Baseball Beat: Thursday, July 3rd

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, July 3rd edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting the Los Angeles Dodgers day game in Houston, Texas.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Henderson, Tampa Tribune
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, Sporting News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Whicker, OC Register
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including his recent travels to New York City, Cooperstown, and SABR Convention, whether Tampa Bay is legit, bullpen and defense the key factors for improvement, Cleveland Indians need to start planning for 2009, and what type of player should be an All-Star. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including their continued struggles, reliance on youth, Jeff Francoeur stuck in the worst slump of his career, club considering sending Francoeur to AAA, Chipper Jones miraculously healed injury, and if Mark Teixeira will be traded. Henderson discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including how no one forecast their success, belief they are currently the best “team” in baseball, and increased patience at the plate. Fraley discussed national headlines including his article on Tony LaRussa yesterday, Tampa Bay Rays as the story of the season, recent piece on the return of the fastball throwing pitchers, and the continued safety hazards of maple bats. Whicker discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Los Angeles Dodgers including Francisco Rodriguez success and impending contract issues, Angels overcoming offensive struggles, health being the key for the Dodgers, and lack of an ace in Dodgers rotation. Collier discussed his recent article on sport injuries and surgeries including the increase in health problems with athletes and how rare it is to have errors in an athlete’s surgery. He also briefly discussed the Pittsburgh Pirates including this season’s continued struggles, whether the new front office has a long-term plan for the organization, if the club will rightfully sell at the trade deadline, and Matt Capps injury.