Summer Shoppers

Published on July 3, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Thursday on Gambo & Ash…

East Valley Tribune columnist Scott Bordow filled in for the vacationing John Gambadoro.

Sell High…The Diamondbacks suffered another late-inning collapse falling to the Reds Thursday.  The one bright spot was Doug Davis, who tossed seven inning of one-run baseball, throwing 118 pitches in the process.  Ash says Josh Byrnes should call Milwaukee immediately and strike a deal with “Double D’s” former team because the lefty’s value will never be higher than it is right now.

Summer Shoppers…Doug Davis is just one of many Diamondback players whos names have been mentioned in trade talks with the deadline looming at the end of the month.  The guys agree Felipe Lopez, Jon Garland and Chad Tracy, among others, could be shipped off for prospects - something GM Josh Byrnes covets.

The Big Freeze?…Shaquille O’Neal was introduced in Cleveland Thursday, wowing the media with one-liners and promises.  Does this sound familiar, Suns’ fans?  Shaq said he’s ready to assist LeBron win a ring like he helped Kobe Bryant and Dwanye Wade do in the past.  A Shaq tweeter suggested Shaq’s new Cleveland nickname be “The Big Freeze.”  Bordow isn’t buying any of this and says Shaq’s stay in the Valley should certainly be tagged as a failure - especially since Shawn Marion’s contract would have been off the books at the end of the just-concluded season.

Not Setting the Pace…Former Cardinals’ linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season after testing positive for PEDs.  Of course, Pace didn’t know the drug was on the NFL’s banned substance list.  Mark has a difficult time believing this.

More Help for LeBron?…On the same day Shaq was introduced as a Cavalier, news broke that O’Neal may get some frontcourt help in the form of free-agent Ron Artest.  Bordow is certain this will never work because Artest needs the ball in his hands to be productive, like last season with the Rockets, and that won’t happen much with LeBron, Shaq and Mo Williams on the floor together.

A Hill to Climb…The Suns’ courtship of Grant Hill continues and reports say the free-agent forward is leaning towards re-upping with Phoenix.  Bordow wonders why Hill, in the twilight of his career, would re-sign with the Suns when there’s been interest from contenders Boston and Denver.  Ash thinks Hill should be applauded for his professionalism and play during his stay in Phoenix, but how does re-signing Hill classify as “re-building?”  Will not being on a title-worthy team eventually come back to haunt Hill if he comes back to Phoenix?  The guys sure seemed to think so.

We caught up with Suns’ beat writer PAUL CORO from The Arizona Republic.  He updated us on Steve Kerr’s courtship of free-agent Grant Hill and who is the most likely and logical free-agent big man the club might sign after trading Shaq to Cleveland last week.  Coro feels Hill will be a Sun next year, but not before enjoying the courtship of being a free-agent.

Top Team in Phoenix…ESPN The Magazine released their list of the top 122 run professional franchises.  Ash and Bordow broke down parts of the list that stuck out to them.  Both were not in the least bit surprised to see the Los Angeles Clippers at the bottom of the list.  Ash is certain the Cardinals are the best franchise in Phoenix, but knows that could be open to debate depending on their Super Bowl season encore.

Man-Ram Returns…The circus will be in full effect tomorrow when the Dodgers take the field at Petco Park in San Diego.  Slugger Manny Ramirez is poised to make his return following his 50-game PED suspension.  Fans have flocked to minor league outposts to catch a glimpse of Ramirez during his various stops around the southwest and parts of California.  Bordow is annoyed fans have such short memories supporting guilty PED users.  What more important to fans - winning or integrity?  He feels Cardinals’ fans would support Larry Fitzgerald or Kurt Warner after that first touchdown if either tested positive for PED’s.  It is simply a reflection of our current sports society.

I Love LA?…Free-agent Ron Artest says he’s signing a deal with the World Champion Lakers.  Mark and Scott are intrigued by this development, but feel for other teams in the Western Conference who were hoping to make strides towards dethroning the champs this summer via the draft and free-agency.  Ash is certain Phil Jackson and Kobe will be able to harness Artest’s unique personality and on-court antics.

Dealing Your Ace?…Reports say the Dbacks were approached recently about trading away ace Dan Haren to the Angels.  Initially, Diamondbacks’ officials rejected the offer, but today there is speculation that, if the price is right, the Snakes might bite.  Ash and Bordow don’t think this would make any sense.  Scott wonders what type of message this would send to season ticket holders, basically surrendering any hopes of competing in the immediate future?  Ash agrees, but knows the right deal would be enticing if the D-backs could land say two every day players, while stock-piling prospects in the process.

No show Friday.  Gambo returns Monday.  Ash is off.

Staying Put?

Published on July 2, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Wednesday on Gambo & Ash,

Sports 620 KTAR’s Dave Burns filled in for the vacationing John Gambadoro.

Staying Put?…The Amare Stoudemire trade tale took a twist Tuesday when sources reported he would rather stay put here in Phoenix for two reasons.  One, he feels the Suns have more proven talent than the Warriors and second, he doesn’t want to play center, which he would in Don Nelson’s offense.  Ash and Burnsy agree Phoenix is a better fit for STAT, especially without Shaq, who takes up space in the paint and, more importantly (at least for Amare), shots and scoring opportunities.  Rudy Fernandez is upset with the Blazers.  Burnsy and Ash believe he would be a perfect fit in the Suns’ system.

Summer Shopping…Free-agency is underway and reports say the Suns and Spurs have interest in free-agent forward Lamar Odom.  Ash believes he would be a perfect fit here with his length, defense and versatility.  Burnsy thinks Odom is a classic underachiever because of his “faulty motor.”  In short, Odom has never lived up to the hype he had coming out of college.  Would a STAT trade to the Lakers be more beneficial to Phoenix that pulling off a deal with the Warriors?  Believe it, Suns fans.  The guys sure think so if Phoenix could pry Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar and sign-and-trade for Lamar Odom.  The trios’ combined salaries would nearly mirror Stoudemire’s.

We were joined by good friend of the program, former Diamondbacks announcer, now Reds and FOX broadcaster THOM BRENNAMAN.  He broke down Tuesday night’s 6-1 Diamondback win and how he and the Reds’ broadcast team thought Dan Haren had “the stuff” to throw a no-hitter at the Great American Ballpark.

No Surgery…Brandon Webb has opted not to have surgery, instead hoping to continue rehabbing his shoulder with the hopes of returning to the mound sometime in September.  “Webby” just completed his three-city tour seeing specialists regarding his injured right soldier.  Burnsy feels going under the knife, thus ending his season, would lead the Diamondbacks not to pick up his $8.5 million option for 2010 because it would signify a big question mark for the former Cy Young Award Winner moving forward.  Ash thinks convincing Webb to have surgery and, in good faith, picking up his option would appease both parties.  Dave thinks the contract situation plays a major role in all this.

We caught up with our baseball insider TIM KURKJIAN from ESPN.  He broke down the latest news surrounding the Diamondbacks, including Brandon Webb’s decision to forego surgery and hopefully return sometime in September.  Kurkjian said Dan Haren has a shot at the NL Cy Young, but he’d vote for Tim Lincecum if the ballot was due today.

The Untouchables…Just before Dan Haren took the hill against the Reds, a report surfaced saying the Angels inquired about talking trade with the D-backs ace.  The proposed deal was immediately shot down with one Diamondbacks’ official saying Haren was untouchable.  Burnsy feels one MLB star is far and away the most untouchable.  Albert Pujols.  Ash is certain the Yankees would never trade Derek Jeter.  Both feel Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwight Howard would be at the top of the list.

Money Maker$…SI.com released the list of the 50 most wealthy American athletes.  No surprise, Tiger Woods topped the list making just over $99 million but the guys were stunned Phil Mickelson came in #2, making just under $53 million-including a whopping $46 million in endorsements.  Burnsy wasn’t shocked Peyton Manning was in the Top 10, but surprised he didn’t check in higher than #10.

NHL Deputy Commissioner BILL DALY discussed the most recent developments surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes and why he feels pro hockey can thrive in the desert.  He confirmed Jerry Reinsdorf’s $148 million bid to keep the ‘Yotes in Glendale and says there is passion for hockey here and it’s the NHL’s goal to keep the team here in Arizona.

East Valley Tribune columnist Scott Bordow will be in for Gambo on Thursday.

Saving Face

Published on June 30, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Tuesday on Gambo & Ash…

Sports 620 KTAR’s Dave Burns filled in for the vacationing John Gambadoro.

Tweeting His Way to LA?…As made famous by now former Sun Shaquille O’Neal, Twitter communication is at it, again.  Well, sort of.  Amare Stoudemire tweeted Tuesday morning that he wants to play for the Lakers in hopes of winning a championship.  Ash & Burnsy concur there is little truth to this because both know Amare doesn’t know what he wants.  Does he want to stay in Phoenix?  Maybe.  How about Golden State?  Possibly.  Just please don’t ask Amare, because the guys are certain STAT doesn’t know either.

