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

Late Visitor to Friday’s Front Row…The D-backs dropped their second-straight to the Phillies Tuesday, but Gambo & Ash think the bigger story was Mark Reynolds’ monster 2-run, 481-foot bomb in the ninth.  A ball hit so far it landed at Friday’s Front Row and is unofficially the longest homerun hit this season in the majors.  Gambo thinks Reynolds is one of, if not, the best power hitter in the game today.  Ash is certain the D-backs’ third baseman is becoming the face of the franchise, even though he might not be the best player on the team.

Among the Best?…Gambo believes the 25-year-old Reynolds has officially established himself as a “40 plus homerun guy.”  Ash feels he’s one of the best in the game, but behind the likes of Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn, A-Rod, Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder.  John feels, before his career is over, Reynolds has the potential to hit upwards of 400-500 homers.  Gambo is amazed how the ball explodes off of Reynolds’ bat.

Reno Aces first baseman and Diamondbacks prospect BRANDON ALLEN discussed the trade that brought him from the White Sox for reliever Tony Pena earlier this month.  Allen is hitting .348 with 8 homers, 17 RB’s, and an OPS of 1.252 in 16 games with the Aces.  He is expected to be the full-time first baseman with the D-backs next season.

Quite a Week…On the heels of his perfect game Thursday against the Rays, Mark Buehrle etched his name in the record books again Tuesday night in Minnesota.  The White Sox ace retired a major league-record 45 consecutive batters and took another perfect game into the seventh before eventually losing the game.  The guys agree this will certainly be the most memorable loss in Buehrle’s career.  Gambo loves the way the finesse-throwing lefty keeps hitters off balance with breaking pitches and works quickly on the mound.

Indians Pushed off the Cliff…The World Series champion Phillies acquired reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee for a trio of prospects on Wednesday.  G&A know, regardless of the prospects traded, this is an absolute steal for the Phils - especially when they were able to keep top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek.  The only slight reservation Mark has is Lee has yet to pitch in the post-season, but the same can be said for Roy Halladay who, as the Phils found out, would come at a much steeper price.  The guys are confused at the direction the Indians are heading after dealing Lee and slugger Ryan Garko earlier this week.

A Point to Prove…Your NFC Champion Cardinals headed up the hill to Flagstaff Wednesday morning with two-a-days starting Friday morning at NAU.  G&A are certain Ken Whisenhunt’s biggest challenge is to prove his team is not a “one-year wonder” like the Jake Plummer-led Red Birds of 1998, who flamed out and didn’t return to the post-season until last year.  John is certain this team, with an abundance of young talent, will perform up to expectations - especially in the weak NFC West.  Ash knows the Red Birds got a break with two home playoff games in 2008 and believes the 49ers will likely represent the stiffest challenge in the division.  The guys debated how the team will perform with new offensive and defensive coordinators.  One thing that isn’t a question is the greatness of Larry Fitzgerald, who tweeted Wednesday that he’s in full training camp mode.  The guys already feel sorry for secondaries around the league.  Gambo knows the only things that can stop the Cardinals’ offense are poor weather and, more importantly, themselves.

Staying Close to Home?…Michael Vick is free to sign with any team interested and one possible suitor is the Baltimore Ravens.  John Harbaugh’s team is the first to publicly say they have considered signing the former Virginia Tech star after more than a dozen say they won’t touch the troubled quarterback.  G&A are curious what role he could fulfill with the Ravens with Joe Flacco entrenched as the starter.  Gambo wonders if Vick could go unsigned by an NFL team in 2009.  Ash still isn’t convinced Vick’s headaches overcome his talent on the field.  In short, would Vick be a locker room distraction?  John feels the Vikings make sense after Tuesday’s Brett Favre announcement, although Brad Childress shot down the idea Wednesday afternoon.

We were joined by our baseball insider TIM KURKJIAN from ESPN.  He shared his thoughts on Mark Buehrle’s amazing run (45 scoreless innings), the Cliff Lee deal that went down earlier today, the future of Roy Halladay and others with the trade deadline on Friday.  Kurkjian loved the trade from Philly’s perspective and said there’s a chance they could still acquire Halladay if they agree to part with top prospects like Drabek.

Tough Decision…It’s apparent the D-backs are at a crossroads with Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb.  Rumors are swirling that GM Josh Byrnes may let “Webby” walk if he can’t prove healthy enough to pitch to the caliber he did the past few years.  He is eligible an $8.5 million option if picked up by the organization.  Ash, who knew Webb “wasn’t right” after his opening day start against the Rockies, thinks it’s time to part ways at the end of the season.  John thinks it could take a year or two for him to regain his form following the on-going shoulder problems.  Webb says he’s hoping for an early-September return to the mound after opting not to have surgery.  G&A agree it all comes down to making a smart business decision and that will ultimately decide his fate.

Cards NFC Champs Camp Countdown…The guys broke down the importance of the Red Birds “protecting the nest” this season in hopes of stockpiling wins and getting home field deep in the playoffs.  Gambo insists the NFC West is the Cards’ to lose.  Ash feels the 49ers, if they can get consistent quarterback play, could serve as stiff competition for a division championship repeat for Ken Whisenhunt’s team.  Both agree the Birds won’t creep up on anyone this year.

Thursday we’re LIVE at the brand new Majerle’s in Goodyear and we’ll check in with KTAR reporter Johnny V. at Pac-10 Football Media Day in Los Angeles

 

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