Baseball Beat: Thursday, April 24th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, April 24th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is at an event with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Barry Bloom, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mariners Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune (Padres Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Bloom discussed national headlines including Greg Maddux’s performance last night, Trevor Hoffman blowing another save and whether his career is taking a downturn, and if Barry Bonds will play again. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the club’s games in Orlando this week, Evan Longoria’s contract extension, and how Troy Percival’s leadership has impacted the team’s young core. Hickey discussed the Seattle Mariners including Carlos Silva’s injury, J.J. Putz’s return from the disabled list, Erik Bedard’s rehab, and belief that the Mariners were never bidding for Frank Thomas. Baumbach discussed New York baseball including Carlos Delgado as a big concern for the New York Mets, Hank Steinbrenner’s comments, necessary patience from the front office with the New York Yankees young starters, and his belief the National League East is overrated. Goold discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including Brian Barton’s impressive start, Kyle Lohse’s impactful signing, Colby Rasmus’s continued development, and Mark Mulder’s rehab. Krasovic discussed the San Diego Padres including Hoffman’s difficulties of late, Maddux going to win #350, and the team’s slow start.