Here’s what went down Monday on G&A…

First Win/The Future? - AJ Hinch got his first career win yesterday as the D-backs avoided the sweep. The guys still don’t know what to think about Hinch calling the shots. They host the Reds tonight to start a 3-game series before heading back east for an extended road trip. Mark Reynolds played first yesterday for the first time this season and although Hinch said it won’t be a regular occurrence-G&A aren’t so sure. Gambo feels this could be the beginning of the end for Chad Tracy. He believes this team needs veteran leadership-even if that means signing free-agents Damian Easley or Geoff Jenkins. Ash says the future of this team is Justin Upton and who’s to argue after his recent tear? Gambo loves his low-key/unassuming, yet intense nature once he steps between the lines.

Manny Helping Dodgers? - The Dodgers will be saving up to $7.7 million in salary after Thursday’s ruling of Manny Ramirez’s 50-game suspension. Reports say LA could use this money to get pitching help near the deadline. One name that has floated out there is Padres’ ace Jake Peavy. Ash thinks this makes sense because the Dodgers would love to add a pitcher of Peavy’s ability to their already potent top-to-bottom lineup. Gambo isn’t so sure this is going to happen because why would San Diego trade within the division-much less to the hated Dodgers.

We were joined by one of the great catchers of all-time, Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench. The 2-time World Series champion, 2-time MVP, 1968 NL Rookie of the Year, 14-time All-Star, and 10-time Gold Glover discussed  Johnny Bench the current state of baseball, his Cincinnati Reds who open a 3-game series tonight at Chase Field, playing for “The Big Red Machine,” and his new book, Catch Every Ball. Bench has a book signing Thursday night at 7:00 at the Barnes & Noble at 10500 North 90th Street in Scottsdale.

Breaking News - The impossible just happened. John Gambadoro was named Bonneville Phoenix Employee of the Month. Ash, like the rest of Sports 620 KTAR, is shocked to hear this development, but happy nonetheless. One anonymous employee wrote this, “I would like to nominate Gambo for Employee of the Month. I know he makes a big joke about not winning. But in all honesty nobody in this station works as hard as he does. Last week he broke every single D’backs story and we got credit all throughout the country. He had the most read opinion piece on KTAR.com, he hosted our first ever live chat and he and Ash are always top ratings performers. If you ask me there is no better choice for Employee of the Month than the guy who helped put this station on the map.” Ash feels slighted. A caller suggested Gambo should hire Rosenhaus to get her a better deal than the standard $100 gift card and 30-day, front row, covered parking space.

Twittering Interest? - Drew Rosenhaus tweeted over the weekend the he’s confident the Cards could get a 1st-round pick and maybe more for disgruntled Darnell Dockett. The Cards said last week they have no intentions of trading D2-who happens to have three years left on his current contract. Gambo thinks this is a classic example of tampering. John went so far as to call him a “joke” especially since the Birds have said they aren’t dealing him. He thought so much of it he sent a direct e-mail to Rosenhaus this afternoon. Ash wonders why Rosenhaus is so open about Dockett and Anquan Boldin, but not Antrelle Rolle who also is due a new deal. He feels Boldin, Dockett, and others need to shut up and play out their contract. You want more money? Put up bigger numbers…when your deal is up, not with three years left.

To Foul or Not to Foul? - The Nuggets are going for the sweep tonight against Dallas, but not without controversy. Antoine Wright tried to foul Carmelo Anthony on the winning three-pointer, but no foul was called. Mavs’ coach Rick Carlisle was irate. The game featured 61 fouls called between the two teams. Mark Cuban was so incensed he shoved a cameraman and talked to trash to Kenyon Martin’s mom. Gambo is sick of Cuban act - who’s yet to win a title. John hopes that trend continues.

Baby Formula - Glen “Big Baby” Davis nailed a jumper as time expired as the Celtics came back to even the series last night in Orlando. Controversy surrounded the conclusion of the game as Davis pushed a kid sitting courtside during the celebration. The kid’s father wants a public apology from Big Baby. The guys find this humorous that someone would actually go to this length over something as silly as this.

“Organizational Advocacy” - Josh Byrnes promised a new, renewed approach from AJ Hinch in his introductory press conference on Friday. The Snakes proceeded to lose two of three to the Nats before the bats came alive yesterday at Chase Field. Gambo doesn’t know the current players are “good enough” although Byrnes disagrees. Ash didn’t see the “spark” he was looking for-at least over the first three games. He understands baseball is a different game in regards to that, but wonders what the fans think of this. That’s the people who need to support this team. Image is everything and the D-backs know that (annoying in-game entertainment, Sedona Red uniforms, a monster HD jumbotron, all-you-can-eat sections of Chase). Do you believe in what’s going on with the “organizational advocacy?” We took calls.

We also caught up with 4-time World Series Champion and 8-time All-Star, Darryl Strawberry. The 1983 Rookie of the Year and 2-time Silver Slugger Award recipient was known as much for his off-the-field controversy, as his play on it. He looked back on those great Mets and Yankees championship teams, talk about his son D.J. who recently played for the Suns, and his new book, Straw which hit shelves late last month.

The Straw That Stirs - Darryl Strawberry is doing good things with his life after success on the field and problems off of it. Buster Olney says no one will be remembered more for what he did off the field, than what he did on. He made 8 All-Star games, but will never make the Hall-of-Fame. Strawberry is one player who never reached his FULL potential-likely from drugs, but not steroids. The guys discussed how popular recreational drugs from the 80’s (cocaine) are replaced today by PED’s (steroids).

Tuesday we’ll be joined by Suns head coach Alvin Gentry, D-backs General Manager Josh Byrnes, and rightfielder Justin Upton

 

 Johnny Bench [16:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (35)

 

 Darryl Strawberry [17:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (38)