Baseball Beat: Monday, June 30th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, June 30th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Houston, Texas.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jayson Stark, ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, OC Register (Angels Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Astros Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Rogers discussed national headlines and Chicago baseball including American League dominance in interleague play, belief the designated hitter should come to the National League, past two weeks series between Cubs and White Sox, and how the Cubs pitching will determine their playoff fate. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including Magglio Ordonez oblique injury, increased frequency of oblique injuries on the Tigers, how the club turned around their early season struggles, and success of the bullpen. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the club being in first in the AL East at the halfway point of the season, Tampa/St. Pete area slowly beginning to believe, and this week’s series with the Boston Red Sox. Stark discussed national headlines including interleague play disparity, belief the leagues will never have the same rules, numbers prove the Rays are the best team in baseball, Tigers as the team to beat in the AL Central, overlooked Minnesota Twins, current state of New York Mets, maple bats debate, and biggest stories of the first half. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Saturday night’s no-no-hitter, lack of patience at the plate, and the team’s use of the home run. Footer discussed the Houston Astros including the fallout since the Shawn Chacon incident, clubhouse demeanor, and this week’s series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
When You’re Hot, You’re Hot by Jerry Reed
1:45 p.m.
The Kids are Alright by The Who
2:25 p.m.
Old Weakness Coming on Strong by Delbert McClinton
2:45 p.m.
Allison by Elvis Costello

Updated: 12:34 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, June 27th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, June 27th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal (Indians Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Shannon, Broadcaster, St. Louis Cardinals
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
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Guest Summaries:
Nightengale discussed national headlines and Shawn Chacon’s altercation with Houston Astros General Manager Ed Wade including how the incident started, manager Cecil Cooper asking Chacon to meet with him only to be denied, lack of provocation from Wade, clubhouse issues under Cooper, manager in trouble, Don Baylor as a possible replacement, interleague play proving the American League is superior to the National League, and designated hitter not the reason for the AL’s dominance. Justice discussed the Houston Astros and Chacon/Wade fight including texts from former Astros players wondering what happened to their organization, past episodes by Chacon should have been a sign, Astros should have acted sooner, how last year’s draft made it necessary to sign someone like Chacon, Drayton McLane embarrassed by the event, how losing has deteriorated the clubhouse chemistry, and Cooper could be in trouble. Ocker discussed the Cleveland Indians including having the second worst record in the AL, Travis Hafner’s injury, lack of offense killing the club, and Cliff Lee’s remarkable year. DeFord discussed national headlines including his thoughts on the Shawn Chacon incident, recent piece on the change of summer camps, “highlight-ization” of all sports, and how fans are missing the nuances of sport. Shannon discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including how the floods in the Midwest is impacting the region, Cardinals success is not a fluke, bullpen woes have kept the team out of first place in the NL Central, starting pitching has been solid minus injury issues, Mark Mulder and Adam Wainwright’s impending returns, and Albert Pujols return yesterday.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas
1:45 p.m.
Games People Play by Alan Parsons Project
2:25 p.m.
Kansas City by Wilbert Harrison
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, June 26th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, June 26th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is off with the Los Angeles Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jesus Ortiz, Houston Chronicle
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Harding, MLB.com (Rockies beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jim Reeves, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati Enquirer

Guest Summaries:
Ortiz discussed the assault incident between Shawn Chacon and Ed Wade that he first reported yesterday evening. Jesus talked about what led up to it as well as how the team is handling the situation. Harding discussed the Colorado Rockies including how the Rockies have cooled off during interleague play after finally starting to turn things around. Has also talked about the increase in broken bats, including the incident the other night where an umpire was severely struck. Reeves discussed the Texas Rangers including the call ups of Max Ramirez and Chris Davis and what they bring to the lineup. Jim also talked the injury to Josh Hamilton, what level of concern should be there for the Rangers, and what caused Sidney Ponson’s release from Texas. Baumbach discussed his impressions of Jerry Manuel as Mets skipper thus far, Joba’s successful last outing and previewed the upcoming Subway Series. Mellinger discussed the improved play of the Kansas City Royals, how the pitching has turned a corner and how that has translated to wins for the the team. Sam also talked about how comfortable the team is with the core players they have. Daugherty discussed the tiff between Dunn and JP Ricciardi, and the torture that it has been to be a Reds fan.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, June 25th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, June 25th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Price, Broadcaster, Detroit Tigers
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle (Giants Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Howard Bryant, ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Van Horne, Broadcaster, Florida Marlins
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger

