Here’s what went down Monday on G&A…

Gambo flew solo with Ash on vacation.

It’s Over…One of the more talked about NFC Champ Camp battles looks to be over. With an opportunity to make a case to be Kurt Warner’s backup, Brian St. Pierre did little to impress Ken Whisenhunt, and Cardinal fans, Saturday night against the Chargers. Gambo is certain this all but gives the job to Matt Leinart who has proven to be more accurate on, and focused off, the field this preseason. John believes Leinart is now ready to step in and effectively run the offense should the injury bug hit Warner this season.

Too Early to Worry?…Kurt Warner has not played well in the club’s two exhibition games and Gambo seems to be a little concerned. Not only has the Cards’ offense bogged down in the red zone, but seeing Warner toss an interception is never a good thing  - even in the preseason.

We were joined by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby who had one of the Red Birds five sacks Saturday night against San Diego. The Cards will look for their first preseason win Friday when they host the Packers. Dansby said the defense will be even more aggressive this season under first-year defensive coordinator Bill Davis.

The Future at First…The D-backs season is all but over, but don’t tell that to first base prospect Brandon Allen who made his major league debut over the weekend in his hometown of Houston. John loves the trade the D-backs made earlier with the White Sox merely parting with streaky reliever Tony Pena for who they feel will be their first baseman of the future.

A Tough Dilemma…Little-known utility player Ryan Roberts is making a serious push to be the everyday second baseman hitting .291 in around 200 at-bats. Gambo knows Roberts is working hard to cement his spot on the roster and he loves the versatility he brings to the 25-man roster. His only concern is are the D-backs convinced Roberts can play and, more importantly, produce every day?

Insight on the Insight Bowl…The Insight Bowl is stepping up their game and it will only benefit the Valley’s football fans and the local economy. It was announced over the weekend that the bowl will now get higher slotted finishers from the Big 12 and Big 10. Gambo isn’t surprised the Fiesta Bowl people are making this happen (giving more money to each team invited) and knows better teams will draw more fans to Phoenix.

The Little Big Guy…Rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling had his coming out party Saturday night breaking long kickoff returns which eventually led to Cardinal field goals. Gambo feels LSH is now a lock to make the team because of his return and other special teams skill. This could spell the end for Pro-Bowler Sean Morey who’s in his own roster battle with fan favorite Lance Long who continues to catch everything in practice and during the teams two exhibition games.

20 Dark Years…Monday marked the 20th anniversary of Pete Rose being banned from baseball. Gambo knows Charlie Hustle did exactly the opposite baseball wanted him to (stay away from Vegas, the dog track, etc) in hopes of getting him into Cooperstown. John is tired of the topic because he knows people have, and will continue to, be split on whether Rose should be let into the Hall of Fame.

Back in Business…Former Cardinal Edgerrin James is back in the NFL and will likely make a return to Phoenix this fall as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Gambo believes, with little depth at running back, Edge is will fit in well on Jim Mora’s squad. The Seahawks are coming off a disappointing season and with a new-look offense. John is certain James will bring his “A-Game” for the two inner-division games against Cards and could be the “x-factor” if the Seahawks are to compete for the NFC West title.

Tuesday we’ll be joined by D-backs skipper A.J. Hinch at 3:00 and Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris.