Friday, December 21, 2007

Baseball Beat: Holiday Editions

Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner will be playing some of the best chats of 2007 for the holidays. Beginning the week of December 24th through New Year's Day, you'll hear some of the best moments of our year.

Below is the complete list of guests, original air date, and the subject of the segment.

Monday, December 24th
01-09-07 Cal Ripken (Hall of Fame Announcement)
01-11-07 T.J. Quinn, formerly New York Daily News (Barry Bonds Amphetamines story)
02-09-07 Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com, Mike Cameron (Player salaries)
02-16-07 Mark Fainaru-Wada, formerly San Francisco Chronicle (Subpoenas dropped)
02-20-07 Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Cincinnati Reds (Thom Brennaman coming to Cincy)
02-22-07 Denny Matthews, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Kansas City Royals (1st Appearance, Hall of Fame Announcement)

Tuesday, December 25th
04-13-07 Claire Smith, formerly Philadelphia Inquirer (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-13-07 Michael Wilbon, Washington Post (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-16-07 Bill Rhoden, New York Times (Jackie Robinson Day)
04-24-07 Buster Olney, ESPN.com (David Halberstam’s Death)
04-24-07 Bob Ley, ESPN (David Halberstam’s Death)
04-25-07 Howard Eskin, Host, WIP 610 (Charlie Manuel Situation)

Wednesday, December 26th
05-01-07 Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Josh Hancock’s Death, Alcohol)
05-01-07 T.J. Quinn/Brian Williams

Thursday, December 27th
05-16-07 Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times & John Eisenberg, Formerly Baltimore Sun (Debate about Selig/Bonds)
05-18-07 Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly (Jason Giambi Story)
05-25-07 George Will, Washington Post; Newsweek (Sports & Drugs)
05-30-07 Buzz Bissinger, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair (Kerry Wood piece in New York Times PLAY Mag)
06-07-07 Jerry Coleman, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, San Diego Padres
06-13-07 Harold Reynolds, MLB.com (New job)

Friday, December 28th
06-13-07 Richard Sandomir, New York Times (Press Boxes)
06-14-07 Claire Smith, ESPN (New job at ESPN, leaving Newspaper industry)
06-20-07 Bob Ley, ESPN (Sports Radio)
06-28-07 Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated (Frank Thomas hits #500)
08-08-07 Jon Miller, Broadcaster, San Francisco Giants; ESPN (Day after Barry Bonds 756; On his call)
08-08-07 Michael Wilbon, Washington Post (Day after Barry Bonds 756)

Monday, December 31st - Mitchell Report Edition
12-14-07 Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
12-14-07 Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated
12-14-07 Bob Ley, ESPN
12-14-07 Buster Olney, ESPN
12-14-07 Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
12-14-07 Selena Roberts, formerly New York Times; Sports Illustrated

Tuesday, January 1st
08-30-07 Matt Vasgersian, Broadcaster, San Diego Padres (Television Themes)
10-29-07 Jon Miller, Broadcaster, San Francisco Giants; ESPN (Day after WS Sweep)
11-01-07 Thomas Boswell, Washington Post (World Series Recap)

Baseball Beat will return live on January 2nd to start our fourth season in 2008. For hosts Charley Steiner and Chuck Wilson, Associate Producer Ian Spring, and myself we wish you all a Happy Holidays.

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 21st

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 21st edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jon Paul Morosi, Detroit Free Press
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Adam McCalvy, MLB.com (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m. / 2:25 p.m. / 2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick surveyed the Hot Stove landscape going into the final two weeks of the year, including the rumors of a Johan Santana deal being completed soon. He also discussed performance-enhancing drugs and baseball's handling of the issue in the future. Morosi talked about Dontrelle Willis signing an extension in Detroit and how that will benefit his performance given the new-found stability. He also talked about the Tigers now having numerous All-Stars on the team and updated the news on a Miguel Cabrera extension. McCalvy discussed how the Brewers are trying to take that next step this upcoming season, and need to improve their defense in order to do that, particularly by signing an experienced outfielder.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 20th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 20th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal (Indians Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Trent Rosecrans, Cincinnati Post (Reds Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Harding, MLB.com (Rockies Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register (Angels Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren, West as the best division in the National League, Houston Astros better in 2008 but in need of pitching, Miguel Tejada trade has a chance to be a bust, Chicago Cubs improving, Philadelphia Phillies unimproved, and Detroit Tigers success is tied to Dontrelle Willis performance. Ocker discussed the Cleveland Indians including their lack of off-season moves, how the team stands against the rest of the improved American League Central, C.C. Sabathia as the club’s leader, and his belief that Roger Clemens’ need to prove his innocence. Rosecrans discussed the Cincinnati Reds including the team’s 8th inning struggles last season, Jay Bruce as a future star, Homer Bailey needing to prove his upside, and Joey Votto as an underrated value. Salisbury discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including signing Chad Durbin and Geoff Jenkins, Brad Lidge’s impact on the bullpen, and Shane Victorino as the new starting centerfielder. Harding discussed the Colorado Rockies including the club’s rotation, Todd Walker as an option, Matt Holliday’s future with the organization, and the NL West as the best division in baseball. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including the team’s off-season, prospect Brandon Wood not major league ready with the bat, and the impact of adding Torii Hunter.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 19th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, December 19th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Kriegel, FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Perrotto, Beaver County Times (Pirates Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Greg Couch, Chicago Sun-Times
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 18th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 18th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Sun (Orioles Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Barry Svrluga, Washington Post (Nationals Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including the Mitchell Report, Andy Pettitte’s statement as proof that players are thinking getting healthy and not cheating, surprise at Houston’s overhaul, and the Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the signing of Cliff Floyd and the club’s off-season outfield moves. Zrebiec discussed the Baltimore Orioles including his story about Brian Roberts admitting to a one-time use of steroids, surprise that injury was not the reason for his use, fan reactions to Roberts use, and Peter Angelo supporting Roberts. Baumbach discussed New York baseball including the pressure on Roger Clemens to speak out, predicts Johan Santana will be a New York Yankee, and how the New York Mets got quality from the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including his discussion with Brendan Donnelly about being in the Mitchell Report, why players in the Report are not being more out spoken about their innocence and the latest on the club’s interest in Johan Santana. Svrluga discussed the Nationals including Stan Kasten’s comments on the Mitchell Report, Paul Lo Duca and Aaron Boone’s signing, and Elijah Dukes latest domestic problems.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Baseball Beat: Monday, December 17th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, December 17th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Dayn Perry, FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A's Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Brian McTaggart, Houston Chronicle (Astros Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Kathleen O'Brien, Newsday (Yankees Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Perry discussed national headlines including Houston Astros acquisition of Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren, and the Mitchell Report post-script. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including the front office’s move to rebuild its roster, how health problems spurred the club’s rebuild, A’s proactive approach, prospects in return for Dan Haren, how the Haren deal improved market and price for Joe Blanton, and how the Mitchell Report impacted teams locally. Strauss discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including the team’s trade of Jim Edmonds to the San Diego Padres, Edmonds Hall of Fame chances, whether the club will give Colby Rasmus a chance as the team’s new centerfielder, and Scott Rolen’s future in St. Louis. McTaggart discussed the Houston Astros including Ed Wade’s complete rebuild of the Major League roster, Jose Valvarde and Miguel Tejada’s acquisition, loss of Chad Qualls, and his story today about Lance Berkman asking Roger Clemens to come clean. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including breaking the story that Bob Melvin has signed an extension with the club, Dan Haren’s acquisition, how the farm system made the deal happen, trading closer Jose Valverde, and how the loss of Tony Clark will impact the roster. O’Brien discussed the New York Yankees including the latest on the club’s trade discussions with the Minnesota Twins about Johan Santana, Hank Steinbrenner’s latest reporter interviews, and Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte’s names in the Mitchell Report.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 14th - Mitchell Report Edition

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 14th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. This is a special Mitchell Report edition of The Beat. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Thomas Boswell, Washington Post
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Frank DeFord, Sports Illustrated
Tune: People Talkin' by Lucinda Williams
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bob Ley, ESPN
Tune: Dirty Laundry by Don Henley
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
Tune: Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Selena Roberts, New York Times/Sports Illustrated
Tune: White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

Guest Summaries:
Boswell discussed the Mitchell Report including how the Report became bigger than originally planned. DeFord discussed the Mitchell Report including how the Report had few surprises and the MLBPA made mistakes in the past. Ley discussed the Mitchell Report including the fact the Report has to be accepted as history. Olney discussed the Mitchell Report including the collateral damage on players is huge, how the Report is worthless, belief that steroid use was bad but the Report did nothing to help, MLB could have moved on without the Report, and how the Report only scratches the surface. Justice discussed the Mitchell Report including Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte being in the Report, how sad it is to have this come out on their careers, belief the Commissioner made the right move in having the Report commissioned. Roberts discussed the Mitchell Report including her belief that the Report was good to expose baseball and how self-preservation got Mitchell his evidence.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
People Talkin' by Lucinda Williams
1:45 p.m.
Dirty Laundry by Don Henley
2:25 p.m.
Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 13th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, December 13th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Houston Astros)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hurd, Contra Costa Times
2:00 p.m.
Mitchell Report

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including his extensive thoughts on the Mitchell Report and how it has the opportunity to change the future of baseball as well as how it will put more pressure on the MLB Players Association to police drug use. Footer discussed the Houston Astros including the club’s acquisition of Miguel Tejada, non-tendering Adam Everett (who signed with the Minnesota Twins), Chris Burke’s future, and rotation concerns. Hurd discussed national headlines including Aaron Rowand’s signing with the San Francisco Giants, how his signing let’s them keep Tim Lincecum, preview of the Mitchell Report.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 12th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, December 12th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Sun
Guest: Mike Fish, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, XM MLB Insider; FoxSports.com
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain Dealer (Indians Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean McAdam, Providence Journal; ESPN.com
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Andrew Baggarly, San Jose Mercury News (Giants Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Zrebiec discussed his breaking news that the Baltimore Orioles traded Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros. Fish discussed his investigative work on steroids in baseball including Thursday’s release of the Mitchell Report. Rosenthal discussed the breaking news of the Baltimore/Houston trade. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including Josh Barfield’s future, rotation questions, and trade rumors surrounding talks with Oakland. Magruder discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including trade discussions with Oakland and Mitchell Report. McAdam discussed the Boston Red Sox including trade talks with the Minnesota Twins for Johan Santana and whether Jacoby Ellsbury is worth dealing. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including their signing of Fukudome, Ryan Theriot as shortstop, and Mark DeRosa. Baggarly discussed the San Francisco Giants including the trade discussions with the Toronto Blue Jays for Alex Rios, interest in Hideki Matsui, and Pedro Feliz future in San Francisco.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 11th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 11th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune (Cubs Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bryan Hoch, MLB.com (Yankees Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune (Padres Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Fraley discussed national headlines including the upcoming Mitchell Report, negative impact of low payroll teams in baseball, and his belief the Minnesota Twins have to move Johan Santana by opening day. Sullivan discussed the Chicago Cubs including the club’s pursuit of Fukudome, Mark Prior’s future in Chicago, and Kerry Wood’s return. Hoch discussed the New York Yankees including continued interest in Johan Santana and Dan Haren, Hideki Matsui trade discussions, and the reported LaTroy Hawkins signing. Justice discussed the Houston Astros including Ed Wade’s work as the new General Manager, analyzing the organization’s rebuilding, Chris Burke’s need to play, and the upcoming Mitchell Report. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including last week’s acquisition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, Brandon Inge and Marcus Thames future in Detroit, Joel Zumaya’s health, suddenly out of control payroll, and the club’s Achilles heal in the bullpen. Krasovic discussed the San Diego Padres including the signing of Randy Wolf, interested in Fukudome, second base opening, and loss of Milton Bradley.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Baseball Beat: Monday, December 10th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, December 10th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is on vacation, but Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Barry Bloom, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lavelle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Zuckerman, Washington Times (Nationals Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Bloom discussed national headlines including Barry Bonds, government’s case, MLB’s culpability of steroid use in 1998, if HgH is prevalent today, and his expectation that Bonds will play next year. Haudricourt discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including the signing of Eric Gagne, need for starters to pitch further into games, Ryan Braun being moved to the outfield, and Geoff Jenkins future. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including the signing of Milton Bradley, Rangers improved offense, acquisition of Chris Shelton, and Mike Lamb’s role in Arlington. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Scott Rolen’s future with the organization, Brendan Ryan as possible lead-off hitter, Cesar Izturis as the new shortstop, questions on defense, and Jim Edmonds case for the Hall of Fame. Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including the latest on Johan Santana trade discussions, acquisition of Delmon Young, and the club looking to acquire infielders. Zuckerman discussed the Washington Nationals including the acquisitions of Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes, catching options for next season, interest in Johnny Estrada if he gets released by the New York Mets, who sits in the outfield of Milledge, Dukes, Austin Kearns, and Willy Mo Pena, and the opening of the new stadium.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Baseball Beat: Friday, December 7th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, December 7th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson hosted as Charley Steiner is on vacation. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tony Jackson, Los Angeles Times (Dodgers Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Joe Castellano, Host, MLB Live Late Edition
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM - (866) 652-6696

