Baseball Beat: Wednesday, February 20th

I am back from being a fan at the NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans today. Here is the rundown for the Wednesday, February 20th edition of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: John Donovan, Sports Illustrated
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Steve Gilbert, MLB.com (Diamondbacks Beat)
Tune: It Takes Two by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain-Dealer (Indians Beat)
Tune: Going to a Go Go by Smokey Robinson
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Alyson Footer, MLB.com (Astros Beat)
Tune: I Can't Explain by The Who
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News (Rangers Beat)
Tune: Living in the Future by Bruce Springsteen

Guest Summaries:
Donovan discussed national headlines including his article listing the top stories of the spring, Torii Hunter in Anaheim and Oakland A’s rebuild. Gilbert discussed the Arizona Diamondbacks including the lack of a replacement for Tony Clark, Trot Nixon nearing a deal, and how Dan Haren’s deal will be evaluated years from now. Hoynes discussed the Cleveland Indians including C.C. Sabathia’s comments that he will not discuss his contract status the rest of the season, Hoynes belief that he is eager to be a free agent, and how his negotiations with the team will impact the club this year. Passan discussed national headlines including his piece The Performance-Enhancing Drug Tour 2008 and his pick of the Cincinnati Reds as his surprise team. Footer discussed the Houston Astros including Miguel Tejada’s arrival at camp yesterday, J.R. Towles ascension to starting catcher, and how Spring Training seems odd without Craig Biggio. Grant discussed the Texas Rangers including Ian Kinsler’s new contract, Nolan Ryan’s role and impact on the franchise, and how Jon Daniel’s rebuilt farm system is set to start producing in the next couple years.

Tunes Summary:
1:25 p.m.
It Takes Two by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
1:45 p.m.
Going to a Go Go by Smokey Robinson
2:25 p.m.
I Can't Explain by The Who
2:45 p.m.
Living in the Future by Bruce Springsteen