Baseball Beat: Monday, December 17th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, December 17th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Dayn Perry, FoxSports.com
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (A's Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Brian McTaggart, Houston Chronicle (Astros Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Kathleen O'Brien, Newsday (Yankees Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Perry discussed national headlines including Houston Astros acquisition of Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren, and the Mitchell Report post-script. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including the front office’s move to rebuild its roster, how health problems spurred the club’s rebuild, A’s proactive approach, prospects in return for Dan Haren, how the Haren deal improved market and price for Joe Blanton, and how the Mitchell Report impacted teams locally. Strauss discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including the team’s trade of Jim Edmonds to the San Diego Padres, Edmonds Hall of Fame chances, whether the club will give Colby Rasmus a chance as the team’s new centerfielder, and Scott Rolen’s future in St. Louis. McTaggart discussed the Houston Astros including Ed Wade’s complete rebuild of the Major League roster, Jose Valvarde and Miguel Tejada’s acquisition, loss of Chad Qualls, and his story today about Lance Berkman asking Roger Clemens to come clean. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including breaking the story that Bob Melvin has signed an extension with the club, Dan Haren’s acquisition, how the farm system made the deal happen, trading closer Jose Valverde, and how the loss of Tony Clark will impact the roster. O’Brien discussed the New York Yankees including the latest on the club’s trade discussions with the Minnesota Twins about Johan Santana, Hank Steinbrenner’s latest reporter interviews, and Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte’s names in the Mitchell Report.