Guest Summaries:
Passan discussed national headlines including the latest trade offers for Johan Santana and what baseball can do about owners like Jeffery Loria. Jackson discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers including the signing of Andruw Jones, his impact on the clubs line-up, and what future moves may be in the works. Kubatko discussed the Balitmore Orioles including possibly trading Eric Bedard, Brian Roberts, Miguel Tejada , Melvin Mora as well as Jay Gibbons suspension. Castellano joined The Beat from Barry Bonds arraignment and dicussed the court precedings as well as his work at the Winter Meetings in Nashville earlier in the week. Rosenberg discussed the Detoit Tigers including how ownership in Detroit has been aggressive in this off-season, club's acquisitions of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins, and the organization's win now mentality.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Baseball Beat: Thursday, December 6th

Here is the rundown for the December 6th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner hosted the show LIVE from Nashville, Tennessee at the Opryland Hotel, site of the 2007 MLB Winter Meetings. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Scott Miller, CBSSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
Tune: Night Moves by Bob Seger
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Harold Reynolds, MLB.com
Tune: Along Cames Jones by The Coasters
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jayson Stark, ESPN
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
Tune: Nashville Cats by Lovin' Spoonful
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Ken Rosenthal, XM MLB Insider - FoxSports.com
Tune: Never Goin' Backby Lovin' Spoonful

Guest Summaries:

Miller discussed how quickly and efficiently the Marlins/Tigers trade was and how it basically came out of nowhere. He also discussed how a variety of different factors caused there to be little trade action during the meetings. Nightengale talked about Johan Santana staying a Twin for now, Ben Sheets being discussed going to the Dodgers, and how the signing of Andruw Jones by the Dodgers is an odd move for a Boras client. Reynolds discussed the Dodgers' signing of Andruw Jones and how that paves the way for them to pull off a huge trade. He thinks that Joe Torre had a lot to do with the signing and that the 08 Dodgers are assembled a lot like the 96 Yankees. Stark talked about how he doesn't expect Johan Santana to be traded as it is a franchise-changing event that needs a very good package in return, something a lot of teams cannot offer. He also previewed the impact of the Mitchell Report and thinks that the report may not be as big as expected. White chimed in on the Santana sweepstakes as well and thinks that there is still plenty of time for a number of teams to get the right trade package together to culminate in a trade. Rosenthal analyzed the breaking news reports that the Houston Astros were close to a deal that would send Miguel Tejada to Houston in exchange for a package including Adam Everett and Chris Burke. He also examined the change in the importance of the Winter Meetings over the past decade.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, December 5th

Here is the rundown for the December 5th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner hosted the show LIVE from Nashville, Tennessee at the Opryland Hotel, site of the 2007 MLB Winter Meetings. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mike Scioscia, Manager, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Tune: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Willie Randolph, Manager, New York Mets
Guest: Ned Yost, Manager, Milwaukee Brewers
Tune: Leader of the Pack by The Shangri-Las
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Buster Olney, ESPN
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Peter Gammons, ESPN
Tune: Nashville Cats by Lovin' Spoonful
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Clark Spencer, Miami Herald
Tune: Fishin' Blues by Taj Mahal

