Baseball Beat: Friday, January 9th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, January 9th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Michael Silverman, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle; CBSSports.com
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post
2:48 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
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Guest Summaries:
Kurkjian discussed the latest national headlines including the over use of the statistic OBP (On Base Percentage), Jim Rice’s chances to make the Hall of Fame, writers voting numbers as opposed to voting players, Rickey Henderson as a sure thing Hall of Famer, and Bert Blylevin most likely not making the Hall of Fame.  Miklasz discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including his article on Thursday’s detailing the fans’ discontent over the Cardinals ownership’s lack of action, Chicago Cubs have improved their offense and look to be the National League Central favorite again, Albert Pujols contract is going to soon become an issue, Pujols will not be giving a hometown discount, and update on Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick being shopping around the trade market.  Silverman discussed the Boston Red Sox including Jim Rice’s final chance (via writers’ vote) to make the Hall of Fame, need for a full-time catcher, Theo Epstein taking chances on John Smoltz and Brad Penny, and with a more veteran staff the front office might be more inclined to trade for a young catcher.  Ratto discussed national headlines including national headlines and Bay Area baseball including San Francisco Giants off-season improvement, Brain Sabean’s future as General Manager, reports of interest in Manny Ramirez, Jason Giambi returning to the Oakland A’s, Giambi’s role in 2009, need for Matt Holliday to stay to remain viable, and economy expected to hit Oakland A’s attendance this year.  Kernan discussed New York baseball including the disappearance of Hank Steinbrenner, Mark Teixeira and Don Mattingly’s relationship, why the rest of the country outside of New York dislike the Yankees, Tim Raines Hall of Fame chances and managing in the minors this year.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Watch the River Flow by Bob Dylan
1:48 p.m.
Wake Me, Shake Me by The Blues Project
2:32 p.m.
Son of your Father by Elton John
2:48 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Updated: 2:58 p.m.