Baseball Beat Farewell

Thank you for listening to Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner over the last four years.  Our goal was to provide an intelligent and entertaining show that gave listeners the necessary daily information to enjoy the game of baseball better. 

The Beat was designed to give listeners a chance to eavesdrop on Charley chatting with your local and national media while giving you a greater picture of the life and career of writers and broadcasters covering the game.  We celebrated when a writer broke a story or a broadcaster painted the canvas to a dramatic game.  It has been an wonderful ride that we shared with you daily.  Thank you.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments on this post or e-mail the Baseball Beat staff at BaseballBeat@gmail.com.

UPDATE:  Be sure to check out Tyler Kepner’s piece in the New York Times BATS blog entitled XM’s ‘Baseball Beat’ Signs Off.

Baseball Beat: Friday, January 16th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, January 16th 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: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Tyler Kepner, New York Times (Yankees Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports

Guest Summaries:
Olney discussed national headlines including the surprising amount of remaining free agents, belief the 2009 trade deadline will be very active, Manny Ramirez status and feeling he’ll return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jason Varitek’s only destination is Boston, and Orlando Hudson not in a good situation.  Justice discussed national headlines including how Roger Clemens can reclaim his legacy and name around the country, needs to start repairing his name in Houston, reality has hit Roger Clemens hard, and how Clemens view of the world has changed.  Kepner discussed the New York Yankees including how much George Steinbrenner is missed in New York and baseball and opening of the New Yankee Stadium.  Boswell discussed national headlines including Washington Nationals with money to spend on a free agent and economic times hitting remaining free agents.  Edes discussed national headlines including Jason Varitek’s on-going talks or lack thereof with the Boston Red Sox, Kevin Youkilis contact extension, Manny Ramirez future home, and different market place for today’s free agents.

Tunes Summary:
1:28 p.m.
I Fought the Law and the Law Won by Bobby Fuller Four
1:48 p.m.
Hello Goodbye by The Beatles
2:32 p.m.
Already Gone by The Eagles
2:50 p.m.
The End by The Doors
Happy Trails by Roy Rogers

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Thursday, January 15th

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

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated; MLB Network
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Bob Ley, ESPN
1:48 p.m.
Guest: George Vecsey, New York Times
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Brian Williams, Anchor, NBC Nightly News
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Buzz Bissinger, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Author
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times

Guest Summaries:
Verducci discussed national headlines including Hall of Fame voters not being held accountable by their ballots being public, World Baseball Classic will continue to grow in the United States, Team USA will have an exciting roster, San Francisco Giants signing Edgar Renteria is complete lunacy, and belief Andruw Jones will never be great again.  Ley discussed national headlines including how all sports are feeling the affect of the bad economy, Roger Clemens still facing big legal trouble, and belief Barry Bonds will never be a Hall of Famer.  Vecsey discussed the New York Yankees including the club relying on ticket sales in the first year of the new Yankee Stadium, Yankee luxury seats a status symbol, and BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America) members earn right to Hall of Fame vote.  Williams discussed his national headlines including his beloved free spending New York Yankees, not convinced spending more money will take them to the World Series, spoiled athletes don’t mix with bad economy, and previewing next week’s Presidential Inauguration.  Bissinger discussed national headlines including St. Louis Cardinals reluctance to spend money this off-season and Tony LaRussa’s marvelous managing job in 2008.  Telander discussed Chicago baseball including Milton Bradley being a questionable signing and Chicago White Sox trying a quick rebuild.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Bristol Stomp by The Dovells
1:48 p.m.
Up on Cripple Creek by The Band
2:32 p.m.
Excitable Boy by Warren Zevon
2:48 p.m.
House in California by Keb ‘Mo

Updated: 2:57 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, January 14th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, January 14th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Marty Brennaman, Broadcaster, Cincinnati Reds
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Selena Roberts, Sports Illustrated
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Curt Smith, Author
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Harold Reynolds, Broadcaster, MLB Network

