Baseball Beat: Friday, August 31st

Here is the rundown for the Friday, August 31st edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner has a travel day with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson is hosting. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Paul White, USA Today Sports Weekly
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Kevin Kernan, New York Post
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer (Phillies Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Whicker, Orange County Register
2:25 p.m.
Guest: David O’Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Braves Beat)
2:45 p.m.
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Guest Summaries:
White discussed national headlines and pennant races including Billy Wagner’s blow save and loss in Philadelphia yesterday, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as a formidable threat in October, and National League Central battle between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs with the Milwaukee Brewers fading. He also discussed his Sports Weekly cover story on manager burnout. Kernan discussed New York baseball including the New York Mets being swept in Philadelphia and retracting his Sunday column about the NL East being over following the Philly massacre. He also discussed the New York Yankees, Joba (Chamberlain) rules, and American League East race. Zolecki discussed the Philadelphia Phillies including yesterday’s comeback victory, Shane Victorino’s success, and Cole Hamels return timetable. Whicker discussed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including their sweep in Seattle, Jeff Mathis, and the club’s flaws. He also briefly discussed this weekend’s San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers series. O’Brien discussed the Atlanta Braves including the club’s season coming down to their next six games against the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in Atlanta. He also discussed the team’s weak rotation following John Smoltz and Tim Hudson holding them back, comparison of Shane Victorino and Jeff Francoeur, and a brief discussion about Chipper Jones Hall of Fame credentials.