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.