Baseball Beat: Friday, August 29th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 29th edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is off with the Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Henson, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, WEEI.com (Red Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Peter Abraham, Journal News (Yankees Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Molony, MLB.com (Astros Beat)
2:45 p.m.
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Guest Summaries:
Henson discussed the implementation of instant replay, previewed the weekend matchups, and gave his predictions for how the final month of baseball will play out. Bradford discussed Josh Beckett’s injury and how Beckett trusts Dr. James Andrews and consults with him all the time, so his visit today is nothing new.  Rob also talked about his impressions of the last Yankees/Red sox game in Yankee Stadium. Piecoro discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks’ up and down season, how well Randy Johnson has pitched lately, and he previewed the NL West showdown between the D’Backs and Dodgers. Abraham discussed the New York Yankees and the difference between Hank and Hal Steinbrenner. Peter also talked about the struggles that Alex Rodriguez has been experiencing this season, where the Yankees go from here with their young pitchers, and if they should go after CC Sabathia in the off season. Molony discussed instant replay and the battle for the wild card in the NL Central. Jim also talked about the amazing Tampa Bay Rays and how defense has been the key for their success.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, August 28th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, August 28th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from the XM Studios in Washington, D.C.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Rob Biertempfel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pirates Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, Sporting News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including the advent of instant replay, not being sold on instant replay, lack of fundamentals in baseball, Pedro Alvarez/Scott Boras/Piitsburgh Pirates is an ironic situation for Frank Coonelly, and previewing the weekend series. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the tough upcoming schedule for the Rays, latest on Evan Longoria’s return, Matt Garza’s star turn in Tampa, Dioner Navarro as a pleasant surprise, Rocco Baldelli easing back into regular role, chances Carl Crawford could come back this year, and impending return of Troy Percival. Biertempfel discussed the Pittsburgh Pirates including the Pedro Alvarez/Scott Boras situation, timing of the agreement at point as a point of contention, and latest on the contract dispute. Fraley discussed national headlines including misgivings about instant replay, Tony Reagins bold moves as General Manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, belief the Angels are the best team in baseball, Chicago Cubs as the best in the National League, Pedro Alvarez situation, comparing it to Alex Rodriguez signing with the Seattle Mariners years ago, and C.C. Sabathia having no chance to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers because the Major League Baseball Players Association will not let him give a hometown discount. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including Carlos Zambrano struggles of late, Ryan Dempster still rolling, and Fukudome’s working out of a slump. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including their 10-game win streak, Cliff Lee contending for the American League Cy Young, and whether the Indians can continue the roll with a run similar to the Colorado Rockies of 2007.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Still the One by Orleans
1:45 p.m.
Money Changes Everything by Cindi Lauper
2:25 p.m.
Cruisin’ by Smokey Robinson
2:45 p.m.
Indians Lake by the Cowsills

Updated: 2:59 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, August 27th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, August 27th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from the XM studios in Washington, D.C.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal; ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post

Guest Summaries:
Edes discussed national headlines including the advent of instant replay, Mark Kotsay to the Boston Red Sox reports, New York Yankees do not have enough this year, and Josh Beckett on the quick road back. Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including last night’s seven-run come back extra innngs win over the New York Mets to return to first in the National League East, previewing tonight’s Kyle Kendrick v. Johan Santana match-up, and this weekend’s series with the Chicago Cubs. Telander discussed the resignation of Jay Marriotti from the Chicago Sun-Times which is the story of the sport blogosphere today. Telander was Marriotti’s chief rival at the Sun-Times so we discussed the implications of Marriotti’s move as well as the newspaper industry and sports writing profession. Baseball Beat was Telander’s first public comments about Marriotti’s resignation. TheBigLead.com was listening and picked up the story. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including last night’s win at Yankee Stadium, previewed tonight’s Paul Byrd v. Sidney Ponson match-up, Mike Lowell should return in a week, Boston needs a healthy Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury trying to learn how to make adjustments, and confirmation of the Mark Kotsay trade being official. Miklasz discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including last night’s deflating loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, lack of deadline moves hurt the Cardinals in the National League Central race with the Chicago Cubs and Brewers making deals, and the club’s slim hopes for the playoffs. Kernan discussed the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez buckling under the pressure last night.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Baby Come Back by The Equals
1:45 p.m.
Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles
2:25 p.m.
Already Gone by The Eagles
2:45 p.m.
Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon

Updated: 3:12 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, August 26th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, August 26th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from XM Radio in Washington DC. 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)
Guest: Bobby Bennett, Program Director, Soul Street (XM 60)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Hal McCoy, Dayton Daily News (Reds Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines including previewing the New York Mets/Philadelphia Phillies series, Milwaukee Brewers have a chance to finish the 2008 St. Louis Cardinals this week, New York Yankees final stand at Yankee Stadium against the Boston Red Sox, Kenny Rogers’s options after clearing waivers, belief Los Angeles Dodgers should go after Brian Fuentes, Yankees need to fill many holes in the off-season, Alex Rodriguez having a subpar season, and Derek Jeter in the decline phase of his career. Bennett joined in-studio for a brief cross-promo for Soul Street, which is one of Charley’s favorite channels. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Ben Sheets need to get going, how a successful series in St. Louis could end the Cardinals playoff hopes, Ryan Braun’s injury, and comparing the Brewers remaining schedule with the Cubs. Noble discussed the New York Mets including this week’s series with the Phillies, baffling up and down nature of the club, rotating closer situation until Billy Wagner, bad pitching undermines the Mets offense, and continued belief they are not a good team. Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including the breaking news of an MLB conference call with a major announcement reported to be instant replay, how schedules impact pennant races, series of the Yankees season with the Boston Red Sox this week, fact only a prolonged win streak will get the Yankees in the American League Wild Card race, tomorrow’s Sidney Ponson and Paul Byrd match-up, Carl Pavano’s return, Alex Rodriguez not having a typical AROD season, and Robinson Cano’s future. McCoy discussed the Cincinnati Reds including his Monday lead “Losing the worst-played major-league baseball game in this millennium was bad enough, but the Cincinnati Reds lost more than that”, analyzing the game, and Walt Jocketty rebuilding the Reds.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Wild Nights by Van Morrison
1:45 p.m.
Showdown by ELO
2:25 p.m.
We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals
2:45 p.m.
Bad by Michael Jackson

Updated: 4:38 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, August 25th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, August 25th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Wills, Broadcaster, Tampa Bay Rays
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Greg Schulte, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hagen, Philadelphia Daily News
2:45 p.m.
Guest: John Gordon, Broadcaster, Minnesota Twins

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed national headlines including New York Mets hurt themselves with trade inaction, Chicago Cubs as National League team to beat, Tampa Bay Rays are set to win the American League East, New York Yankees final stand for 2008 is against Boston this week, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s bullpen is their only weakness, belief winter deals will be thrifty, and age of long contracts are over. Wills discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including yesterday’s controversial loss to the Chicago White Sox, bullpen banged up, and Evan Longoria being re-evaluated. Schulte discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including upcoming schedule being good, Adam Dunn has an excellent addition, and next weekend’s series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including Red Sox fighting solely for the AL Wild Card, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s success, Jed Lowrie as the long-term answer at shortstop, Julio Lugo trying rehab, Jason Bay working out well, and Mike Lowell on the road back. Hagen discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including last night’s comeback victory, club’s offense is an enigma, and Jimmy Rollins unexplainable struggles. Gordon discussed the Minnesota Twins including last weekend’s series with the Angels, Ron Gardenhire’s management of a club very similar to Tom Kelly, Minnesota’s organization philosophy of playing baseball, and the long road trip.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Hold on to What You’ve Got by Joe Tex
1:45 p.m.
Rattlesnake Highway by John Fogerty
2:25 p.m.
Thank You by Natalie Merchant
2:45 p.m.
Tighten Up by Archie Bell and the Drells

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, August 22nd

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 22nd edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Ryan Fagan, Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Rory Markas, Broadcaster, L.A. Angels of Anaheim
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Doug Glanville, Op-Ed Extra Guest Columnist, New York Times
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
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Guest Summaries:
Fagan discussed national headlines including the new reformatted Sporting News magazine being released publically on Monday, Chicago Cubs as the best team in the National League, Alexis Ramirez playing with confidence, Ken Griffey, Jr. as a valuable part of the White Sox roster, Manny Ramirez’s continued impact in the National League West, New York Mets back to favorites in the NL East, Philadelphia Phillies line-up is too good to not score runs, and belief instant replay is long overdue and it should stay to fair or foul calls. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including improved offense, Ken Griffey, Jr. impact at making the club better, John Danks and Gavin Floyd as the key’s to the rotation’s success, Joe Madden as the perfect fit to lead the Tampa Bay Rays, and this weekend’s series hosting the Rays. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Adam Wainwright’s return to the mound tonight, Ryan Ludwick’s success this season, Mark Mulder’s hope for a return in the future, and Jason Isringhausen working to return sooner than most expect. Markas discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Torii Hunter’s attempt to make the catch on Nick Punto’s hit in extra innings last night, Mark Teixeira’s impact in the clubhouse and line-up, offense will decide the team’s fate in the playoffs, Justin Speier having a rough season, and Francisco Rodriguez as the best closer in baseball. Glanville discussed national headlines including his recent Op-Ed pieces for the New York Times, traditionalist views on the addition of instant replay to Major League Baseball, belief replay can be good if used responsibly, how a player deals with being on the trading block, Brian Giles situation in declining a trade to Boston, and evolving media’s impact on teams with more timely 24 hour news cycles.

