Baseball Beat: Tuesday, April 8th

Here is the rundown for the Tuesday, April 8th edition of Baseball Beat. Chuck Wilson is hosting today as Charley Steiner is off with the Los Angeles Dodgers. All times Eastern.

1:05 p.m.
Guest: Sean Deveney, Sporting News
1:25 p.m.
Guest: Richard Griffin, Toronto Star
1:45 p.m.
Guest: Mark Bowman, MLB.com (Braves Beat)
2:05 p.m.
Guest: Chris De Luca, Chicago Sun-Times
2:25 p.m.
Guest: Joe Strauss, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Cardinals Beat)
2:45 p.m.
Guest: Juan Rodriguez, Sun-Sentinel (Marlins Beat)

Guest Summaries:
Deveney discussed national headlines including today’s home opener for many teams and Sporting News cover story on Johan Santana at the New York Mets. Griffin discussed the Toronto Blue Jays including last weekend’s sweep of the Boston Red Sox, Frank Thomas showing his age, and Alex Rios and Aaron Hill’s contract extensions. Bowman discussed the Atlanta Braves including last night’s heartbreaking loss in the quickest game in Coors Field history, Tom Glavine’s performance, John Smoltz return from the disabled list last Sunday, and the club’s slow start to the season. De Luca discussed Chicago baseball including Fukudome’s impressive play in his first season in the Majors, whether Kerry Wood will last in the closers role, and the club’s need for Brian Roberts. Strauss discussed the St. Louis Cardinals including the club’s hot start, pitching issues remain, and Albert Pujols health. Rodriguez discussed the Florida Marlins including the club presently being in first place, new stadium build, Fredi Gonzalez’s second year as manager, and how having more veterans are impacting the roster.