Guest Summaries:
Donovan talked about the Tigers' acquisition of Cabrera and Willis and how that is a great deal for them. He also looked at Aaron Rowand leading the center fielder market at the meetings, Ned Colletti of the Dodgers being the only GM protecting his prospects, and rumblings that the Johan Santana hot stove has cooled considerably. Scioscia discussed the Angels' level of interest in Johan Santana, Gary Matthews Jr adjusting to the acquisition of Torii Hunter, and remarking that the Angels are happy with their 2008 team and have no more holes to fill. Randolph discussed the Mets' need for more starting pitching, their interest in Johan Santana, their current overload at the catching position, and the slowly-healing wound of the 2007 Mets collapse. Yost talked about the hunt for a third baseman and switching Ryan Braun to left field. He also touched on the Jason Kendall's toughness and the search for a new closer. Olney talked about Andy Pettitte's return killing the Yankees interest in Santana, Minnesota being a good club in '08 if Santana stays, the undeveloping center field market, and how Dan Haren is more valuable in this trade market than Johan Santana because of age and contract type. Gammons discussed how the Tigers/Marlins trade developed, how Dan Haren to Arizona could be a deal to look for, and Fukudome's arrival to MLB, as well as his thoughts on Boston's proposed packages for Johan Santana. Spencer talked about the Tigers/Marlins deal and how the Marlins were able to get some possible All-Star talent in exchange for Willis and Cabrera.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 4th

Here is the rundown for the December 4th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner hosted the show LIVE from Nashville, Tennessee at the Opryland Hotel, site of the 2007 MLB Winter Meetings. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News
Tune: Where Do We Go From Here by The Band
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Peter Pasquerelli, ESPN
Tune: Good Timin' by The Beach Boys
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
Tune: Old Brown Shoe by The Beatles
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Dave Sheinin, Washington Post
Tune: Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley

Guest Summaries:
Kurkjian discussed the Johan Santana trade rumors to either Boston or New York, Jim Bowden rolling the dice in Washington with Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge, and the Veterans Committee HOF electees, with a discussion of Marvin Miller and how he thinks Miller show be elected. Feinsand talked about the many holes remaining for the Yankees to fill, regardless of the outcome of the Santana sweepstakes. He also discussed the Yankees setting arbitrary deadlines for deals and how Joba Chamberlain may be of better use remaining in the bullpen. Pasquerelli discussed the rumors of a Florida/Detroit deal, sending Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit for a package of young DET players (he does not see it happening). He also touched on the arbitrary NYY deadlines and how they mean very little. Edes talked about the Boston Red Sox being in a win-win situation with Johan Santana, because Santana is great but the prospects they would keep by not doing the deal are great also. He also discussed how Boston fans do not want to see Jacoby Ellsbury leave town. Brown talked about how trading Johan Santana would be the career-defining move for new Twins GM Bill Smith despite only being in the position a few months. A deal would affect the promotion of the Twins' new stadium and the makeup of the team for years to come. Sheinin discussed the Nationals' acquistion of Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge and how they are trying to amass talent by buying low for success in the future. He also talked about how Elijah Dukes' past troubles might not be left in Florida and he may not work out in Washington.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Baseball Beat: Monday, December 3rd

Here is the rundown for the December 3rd edition of Baseball Beat. Charley hosted the show LIVE from Nashville, Tennessee at the Opryland Hotel, site of the 2007 MLB Winter Meetings. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe
Tune: Nashville Cats by Lovin' Spoonful
1:45 p.m.
Guest: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tune: Nashville Cats by Lovin' Spoonful
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tyler Kepner, New York Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
Tune: Nashville Cats by Lovin' Spoonful
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle
Tune: Nashville Skyline Rag by Bob Dylan

Guest Summaries:
Verducci discussed the Miguel Cabrera to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim trade still being alive and sensible, how the Yankees needed Andy Pettitte to come back to give reliable innings instead of relying too much on the kids, and how the Yankees needs Johan Santana much more than the Red Sox do. Cafardo talked about how Boston might be trying to drive up the price for Johan Santana by dangling Jacoby Ellsbury out there, but in the end the Yankees will offer enough for Santana and Boston will not want to match. O'Brien discussed the Braves only having small holes to fill so there will not be a big splash by them at the meetings, how he is excited for Yuniel Escobar this year, and that Mike Gonzalez is on pace to contribute greatly this year to the ATL bullpen. Kepner talked about Andy Pettite's return to the Bronx and how health was the key issue in deciding to come back, not money. He also discussed the Johan Santana trade talks and how only the Yankees can truly afford him, but by giving up Phil Hughes, Boston wins in the trade as well. Rogers commented on the day's trade of the White Sox sending Chris Carter to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Carlos Quentin and possible landing points for Aaron Rowand. Slusser talked about how the A's are still interested in acquiring Barry Bonds, despite the federal indictment, because overall the players respect him and protections from possible season interruptions can be written into a contract. If he is able to play most of the season, he would still absolutely help the Oakland A's.