Updated: 2:44 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, August 21st

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, August 21st edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting the Los Angeles Dodgers day game with the Colorado Rockies.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, WEEI (Red Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Zuckerman, Washington Times (National Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Kelsie Smith, St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twins Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including the implementation of instant replay, belief umpires should embrace error correction, Chicago Cubs top team in baseball, and Adam Dunn and Hanley Ramirez help but don’t make team’s respective line-ups. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including Clay Buchholz demotion, update on Josh Beckett’s minor injury, Dustin Pedroia’s anger at the umpires last night, and signing catcher David Ross. Zuckerman discussed the Washington Nationals including their 12-game losing streak, Ryan Zimmerman’s bad season, and organization’s acceptance of rebuilding. Rubin discussed the New York Mets including his belief Billy Wagner will return this season, how the bullpen has been put together in Wagner’s absence, and Ryan Church’s impending return. He also briefly discussed the media v. Mets front office game this morning at Shea Stadium in which the writers’ won. Whicker discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers including Manny Ramirez’s impact, Greg Maddux’s acquisition earlier in the week, Jeff Kent’s anger about batting in front of Manny Ramirez, and Juan Pierre’s lack of playing time. Smith discussed the Minnesota Twins including the start of the 14-game road trip on account of the Republican National Convention, Michael Cuddyer’s latest injury, and this week’s series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Updated: 3:00 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, August 20th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, August 20th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: John Romano, St. Petersburg Times
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Daron Sutton, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post (Rockies Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Passan discussed national headlines including his coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals this week, Ryan Ludwick as a National League MVP candidate, Chicago Cubs have the most talent in NL, why New York Yankees are finished for 2008, and Billy Wagner possibly done forever. Romano discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the club’s underrated and overlooked defense, Andrew Friedman made the right moves last year, B.J. Upton’s incidents of late, and last night’s questionable call by the umpire at first base. Sutton discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including how Adam Dunn has re-energized the club and race in the NL West. Massarotti discussed the Boston Red Sox including his move to the Boston Globe next month, Red Sox should focus on American League Wild Card, belief the Red Sox will come together for the playoffs, Josh Beckett’s hand issue not serious, club’s plan to keep Jason Varitek on a smaller deal, and an update on the health of Carl Yastrzemski. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including offense the issue with Phillies, Ryan Howard simply going to take hacks, and shock that pitching is what’s keeping the Phillies in the race. Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including whether the club can have another 2007-like run in them.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
The Rain, the Park and Other Things by Cowsills
1:45 p.m.
The Heat is On by Glen Frey
2:25 p.m.
Don’t Ask Me Why by Billy Joel
2:45 p.m.
Late in the Evening by Paul Simon

Updated: 3:11 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, August 19th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, August 19th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Brian Anderson, Broadcaster, Milwaukee Brewers
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Dave Lennon, Newsday (Mets Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Andy Freed, Broadcaster, Tampa Bay Rays

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun’s injury, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks race in the National League West, belief Tampa Bay will win the American League East, and Chicago Cubs as the force of the National League. Anderson discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including C.C. Sabathia’s complete game performance last night, Ryan Braun’s health, and a favorable schedule the rest of the season. Lennon discussed the New York Mets including the club’s return to first in the National League East and Billy Wagner not ready for return. Telander discussed Chicago baseball including Cubs NL dominance, White Sox offense is solid, Ken Williams lucked into Carlos Quentin, dichotomy of success for both teams in Chicago, and Fukudome valuable player but not great. Freed discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including Hurricane Fay’s arrival in south Florida, B.J. Upton’s getting thrown out on a double when he didn’t hustle last night, Troy Percival not needing surgery, and this week’s series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Bring It on Home to Me by Sam Cooke
1:45 p.m.
Who Are You by The Who
2:25 p.m.
Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater
2:45 p.m.
Everybody Knows This is Nowhere by Neil Young and Crazy Horse

Updated: 3:07 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, August 18th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, August 18th 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: Dan Gladden, Broadcaster, Minnesota Twins
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony McCarron, New York Daily News
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hummel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register (Angels Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Nightengale discussed national headlines including Minnesota Twins winning with defense, Chicago White Sox rookies and trades coming together as a solid roster, teams regret missing out on Carlos Quentin, and whether any waiver deals are on the horizon. Gladden discussed the Minnesota Twins including their surprising contention in the American League Central, rosters veterans meshing with youth, and Metrodome as an extra home field advantage. McCarron discussed the New York Yankees including offense not getting the job done, Brian Cashman’s future in New York, and belief their competing for the American League East race is over. Buckley discussed the Boston Red Sox including belief the club could miss the playoffs, time to start phasing Jason Varitek out, Jed Lowrie long-term replacement for Julio Lugo, belief Red Sox only competing for American League Wild Card, and anniversary of Tony Conigliaro getting beaned 41 years ago today. Hummel discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including closing in on the Milwaukee Brewers National League Wild Card lead, Adam Wainwright’s future hanging on Chris Carpenter’s, how the final six weeks of the schedule line-up, Albert Pujols playing through injuries, and Ryan Ludwick’s career year hitting behind Pujols. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including how Hurricane Fay is impacting the Angels series in Tampa-St. Pete.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Glad All Over by Dave Clark Five
1:45 p.m.
Time of the Season by Zombies
2:25 p.m.
Wild Wild Life by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
Stormy Monday by Allman Brothers Band

Updated: 3:25 p.m.