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

No Truth…The Boston Globe reported the Suns were working on an Amare Stoudemire deal to Minnesota for talented Al Jefferson and the 6th pick overall.  Gambo reported the rumor was just that, a rumor - saying the Suns weren’t “shot down” because there was no substance to the trade in the first place.  Ash is annoyed there are so many rumors floating around - many with no validity.

Royals shortstop and former ASU star WILLIE BLOOMQUIST checked in to preview the rubber game of their 3-game set against the D-backs later Thursday afternoon in KC.  He also discussed his playing days with the Sun Devils and what he expects in their elimination game later against North Carolina.  Bloomquist is hitting .289 and is second on the Royals with 12 stolen bases.

500 Club…The Boston Red Sox have sold out 500 straight games dating back to May 15, 2003.  They reached that milestone Wednesday night against the Marlins at Fenway Park.  Gambo wonders if something like that could ever happen here in Phoenix?  Ash doesn’t think Phoenix will ever come anywhere close to that with any of the sports entities here in the Valley because of the high volume of choices and poor economy.

Return to the Mound…John Smoltz is set to start for the Red Sox next week against the Nats and it may lead Boston to go to a 6-man rotation.  The guys shared their thoughts on the former Braves great returning to the mound on a different team in a different league.  Mark feels Smoltz should have retired and avoided possible embarrassment, like former teammate Tom Glavine recently went thru.

We caught up with former All-Star pitcher and one of the true characters of baseball, JOSE LIMA.  The 36-year-old Lima hasn’t pitched in the majors in the last three years and is currently playing for the Long Beach Armada in the Golden Baseball League.  “Lima Time” is hoping to return to a major league ballpark soon.

Upping the Ante…The draft is one week away and Amare’s name is hot as ever in trade talks.  Ash is convinced teams will increase their bids for STAT the closer it gets to the draft.  He likes Tyreke Evans from Memphis, who might be there if the Suns swing a deal with the Wizards who have the 5th overall pick.  Mark feels teams might be scared of trading for Stoudemire because he can opt out after next season.  Gambo is certain Amare has leverage in any possible trade (because he is free agent-eligible in 2010) and knows the Suns won’t “give away” the All-Star.

Diamonds in the Rough…Not only do the Suns have the 14th pick in the first-round, but they have two second-round picks, as well.  Gambo reported the Suns are eyeing several players like Darrin Collison from UCLA, USC’s Taj Gibson, Gonzaga’s Micah Downs and Tony Douglas from Florida State.  The guys agree there is enough depth in this draft class to find solid contributors with their later picks next week.
We’re Movin’ On Up…The Suns have frequently tried to move up in the draft falling in love with players who have yet to pan out.  Yes, Joakim Noah improved greatly under Vinny del Negro, but Noah’s college teammate Corey Brewer hasn’t become the player Suns’ officials thought he would be.  G&A feel the Suns need to be careful when attempting to move up in the draft.  In short, don’t trade established, proven NBA players (Leandro Barbosa), for “potential.”

Practice (jerseys) Makes Perfect…The New York Giants are the latest team to announce they are selling advertising on their practice jerseys.  Timex is expected to drop big dollars in exchange for logos.  Gambo thinks this is just the tip of the iceberg and is certain this will lead to logos being smeared all over pro game-worn jerseys in the next five years.  Ash completely disagrees and thinks John is over-reacting.  Yes, sports sponsorships have come a long way, but Ash doesn’t see sponsors overshadowing the team which is the true product.

Friday we’ll be joined by Suns’ Senior Vice President of basketball operations Dave Griffin.

 

 Willie Bloomquist [8:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (32)

 

 Jose Lima [7:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (31)