Saving Face…Suns’ brass was caught celebrating prematurely during Thursday’s draft thinking Steph Curry would be here in Phoenix next season after the Timberwolves passed on the former Davidson star.  After Don Nelson’s change of heart, the Suns are still talking trade with Golden State, and Burnsy’s furious.  How can Steve Kerr, Robert Sarver and the gang trust anyone with the Warriors after they were certain a deal would be completed?  Dave is wondering if the Suns are playing nice simply because Golden State may be the only suitor hot on Stoudemire’s trail.  Ash feels it’s time for Suns management to step up and save face because he thinks Don Nelson can’t be trusted - especially after last week’s antics.

Kid Work…Suspended Michael Vick is back in the news.  Ron Mexico is dropping the hammer and nails at his $10-an-hour construction gig, opting for work at a Virginia Boys & Girls Club - with kids no less.  Burnsy and Ash are seeing right thru this.  Dave thinks a well-paid PR firm is celebrating today knowing seeing Vick smiling with kids on the evening news and posing for photo shoots for the local newspaper can only help his tarnished image, possibly even with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  Ash knows Vick is running out of options if he’s never re-instated to the league, and why is this a story in the first place?  Mark’s feelings haven’t changed, the now former Falcon quarterback is still not off the hook for brutally killing dozens of dogs.

Worst or Disappointing?…The Diamondbacks, losers of five-straight heading into Tuesday’s game against the Reds, are heading for a long summer.  Burnsy knows this is a disappointing season, but not the most disappointing.  He points to the 2002 D-backs’ fully loaded team coming off a World Series championship and even last year when Bob Melvin’s crew raced out to a 20-8 start.  Ash is most disappointed in the fact that this team, at the end of June, is no longer relevant on the MLB scene (11.5 games back in the NL Wildcard).

Rocket Man?…STAT may be traded in the near future, but possibly not to the Warriors.  The Houston Rockets, who received the news yesterday that All-Star center Yao Ming could miss the entire season recovering from a broken foot, may be back in the running for Amare even if the Suns shot down the idea last week to Ash.  Without Yao, the Rockets will certainly look to add a scoring big man to complement Ron Artest, if they can re-sign him.

Homecoming?…Former UofA star, now free-agent big man, Channing Frye could be on the Suns’ radar when free-agency opens later Tuesday night.  Burnsy sees this as a low-risk, high-reward situation - acquiring a scoring front-court player on the cheap in NBA terms.  Ash certainly likes the 26-year-old Frye over 34-year old Antonio McDyess.  Mark wonders if Suns’ super trainer Aaron Nelson could work his magic with McDyess like he did with Grant Hill and, most recently, Shaq.  The guys concur none of the big-name free agents will be wearing a Suns’ uniform this fall.  Ash says keep your eye on restricted free-agent David Lee, Suns fans.

All-Star Watch…The Diamondbacks may be suffering thru a miserable season, but Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci thinks the Snakes could field two, possibly three, All-Stars.  The guys wonder how a team currently 16 games under .500 can justify placing up to three players in the mid-July spectacular.  Burnsy was certain Justin Upton would make it, but wonders how Sunday’s antics (fake-tossing a ball into the stands at Chase Field) will affect his All-Star status.

We also caught up with Diamondbacks’ skipper A.J. HINCH who discussed the team’s frustration following five-straight losses, the recent string of team meetings, and what he expects from the Reds the next three nights.

Burnsy is back Wednesday.  We’ll be joined by Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman, ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian, and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

 
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More meetings

Published on June 30, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on Gambo & Ash…

Scott Bordow from The East Valley Tribune filled in for Gambo.

J Up (roar) - The Diamondbacks were swept by the Angels this weekend and are now 16 games under .500. In the center of the controversy is talented outfielder Justin Upton who dropped an easy fly ball and was booed when he stepped to the plate later in the game. J-Up then pretended to toss the ball in the stands after recording the final out of the inning. Ash and Bordow know the sky-is-the-limit for Upton, but getting on the wrong side of the home fans is never a good idea. The guys agree the fans are allowed to boo because they have high expectations, in part because they help pay the players’ salaries.

More Meetings - Manager A.J. Hinch called a closed-door meeting yesterday before their 5th-straight loss. This marked the third “meeting” in the past 11 days. Bordow wonders what exactly is being said in these “meetings” and if this is the right approach with a young team with little confidence and, at times, very little concentration-as evidenced by 4 errors yesterday.

