Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A…

Sealing His Fate?…The D-backs lost a game and may have sealed the fate for one player last night in San Francisco.  Moments after closer Chad Qualls blew a likely Doug Davis win, “Double D” stormed out of the dugout and refused to address the media following the game.  Gambo is certain you can’t “hang your teammate” out to try reacting like Davis did.  Win as a team, lose as a team.  Mark thinks the future free agent’s frustration stems from one thing and one thing only:  dollar signs.  Mark has noticed a more selfish attitude from Davis since shortly following the All-Star break.

Is He Worth It?…Free-agent-to-be Doug Davis is going to want a raise if Josh Byrnes wants to him to return in a Sedona Red uniform.  With the uncertain futures of Brandon Webb and prospect Jarrod Parker, the Snakes will need arms to fill their 2010 rotation.  The guys know Davis is an “innings eater” and has pitched well in spurts, but is no better than a number three starter who deserves similar numbers.  The bigger problem may be Davis, who seems to have an over-inflated sense of his worth in these difficult times.

Back to Business…All eyes will be on Philadelphia Thursday where Michael Vick will make his return to the field with his new team.  This comes on the same day a bankruptcy court approved Vick’s plans to repay close to $20 million in creditor debt in Virginia. Ash is certain the circus will be in full effect as the Eagles host the Jaguars.  Gambo isn’t rooting for failure or success for the troubled quarterback, but feels he’s re-paid his debt to society.

What to Expect…One of the most dynamic athletes in NFL history is going to see extensive playing time Thursday in Philadelphia.  G&A are curious to see if Vick still has “it.”  Ash believes Eagles’ fans are wondering how their new piece will fit into what could be a Super Bowl puzzle.  Gambo says the downside of Vick signing with the Eagles is, if he fails, the hard-core Philly fans will never let Vick forget.
A Window of Opportunity…With receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston nursing injuries, reserve wideouts Sean Morey, Early Doucet and Lance Long will certainly get more reps Friday night in the third, and most important, pre-season game against the Packers.  Ash knows the pressure is on all three of the aforementioned receivers, even fan favorite Lance Long who played well early in camp but has leveled off recently.  Gambo isn’t sure even the Cardinals know which receivers they are going to keep on the 53-man roster.

We caught up with Louisville radio host MATT JONES who discussed Rick Pitino’s now uncertain future at Louisville and former Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie’s DUI.  Jones discussed how Pitino lost his cool at Wednesday’s press conference and how his public perception has taken a serious hit in the state since his sex scandal broke.  He also said Billy Gillespie at UK was one of the worst hires in college basketball history.

Home Hunting…The future of the Coyotes is cloudy but there could be good news ahead for hockey fans here in Phoenix if the league successfully purchases the franchise.  G&A debated if power owner Jerry Reinsdorf ever even wanted the team or if the NHL used his bid to keep the franchise away from Jim Balsillie.

Overpaid, Underperforming…Wayne Gretzky makes around $7 million per year to coach the ‘Yotes.  The average NHL coach makes around $1 million per year.  Both the NHL and Balsillie seem willing to part ways with “The Great One” if/when the sale goes through.  Ash thinks Gretzky saved the team from moving to Portland, but hasn’t proven to be anywhere near the coach ownership envisioned when he was hired in 2005.

NHL Deputy Commissioner BILL DALY joined us to discuss the future of the Phoenix Coyotes and explain how the NHL is attempting to buy the team in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for around $140 million.  It’s uncommon for a pro sports league to buy one of their own teams.  He is confident a deal with the Coyotes can be reached and the team will remain in Arizona.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and 9-time Pro-Bowler WARREN MOON reflected back on his career, the return of Brett Favre, preview Michael Vick’s first game action for the Eagles, and his new book, Never Give Up on Your Dreams.  Moon is the only player inducted into the Pro and Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

We caught up with Diamondbacks second baseman RYAN ROBERTS who homered in Wednesday night’s heart-breaking loss to the Giants.  Vying for an everyday spot in the lineup next year, Roberts is hitting .296 in 206 at-bats this season.

 

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 Ryan Roberts [9:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (16)