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.