Baseball Beat: Thursday, January 8th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, January 8th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Barry Bloom, MLB.com
1:48 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Ben Shpigel, New York Times (Mets Beat)
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Nightengale discussed the latest national headlines including Trevor Hoffman signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, John Smoltz reportedly signing with the Boston Red Sox, belief Derek Lowe would be a better fit in Atlanta this year, update on Manny Ramirez negotiations, and strangeness of this off-season.  Bloom discussed Trevor Hoffman leaving the San Diego Padres and signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, Hoffman was left without the option to return to the San Diego Padres, San Diego ownership talks with Jeff Moorad, and what to expect with new ownership in San Diego.  O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including how big a story (monumental) John Smoltz leaving the Braves is in the city of Atlanta, surprised money was the eventual factor in Smoltz signing with Boston, Smoltz rehabilitation going well, and expected to return before mid-season.  Cafardo discussed the Boston Red Sox including today’s signing of John Smoltz, surprised by the move, what the club expects from Smoltz, Rocco Baldelli’s signing will be insurance for J.D. Drew’s regular disabled list visits, Red Sox are still looking for outfielders.  Shpigel discussed the New York Mets including today’s meeting with Scott Boras to discuss signing Derek Lowe or Oliver Perez, Mets want Lowe but will not overpay, slim pickings at the end of the Mets rotation at present, and Mets still not probably not interested in Manny Ramirez.  Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including today’s signing of Trevor Hoffman, club surprised he was willing to leave California, and Brewers off-season has been difficult with losing CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Shake Me, Wake Me by Four Tops
1:48 p.m.
End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys
2:32 p.m.
Looking for the Next Best Thing by Warren Zevon
2:48 p.m.
Old Man Down the Road by John Fogerty

Updated: 2:59 p.m.