Baseball Beat: Tuesday, February 12th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, February 12th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is on vacation. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Jim Baumbach, Newsday
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times (Cubs Beat)
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle (Athletics Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Michael O’Keeffe, New York Daily News
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Griffin, Toronto Star
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twins Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Baumbach discussed his exclusive with Tom Davis last night in which he explains that Andy Pettitte sided with Brian McNamee in his deposition. He also discussed how Pettitte’s testimony will be used against Roger Clemens, how Chuck Knoblauch’s testimony was less inclusive, and how it’s tougher to probe Brian McNamee lying than Clemens. Wittenmyer discussed the Chicago Cubs including how they can make the World Series, Ryan Dempster’s return to the rotation, Mark DeRosa’s value, and how Brian Roberts will improve the line-up. Slusser discussed the Oakland A’s including Mike Sweeney and Keith Foulke signing, latest on Joe Blanton trade discussions, Billy Beane rebuilding the club, and how health will continue to impact the club this year. Keeffe discussed his coverage of the Roger Clemens/Brian McNamee story including the wrongful nature of Congressmen’s infatuation with Roger Clemens, on possible end-games to the story, and if the needles from McNamee will be decisive. Griffin discussed his Monday piece on the “Rites of Spring” in baseball as well as the Toronto Blue Jays including Dustin McGowan and Alex Rios. Christensen discussed the Minnesota Twins including today’s signing of Livan Hernandez, dramatic changing of the roster from last season, and expectations for 2008.