Broken Promise - The day after Bob Melvin was fired by Josh Byrnes, he promised the team had talent and would play better. The Snakes were five games under .500 the day Bo-Mel was let go. Today they sit 11 games worse. Ash doesn’t necessarily fault Hinch but feels some extra pre-game infield practice wouldn’t hurt a team that leads the majors in errors. Bordow is certain he is uncertain what “organizational advocacy” is, but feels forward-thinking, liberal organizations thrive in professional sports. Ash thinks the Coyotes are perfect examples of the complete opposite. Wayne Gretzky and his “yes men” never got the organization anywhere.

Staying Away - The fans voiced their displeasure with the D-backs yesterday in what has become an extremely disappointing season. Now the young, mostly likable players, are visually frustrated and letting their emotions get the best of them. Bordow is certain there will plenty of good seats available this summer at Chase Field…if people even want to spend their time on money on bad baseball. Ash knows this team is quickly becoming the laughingstock of baseball, especially after the circus act yesterday in downtown Phoenix. He does believe the team will be in the news until July 31st, the MLB trade deadline.

Staying or Going? - The Suns are still shopping Amare Stoudemire. Five or six clubs have inquired with the Warriors being the most public team discussed. Golden State makes the most sense, but only if the price is right.

Pushing the Envelope - Amare’s reps are pushing Suns’ management for an answer as to whether they are going to deal or extend their all-star forward. Scott knows the Suns don’t have to deal STAT-at least not now mainly because the team is under the salary cap. Ash knows Amare wants max money and that could play into all this because the question marks are out there-chiefly his knee and eye. Bordow thinks his value is high now and that is why the Suns are actively shopping Stoudemire. The guys love Golden State’s Anthony Randolph and Ash would rather have Randolph than Steph Curry who Suns’ brass covet.

Deep Thinker - The last time the Suns shopped an All-Star forward feelings were hurt. Those feelings were Shawn Marion’s. Steve Kerr told Matrix he wasn’t a “max player.” The guys agree Amare’s situation is different because he is max player in the prime of his career. Ash is certain Amare strives to be a Top 10 name, not necessarily player, in the NBA. STAT wants to win, but how much more than having his own clothing line and building his off-the-floor resume? Scott doesn’t feel STAT will ever be a “lead guy” but would be a great fit with LeBron James-a proven star at both ends of the floor.

Market Value - The Suns are discussing offers for Amare Stoudemire and hope to not make the same mistake the Philadelphia Sixers did when they shipped Charles Barkley to the Valley for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang back in 1992. Sir Charles led the Suns to the NBA Finals while the trio of former Suns did nothing for the Sixers who ultimately rebuilt following Barkley. The guys debated what possible pitfall deals could lead to a one-sided trade, and not in the Suns favor. Mark believes we are over-valuing Amare.

Culture Shock - Good friends Bill Russell and Jim Brown recently appeared on “Real Sports” with Bryant Gumbel and one of the topics discussed was the influence, or lack thereof, of prominent African American athletes (particularly Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods). Brown feels Woods can “do so much more” with his status when dealing with race relations. Scott says athletes, with big-dollar advertising contracts at stake, tend to stay conservative when dealing with touchy issues like race.

Fallen Tower? - Reports say Yao Ming could miss the entire 2009-10 season as he recovers from a broken foot he suffered in the playoffs. The guys concur this could be a huge blow for the Rockets who made strides last season meshing Yao with free-agent-to-be Ron Artest. Bordow says cut ties with injury-prone Tracy McGrady and cross your fingers that they can re-sign Artest and add pieces as they attempt to climb the ladder in the loaded Western Conference.

Cat Tracks - Sean Miller is at it, again. Beware Sun Devil fans. The first-year coach nabbed highly touted combo forward Derrick Williams who plucked Williams away from Memphis. Bordow is thinking Arizona will be back in the tourney, but maybe not next year without Jordan Hill and Chase Buddinger. Ash knows Miller is putting a stamp on his recruiting powers and re-establishing UofA’s tradition in the process-especially on the west coast, nabbing California prep blue-chippers Williams and Solomon Hill. Both players initially committed to USC before being granted their release.