Guest Summaries:
Rosenthal discussed national headlines including Derek Lowe’s signing with the Atlanta Braves, John Smoltz exit allowing the Lowe signing to happen, questioning why the Braves did not make a second run at completing the Jake Peavy trade, Orlando Hudson as one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball still being available on the free agent market, Michael Young’s discontent with being moved to third base by the Texas Rangers, comparing Lowe to A.J. Burnett with durability being the key, and Boston Red Sox signing questionable veterans.  Brennaman discussed the Cincinnati Reds including Walt Jocketty’s first full year running the Reds, how different this year’s team will be than last 2008’s without Ken Griffey and Adam Dunn, Jerry Hairston resigned, Alex Gonzalez health, Jay Bruce’s sophomore year, and need for a right-handed power hitter for left field.  Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including defending their World Series crown and Chan Ho Park skipping the World Baseball Classic to focus on making the Phillies rotation.  Roberts discussed national headlines including how the economy is going to impact the game, New York Yankees new Yankee Stadium opening, Yankee arrogance over the economy, belief the Yankees are desperate to sell luxury seats, necessity of the Yankees to win the World Series economically based on their signings, Yankees still missing George Steinbrenner, New York Mets opening the other new stadium, and Francisco Rodriguez could be the impact signing for the Mets.  Smith discussed his annual state of baseball broadcasting including the changing state of baseball broadcasts v. talk radio, Vin Scully is and should be the model for all broadcasts, radio broadcasts trying to keep up with new technology, and his final comment was the “state of the Union is good with looming clouds on the horizon.”  Reynolds discussed national headlines and the start of the MLB Network including his role as one of the faces of the network, how the channel has been formatted, influx of non-tenders taking free agents’s spots, Atlanta Braves overpaying for Derek Lowe, and John Smoltz chances of a full comeback with the Boston Red Sox.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Watching the River Flow by Bob Dylan
1:48 p.m.
This Wheels on Fire by The Band
2:32 p.m.
We Can Talk by The Band
2:48 p.m.
Don’t Look Back by Temptations

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, January 13th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, January 13th 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: Rickey Henderson, Hall of Famer
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Bob Ryan, Boston Globe
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Mike Cameron, Outfielder, Miilwaukee Brewers
2:15 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Joe Simpson, Broadcaster, Atlanta Braves
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including Rickey Henderson as the quintessential Hall of Famer, need for change in voting standards on account of writers leaving daily newspapers for the Internet, broadcasters should be added to the pool of voters, previewing the 2010 class headlines by Roberto Alomar, whether a pure designated hitter will ever make the Hall of Fame, Derek Lowe signing with the Atlanta Braves, John Smoltz leaving Atlanta to sign with the Boston Red Sox, how the Red Sox off-season has essentially centered on signing multiple veteran free agents (Smoltz, Brad Penny, Rocco Baldelli, Mark Kotsay), and Manny Ramirez’s chances of signing a long-term deal.  Henderson discussed being voted into the Hall of Fame including his approach at the plate, recalling all the teams he played for, wearing an Oakland A’s cap into the Hall of Fame, trying to extend the years of his career, and his favorite “Rickey story” was the not true John Olerud helmet story.  Ryan discussed Jim Rice and the Boston Red Sox including off-season work by Theo Epstein in bringing in John Smoltz and other veterans on short-term deals, Jed Lowrie as the long-term answer at shortstop, believes Jacoby Ellsbury will take a giant leap in 2009 without Coco Crisp around, Red Sox rotation able to compete with New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.  Cameron discussed playing with Rickey Henderson in San Diego, how Henderson taught him confidence, told some of his favorite Rickey Henderson stories, and Milwaukee Brewers off-season.  White discussed national headlines including yesterday’s Hall of Fame vote, Derek Lowe’s signing in Atlanta, and remaining free agent destinations.  Simpson discussed the Atlanta Braves including Derek Lowe’s signing, loss of John Smoltz provided the opening for Lowe, rebuilt rotation, Frank Wren getting unjustified flack from fans on account of the Braves difficult off-season, and how strange this year and spring will be without Skip Carey and Pete Van Wieren broadcasting Braves games in 2009.  Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including Michael Young’s trade request following the Rangers request for him to move to third base, Young’s contract makes him nearly untradeable, and prospect Elvis Andrus is expected to be the Rangers starting shortstop in 2009.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Scald Dog by Dr. John
1:48 p.m.
Shake It Up by The Cars
2:15 p.m.
Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harem
2:32 p.m.
Oh, Atlanta by Little Feat
Legs by ZZ Top
2:48 p.m.
Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash

Updated: 3:16 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Monday, January 12th

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

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Boston Herald
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
2:00 p.m.
Hall of Fame Announcement by Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame via MLB Network
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated

