Baseball Beat: Thursday, July 19th

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, July 19th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times eastern:

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times
Song: Getting Better by The Beatles
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A's Beat)
Song: Runaround Sue by Dion
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Troy Renck, The Denver Post (Rockies Beat)
Song: Further On (Up the Road) by Bruce Springsteen
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Song: Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson

Guest Summaries:
Verducci discussed his cover story “The People’s King” for Sports Illustrated on Hank Aaron and his chase of Babe Ruth’s home run record and the reasons why he is silent on Barry Bonds chase of his record. He also discussed how Bonds chase helps one re-appreciate Aaron’s accomplishment. One interesting note, Hank Aaron first spoke about the struggles he encountered while chasing Ruth on ESPN Radio with Charley Steiner during the first year of ESPN Radio. Telander joined us from Wrigley Field before the Chicago Cubs game today and discussed the Cubs as well as Barry Bonds week in Chicago. He also told an interesting tale from the clubhouse following Barry Zito’s pitching performance with all of the writers ignoring Zito and waiting around Bonds while he ate while other players heckled him. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including how injuries have decimated the team’s chances this season as well as how the team is already looking to trade players (Mike Piazza, Shannon Stewart) in preparation of next year. Graziano discussed the New York Yankees including the Yankees move to only seven games out in the American League East and interest in Wilson Betemit. He also discussed Gary Sheffield’s comments about Joe Torre and how it played in the clubhouse. Graziano covered Sheffield in New York as well as his tenure in Florida and said these comments had “unusual malice.” Renck discussed the Colorado Rockies including their recent win streak and continuing to hang around in the National League West. He also discussed the young players maturing including the club’s trade prospects. Henning discussed the Detroit Tigers including leading the majors in wins, Marcus Thames injury, and possible trade options before the trade deadline.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m
Getting Better by The Beatles
1:45 p.m.
Runaround Sue by Dion
2:25 p.m.
Further On (Up the Road) by Bruce Springsteen
2:45 p.m.
Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson