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

East Valley Tribune columnist Scott Bordow filled in for the vacationing John Gambadoro.

Sell High…The Diamondbacks suffered another late-inning collapse falling to the Reds Thursday.  The one bright spot was Doug Davis, who tossed seven inning of one-run baseball, throwing 118 pitches in the process.  Ash says Josh Byrnes should call Milwaukee immediately and strike a deal with “Double D’s” former team because the lefty’s value will never be higher than it is right now.

Summer Shoppers…Doug Davis is just one of many Diamondback players whos names have been mentioned in trade talks with the deadline looming at the end of the month.  The guys agree Felipe Lopez, Jon Garland and Chad Tracy, among others, could be shipped off for prospects - something GM Josh Byrnes covets.

The Big Freeze?…Shaquille O’Neal was introduced in Cleveland Thursday, wowing the media with one-liners and promises.  Does this sound familiar, Suns’ fans?  Shaq said he’s ready to assist LeBron win a ring like he helped Kobe Bryant and Dwanye Wade do in the past.  A Shaq tweeter suggested Shaq’s new Cleveland nickname be “The Big Freeze.”  Bordow isn’t buying any of this and says Shaq’s stay in the Valley should certainly be tagged as a failure - especially since Shawn Marion’s contract would have been off the books at the end of the just-concluded season.

Not Setting the Pace…Former Cardinals’ linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season after testing positive for PEDs.  Of course, Pace didn’t know the drug was on the NFL’s banned substance list.  Mark has a difficult time believing this.

More Help for LeBron?…On the same day Shaq was introduced as a Cavalier, news broke that O’Neal may get some frontcourt help in the form of free-agent Ron Artest.  Bordow is certain this will never work because Artest needs the ball in his hands to be productive, like last season with the Rockets, and that won’t happen much with LeBron, Shaq and Mo Williams on the floor together.

A Hill to Climb…The Suns’ courtship of Grant Hill continues and reports say the free-agent forward is leaning towards re-upping with Phoenix.  Bordow wonders why Hill, in the twilight of his career, would re-sign with the Suns when there’s been interest from contenders Boston and Denver.  Ash thinks Hill should be applauded for his professionalism and play during his stay in Phoenix, but how does re-signing Hill classify as “re-building?”  Will not being on a title-worthy team eventually come back to haunt Hill if he comes back to Phoenix?  The guys sure seemed to think so.

We caught up with Suns’ beat writer PAUL CORO from The Arizona Republic.  He updated us on Steve Kerr’s courtship of free-agent Grant Hill and who is the most likely and logical free-agent big man the club might sign after trading Shaq to Cleveland last week.  Coro feels Hill will be a Sun next year, but not before enjoying the courtship of being a free-agent.

Top Team in Phoenix…ESPN The Magazine released their list of the top 122 run professional franchises.  Ash and Bordow broke down parts of the list that stuck out to them.  Both were not in the least bit surprised to see the Los Angeles Clippers at the bottom of the list.  Ash is certain the Cardinals are the best franchise in Phoenix, but knows that could be open to debate depending on their Super Bowl season encore.

Man-Ram Returns…The circus will be in full effect tomorrow when the Dodgers take the field at Petco Park in San Diego.  Slugger Manny Ramirez is poised to make his return following his 50-game PED suspension.  Fans have flocked to minor league outposts to catch a glimpse of Ramirez during his various stops around the southwest and parts of California.  Bordow is annoyed fans have such short memories supporting guilty PED users.  What more important to fans - winning or integrity?  He feels Cardinals’ fans would support Larry Fitzgerald or Kurt Warner after that first touchdown if either tested positive for PED’s.  It is simply a reflection of our current sports society.

I Love LA?…Free-agent Ron Artest says he’s signing a deal with the World Champion Lakers.  Mark and Scott are intrigued by this development, but feel for other teams in the Western Conference who were hoping to make strides towards dethroning the champs this summer via the draft and free-agency.  Ash is certain Phil Jackson and Kobe will be able to harness Artest’s unique personality and on-court antics.

Dealing Your Ace?…Reports say the Dbacks were approached recently about trading away ace Dan Haren to the Angels.  Initially, Diamondbacks’ officials rejected the offer, but today there is speculation that, if the price is right, the Snakes might bite.  Ash and Bordow don’t think this would make any sense.  Scott wonders what type of message this would send to season ticket holders, basically surrendering any hopes of competing in the immediate future?  Ash agrees, but knows the right deal would be enticing if the D-backs could land say two every day players, while stock-piling prospects in the process.

No show Friday.  Gambo returns Monday.  Ash is off.