Baseball Beat: Wednesday, April 11th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, April 11th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner:
(All Times Eastern)

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Bill Brown, Broadcaster, Houston Astros
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bob Elliott, Toronto Sun
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tommy Hutton, Broadcaster, Florida Marlins
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Antonen discussed the National League East. He analyzed the opening struggles of the Phillies, but thinks their offense can find it’s swing and get back into the race similar to last year. He feels the Mets pitching will improve when Pedro returns but the Braves are the team to beat this year. Brown discussed the change in the Astros closer from Brad Lidge to Dan Wheeler and that the change is not necessarily permanent if Lidge returns to form. Elliott reviewed Toronto’s performance thus far this season. Hutton talked about how he doesn’t expect the Marlins to experience a “sophomore slump" this year, and that the infield defense and pitching is solid. He also touched on the closer situation and how the Marlins are being very careful with Josh Johnson so not cause long-term damage by rushing him back into action. McAdam discussed the Fenway debut of Daisuke Matsuzaka this evening and Matsuzaka’s intense effort to fit in with the club, learn English, and handle the intense Boston media. He and Charley also discussed Matsuzaka's potential to become the future Boston ace. Grant talked about Eric Gagne’s pending return and how he is expected to return as a dominant closer. He also talked about how Sammy Sosa looks as if he is getting back into form but it is far too early to be able to judge if he can consistently contribute in the Majors again.