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Baseball Beat: Monday, May 12th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, May 12th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers to Milwaukee. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean Deveney, Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Juan Rodriguez, Sun-Sentinel (Marlins Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jim Street, MLB.com (Mariners Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Tim Keown, ESPN Magazine
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Marc Lancaster, Tampa Tribune (Rays Beat)

Baseball Beat: Friday, May 9th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, May 9th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Buzz Bissinger, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Author
Tune: Street Fighting Man by Rolling Stones
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Andrew Baggarly, San Jose Mercury News (Giants Beat)
Tune: Everybody Knows This is No Where by Neil Young
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Ken Davidoff, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Deshaies, Broadcaster, Houston Astros
Tune: Silhouettes by The Rays
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM - (866) 652-6696
Tune: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Verducci discussed national headlines including Carlos Beltran not being “the guy”, Carlos Delgado no longer a good hitter, Mets playing down to their competition and need a clubhouse leader, Andrew Jones serious problem for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rafael Furcal playing like an MVP, Blake DeWitt’s surprising impact, and how players are affected by contract years. Bissinger discussed bloggers including his regret for coming on too strong in the Costas HBO special, and compared his experience since the HBO special to Murray Chass’s negative reaction from bloggers following his appearance on Baseball Beat last month. Baggarly discussed the San Francisco Giants including Barry Zito’s return to the rotation and how he needs to change his style to be effective again. Davidoff discussed national headlines and New York baseball including Mets issues, Beltran as the weak link, upcoming Owners’ Meetings, possible ways to speed-up games, and debate on statistics and in particular VORP. Deshaies discussed the Houston Astros including their recent win streak, Roy Oswalt’s return to form, Wandy Rodriguez hoping to take a step forward this year, Miguel Tejada’s impact on the line-up, and this weekend’s series in Los Angeles.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Street Fighting Man by Rolling Stones
1:45 p.m.
Everybody Knows This is No Where by Neil Young
2:25 p.m.
Silhouettes by The Rays
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, May 8th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, May 8th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Hal McCoy, Dayton Daily News (Reds Beat)
Tune: Child of the Wild Blue Yonder by John Hiatt
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)
Tune: I Lost It by Lucinda Williams
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Brian Anderson, Broadcaster, Milwaukee Brewers
Tune: Old Weakness by Delbert McClinton
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
Tune: If You're Ready, Come Go with Me by The Staple Singers

Guest Summaries:
Crasnick discussed the national headlines including the struggling San Diego Padres, lack of a productive farm system in San Diego, Detroit Tigers have an age issue that is directly related to the off-season trade with the Florida Marlins, and the Major League Baseball Players Association investigating available players not being signed such as Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton, and others. McCoy discussed the Cincinnati Reds including Joey Votto’s three home run day on Wednesday, Edinson Volquez comparisons with Pedro Martinez, Johnny Cueto’s up and down performances, and Walt Jocketty’s need to control the owner’s knee jerk decisions. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including their struggles this year, Nolan Ryan’s future impact in front office, manager, and roster changes, and Ron Washington being on the hot seat. Buckley discussed the Boston Red Sox including getting through April, Curt Schilling’s throwing session earlier this week, and Manny Ramirez still looking for #500. Anderson discussed the Milwaukee Brewers including Eric Gagne’s struggles, Ben Sheets key to the team’s success, and Prince Fielder slowly turning it around. Mellinger discussed the Kansas City Royals including his piece today on Joakim Soria as a potential starter, Jose Guillen’s tough first month in a Royals uniform, grading the present rotation, and how the organization is taking another step forward this year.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Child of the Wild Blue Yonder by John Hiatt
1:45 p.m.
I Lost It by Lucinda Williams
2:25 p.m.
Old Weakness by Delbert McClinton
2:45 p.m.
If You're Ready, Come Go with Me by The Staple Singers

Tomorrow, Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated and Buzz Bissinger will join Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner.