Guest Summaries:
Brown discussed national headlines including yesterday’s lack of action on maple bats, agreement that changes need to occur now on maple bats, youth changing the Los Angeles Dodgers philosophy, and St. Louis Cardinals have a shot at the National League Wild Card. Price discussed the Detroit Tigers including chasing the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central, offensive resurgence since April’s swoon, Gary Sheffield’s return to the line-up last night, and the honor of playing on the 1968 Tigers. Schulman discussed the San Francisco Giants including Omar Vizquel’s return to Cleveland, crowd’s ovation for him as well as Indians pitcher Aaron Laffey getting booed in his own park for throwing a strike, and Vizquel being a lock for the Hall of Fame. Bryant discussed national headlines including working on his book on Hank Aaron this week in Atlanta, Aaron’s privacy and public life, competition between Willie Mays and Aaron, and numerous stories about Aaron. Van Horne discussed the Florida Marlins including their continued contention in the National League East, how the player attitudes are affecting their success, and his belief they have a good shot at the division title. Graziano discussed New York baseball including last night’s Mets and Yankees manager ejections and the Mets as a complete disaster.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Hair by The Cowsills
1:45 p.m.
Coming Home by Delaney and Bonnie
2:25 p.m.
One by Three Dog Night
2:45 p.m.
King of the New York Streets by Dan Graziano

Updated: 3:00 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, June 24th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, June 24th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Steve Physioc, Broadcaster, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Alan Schwarz, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including today’s Major League Baseball meetings on maple bats, belief maple bats will not be banned from the game, and a brief chat about George Carlin’s death. Kernan returned from last week’s appearance to continue their debate about Hank Steinbrenner’s comments about the lack of the designated hitter in the National League. Kernan also discussed John Santana’s need to focus and his belief Curt Schilling belongs in the Hall of Fame. Physioc discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including their road winning streak and having the best record in the American League without being healthy yet this season. Schwarz discussed national headlines including concussions specifically Ryan Church’s injury earlier this season, lack of information by teams to treat a concussion, fact teams should not trust a self-diagnosis from an athlete, biology of a concussion, and the increase in umpire injuries. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Salomon Torres impact in replacing Eric Gagne as closer, Seth McClung’s surprising success in the rotation, Russell Branyan’s home run binge since his call-up from Triple A, Gabe Kapler’s fascinating return from retirement, and Jason Kendall’s return to respectability. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including the club’s surprisingly competitive team, current win streak, and how the Johan Santana trade has helped the organization.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
1:45 p.m.
Why Don’t We Do It in the Road by The Beatles
2:25 p.m.
Its All Coming Back by Keb ‘Mo
2:45 p.m.
Any Road by George Harrison

Update: 2:58 p.m.

CNET: Making bats the Louisville Slugger way

I’ve been getting e-mails about the recent disappearance of Clips to Click.  With so many sources from Buster Olney’s blog to Pro Sports Daily and SportsPages, there seems to be ample places to find the best baseball pieces each day.  In it’s stead, I hope to highlight some of the more unique and best pieces with a Clip of the Day.

With Major League Baseball meeting about maple bats today, I am linking to a recent article from CNET about the Louisville Slugger’s making of a bat. 

Baseball Beat: Monday, June 23rd

Here is the rundown for the Monday, June 23rd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Simpson, Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Buck Martinez, Host, Baseball This Morning
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Guest Summaries:
Miller discussed national headlines including the American League’s dominance over the National League in talent and interleague play and a debate of the designated hitter prompted by the absurdity of Hank Steinbrenner’s comments. Downey discussed Chicago baseball including this weekend’s interleague series between the White Sox and Cubs, Carlos Zambrano on the disabled list, Sean Marshall filling-in, White Sox face the Dodgers in Los Angeles this week, and Cubs interested in dealing for C.C. Sabathia. Simpson discussed the Atlanta Braves including Mark Teixeira’s three home run day, Chipper Jones success this year, and rotation issues in critical state as Tom Glavine could join John Smoltz with an injury. Buckley discussed the Boston Red Sox including his piece on Boston being “enemy number one” in the country for its success in sports this decade, Curt Schilling’s career being done, Schilling’s comments on Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals yet lack of candor about Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis dugout altercation, and debates Schilling’s Hall of Fame credentials. Martinez discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including John Gibbons firing, what a manager goes through during their final days, current state of the Blue Jays, players responsible for a manager’s firing, and how the St. Louis Cardinals are another testament to the greatness of Tony LaRussa. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the club’s June woes, offensive doldrums and how the young hitters need to mature, Brandon Webb’s struggles, and this week’s series in Boston.

