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.