Baseball Beat: Tuesday, March 25th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, March 25th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers today. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Gerry Fraley, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Michael Silverman, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat) - From Japan
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Anthony Witrado, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Brewers Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Stiglich, Contra Costa Times (A's Beat) - From Japan
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Fraley discussed national headlines including this morning’s season opening game in Japan, how parity is impacting teams to take more infield, belief that Barry Bonds will eventually sign, and previewing some of the divisions around Major League Baseball. Silverman joined us from Japan following the Boston Red Sox season opening win over the Oakland A’s. He discussed the Red Sox including J.D. Drew’s injury, Brandon Moss replacing Drew and breaking out today, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s performance today, and differences in covering the game in Japan. Witrado discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including his new role sharing the beat with Tom Haudricourt, Manny Parra pressing, Chris Capuano’s injury, and hopes to compete in the National League Central. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including Joe Nathan’s contract extension, Carlos Gomez winning the centerfield job, and Francisco Liriano looking good but not like the Liriano of old. Stiglich joined us from Japan following the Oakland A’s season opening loss to the Boston Red Sox. He discussed the Oakland A’s including Emil Brown’s base running blunder, how Bob Geren had emphasized aggressive base running throughout the spring, passion of Japanese fans, and globalization of baseball. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including John Patterson’s signing, Milton Bradley’s health, and Josh Hamilton’s chance to breakout this season.