Baseball Beat: Tuesday, December 18th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, December 18th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times (Rays Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Sun (Orioles Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Rob Bradford, Boston Herald (Red Sox Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Barry Svrluga, Washington Post (Nationals Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including the Mitchell Report, Andy Pettitte’s statement as proof that players are thinking getting healthy and not cheating, surprise at Houston’s overhaul, and the Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of Dan Haren. Topkin discussed the Tampa Bay Rays including the signing of Cliff Floyd and the club’s off-season outfield moves. Zrebiec discussed the Baltimore Orioles including his story about Brian Roberts admitting to a one-time use of steroids, surprise that injury was not the reason for his use, fan reactions to Roberts use, and Peter Angelo supporting Roberts. Baumbach discussed New York baseball including the pressure on Roger Clemens to speak out, predicts Johan Santana will be a New York Yankee, and how the New York Mets got quality from the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge. Bradford discussed the Boston Red Sox including his discussion with Brendan Donnelly about being in the Mitchell Report, why players in the Report are not being more out spoken about their innocence and the latest on the club’s interest in Johan Santana. Svrluga discussed the Nationals including Stan Kasten’s comments on the Mitchell Report, Paul Lo Duca and Aaron Boone’s signing, and Elijah Dukes latest domestic problems.