Tunes Summaries:
1:45 p.m.
Hanging Around by Counting Crows
2:25 p.m.
Blue Jay Way by The Beatles
2:45 p.m.
I Lost It by Lucinda Williams

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, June 20th

Here is the tentative rundown for the Friday, June 20th edition of Baseball Beat.  Chris Russell is hosting as Charley Steiner is off with the Los Angeles Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Rawlings, Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Blair, Toronto Globe & Mail
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hurd, Contra Costa Times
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald
2:25 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners
866-MLB-ON-XM (866-652-6696)

Guest Summaries:
Rawlings discussed national headlines including the upcoming interleague series between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, Curt Schilling out for the year, and St. Louis Cardinals injuries.  Blair discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including the breaking news of firing of manager John Gibbons, what may have lead to the firing of Gibbons, and Cito Gaston’s return as manager. Hurd discussed the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants including the chances the A’s may trade Joe Blanton, if Oakland will be sellers at the trade deadline, and how the Giants are respectful this season.  Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox and the news of Curt Schilling being out for the season and where he will stand in history.  Hickey discussed the Seattle Mariners including the firing of their General Manager and Manager this week and what led tot he firings.

Updated: 4:12 p.m.

Blue Jays Make Managerial & Coaching Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO / PITTSBURGH

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2008

BLUE JAYS MAKE MANAGERIAL & COACHING CHANGES

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have relieved Manager JOHN GIBBONS of his duties along with coaches MARTY PEVEY, ERNIE WHITT and GARY DENBO. In uniform tonight will be Manager CITO GASTON, First Base Coach DWAYNE MURPHY, Third Base Coach NICK LEYVA and Hitting Coach GENE TENACE.

GASTON, 64, becomes the first two time manager of the Blue Jays moving over from his position as Club Ambassador and Special Assistant to the President and CEO. Gaston managed the Blue Jays from 1989 to 1997 and led the team to four play-off appearances including back to back World Series Championships in 1992 & 1993. One of nine men inducted to the Toronto Blue Jays Level of Excellence, he owns a career 681-635 record as manager in a franchise high 1,316 games. The former Major League outfielder was the clubs Hitting Coach from 1982 to 1989 and again in 2000 and 2001.

LEYVA, 54, returns to the Blue Jays where he served as Third Base Coach from 1993 to 1997 as a member of Cito Gaston’s staff. The Ontario, California native also managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1989 to 1991 with a record of 148-189. Prior to joining the Phillies he coached for five seasons with Whitey Herzog and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1984-1988. The former minor league infielder joins the club after serving as the Milwaukee Brewers Third Base Coach in 2007.

MURPHY, 53, moves from his position as Blue Jays Roving Minor League Hitting Instructor to coach first base. The Merced, California native played in 1,360 Major League games with Oakland (1978-1987), Detroit (1988) and Philadelphia (1989) and captured six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1980 to 1985. He joined the Blue Jays organization in 2005 coaching for Syracuse of the International League (AAA) before being named Roving Hitting Instructor in 2007. He also coached in the Majors for the Arizona Diamondbacks as First Base & Outfield Coach (1998-2000) and then as Hitting Coach in 2001.

TENACE, 61, returns to Cito Gaston’s staff, a position he held from 1990 to 1997 serving as Hitting Coach and Bench Coach. He also served as Interim Manager compiling a 21-15 record. Tenace is a winner of six World Series Championships, two as a coach with the Blue Jays and four during his playing career, three as a member of the Oakland Athletics and one with the St. Louis Cardinals. Tenace, the 1972 World Series MVP, was a career .241 hitter with 201 home runs and 674 RBI over seasons with Oakland (1969-1976), San Diego (1977-1980), St. Louis (1981-1982) and Pittsburgh (1983). In 2007 worked for the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

GIBBONS, 46, began managing the Blue Jays in 2004 and has compiled a career 305-305 record in time. The San Antonio, Texas resident joined the Blue Jays coaching staff in 2002 starting as a Bullpen Catcher before moving to first base Coach later that season, a position he held until being named interim manager on August 8, 2004. Following the season was named the ninth full-time manager in club history.

Clips to Click: Friday, June 20th

Clips to Click:

• D.C. failures turned Senators into Texas Rangers by Richard Durrett, Dallas Morning News
• Good man couldn’t motivate bad team by John McGrath, The News Tribune
• Marlins’ infield on pace to set home run record by Clark Spencer, Miami Herald
• MacPhail’s performance review by Rick Maese, Baltimore Sun
• Stealing headlines: Red Sox quick to capitalize on Jacoby Ellsbury’s speed by Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
• Indians are done, so it’s time to look ahead by Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
• Trade? Phils just need Myers to improve by Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer
• Rays rounded fluke and headed for legit by John Romano, St. Petersburg Times
• Hits Keep On Coming For These Rays by Martin Fennelly, Tampa Tribune
• Joel Zumaya is back, but can he make it last? by Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press
• Cubs-White Sox will be borderline insanity by Rick Morrissey, Chicago Tribune
• Why I’m sick of Boston by Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch