Baseball Beat Returns January 5th, 2009

Baseball Beat is taking an extended Holiday break for the weeks of December 22-26 and and 29- January 2. 

On Friday, December 26th, Baseball Beat will run a special 2008 Best of.  Below is the rundown for the special holiday edition of The Beat.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Commissioner Bud Selig (05-23-08) – Part 1
1:18 p.m.
Guest: Commissioner Bud Selig (05-23-08) – Part 2
1:34 p.m.
Guest: Pete Van Wieren, Retired Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves on Skip Carey’s Death (08-05-08)
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Dan Le Batard, formerly Miami Herald on Old Media v. New Media (05-21-08)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Howard Bryant, ESPN on Hank Aaron and his book (06-25-08) – Part 1
2:18 p.m.
Guest: Howard Bryant, ESPN on Hank Aaron and his book (06-25-08) – Part 2
2:28 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record in his first appearance following his accident (09-04-08)
2:40 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies on the day after the Phillies World Series victory (10-30-08)

The Beat will return with Charley Steiner on Monday, January 5th.  Feel free to e-mail Baseball Beat at BaseballBeat@xmradio.com.  We hope you have a Happy Holiday and New Year.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 19th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 19th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Lyle Spencer, MLB.com (Angels Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Peter Gammons, ESPN
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News (Yankees Beat)
2:48 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Boswell discussed national headlines focusing on the Mark Teixeira story including belief the Boston Red Sox are not out of the negotiations, personal reasons behind Teixeira wanting to be on the east coast, element of revenge for Teixeira against Boston (long cut worthy of use), story of Teixeira leaning early on baseball was a business following his initial dealings with the Red Sox, Washington Nationals as his hometown team and their belief he is a sure thing, and Nationals laughs at reports they are interested in Manny Ramirez.  Edes discussed national headlines and Mark Teixeira including his final suitors in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Red Sox, and Nationals, John Henry’s cryptic e-mail last night to the media regarding Teixeira negotiations, the present situation has precedent in Boston with Johnny Damon, New York Yankees are not in the Teixeira sweepstakes, and belief the Nationals may be the frontrunners.  Spencer discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including the Angels being up against the east coast and family in talks with Teixeira and how the Angels have responded to the latest Teixeira developments.  Gammons discussed the latest national headlines including his reports on Mark Teixeira, belief John Henry was posturing of sorts with his e-mail to the media last night, belief the Washington Nationals are big bidders for Teixeira, if Teixeira does sign with an east coast team that a bidding war could break out between the Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Angels Arte Moreno, Teixeira to the Nationals is not ludicrous, Teixeira would be just another name and face in Boston while he’d be the singular face of the franchise in Washington, Atlanta Braves v. Paul Kinzer was an unfortunate situation, poor communication was the biggest issue in the Braves/Furcal negotiations, glory days of media are not the present with every rumor becoming a story on television, radio, and internet, how the internet has transformed the 24-hour news cycle to the 24-minute news cycle, A.J. Burnett’s wife was the deciding factor in his signing with the New York Yankees.  Feinsand discussed the New York Yankees including yesterday’s press conference introducing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, why Hal Steinbrenner was out front yesterday and not Hank, Andy Pettitte negotiations are on-going, Mike Cameron trade talks are dead, and Yankees are monitoring Manny Ramirez negotiations.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Breakdown by Tom Petty
1:48 p.m.
Pay Me Money Down by Bruce Springsteen
2:32 p.m.
Money Honey by Ry Cooder
2:48 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 18th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 18th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:00 p.m.
New York Yankees Press Conference
Guest: Buck Martinez
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Tony Jackson, Los Angeles Daily News (Dodgers Beat)
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe

Guest Summaries:
We began the show with the New York Yankees press conference live from (old) Yankee Stadium.  Martinez joined following the presser to discuss the Yankees signings of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.  Jackson discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers including the sordid tale of Rafael Furcal spurning the Atlanta Braves to return to the Dodgers late yesterday, belief there was no ill will from Furcal but the move has tarnished his agent Paul Kinzer’s reputation, Manny Ramirez still possible to return to Chavez Ravine, and an update on Andruw Jones off-season work.  Rogers discussed national headlines and Chicago baseball including belief Yankees will not be pleased with the long-term results of their signings, does not see Jake Peavy being dealt to the Cubs before the start of the season, and Cubs interested in Milton Bradley.  Crasnick discussed the latest national headlines including Yankees press conference earlier today, Furcal in a tough situation the way his contract was completed, Randy Wolf options are affected as the Braves will not deal with his agent Kinzer following the Furcal debacle, belief Kinzer overstepped his bounds, Orlando Hudson as an option for Atlanta, and latest on Mark Teixeira.  Miller discussed the latest national headlines including his discussion with Braves General Manager Frank Wren following the Dodgers signing Furcal, Braves believed deal was sealed by sending the term sheet, how a term sheet is thought of in Major League Baseball front office terms, and how difficult the Braves off-season has been.  Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including his report the club is interested in pursuing a trade for Jake Peavy, Red Sox negotiations with Scott Boras for Mark Teixeira, Mike Lowell’s future in Boston, and club’s thoughts on the Yankees moves.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
We Can Talk by The Band
1:48 p.m.
Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel
2:32 p.m.
A Matter of Trust by Billy Joel
2:48 p.m.
Tired of Waiting for You by The Kinks

Updated: 2:59 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 17th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, December 17th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Astros Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com; XM MLB Insider
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
2:48 p.m.
Guest: T.J. Quinn, ESPN

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed the latest national headlines including the latest on Rafael Furcal negotiations with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, Furcal’s dislike for the Oakland A’s business dealings, Braves need for him to move to second base has caused him to re-consider the Dodgers, re-signing with the Dodgers would impact Manny Ramirez chances of returning, club’s weary of Ramirez’s effort post-contract signing, reports Baltimore Orioles are out of the Mark Teixeira derby, New York Yankees have not made an offer to Teixeira, and weak market for Derek Lowe.  Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the re-diagnosis of Rocco Baldelli, recent acquisition Matt Joyce as a good fit, and Edwin Jackson as the right pitcher to trade.  Footer discussed the Houston Astros including the closing of their Venezuelan Academy, Roy Oswalt’s offer to restructure in hopes of helping the club land a free agent, Miguel Tejada being on the trade market, chances of Randy Wolf returning, and how economy is going to impact a market like Houston.  Rosenthal discussed the latest national headlines including his reporting on the Rafael Furcal story, how Atlanta’s reported signing of Furcal caused the Dodgers to awake, update on Manny Ramirez, and why the Yankees want Mark Teixeira.  Brown discussed national headlines including his breaking news report on the Los Angeles Dodgers nearing a deal for Rafael Furcal, how the Dodgers got back in to talks with Furcal, and if Furcal re-signs in Los Angeles there will be no money for Manny Ramirez.  Quinn discussed the one year anniversary of the Mitchell Report including possible HGH test, and his reports on Barry Bonds.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
New Kid in Town by The Eagles
1:48 p.m.
Texas by Electric Flag
2:32 p.m.
Shake by Otis Redding
2:48 p.m.
Mocking Bird by Inez & Charlie Fox

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 16th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 16th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hagen, Philadelphia Daily News
1:48 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Tony Massarotti, Boston Globe
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Tim Sullivan, San Diego Union-Tribune

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed the latest national headlines including Atlanta Braves reported signing of Rafael Furcal, Braves still have a lot of work, Washington Nationals pursuit of Mark Teixeira is not a good idea, believes Jake Peavy will still be dealt, New York Yankees spending spree is ludicrous, and John Moores has reportedly put the San Diego Padres on the market.   Hagen discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including signing Raul Ibanez, re-signing Jamie Moyer to a two-year deal, Chan Ho Park signing, and Chase Utley’s belief he’ll be ready for Opening Day.  O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including their reported signing of Furcal, makes sense to play Furcal at second base, and belief team will not return to trade talks with the San Diego Padres for Jake Peavy.  Massarotti discussed the Boston Red Sox including the club’s interest and negotiations with Mark Teixeira, business sense of deal for Teixeira, Red Sox off-season is centered on signing Teixeira, trading Julio Lugo, if Teixeira signs Mike Lowell ’s Red Sox career will be done, and Derek Lowe returning is dependant on the market.  Miklasz discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Anheiser-Busch being sold has not affected the organization, club negotiating with closer Brian Fuentes, and Rick Ankiel’s future in St. Louis.  Sullivan discussed the San Diego Padres including the club being up for sale and how the divorce is impacting the organization top to bottom.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
This Old Heart of Mine by Isley Brothers
1:48 p.m.
Return to Sender by Elvis Presley
2:32 p.m.
Take Me to the River by Delbert McClinton
2:48 p.m.
Breaking Us in Two by Joe Jackson

Updated: 3:01 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, December 15th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, December 15th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Tyler Kepner, New York Times (Yankees Beat)
2:32 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Larry Stone, Seattle Times

Guest Summaries:
White discussed the latest national headlines and free agent market including belief agents need to focus on money and not years, all teams except the New York Yankees are being cautious, many free agents but few good match-ups, Mark Teixeira market leads into Manny Ramirez market, and middle infield filled with average talent.  Noble discussed the New York Mets including Omar Minaya revamping the club’s bullpen behind Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, club limited in its pursuit of a starter, and reports of owner Fred Wilpon losing money in Bernard Madoff’s Wall Street pyramid scheme.  Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including Kerry Wood signing as the club’s new closer, acquisition of Joe Smith and a prospect from the Seattle Mariners in last week’s 12-player trade, and General Manager Mark Shapiro is pleased with trade and rebuilt bullpen.  Kepner discussed the New York Yankees including the club’s rebuilt rotation behind CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, belief Burnett is a very risky signing, Teixeira or Ramirez not likely options, Mike Cameron trade hold-up is over money, and bullpen overused in 2007.  O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including missing out on Burnett, mileage to home was the difference for Burnett signing in New York or Atlanta, Jake Peavy trade talks just got too messy, and Braves on to Plan C in looking for another starter.  Stone discussed the Seattle Mariners including new General Manager Jack Zduriencik changing the culture of the organization, rebuilding the farm system via last week’s 12 player trade with the Mets and Indians, how the J.J. Putz trade was received in the local market, and building for the future.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Show Me the Money by Buddy Guy
1:48 p.m.
Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd
2:32 p.m.
Oh, Atlanta by Little Feat
2:48 p.m.
Different Drum by The Stone Poneys

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 12th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 12th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News / FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Dave Sheinin, Washington Post
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Boston Herald
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, XM MLB Insider / FoxSports.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls From Actual Listeners

Guest Summaries:
Fraley analyzed the moves that were not made at the Winter Meetings, including Jake Peavy still being a Padre and Mark Teixeira still being available. He firmly believes that you cannot rule out the Nationals in the Teixeira hunt however Baltimore is. Sheinin talked about how Mark Teixeira would be an amazing coup for the Nationals, as he can become the face of the franchise and try to help the club become relevant in the Washington market. He also said that the Nationals might pursue Adam Dunn if Teixeira goes elsewhere. McAdam discussed the Red Sox courting of Mark Teixeira with the Angels being the main opposition for his services. Rosenthal talked about the odd free agent market, as Sabathia got tons of money understandably, but for some reason Burnett’s value keeps going up and up despite any evidence justifying such high offers. He believes Burnett is headed to Atlanta, Teixeira to Boston, and that Manny will end up on an LA team, though not sure which one yet. Henning talked about the depressed state of the city of Detroit and how the sports teams there are a manifestation of that. He also talked about the Edwin Jackson pickup and the Gerald Laird trade.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Song: That’s Your Business by Joe Cocker
1:45 p.m.
Song: Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles
2:25 p.m.
Song: Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me by Warren Zevon
2:45 p.m.
Song: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 11th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 11th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, Orange Country Register(Angels Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record (Yankees Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Edes talked about the two New York teams as the big winners from the winter meetings, whether the Yankees will still pursue Teixeira and where he will eventually go, and the contracts the Yankees will hand out to the rest of the starting pitching market. Haudricourt talked about the potential Mike Cameron deal with the Yankees, what is holding it up, whether it can get completed, and what the Brewers will do to address their starting pitching needs. Plunkett talked about the Angels missing out on Sabathia and turning their attention towards Teixeira, and the Angels’ other options beyond Teixeira. Miller talked about the aftermath of last night’s Putz trade, possible destinations for Mark Teixeira, the ridiculous money being spent by the Yankees and the ripple effect of the death of the Peavy deal. Klapisch discussed the Yankees’ strategy, their next targets, and Joe Girardi’s job. Shpigel discussed the Mets’ creation of a respectable bullpen and what it means to their success, the departure of Aaron Heilman, and his overall thoughts at the end of the winter meetings.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Song: I’m Down by the Beatles
1:45 p.m.
Song: Where Do We Go From Here by The Band
2:25 p.m.
Song: Money by Barrett Strong
2:45 p.m.
Song: Getting Better by The Beatles

Baseball Beat: Monday-Wednesday, December 8-10th

Baseball Beat will not air on Monday through Wednesday, December 8-10th as we broadcast live from the MLB Winter Meetings at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

An extended version of The Show with Brian Webber and Rob Dibble will air from 1 to 5 p.m. (eastern).  Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner returns on Thursday, December 11th.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 4th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 4th 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: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post (Rockies Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Brown discussed the latest national headlines including a preview of the Winter Meetings, team’s focusing on different ways to spend their budget, belief CC Sabathia will not end up in New York, both Los Angeles teams interested in Sabathia, Edgar Renteria not a bad deal for the San Francisco Giants, and Khalil Greene could be a good risk to take for the St. Louis Cardinals.  Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including the club’s interest in Sabathia, belief Mark Teixeira is the Red Sox top target, Mike Lowell seems to be on track in rehab, and doesn’t see the Red Sox going after Derek Lowe.  Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including the expectation of limited movement for the Rockies, Brian Fuentes not likely to return, Garrett Atkins’s future in Colorado, and how the economy is hitting a market like Denver.  Crasnick discussed national headlines including fact the big-name market has barely formed, Sabathia’s pickiness about his location is an interesting element, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim still the most likely destination for Mark Teixeira, and need for a big name on the Washington Nationals.  Rogers discussed Chicago baseball including Kerry Wood’s eventual landing place, Cubs/Padres trade discussions for Jake Peavy are still a mystery, Kenny Williams intriguing off-season restructuring the White Sox, and belief Jermaine Dye will be dealt next week at the Winter Meetings.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Shake Your Money Maker by Paul Butterfield
1:45 p.m.
Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash
2:25 p.m.
Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Updated: 2:58 p.m.