Here’s what went down Tuesday on Gambo & Ash.
Quality Garbage…Jon Garland suffered the loss Monday, but by the book, had a “quality start.” Gambo hates this term because there’s really nothing quality about giving up three earned runs in six innings. It equates to an ERA of 4.50, which John feels is anything but “quality” for a starting pitcher. Ash agrees saying the term is simply a catch-phrase which helps, or hurts, pitchers when they are negotiating a new deal. With the trade deadline Friday, G&A are thinking there won’t be too many deals for Josh Byrnes and his staff simply because the D-backs farm staff isn’t stocked with major league-ready players to fill those roster spots.
Phanatic Phans…The D-backs got a nice push at the box office Monday night, but it wasn’t because of the home team. G&A were both amazed at the large number of Phillies fans at Chase Field for the first game of the series. Gambo said the organization made a mistake have ushers tell fans to not stand up and cheer when the team began play back in the late 90s. The shift of power has happened for the Arizona Cardinals with University of Phoenix Stadium serving as a true home-field advantage for Ken Whisenhunt’s team. Case in point, the Cowboys’ game last year where a sea of red consistently drowned out America’s Team supporters. G&A concur you can’t tell people how to cheer at a sporting event.
The Power of Goodell…NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is back in the news, but it has nothing to do with disciplining a troubled player. Recently anointed NFLPA rep DeMorris Smith is attempting to wrestle some power away from Goodell in hopes getting more equality for the players Morris represents. John thinks Goodell has done a wonderful job playing “bad cop” with Pacman Jones, Michael Vick and others, and Smith is simply trying to wield some power back to the players. The Commissioner needs the power-something Bud Selig doesn’t have in baseball right now. Ash thinks certain circumstances should be handled differently, regardless of what sport it is. In short, detail a set of rules and let the players know the consequences of their actions before they make a lapse in judgment. Mark feels Goodell acts for the good and protection of the league, not himself. Gambo feels the troublemakers are the ones causing the fuss regarding Goodell’s power.
Retired…again…Brett Favre told the Vikings thanks, but no thanks. The legendary quarterback made it official, saying he will stay retired and not sign with Brad Childress’ team. Gambo feels this officially ends Favre’s career. Ash isn’t so sure, knowing the future hall-of-famer has led us down this road before. Mark knows the trend of bringing signal-callers out of retirement is quite common (Vinny Testaverde, Steve DeBerg). Favre said he doesn’t want to go thru the “mental and physical grind.” Ash is certain he is referring to training camp and meaningless pre-season games. John knows quarterback play in the NFL is poor and that could ultimately decide Favre’s future in 2009 - especially if a “headline starter” (Tom Brady) gets seriously injured. One thing is certain: all Vikings fans can go back to hating Brett Favre. Gambo is excited we have closure to this saga, at least for now.
We were joined by D-backs’ skipper A.J. HINCH who discussed Monday’s disappointing loss to the Phillies and the emergence of Miguel Montero both behind the plate and with his bat.
Shaq Goes WWE…Cavs center Shaquille O’Neal hosted WWE’s “RAW” last night in Washington, D.C. The former Sun even stepped in the ring and went toe-to-toe with “The Big Show,” one of the WWE’s largest wrestlers. Gambo wonders what LeBron James must be thinking just weeks after O’Neal coined his “win a ring for the King” slogan when introduced in Cleveland. Is Shaq that serious about bringing a title to Cleveland? Ash believes there few more popular athletes around than Shaq. Gambo is certain the marketable O’Neal will continue to rake in millions following his playing career and take his worldwide popularity to another level.
Cards NFC Champs Camp Countdown…The Cards agreed to terms with 2nd-round pick Cody Brown Tuesday. Gambo reported 1st-round pick Beanie Wells, one of the league’s four current unsigned first-rounders, is expected to come to terms with the team in the coming days. Mark doesn’t seem too concerned with getting Wells to Flagstaff. John is certain the starting running back job is his to lose.
Wednesday we’ll be joined by D-backs first base prospect Brandon Allen at 1:40 and ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian at 3:25
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