Baseball Beat: Monday, April 28th

Here is the rundown for the Monday, April 28th edition of Baseball Beat. Charley Steiner is traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers today, so Chuck Wilson will be hosting. All times Eastern.
1:05 p.m.
Guest: Mel Antonen, USA Today
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Tim Sullivan, San Diego Union-Tribune
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Andy Call, Canton Repository (Indians Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Mark Bowman, MLB.com (Braves Beat)
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Andy Freed, Broadcaster, Tampa Bay Rays
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Rob Biertempfel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pirates Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Antonen discussed national headlines including who will stay competitive out of the surprising first place teams (Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland A’s, and Florida Marlins), St. Louis Cardinals developing pitchers, Oakland A’s impressive young rotation, deep concerns over Barry Zito’s performance for the San Francisco Giants, and how age is catching up with the Atlanta Braves. Sullivan discussed the San Diego Padres including how the club has fallen off the map this year, lack of offense is the key concern, unproductive minor league system will not be bringing much help, and whether the end is near for Trevor Hoffman’s career. Call discussed the Cleveland Indians including Grady Sizemore’s ankle sprain and consecutive games streak ending yesterday, C.C. Sabathia’s turnaround in his last two starts, and Aaron Laffy starting tonight. Bowman discussed the Atlanta Braves including how injuries have ravaged the club, big worries over John Smoltz shoulder, Yunel Escobar and Chipper Jones returning from minor injuries tomorrow, Tom Glavine’s return from the disabled list on Tuesday, why Tim Hudson has been pulled by Bobby Cox so early in his last two starts, and Rafael Soriano’s return will be delayed. Freed discussed the first place Tampa Bay Rays including yesterday’s complete game, shutout performance by James Shields, Edwin Jackson’s improvement this year, comparing Evan Longoria to Cal Ripken, and how the organization could get used to success. Biertempfel discussed the Pittsburgh Pirates including Frank Connelly’s impact, release of Matt Morris, Nate McLouth’s surprising impact, and rotation development concerns.