Proceed with Caution - The Suns are shopping STAT, but need to look to the future and proceed with caution. After selling their 2010 pick to Oklahoma City, the team is hoping, actually praying, to stay out of the lottery. If the team deals Stoudemire and possibly Nash, they are certainly bound for the lottery…something Oklahoma City is hoping for. Ash feels not having a first-round pick is a huge point of contention for Suns’ management.

Deal Breaker? - Warriors coach Don Nelson announced late last week that Steph Curry will not be traded. This came just after the Suns’ draft war room exploded in cheers after the T-wolves passed over Curry, selecting Johny Flynn with the sixth pick. Reports say the Suns love Curry and thought a deal could be done sending STAT to the Bay Area for a package including Curry and Andris Biedrins. Will they insist any deal with Golden State include the sweet-shooting Curry? Bordow seems to think so.

Hot Seat - GM Steve Kerr has his hands full trying to juggle age, youth, salaries, and staying relevant in the NBA’s mainstream. Would the Suns deal Amare to Golden State, even if it doesn’t bring Curry or Randolph in return? If so, will this lead to the downfall of Kerr as GM? Let’s be honest, most of the moves he’s made (trading for Shaq and Jason Richardson) hasn’t worked. As a Suns’ fan, do you trust the direction Kerr is leading this team?

Short show Tuesday before afternoon baseball in Cincinnati.

Dave Burns in for the vacationing Gambo.

D-backs’ skipper A.J. Hinch joins us at 3:00.

Published on June 29, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Ash chokes on a pepper - out take

Ash the kid model

Ash - De La Hoya voice

Gambo cries - Notebook

Gambo - Man crush on Tommy John

Gambo on spring break

Gambo - Cheating is good

Gambo - Let’s get on the boat

Gambo: Old horse, new tricks

John John

Lunch lady gets a raise

Published on June 26, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Suns first round draft pick Earl Clark.

Suns general manager Steve Kerr 

Wheeling and dealing?

Published on June 25, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Dave Burns filled in for Gambo. No calls, no texts, and no word from Gambo today. Not yet anyway…

No deals for the Phoenix Suns either, although the rumors are aplenty. A popular one making the rounds Wednesday was Amare to Houston for the remnants of Tracy McGrady and package of role players. Ash quickly shot that one down, but was not able to rule out the other one, per Chad Ford:

One rumor that won’t go away has the Suns and Thunder talking about a draft-day swap that would give Oklahoma City the 14th pick and land the Suns the Thunder’s 25th pick and, more importantly for the Suns, the return of their first-round pick in 2010. The Suns traded that pick to the Thunder several years ago as part of the Kurt Thomas trade. The pick is unprotected next year, and with the Suns flirting with rebuilding, they don’t want to lose it.
Sources say the Thunder have an eye for Ohio State center B.J. Mullens and likely will take him if he’s available at No. 14.

Wouldn’t that be the irony of ironies for the Suns: Their present roster is messed up because they got rid of so many draft picks, and now their future may hinge on selling another draft pick. If the Chad Ford report is to be believed, Oklahoma City is very interested in the 14th pick and will give back their selection in 2010, one that Ash and Burnsy agree is hindering the rebuilding process now. So, can Suns fans stomach giving up another high draft pick in order to get back next year’s? Burnsy would. Ash is onboard as long as the Suns are onboard for a complete roster overhaul (including sending Nash to Portland). Just get busy dying in other words…

Speaking of rebuilding, the D-Backs may be one step closer to doing so. This after their ace, Brandon Webb, is one step closer to major elbow surgery. So the unthinkable is really thinkable now: Could the D-Backs really pick up the 8.5 million option on a pitcher with a bum shoulder?? Burnsy says best case is that Webb returns to by March and then spends the next three months performing like the pitcher he used to be. Even still, would another team even part with prospects for a pitcher with major injury issues, as well as free-agency less than a year away? Ash doesn’t think so, but he does think the D-Backs need to take the chance and pick up Webb’s option at year’s end.

ESPN baseball analyst TIM KURKJIAN joined the guys, and joined with the guys’ opinion that no option with Webb seems to be a good one for AZ. He also thinks no trade involving Doug Davis, Jon Garland, or Felipe Lopez will net much in the way of prospects.

Rising NBA prospect JEFF PENDERGRAPH called in a day ahead of one of the biggest days of his life. Pendergraph projects as a 2nd or late 1st Round selection in tomorrow‘s draft. Ash thinks he has a good chance of being a good role player at the next level.

Hall of Fame pitcher FERGIE JENKINS had more than a good career with the Cubs. He joined the guys on-site to discuss the state of baseball, including Sammy Sosa and steroids, as well as Donald Fehr.

