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

Hunt for Red October…the Fightin’ Phils are back in the World Series after Wednesday’s beatdown of the Dodgers in The City of Brotherly Love.  Ash loves Phillies slugger Jayson Werth, who quietly plays in a lineup loaded with stars including NLCS MVP Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.  Gambo is impressed with how Philly management built the roster grooming young Phillies’ prospects, then mixing in talented veterans into arguably the most talented roster in baseball.  Mark is certain the Dodgers quit in Game 5 when Philly jumped out to a big early lead and never looked back.

Dodger Disaster?…the media in LA is deeming this Dodger season a disappointment following Wednesday night’s NLCS loss to the Phillies.  Critics feel Joe Torre’s team underachieved with a solid lineup and quality bullpen.  G&A concur the Phillies were the better team, and they showed it Wednesday night.  Gambo feels this criticism is unfair because the core of the Dodger roster (Andre Ethier, James Loney, Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp) are young and lack post-season experience.

We caught up with Sports 620 KTAR reporter JOHNNY V. LIVE at Cardinal headquarters.  He reported that Anquan Boldin did not practice Thursday and will likely be a game-time decision according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt.  “Q” had one of his bigger games of the season last year against the Giants in Glendale.

We were joined by ESPN.com NFL writer MIKE SANDO who covers the NFC West.  He shared his thoughts on the Cards’ big win in Seattle last weekend, what to expect Sunday night in New York against the Giants, and what type of impact Michael Crabtree will make with the 49ers the remainder of the season.

To Play or Not to Play?…Anquan Boldin did not practice Thursday and it’s unknown if he will take the field Sunday night in New York against the mighty Giants.  The Red Birds are taking a wait-and-see approach, while also not tipping their hand to the Giants about #81’s status.  Gambo feels the Cards should no longer be scared to play in big games after last year’s improbable Super Bowl run.  Ash feels the Cards fell prey to the bright lights of the big stage a few weeks ago when they played Indianapolis in Glendale, but that shouldn’t be a problem this weekend.  John is certain the Cards have a better chance to win with several key Giants nursing injuries.  Both know Anquan will likely play because that’s the kind of competitor he is.

Common Theme…whether it’s MLB umps blowing calls or the NBA preparing to possibly open the season with replacement refs, poor officiating is more and more common in today’s world of sports.  Now the SEC is suspending one of their entire crews for three games for blowing several calls in last weekend’s Arkansas-Florida game in Gainesville.  G&A applaud the SEC for putting their foot down and calling out the crew just like any underachieving employee in the workforce.

Captain Coyote and good friend of the program SHANE DOAN discussed the ‘Yotes good start to the season and preview tonight’s game against the Red Wings in Glendale.  He said new coach Dave Tippett has done a great job teaching and mentoring the club’s younger players.

In the Line of Fire…the Giants are a well-rounded football team, and it all starts up front with a veteran offensive line which creates huge holes for Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.  Gambo knows the Cards may have caught a break this week with starting right tackle Kareem McKenzie and Bradshaw both nursing injuries.  Ash feels if Bill Davis’ defense can create obvious passing situations it will make the Big Red Defense that much more effective.  Gambo is predicting a close game.  Mark still can’t trust the Cards playing a big game in the northeast.

Friday we’ll be joined by ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth at 5:25 and world-renowned sports handicapper Brandon Lang at 4:25.

 

 Johnny V. [8:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (12)

 

 Mike Sando [9:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (14)

 

 Shane Doan [10:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (13)