Baseball Beat: Tuesday, September 30th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, September 30th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Chicago, Illinois.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jim Souhan, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Powell, Broadcaster, Milwaukee Brewers
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe

Guest Summaries:
Downey discussed the Chicago White Sox including yesterday’s make-up game win over the Detroit Tigers, Alexei Ramirez’s national coming out party with the grand slam, and previewing tonight’s one-game playoff. He also discussed the Chicago Cubs including previewing the National League Division Series match-up with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rafael Furcal’s return, questions whether Greg Maddux will make the Division Series roster, Ned Colletti’s impact on the Dodgers, why Ryan Dempster is starting Game One instead of Carlos Zambrano, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol’s impact at the backend of the bullpen, and Jim Edmonds as a shocking reclamation story. Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including previewing the NLDS match-up with the Milwaukee Brewers, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins as the keys to the club’s post-season success, Jamie Moyer as the ace for the Phillies of late, and amazement at C.C. Sabathia’s performances. Souhan discussed the Minnesota Twins including how and wear the club watched yesterday’s Chicago White Sox make-up game, belief the Chicago has an advantage playing at home, Twins offense is not as successful on the road, Justin Morneau could be playing for the American League MVP, and Morneau either playing tight or tired as he’s played in every game this season. Edes discussed national headlines and his coverage of the White Sox make-up game yesterday and today’s one-game playoff including Alexei Ramirez grand slam, previewing today’s one-game playoff, Nick Blackburn has to pitch the game of his life, Manny Ramirez as the X-factor in the NLDS with the Chicago Cubs, C.C. Sabathia’s extraordinary workload for Milwaukee Brewers, and likes Tampa Bay to challenge either Boston or Anaheim in the ALCS and Cubs to break their century long curse. Powell discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including the club’s final week sprint, Sabathia’s belief that three days rest works for him, and belief Phillies have more pressure as they were swept in the NLDS last year. Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including a preview of the ALDS with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Josh Beckett’s health, expects Jon Lester to pitch twice in the ALDS, and Manny Ramirez makes the Los Angeles Dodgers a legitimate threat in the playoffs.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Waiting on a Sunny Day by Bruce Springsteen
1:45 p.m.
One of the Fortunate Few by Delbert McClinton
2:25 p.m.
House in California by Keb ‘Mo
2:45 p.m.
C.C. Rider by The Animals

Updated: 2:59 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, September 29th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, September 29th edition of Baseball Beat.  Holden Kushner is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ian O’Connor, The Record
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Gordon, Broadcaster, Minnesota Twins
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Witrado, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: David Murphy, Philadelphia Daily News (Phillies Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Passan discussed national headlines including regular season wrap-up, previewing the Detroit Tigers v. Chicago White Sox make-up game, C.C. Sabathia’s performance as MVP worthy, Ron Gardenhire leading the Minnesota Twins success this season, Chicago Cubs as National League favorites, and defense as the key for the Philadelphia Phillies. O’Connor discussed the New York Mets including late season collapse for the second year in a row, who is culpable for missing the playoffs, ownership not looking to make major changes, and the end of Shea Stadium. Gordon discussed the Minnesota Twins including watching today’s make-up game in Chicago, Ron Gardenhire underrated as one of the best managers in baseball, Denard Span as an integral part of the club, Justin Morneau favorite for American League MVP, and pitching as the key to the club’s playoff chances. Antonen discussed the latest national headlines including previewing the Division Series match-ups, what to expect from the Detroit Tigers coming into today’s make-up game in Chicago, and belief this is the year the Chicago Cubs will break the curse. Witrado discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including winning the National League Wild Card on Sunday, club’s final week turnaround led by heroics, desperate act to use Yovani Gallardo, C.C. Sabathia’s super-human performance, and Ben Sheets health. Murphy discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including winning the NL East, club’s success tied to pitching as opposed to offense as in years past, comparing Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols MVP candidacies, how important it is to advance in the playoffs for the organization, and the Phillies competing with the NFL’s Eagles for fans.

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, September 26th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, September 26th edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Michael Hunt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gary Smith, Sports Illustrated
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Vic Ziegel, New York Daily News
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed national headlines including last night’s three final at bat games impact all three final playoff races, Ozzie Guillen’s comments about Javier Vazquez and his team, Jerry Manuel’s more open stance than Willie Randolph, and regular season awards debate.  Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including the club’s sweep of the Chicago White Sox to take over first in the American League Central, atmosphere last night in the Metrodome, Justin Morneau as the heart and soul of the Twins offense, and Kansas City will be a formidable opponent this weekend.  Hunt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including tonight’s second consecutive walk-off home run win, C.C. Sabathia leading the team, and this weekend’s crucial series with the Chicago Cubs.  Smith discussed his Sports Illustrated cover story on the Chicago Cubs.  Ziegel discussed the New York Mets including last night’s important come from behind win against the Cubs, debating whether the Mets are good enough to make the playoffs, Johan Santana earning his money as the club’s true big game pitcher, bullpen woes, weekend weather concerns, and the end of Shea Stadium.

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, September 25th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, September 25th 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: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Brian Anderson, Broadcaster, Milwaukee Brewers
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle; CBSSports.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dan Gladden, Broadcaster, Minnesota Twins
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Miller discussed national headlines including his coverage in Milwaukee earlier this week and Minneapolis last night, Chicago White Sox do not match-up well with Minnesota Twins in the Metrodome, and Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets fighting for the National League Wild Card. Noble discussed the New York Mets including the club being in transition, clubs bullpen is atrocious, Pedro Martinez is not the Pedro of old, and foreboding weather outlook this weekend. Anderson discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including the clubs starting pitching issues, C.C. Sabathia pitching like an old school starter, and Miller Park will be tough for Chicago Cubs in final regular season series. Ratto discussed national headlines including the New York Mets latest September issues, his column on Hank Steinbrenner, Los Angeles Dodgers as a good not great team, and Tampa Bay Rays have to prove themselves in the playoffs. Gladden discussed the Minnesota Twins including the first two wins in the series with the Chicago White Sox, Twins playing “small ball” and using several methods to score runs, strong performance on the pitching staff this week, and youth taking a giant step during this final month of the season. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including competing with the Mets for the National League East, Phillies bullpen strength compared to the Mets bullpen woes, rotation for the final days of the season, and this weekend’s weather outlook.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Here We Go Again by Ray Charles & Norah Jones
1:45 p.m.
Back in the High Life by Steve Winwood
2:25 p.m.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Michael McDonald
2:45 p.m.
Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John

Updated: 2:59 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, September 24th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom McCarthy, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (Diamondbacks Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines including the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets fighting for the National League Wild Card, C.C. Sabathia taking a risk in pitching a lot before free agency, Omar Minaya’s reported contract extension, Ned Yost removal could lead to Doug Melvin leaving, and Pedro Alvarez conclusion introduces some new problems. Graziano discussed the New York Mets including last night’s win behind Johan Santana, Minaya’s reported extension, and belief Jerry Manuel should be renewed. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including Javier Vazquez’s poor performance last night, missed opportunity by the White Sox, and mood of the clubhouse. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including major starting pitching concerns over the final days of the season, pitching C.C. Sabathia on short rest, Dale Sveum as manager has had little impact, and game times are messing with the club. McCarthy discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including last night’s loss against the Atlanta Braves, whether the Phillies are playing tight right now, and who J.A. Happ is. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including last night’s loss in St. Louis, time is running out on the Diamondbacks, and what went wrong on the club’s season after such a promising start in April.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
All I Need by The Temptations
1:45 p.m.
You Might Think by The Cars
2:25 p.m.
Slip Away by Clarence Carter
2:45 p.m.
Rattlesnake Highway by John Fogerty

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, September 23rd

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Ian Browne, MLB.com (Red Sox Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: La Velle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Daron Sutton, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks

Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines including the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets fight for the National League Wild Card, comparing the Brewers and Mets 2007 collapses to this season’s issues, Arizona Diamondbacks playing game to game, Tampa Bay Rays incredible story, and Minnesota Twins young pitching is wearing down. Salisbury discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including extending its National League East lead last night, Phillies pitching has finally come around, Brett Myers is mentally back to his old form, and Ryan Howard is having another solid second half. Browne discussed the Boston Red Sox including J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell’s health and potential American League Division Series rotation. Shpigel discussed the New York Mets including Johan Santana’s most important start of the season tonight, bullpen woes continue without Billy Wagner, and John Maine’s health. Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including the start of tonight’s crucial series with the Chicago White Sox, Scott Baker’s start, Ozzie Guillen challenging Javier Vazquez to compete, and comparing the club’s differing offensive philosophies. Sutton discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Brandon Webb’s 22nd win last night, Stephen Drew has come into his own this season, and chasing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Mind Your Own Business by Taj Mahal
1:45 p.m.
I Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson
2:25 p.m.
Hey Tonight by Creedance Clearwater Revival
2:45 p.m.
Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty

Updated: 2:59 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, September 22nd

