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
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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