Baseball Beat: Thursday, January 31st

Here is the rundown for the Thursday, January 31st edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting this week as Charley Steiner is on vacation. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean Deveney, The Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Blair, Globe and Mail
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Bowman, MLB.com (Atlanta Braves)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Greg Couch, Chicago Sun-Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Anthony McCarron, New York Daily News
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal (Indians Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Deveney discussed national headlines including how Johan Santana being dealt to the New York Mets impacted other organizations about Major League Baseball as well as the latest on Erik Bedard. Blair discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including Reed Johnson’s contract situation, Rod Barrajas signing, and some reaction to national stories. Bowman discussed the Atlanta Braves including how Johan Santana joining the division will impact the Braves and the team’s chances to return to the top of the National League East. Couch discussed Chicago baseball including his piece on the Johan Santana trade impacting the Cubs and last weeekend’s Sox Fest. McCarron discussed the New York Mets including the acquisition of Santana, latest on negotiations with the Mets, how Omar Minaya used the Minnesota Twins pressure to his advantage, and how Santana will prevent extensive losing streaks. Ocker discussed the Cleveland Indians including how the eventual Santana extension will affect C.C. Sabathia’s contract negotiations.