennedy, and Alex Rodriguez injury. Griffin joined us from the Toronto Blue Jays day game with the Detroit Tigers today. He discussed the Blue Jays including Frank Thomas being released and how it came down, Matt Stairs as the full-time designated hitter, Adam Lind soon-to-be returning from the minors to compete for the DH and left field job, and strength of the rotation. Wieren discussed the Atlanta Braves including the weekend sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jair Jurrjens performance, depth has been key to the club, Chipper Jones quad injury, Mark Teixeira’s slow start, Yunel Escobar turning into a star, Mark Kotsay as a great addition, and health and age concerns about the rotation. Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including young starters in the rotation, last week’s 22-inning game, an overall view of the National League West, Arizona Diamondback as the cream of the crop out west, Clint Barmes using his hot bat to take over second base from Jayson Nix, and what the organization expects from Ian Stewart. Spencer discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including the rotation concerns, Chone Figgins as the most underrated player (and person) in baseball, John Lackey about a month away from returning, and Kelvim Escobar’s rehab.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Son of Your Father by Elton John
1:45 p.m.
Angry Young Man by Billy Joel
2:25 p.m.
Steppin’ Out by Joe Jackson
2:45 p.m.
Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Friday, April 18th

April 18, 2008 · Leave a Comment

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Tune: Nothing From Nothing by Billy Preston
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Daron Sutton, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tune: The Snake by Al Wilson
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record
2:25 p.m.
Guest: George Frazier, Broadcaster, Colorado Rockies
Tune: I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead by Warren Zevon
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:
Verducci discussed national headlines including last night’s 22 inning game between the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, Evan Longoria’s nine-year contract extension with Tampa Bay, Miguel Tejada’s correct age, and David Ortiz looking dreadful at the plate. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including last night’s win to split the two-game series with the New York Yankees, how the Yankees and Red Sox need patience as their talented youth matures, and Red Sox bullpen getting taxed. Sutton discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the club’s hot start, Justin Upton’s emergence, Randy Johnson’s return, and Dan Haren’s impact. Klapisch discussed the New York baseball including Jose Reyes need to take the lead on the club, Johan Santana’s long ball tendencies, and Yankees/Red Sox having maturing issues with their young talent. Frazier joined us from Houston following the Colorado Rockies 22-inning win last night in San Diego. He discussed the epic game, difficult travel, and how the roster and line-up will be affected tonight.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Nothing From Nothing by Billy Preston
1:45 p.m.
The Snake by Al Wilson
2:25 p.m.
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead by Warren Zevon
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Categories: Charley Steiner

Baseball Beat: Thursday, April 17th

April 17, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, April 17th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is traveling to Atlanta with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, Sporting News
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Albert Chen, Sports Illustrated
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Posnanski, Kansas City Star
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic (D’Backs Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Rubin discussed the New York Mets including an update on Pedro Martinez health, Jose Reyes’ return to form, and the surprising story of Nelson Figueroa. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including last night’s loss in New York, overused bullpen becoming a concern, reasons for David Ortiz’s slump, and Coco Crisp as the key to any Boston moves. Fraley join us from the Milwaukee Brewers/St. Louis Cardinals game and discussed Tony LaRussa’s bullpen management, C.C. Sabathia’s struggles, Trey Hillman has brought fundamentals to Kansas City, and how the Texas Rangers are a train wreck. Chen discussed his Sports Illustrated piece on Chien-Ming Wang. This was an in-depth segment on Wang. Posnanski discussed the Kansas City Royals including how the rotation of Brian Bannister, Zack Greinke, and Gil Meche give the club hope, Hillman instilling greater fundamentals to the roster, popularity of his blog, and mention of his book with Buck O’Neil. Piecoro discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Randy Johnson’s first start of the year, Justin Upton’s hot start, and Mark Reynlds second year in the majors.

Categories: Chuck Wilson