Here’s what went down Tuesday at G&A

Power Outage - The Diamondbacks dropped their third-straight and five of the first seven in their April-heavy home schedule. Gambo thinks some of the younger players need to be sent down for confidence - especially Justin Upton who has zero hits this season and possibly Mark Reynolds. He still feels Upton will be a superstar. Ash isn’t so sure even though once Mark thought he could be a “right-handed Ken Griffey, JR.” Yes, the talent is there, but when will Upton live up to his potential? Gambo thinks some of the onus falls on Eric Byrnes to light a fire under this underachieving team. John believes Matt Williams may be the club’s hitting coach in the near future. Skipper Bob Melvin joined the guys.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian shared his thoughts on yesterday’s sudden passing of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych and Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Tim thinks no broadcaster means more to their team, other than Vin Scully, than Kalas did in Philly. He also believes the hot-starting Padres and Mariners will falter long before the home stretch.

Manny Being Manny - Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez wants to finish his career with the team he started-the Cleveland Indians. G&A are perplexed at how Manny can simply brush off his current team-the Dodgers. This being the same team that just gave him $45 million this spring to return to LA as a free-agent. Rumors are swirling that Jim Thome might join him. The guys wonder why this even came up with nearly two years left on his deal with Los Angeles.

Tie-Breaker - Easton (PA) High and Phillipsburg (NJ) will play football this season, but it just won’t be another game between these two rivals. The 1993 game ended in a tie and now, at a time and place TBD, these two will play again-with players from the ’93 class. The guys agree this is a fascinating concept-especially since the old players want to play-regardless of their current “playing shape” or lack there of. Gambo says if the event, which is being sponsored by Gatorade, is televised he would definitely watch it. Turns out a similar story might be unfolding here in the Valley where Brophy Prep and Marcos de Niza High, who tied the 1990 state soccer final, are trying to organize a game to determine a true champion.

Schedule Strength - The NFC Champion Cardinals have the 27th toughest schedule in 2009. The slate was released this afternoon and G&A broke it down. Gambo’s early prediction is 9-7 with a nasty stretch of games at the Giants, home to the Panthers, at Chicago. Ash is stoked for the Red Birds Sunday night tilt against the Colts in Glendale. Gambo wonders why the Birds are only on MNF once-in San Fran against the Niners. Ash feels Sunday night games are more valuable than Monday night. The Bears are in primetime an NFL-high five times. Is the NFL showing the Birds enough love?

Sports 620 KTAR reporter Johnny V. checked in from Cardinals headquarters to share what Ken Whisenhunt thinks of the new schedule. V. said Whiz was happy with the home game-heavy beginning and ending stretches and said more primetime games serves as a show of respect from the league-something the franchise has craved in the past.

Sunset - The Suns are out of the playoffs and will wrap up their season tomorrow against the Warriors. Gambo thinks it’s going to be tough to stay interested in the post-season with no real rooting interest. Ash still feels the Lakers are the team to beat. Gambo says, with home-court throughout, LeBron and the Cavs are the team to beat.

 

 Bob Melvin [11:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (55)

 

 Tim Kurkjian [12:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (56)