Guest Summaries:
Miller discussed national headlines and today’s Hall of Fame announcement including Rickey Henderson entering the Hall, Jim Rice should make the Hall of Fame today, making a case for Jack Morris’s inclusion, process of writers’ voting for the Hall of Fame, broadcasters should be Hall of Fame voters, and Michael Young asking for a trade from the Texas Rangers after being asked to move to third base.  McAdam discussed his Hall of Fame ballot including Rickey Henderson being one of the best players all-time and a sure thing Hall of Famer, Jim Rice’s final chance to make the Hall via the writers’ ballot, questions the credentials (works for a non-daily newspaper) of Arizona writer not voting for Rickey Henderson, and belief broadcasters deserve a Hall of Fame vote.  Davidoff discussed his Hall of Fame ballot, recollections of Rickey Henderson’s career, sharing some of the legendary stories of Rickey Henderson, and not voting for Jim Rice. Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame, announced the 2009 Hall of Fame results on-air via the MLB Network.  Edes discussed the Hall of Fame announcement including Jim Rice’s election, covering Rice as a writer, why it took so long for him to get voted in and why he deserves the honor, debating dominance v. longevity, and next similar case will be Pedro Martinez.  DeFord discussed national headlines and the Hall of Fame announcement including Jim Rice finally making the Hall of Fame, Rickey Henderson missing unanimous by 28 votes, voting on the steroids era, and how the economy is going to impact baseball along with the rest of professional sports in 2009.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan
1:48 p.m.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
2:32 p.m.
Fame by David Bowie

Updated: 2:58 p.m.

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
(866) MLB ON XM – (866) 652-6696

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.

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.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, January 7th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, January 7th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Bob Klapisch, The Record
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A’s Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Tony Massarotti, Boston Globe
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
2:48 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed national headlines including JC Romero and Sergio Mitre situations; Carl Pavano’s signing with the Cleveland Indians, agents’ role with players, and Scott Boras not having the “Midas touch” with all his clients. Klapisch discussed the New York Yankees including yesterday’s Mark Teixeira press conference yesterday, his piece today on the Yankees dream infield, Teixeira’s role as the new Mr. Yankee, Alex Rodriguez never truly received the torch, tough decision for the Yankees on Derek Jeter is coming soon as he is in the decline phase of his career, and Joe Girardi is officially on the hot seat.  Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including Jason Giambi’s reported signing (A’s made it official following the segment, how the return to Oakland brings his career full circle, and how good Giambi is for writers.  Massarotti discussed the Boston Red Sox including a review of the Red Sox talks with Mark Teixeira, yesterday’s introduction of Teixeira in New York, Red Sox next move, on-going talks with Jason Varitek, American League East is now tougher with rejuvenated Yankees and upgraded offense of Tampa Bay Rays, and Mike Lowell’s ability to bridge gaps in the clubhouse since he is bilingual.  Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including Carl Pavano as a low risk signing, Mark DeRosa solves the big hole in their infield, Travis Hafner’s rehab is going well and he is on the road back, and Indians have to be in the mix with the favorites in the American League Central.  Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including his original report on Manny Ramirez and San Francisco Giants talks last week and club’s acquisition of Jason Marquis.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
New Kid in Town by Eagles
1:48 p.m.
Going Home Tomorrow by Dr. John
2:32 p.m.
Look Out Cleveland by The Band
2:48 p.m.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Michael McDonald

Updated: 3:01 p.m.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, January 6th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, January 6th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California.  All times eastern.

1:03 p.m.
New York Yankees Press Conference (Mark Teixeira)
1:28 p.m.
Two Minute Tease of Second Half of First Hour
1:32 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:48 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
2:03 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
2:28 p.m.
Two Minute Tease of Second Half of Second Hour
2:32 p.m.
Guest: Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle (Giants Beat)
2:48 p.m.
Guest: La Velle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)

Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines including post-press conference reaction; Yankees still have depth problems, Tampa Bay Rays made a nice move in signing Pat Burrell, and bad luck of the Sergio Mitre and JC Romero situations.  Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the club’s signing of Burrell and how he’s a good fit for the line-up, offense is very versatile, and how the local interest is up in Tampa but the economy hurts.  Rogers discussed Chicago baseball including Milton Bradley signing with the Cubs, belief Bradley is worth the risk, nothing new on talks with Jake Peavy, and Chicago White Sox building a promising young team.  Schulman discussed the San Francisco Giants including reports on talks with Manny Ramirez, marvels at Pablo Sandoval’s talent, interest in Joe Crede, and Randy Johnson’s signing and presence in the rotation.  Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including the passing of owner Carl Pohlad, how ownership will change, and shared some stories about Pohlad.

Tunes Summary:
1:32 p.m.
White Room by Cream
1:48 p.m.
Better Days by Bruce Springsteen
2:32 p.m.
Money Honey by Delbert McClinton
2:48 p.m.
Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding

Updated: 2:58 p.m.