Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

Masterpiece - Dan Haren helped the Diamondbacks link together their first back-to-back wins of the season just hours after Chris Snyder spoke out defending himself and his struggling teammates after their slow offensive start beating the injury-riddled Cubs 7-2. Gambo thinks it’s fair for the media and the fans to be critical because professional athletes get paid plenty to perform and when they don’t-the people who help pay their salaries-have the right to vent out. Snyder is hitting .118. The D-backs have 5 everyday players hitting .224 or less. Ash is hoping the Snakes can continue to win because, as of now, the Dodgers appear to be the team to beat in the NL West. He also says Haren is Cy Young-worthy, even with a losing record (2-3) right now.

We caught up with former Diamondbacks manager, now Cubs’ television analyst Bob Brenly. “BB” led the D-backs to a World Series Championship in 2001 after playing nine seasons with the Giants as a catcher. He made the All-Star team in 1984. Brenly discussed the post-season struggles of the Cubbies-which revolves around not playing “small ball” and waiting for the big inning which doesn’t always happen in the playoffs.

Diamondbacks pitcher Dan Haren joined us following his complete-game gem over the Cubs last night at Chase Field. Haren allowed 2 runs on only 3 hits while walking none, striking out 10, and lowering his ERA to 1.54 on the season. He said he does feel some added pressure with Brandon Webb on the shelf, but knows it’s spread over the rest of the starters, as well.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian joined us to share his thoughts on the first month of the season including the red-hot Boston Red Sox, the disappointing New York Yankees, and how the Diamondbacks can move up the standings in the NL West. He thinks the D-backs are in trouble unless Webb can come back quickly and return to his dominant form.

Pushed over the Edge - ESPN reported the Cardinals parted ways with running back Edgerrin James after drafting Beanie Wells from Ohio State over the weekend. Ash applauds Edge for “making it OK” for free-agents to not just use the Cards to get more money and go elsewhere, but pave the way for others to sign with Arizona on the dotted line. He was also, for the most part, a positive influence in the locker room. Gambo thinks the Cards paid for what he was worth, but Edge didn’t live up to expectations in his three years with the Cards. In short, thanks for nothing. How will Cardinal fans remember Edgerrin James? The club also released cornerback Rod Hood and linebacker Travis LaBoy. The guys aren’t surprised by the cutting of James and Hood, but wonder if Travis LaBoy (when healthy and only 27) still has good football left. Will the Cards be active signing replacements for this trio before training camp like linebackers Leroy Hill or Larry Foote? Ash seems to think so and believes maybe the team is slashing salary to get Anquan Boldin a new deal. We took calls.

New Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson joined us. The Red Birds selected Johnson with the 31st pick in the 3rd round Sunday. The former Alabama walk-on turned team captain picked off 11 career passes and 5 last season-including two which he returned for touchdowns. Johnson is also expected to contribute immediately on special teams. He said he’s looking forward to learning from Adrian Wilson and said the biggest school to recruit him out of high school was The Citadel.

 

 Bob Brenly [10:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (33)

 

 Rashad Johnson [12:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (43)

 

 Dan Haren [11:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (33)

 

 Tim Kurkjian [12:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (32)