Here is the rundown for the Monday, September 22nd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Witrado, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: George Vecsey, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Adam Rubin, New York Daily News (Mets Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed national headlines including last night closing of Yankee Stadium, top three moments of the night, Brian Cashman’s future and belief spending will be back, and Pedro Alvarez’s agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates this morning. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including clinching a playoff spot over the weekend, what the playoff birth means to long-time Rays personnel like Rick Vaughn and Rocco Baldelli, and David Price’s Major League debut tonight. Witrado discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including the final week of the season, fighting for the National League Wild Card, players seem relaxed despite losing, and comparing Dale Sveum and Ned Yost. Vecsey discussed the New York Yankees and closing of Yankee Stadium including the club moving across the street and Bob Sheppard’s role and impact on the Yankee game experience. Telander discussed the Chicago Cubs and White Sox including Cubs clinching a playoff spot, this week’s series on the road against the playoff contending Mets, how Lou Pinella will manage the Cubs in the final week of the season, and Cubs concerns going into the playoffs. Rubin discussed the New York Mets including this week’s playoff important series with the Cubs, comparing the club’s present struggles to last year’s September collapse, young pitchers being thrown in crucial roles, and Johan Santana as the team’s only legitimate stopper.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf
1:45 p.m.
Wishing and Hoping by Dusty Springfield
2:25 p.m.
Glad All Over by Dave Clark Five
2:45 p.m.
(I Don’t Want to) Hang Up My Rock N’ Roll Shoes by The Band

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, September 19th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, September 19th 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: Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Candiotti, Broadcaster, Arizona Diamondbacks
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Anderson, New York Times
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including his coverage in Tampa Bay this week, Minnesota Twins dramatic comeback win against the Rays, Vince Naimoli’s impact on Tampa Bay, and mourning the end of Yankee Stadium. Buckley discussed the Boston Red Sox including Curt Schilling’s comments about Manny Ramirez, Red Sox okay with American League Wild Card, and how Terry Francona will line-up the playoff rotation. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins on last night’s dramatic win in Tampa Bay, bullpen’s impact of late, and starting pitchers coming through. Candiotti discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including competing in the National League West, high strikeout rate killing offensive production, manager Bob Melvin struggling to trust the club’s bullpen, and Dan Haren and Brandon Webb’s late season struggles were all about a lack of location. Anderson discussed the New York Yankees and the end of Yankee Stadium including the overhyping of the closing of the stadium, reviewing the Yankees 2008 season, Hank Steinbrenner’s reported desire for a committee, Brian Cashman’s future, and Joe Torre’s success in Los Angeles.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
And Your Bird Can Sing by The Beatles
1:45 p.m.
Long as I Can See the Light by Creedance Clearwater Revivial
2:25 p.m.
Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, September 18th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, September 18th edition of Baseball Beat.  Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting the Los Angeles Dodgers day game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Brett Dolan, Broadcaster, Houston Astros
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Adam Kilgore, Boston Globe (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Phil Miller, St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twins Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Philadelphia Phillies as the second best team in the National League, belief the New York Mets will be okay, minimal downside of Ned Yost’s firing, MVP debates in each league, and how expanded rosters hurt the game. Dolan discussed the Houston Astros including momentum changed following Hurricane Ike, players emotions with friends and family, and competing in the final week of the season. Magruder discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the club’s recent slide, Brandon Webb’s win last night, and trying to catch the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final week of the season. Baumbach discussed the New York Mets including the Carlos Delgado as the Mets MVP, loss of Fernando Tatis, offense is pressing because of the bullpen, and National League MVP race. Kilgore discussed the Boston Red Sox including losing two of three in Tampa Bay this week, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew injuries, David Ortiz getting back on track, Dustin Pedroia as AL MVP, and upcoming series in Toronto. Miller discussed the Minnesota Twins including the club’s most recent tough road trip, this weekend’s series in Tampa Bay, pitching staff is tired, and next week’s last stand in a series with the Chicago White Sox.

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, September 17th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, September 17th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: John Romano, St. Petersburg Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Kurkjian discussed national headlines including Manny Ramirez’s impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers offense, Arizona Diamondbacks surprising fall out of the National League West race, Milwaukee Brewers “all-in” move in firing Ned Yost, whether the Brewers need a veteran presence between the young Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, New York Mets heading toward a similar 2007 collapse, and Chicago Cubs as the National League favorite. Davidoff discussed New York baseball including the New York Mets on-going collapse, belief pitching will keep the Mets from repeating 2007, New York Yankees a disappointment under Joe Girardi, and belief the Yankees would have been better this year with Joe Torre. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including last night’s win over the Milwaukee Brewers and how Ned Yost firing will have little impact on the Brewers in the final week and a half. Rogers discussed national headlines including covering the Chicago White Sox series in New York, end of Yankees Stadium, home field advantage as key for the Tampa Bay Rays in the playoffs, Minnesota Twins asking too much from its young pitching, 2008 Brewers and Mets are a result of 2007 campaigns, and belief Mets will make the playoffs. Romano discussed the Rays including the club’s resilience and confidence, Evan Longoria finishing strong, Dioner Navarro as a team leader, and belief Rays can make the World Series if they have home field advantage. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins series including last night’s crushing loss for the Minnesota Twins.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Ball of Confusion by The Temptations
1:45 p.m.
Time is on My Side by Rolling Stones
2:25 p.m.
Stand Up by The Band
2:45 p.m.
Meet Me in the Indian Summer by Van Morrison

Updated: 3:00 p.m.