 
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Published on June 25, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Jeff Pendergraph

Big names being moved

Published on June 24, 2009 in Show recap. 1 Comment

Jon Bloom filled in for a “vacationing” Gambo.

Gambo did have to call in (pre-show), excited about the latest NBA trade news. The news, for those who may be unaware, is that Spurs are now that much better than the Suns, and maybe that much closer to the Lakers, after pulling off their own version of the Pau Gasol theft. Richard Jefferson now makes up the “Big Four” in SA, but Ash and Bloomer think that there is a strong possibility that Manu Ginobili is on his way out, in the wake of this big deal. As for the Suns, they seem unable to make any big deals this summer, and are sort of stuck in basketball purgatory, all while sporting the league’s highest payroll. Ash wouldn’t be adverse to the Suns dumping significant portions of that payroll (i.e. Nash, Amare, and Shaq). His motto (vide The Shawshank Redemption) is “get busy living or get busy dying.” Suns fans will undoubtedly have problems living with another year of LA/SA domination, but (vide The Godfather Part II) “this is the business (they) have chosen for themselves.”

Business has been good for the Dodgers, even after Manny Ramirez’s 50 game hiatus. Now, Manny is back…Well, sort of. ManRam is making a few rehab starts in Albuquerque, and ESPN is covering it every step of the way. But is a minor league rehab assignment really a suitable next step for a steroid abuser? Minor league players, after all, do get suspended for the same thing, but are not able to conduct rehab assignments in…Little League?? Ash and Bloom agree that the league is wrong to allow Ramirez to play while under suspension. After all, shouldn’t a 50 game suspension really be a 50 game suspension?

50 games might be the over/under for Phil Jackson on the Lakers bench next season. Jackson in considering a Roger Clemens style return to the Lakers, where he would coach home games, and have Kurt Rambis take over for road trips. Ash and Bloom are skeptical of this Joe Paterno type arrangement. But at least Joe Pa makes all the trips. He just doesn’t call the plays, or coach, or do anything really.

The Wizards received quite a few calls about their #5 overall pick, and eventually accepted Minnesota’s offer. So much for Ash’s preferred offer for Amare, which featured the #5 pick coming back to Phoenix in exchange for STAT. On Sat. Bloomer was sure that the Suns would make this kind of a deal before draft day. Not anymore. Ash also concurs that the Suns will have little movement before or after the draft.

The Diamondbacks manager AJ Hinch joined the show and discussed the recent road trip, the upcoming homestand and where the Diamondbacks roster sits.

Bon Voyage

Published on June 23, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Gambo wrapped up a hard week’s worth before heading off to Italy.  Lucas Glover nearly headed off a storybook finale at the U.S.Open, as Phil Mickelson almost took home his 4th major championship. As it turned out, Phil had to settle for his record fifth 2nd-place Open finish, but it seemed as if any finish this weekend in NY would have been special. Gambo thinks David Duval’s improbable run certainly fits the bill, even though Dave is having problems fitting into his clothes these days.  Ash, as always, was rooting for Phil and, as usual, was disappointed with Mickelson coming up short once again.  Once again a lesser known player takes home the trophy, and Gambo believes that parity (or competitive balance) in golf is greater than in any other sport.

No one seems to have any idea what the Suns will do with the #14 overall selection, which makes sense because they don’t either!   Gambo does know that the Suns like Louisville’s Earl Clark, but not enough to give him a promise if he’s available at #14.  Gambo says there are many other options on the table (if Clark is gone) and drafting Tyler Hansbrough is one of those.  Ash sincerely hopes not.  (As do I)

ASU baseball coach Pat Murphy joined the show on his way back from Omaha.

ASU’s CWS hopes were shattered on Friday, and in heartbreaking fashion.  This is nothing new.  The two-homerun bottom of the ninth follows in the footsteps of such doozies as the Sun Devils’ Rose Bowl loss in 97,’ John Paxson’s 3 in 93, the Cards’ recent SB loss, the Cards (and Dennis Green’s) infamous MNF meltdown.  G&A rank the AZ sports atrocities: 1 SB loss, 2 Rose Bowl ASU, Paxson 3.

The D-backs had 3 lousy games in Seattle over the weekend.  Gambo believes that if there was ever, ever, an indication that the D-Backs are, were, and always will be done this season, this series with the Mariners was surely it.  Ash believes this could also be it for Tony Clark, considering his problems are now in the field, a supposed strength on a team that has too few.