Morning LineUp

Major League Baseball has recently lost some of the greatest men the game has ever seen with the passing of Don Baylor, Darren Daulton and Lee May. This week, MLB.com's Bill Ladson set out to catch up with some of their friends so they could share some of their favorite memories in remembrance of those that had passed away. MLB.com columnist Tracy Ringolsby describes his special relationship he had with Don Baylor and why he was such a strong leader. Journalist Claire Smith talks about the time she spent with Baylor working on his autobiography and his unique relationship with manager Billy Martin of the Yankees. Yankees broadcaster and former Major Leaguer Ken Singleton joins the show to talk about his playing days with Baylor and May. Former Major Leaguer Mickey Morandini talks to Ladson about what he learned from Daulton during their playing days in Philadelphia. Next, Bill Ladson chats with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Chris Taylor and Kenley Jansen to find out why they have the best record in baseball. Finally, Adrian Beltre joins the show to talk about being the first Dominican-born player to reach 3,000 hits and how much longer he expects to play.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to MLB.com columnist Richard Justice this week about the biggest winners and losers from the trade deadline, as well as Adrian Beltre collecting his 3,000th hit. (:45) MLB.com's Nationals reporter Jamal Collier joins the show to talk about the team's recent bullpen additions and if Jayson Werth can make it back in time for the playoffs. (14:40) Ladson chats with MLB.com's Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat about the team's recent surge to the top of the N.L. Central and how the new acquisitions are fitting in with the team. (27:10) Bill Ladson also caught up with Hall of Famer Andre Dawson to talk about his friend and former teammate Tim Raines' induction into the Hall. (36:04) Finally, Tigers' manager Brad Ausmus joins the show to discuss former teammate Jeff Bagwell's induction into the Hall of Fame. (49:36)

The Rockies have been a bit of surprise this season as they are currently in line for a playoff bid. MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to the Rockies this week to find out why they are playing great ball in 2017. Manager Bud Black joins Bill to discuss playing in the tough National League West division and how Greg Holland has solidified the backend of the bullpen. (:30) Nolan Arenado talks about his spectacular defense at third base and what the team still needs to improve on down the stretch. (10:30) The next guest is Ian Desmond and he chats with Ladson about why the team has played above expectations so far this season and his upcoming return to Washington after playing seven seasons with the Nationals. (16:05) The final guest is Greg Holland who breaks down his triumphant return from Tommy John surgery and why this team has everything it needs to go far in the postseason. (25:35)

Senior vice president of operations for Major League Baseball Kim Ng leads a discussion with Ceci Clark, Dana Parks and Rebecca Seesel about their work throughout Major League Baseball and how they've excelled in their careers.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks with Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Travis Shaw about why his team has surprised many during the first half and why he has found success in Milwaukee. (:25) Ladson also caught up with Brewers first baseman Eric Thames to discuss his first half of the 2017 season and why he is a better hitter in the Majors after playing three seasons in Korea. (6:40)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with MLB.com columnist Richard Justice to discuss the young talent set to participate in next week's Home Run Derby and the overall competitiveness of the All-Star Game. (:30) Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin joins the show to chat about the improved play from the Rays this season and the powers numbers being put up by Logan Morrison and Corey Dickerson. (12:40) Finally, Ladson speaks with Dodgers' reporter Ken Gurnick about the meteoric rise of Cody Bellinger and what the team needs to make a World Series run. (24:52)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Diana Munson, widow of the late Thurman Munson about how much Thurman enjoyed life and the game of baseball. (:35) Next, Rickey Henderson takes time to speak with Ladson about playing for manager Billy Martin and his Hall of Fame career with his hometown Oakland A's. (6:50) Ladson also caught up with Hall of Famer Goose Gossage to talk about the biggest differences between today's closers and when he pitched. (12:30) Finally, Bill is joined by former Yankee outfielder Roy White and they discuss his playing days in New York and being a two-time World Series champion. (17:50)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, about the museum's new joint venture with MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association. (:30) Nationals' first baseman Ryan Zimmerman talks about his success in 2017 and the evolution of the team from basement dweller to World Series contender. (9:40) Bill is joined by reigning Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer to discuss how badly he wants to win a championship for Washington and why he is a better pitcher now than when he won the Cy Young last year. (18:52) Finally, MLB.com columnist Richard Justice joins the show to break down the contenders for the A.L. East and why Logan Morrison should be in the All-Star Game. (27:24)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Joe Torre about his time as a player, manager and now Chief Baseball Officer in Major League Baseball. (:25) Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about winning a World Series title for the longtime suffering Cubs fans and the difficulty of repeating as champs. (17:36) Jason Heyward chats with Bill about staying positive after struggling in 2016 and what adjustments he made over the offseason. (23:10) Albert Almora Jr. joins the show to talk about the work ethic that he inherited from his father and making his family proud. (37:05)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen about staying positive through the struggles of the last few seasons and the trade rumors that surrounded him this spring. (:27) Pirates manager Clint Hurdle discusses the team being able to play through adversity and if they can win the NL Central. (13:22) Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison chats with Ladson about growing up in Cincinnati and his love for the game of baseball. (20:36) Red Sox starting pitcher David Price comes on the show to talk about the 10th anniversary of being chosen with the first pick in the 2007 MLB Draft and how badly he wants to win a World Series. (28:09) Boston's Jackie Bradley Jr. breaks down the health of the team and why he thinks they can make a run at another division title. (38:50) Finally, Ladson is joined by Astros television play-by-play announcer Todd Kalas to discuss the team's phenomenal start and what he learned from his father, Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. (46:26)