Baseball Beat: Wednesday, May 7th

Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, May 7th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting a Los Angeles Dodgers day game. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Rob Neyer, ESPN.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Clark Spencer, Miami Herald (Marlins Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Bud Shaw, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune (White Sox Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Neyer discussed national headlines including Cleveland Indians overcoming their slow start, Detroit Tigers pitching staff in real trouble, continued development of Gavin Floyd, hard to bet against St. Louis Cardinals success with starters, patience will pay off with New York Yankees young pitchers, stands by his pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers to win it all, and how Daisuke Matsuzaka’s high walk-rate will hurt him soon. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including Tim Wakefield’s success due to his catcher, Matsuzaka learning to throw more strikes, Jon Lester’s maturation, Kevin Youkilis as possibly the most valuable Red Sox, David Ortiz knee not 100%. We also discussed his new book with Mike Lowell Deep Drive: A Long Journey to Finding the Champion that was released yesterday. Spencer discussed the Florida Marlins including the continuing development of the young roster, Josh Willingham injury update, Hanley Ramirez’s case as the best player in all of baseball, and re-visiting the off-season’s trade of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers. Whicker discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Dodgers winning streak, Andruw Jones struggles, Juan Pierre continuing to do what’s asked of him, and Angels rotation without John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. Shaw discussed the Cleveland Indians including C.C. Sabathia’s April woes and compared Travis Hafner’s struggles to Carlos Baerga’s career fall-off. Gonzales discussed the Chicago White Sox including Gavin Floyd’s performance last night, Ozzie Guillen’s recent rant, blow-up dolls in the locker room, and how fans and writers can be considered media inside and outside the clubhouse.

Charley Steiner returns to host tomorrow's Baseball Beat live from Los Angeles, California.

Baseball Beat: Tuesday, May 6th

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

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Hal Bodley, MLB.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune
Tune: Dirty World by Traveling Wilburys
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
Tune: Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Kenny Mayne, ESPN
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Tune: I Can't Help Myself by Four Tops
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Dave Lennon, Newsday (Mets Beat)
Tune: Tired of Waiting by The Kinks

Guest Summaries:
Bodley discussed national headlines including his work on MLB.com, how some young players numbers have dropped off, and how surprising St. Louis has been. Rogers discussed Chicago baseball including Ozzie Guillen’s manufactured rant, White Sox lack of good hitters, weak farm system with no prospect ready to help the major league roster, need to trade Joe Crede while he’s hot, and his belief the Cleveland Indians will run away with the American League Central. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Max Scherzer’s first major league start last night and Doug Davis’s recovery. Mayne discussed his new book An Incomplete and Inaccurate History of Sport including how his career started, working with Charley at ESPN, covering serious stories as well as using his comedic license, being the quarterback ahead of Randall Cunningham at UNLV (before his injury), and a humorous story about working with Stevie Wonder. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including how the team’s problems all center on pitching, positional issues, Dontrelle Willis’s return, and how disastrous the Edgar Renteria trade is starting to look. Lennon discussed the New York Mets including this week’s series in Los Angeles, whether the team plays lethargic, Carlos Delgado swinging a hot bat of late, and whether the team will be the class of the National League this year.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Dirty World by Traveling Wilburys
1:45 p.m.
Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles
2:25 p.m.
I Can't Help Myself by Four Tops
2:45 p.m.
Tired of Waiting by The Kinks

Chuck Wilson will be hosting on Wednesday as Charley is broadcasting a Los Angeles Dodgers day game.

Baseball Beat: Monday, May 5th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, May 5th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Los Angeles, California. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Bernie Miklasz, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Tune: Good Times Roll by The Cars
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Lavelle Neal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)
Tune: The Long Run by The Eagles
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Chris Wheeler, Broadcaster, Philadelphia Phillies
Tune: Rattlesnake Highway by John Fogerty
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A's Beat)
Tune: The Kids are Alright by The Who

Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines including Chicago White Sox recent struggles, Minnesota Twins unexpected pitching success, Billy Beane shocking baseball again in Oakland, Detroit Tigers bullpen woes still holding them back, injuries crushing the Atlanta Braves, and how Roger Clemens is only hurting himself. Miklasz discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including leading the National League Central, emphasis on strong defense, ahead of schedule on rebuilding, and how the clubhouse is filled with hungry players wanting their shot. Neal discussed the Minnesota Twins including leading the American League Central, Delmon Young continuing to develop, Carlos Gomez’s impact, and how the club is simply playing better than the rest of the division at present. Justice discussed Roger Clemens including his statements to the Houston Chronicle, how every time he talks he hurts himself, lack of support in Houston, no goodwill left for Clemens, his belief from talk to Andy Pettitte that he is no longer friends with Clemens, humorous Barry Bonds story from spring training, and how reality much hit home with Clemens soon. Wheeler discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including leading the National League East, Charlie Manuel’s 500th victory yesterday, Ryan Howard’s typical early season struggles, Chase Utley the premier second baseman in baseball, Pat Burrell’s impressive and consistent start to the season, and team missing Jimmy Rollins. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including how the team is scoring runs at a better clip this year, Emil Brown’s remarkable turnaround, how the Dan Haren trade has impacted the organization, background on Dana Eveland and Greg Smith, potential future trades of Joe Blanton and Huston Street, and our regular Bobby Crosby update.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
Good Times Roll by The Cars
1:45 p.m.
The Long Run by The Eagles
2:25 p.m.
Rattlesnake Highway by John Fogerty
2:45 p.m.
The Kids are Alright by The Who

Baseball Beat: Friday, May 2nd

Here is the rundown for the Friday, May 2nd edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner live from Denver, Colorado. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Bob Nightengale, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, Denver Post (Rockies Beat)
Tune: Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Bill Plunkett, Orange Country Register (Angels Beat)
Tune: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jayson Stark, ESPN
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Marty Noble, MLB.com (Mets Beat)
Tune: Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls – Actual Listeners
(866) MLB ON XM - (866) 652-6696
Tune: You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Guest Summaries:
Nightengale discussed national headlines including Buzzie Bavasi’s life and career, Micah Owings as a spectacular story, his piece on the Kansas City Royals aces. Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including his breaking story from yesterday that Troy Tulowitzki will be out for an extended period, lack of prospects to improve club, Franklin Morales and Ubaldo Jimenez mechanic issues, and how the pitching has put the club in deep trouble in the National League West. Plunkett discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Nick Adenhart’s first major league start and how he got caught up in the moment of the setting and got rocked. Stark discussed national headlines including discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers battling in the National League West, Troy Tulowitzki’s injury as a crippling blow to the Rockies, Baltimore Orioles as the biggest surprise of the first month, lack of surprise in the New York Yankees struggling, and Brian Cashman knowing he’s on the bubble. Noble discussed the New York Mets including their difficult first month, belief they are indifferent to losing and need a guy who can rouse them, David Wright doesn’t have the resume to be that guy, Carlos Delgado has let the organization down in the clubhouse, and Carlos Beltran’s tough start.

Tunes Summaries:
1:25 p.m.
Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel
1:45 p.m.
Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
2:25 p.m.
Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads
2:45 p.m.
You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones

Baseball Beat: Thursday, May 1st

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, May 1st edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson will be hosting today as Charley Steiner is broadcasting a day game with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Miami, Florida. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jonah Keri, ESPN.com Page 2
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jim Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Stiglich, Contra Costa Times (A's Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
2:25 p.m.
Guest: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Jack Magruder, East Valley Tribune (D'Backs Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Keri discussed national headlines including the surprising starts of the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland A’s, and Florida Marlins. Salisbury discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including an update on Jimmy Rollins ankle injury and how a misdiagnosis has delayed his return, Chase Utley’s otherworldly first month of the season, and Ryan Howard’s typical April struggles. Stiglich discussed the Oakland A’s including Frank Thomas’s impact on the club, Emil Brown as a pleasant surprise, and how the players they received from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Dan Haren have impressed. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including the surprising start of the club compared to the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians early season struggles, Carlos Gomez as a future star and leading Major League Baseball in steals, Delmon Young’s impact, Adam Everett is healthy but not hitting, and Francisco Liriano working his way back in the minors. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including his exclusive report that John Smoltz says he will return to the bullpen when he gets back from the disabled list, his rehab timeline, and how his absence from the rotation will hurt the Braves. Magruder discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including Max Scherezer’s debut, Randy Johnson’s performance since his return, and Justin Upton and Chris Young taking the next step in their development.