Keeping an Eye on Amare

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

Streak Intact…The American League extended their streak against the National League with a come-from-behind win Tuesday night in St. Louis. Ash pointed out the fact several of the players on the field last night don’t have the “sex appeal” of All-Star rosters from the past. He points back to the 1988 squads that featured Paul Molitor, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken, Ozzie Smith, Dave Winfield, and George Brett among others. Gambo feels there will be a solid core of modern day stars which will land in Cooperstown when it’s all said and done. Some locks include Ichiro, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Albert Pujols. Ash felt bad for 43-year old Tim Wakefield who made his All-Star debut, but never made it onto the field last night in St. Louis. Mark says it’s just not right. Gambo knew they likely held Wakefield back because he’s a knuckleball pitcher, something the AL All-Star catchers would not be accustomed to.

Lessons Learned…Justin Upton was able to take in the All-Star experience and that included facing the greatest closer of all-time Mariano Rivera. Gambo believes even the most feared hitter in baseball would love to face Rivera, even if only once. J-Up grounded out sharply to short and finished 0-2. Ash compares it to facing Randy Johnson in his prime back in the late-90’s, early 2000. Rivera’s All-Star numbers are staggering and G&A know it will be an experience the 21-year old Upton will never forget.

Decisions to be Made…Chase Field will host the All-Star Game in just two short years. Last night in St. Louis, the Cardinals introduced Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, among others. G&A know the D-backs are in an interesting situation with no history and no tradition. Do you bring back Gonzo and Jerry Colangelo? How about the amazing duo of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling? One e-mailer suggested they honor the tragedy of 9-11 which will be the ten-year anniversary in 2011.

Keeping an Eye on Amare…Steve Kerr confirmed earlier reports that the Suns will take a wait-and-see approach on Amare to see how his eye and knee responds when the regular season rolls around. Gambo still believes the Suns will look to deal STAT and that will be easier if he returns at full-strength. Mark knows the Suns are stuck and Kerr is taking the right approach because the state of the franchise’s success moving forward could depend on what happens with Stoudemire.

We were joined by Suns forward Grant Hill who agreed to a 2-year deal late last week. The 36-year old spurned offers from the Knicks and Celtics to return to Phoenix. He played in all 82 games last season averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. G-Hill couldn’t give one exact reason why he chose to return to the Suns-simply saying he felt most comfortable here in Phoenix and knew he could get the most minutes here. He said he was also courted by George Karl and the Nuggets, as well as the Miami Heat this summer.

“I Just Want to Play”…Grant Hill told Gambo & Ash he heavily considered joining the loaded Celtics as a reserve this offseason, but expressed he just wants to play which was a significant reason why he returned. John doesn’t have any problem with Hill coming back to a team where he can play and contribute on a quality team. Ash wonders if Hill is simply content knowing he won a National Championship in college at Duke. G&A don’t doubt him for returning, but think most veterans who have made millions would take a pay cut for a chance to win an NBA title.

Hockey at Fenway!…The NHL will continue their annual outdoor experiment in January in the shadow of The Green Monster. The Bruins and Flyers are expected to draw a big crowd (as many as tiny Fenway can fit for hockey) and hopefully big television numbers for the struggling NHL. G&A love the idea of watching hockey outside in Boston in chilly January.

We caught up with our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian from St. Louis who broke down last night’s All-Star Game, his thoughts on the Diamondbacks second half goal of finishing the season .500, and the upcoming trade deadline.

Thorny Rose…Bud Selig hinted that Pete Rose may wind up in Cooperstown after all saying he would review the situation when he addressed the media in St. Louis. Ash thinks, as a player and for what he did between the lines with a bat in his hand, Rose deserves to make the HOF. Gambo doesn’t feel much sympathy for Rose because he knew the rules when he bet on baseball-even for and against the Reds.

Two More Weeks, Please…Brett Favre announced he will wait two more weeks before making a final decision as to whether he will be the Vikings quarterback next season. G&A are beyond tired of talking about this saga and both are certain Favre will be wearing purple in the fall. Gambo had no problem when #4 returned to the Jets last year, but lost all respect when the Packer great expressed interest in playing for rival Minnesota. Mark is wondering what the current Vikings’ quarterbacks must be thinking as this never-ending soap opera continues.

Vick-tory, finally?…Troubled Michael Vick might be playing pro football after all this year…in the UFL. Ron Mexico can make up to $620,000 playing in the new league which begins shortly. Gambo is willing to give Vick another shot because he served his time for murdering dozens of dogs, just not in the NFL…at least not yet. John feels Vick is a perfect fit in the “Wildcat Offense” which took the NFL by storm and was started by Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins. Ash is thinking Vick would jump at the chance to play in the UFL because he’s thinking Roger Goodell will suspend him for possibly 10 games this season. Mark still feels Vick needs to prove he can play at a high level, even if it’s the UFL. Vick could end up playing for a familiar face Cardinal fans…remember Denny Green?

Two Devils, Two Different Tales…Terrell Suggs signed a $38 million guaranteed deal with the Baltimore Ravens today. Suggs’ ASU teammate Andrew Walter could be released by the Raiders in the coming days. Ash sees this is as a tale of two great college players whose pro careers have gone in different directions. G&A reflected back on the day the Cards had their shot at T-Sizzle, instead electing to trade down for what turned out to be Calvin Pace and Bryant Johnson-neither of which are still with the team.

Suggs’ Factor…Cards’ linebacker Karlos Dansby will earn over $9 million playing under the franchise tag this season. He will be eligible for free-agency following the upcoming season. G&A know Dansby will make a killing on the market, but probably not the type of dollars Suggs pulled in from the Ravens. The guys agree Dansby will never be the pass-rusher Suggs is, but offers more in run-support and pass coverage.

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