Baseball Beat: Friday, January 4th

Here is the rundown for the Friday, January 4th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting as Charley Steiner is on vacation this week. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jonah Keri, ESPN.com - Page 2
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Scott Merkin, MLB.com - Chicago White Sox
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia Inquirer
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Rick Hurd, Contra Costa Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
2:45 p.m.
Actual Calls from Actual Listeners

Guest Summaries:
Keri talked about his overall impressions of the 2007 season. He previewed the 2008 season and focused on his feelings that the Dodgers are going to make another move. Merkin came on to talk about the Sox and A’s trade. Scott likes the move and thinks Nick Swisher will be a welcome addition in the Sox clubhouse and have great numbers in that ballpark. He also talked about where Jerry Owens fits in with the Swisher move and the expected Spring Training competition for corner outfield spots. Zolecki came on to talk about the Phillies off season and the moves they have made. Todd thinks that the Phils are going to miss Aaron Rowand but think that Geoff Jenkins will pick up the offensive slack. Hurd talked about the A’s and White Sox trade from Oakland’s point of view. Rick thought it was only a matter of time before Billy Beane had to blow up last year’s team and that Billy was happy with the deals they had made because it helped to replenish the A’s minor league system. He and Chuck also debated ways of tweaking the payroll system in MLB. Mellinger talked about the guys that Royals are counting on to estabilish a model of success. They also talked about the Mitchell Report and the upcoming Clemens interview on 60 minutes. We took calls from our great XM listeners about a variety of subjects including Reds pitching, the Swisher trade and the Hall of Fame.

Charley is back on Monday with Clemens interview reactions from Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated and Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle, amongst others!