Archive for June, 2008

D-Backs come from behind

Published on June 13, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A

3.5 hour of broadcast excellence following Diamondbacks’ baseball on Sports 620 KTAR.

* Big Win for the D-Backs as they get a nice come-from-behind win over the Mets this afternoon at Shea, finishing the seemingly never-ending road trip 4-6. Gambo is impressed with the way this team has fought back after back-to-back losses to the Pirates and applauds Brandon Lyon for pitching lights out for the past two months. G&A agree Chris Snyder’s defense (throwing out Jose Reyes twice trying to steal) in this series was awfully impressive. Ash thinks the D-Backs’ hot April start has given this team some room for error in the mediocre NL West.

* Our ESPN NBA insider Tim Legler checked in to preview tonight’s Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals Game 4 from Staples Center, discuss the status of Rajon Rondo’s sprained ankle, and share his thoughts on new Suns’ head coach, Terry Porter.

* Gambo is bent he didn’t win Employee of the Month…again.

* Tiger Returns- Tiger Woods completed his opening round of play at the US Open in San Diego. Eldrick fired a 1 over 72 which included 2 double-bogeys. G&A discussed the Tiger, Mickelson, Adam Scott power threesome, who were grouped together this afternoon. Gambo wonders when, or if, Sergio Garcia will ever live up to his potential. The guys debated if Mickelson needs a US Open to win to define his career? We took calls.

* Shaq’s Reality- Shaquille O’Neal wants to do a new reality show. ‘The Daddy” wants to buy people’s houses and then sell them back to owners at a reduced rate. Ash thinks this a nice story, but wonders why Shaq insists on going down the reality show road. Gambo feels he should just stick to playing hoops.

* Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt checked in to discuss OTA’s, which just wrapped up in Tempe, the fast-rising progress of 2nd-year receiver Steve Breaston, and his thoughts on holdouts Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett.

 
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Sasha the sniper

Published on June 11, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A

Sasha the Sniper - Super-sub Sasha Vujacic sparked the Lakers to a Game 3 win over Boston last night at Staples Center. Gambo still hates the guy, but admits he would look really good in a Suns’ uniform. Ash thinks Paul Pierce’s terrible overall game hurt the Celtics more than KG’s poor shooting. Both agree the LA-native Pierce is the key cog to the Celtics’ 3-headed monster.

Mr. Fix-It? - Former referee Tim Donaghy is on the verge of going away for a long, long, time for fixing games. David Stern insists there is nothing to these allegations and Donaghy is simply fighting for his life. G&A think Donaghy is on to something and David Stern doesn’t want all the NBA blemishes to be exposed-hoping to protect the league’s images. Ash thinks these allegations will eventually be the downfall of Stern’s tenure as commissioner. He also no longer respects the work he does. Gambo still thinks Stern goes down as one of the greatest commissioners in sports history.

Bird Watching - Gambo has a bird and several of its’ eggs living in a wreath on his front door. The Gambadoro family has outlawed people from ringing the doorbell or knocking in hopes of not disturbing the nest. Ash thinks that is smartest bird alive because a cat or other predator can climb a tree, but a door?

The Diamondbacks got a BIG win last night over the Mets at Shea. D-Backs’ skipper Bob Melvin checked in to discuss the road trip and the Snakes’ bats which finally awakened last night in The Big Apple.

Tomorrow: We’ll be joined by ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler and Cards’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt

 
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No baseball title for ASU this year

Published on June 9, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

Abbreviated show before Diamondbacks’ baseball.

Devils are Done. G&A broke down ASU’s heart-breaking loss to Fresno State last night in the Super Regional in Tempe. Ash thinks ASU wants another baseball title, but getting rid of Pat Murphy is not an option. He also thinks the Devils get severely hurt each year by the draft-losing current talent and high school recruits. The Devils lost 15 players this year in the draft. Gambo thinks Murph is hurt by his own success-both recruiting and on the field. He also thinks the Devils will thrive next season-even with a depleted roster.

Strahan Calls It Quits. New York Giant great Michael Strahan retired today. Gambo thinks Strahan was one of the most dominant, yet unselfish, defensive players in the history of the game. He also feels he’s a no-doubt 1st-ballot HOF’er. Ash thinks his great career was even more unique since he spent his entire 15-year career in The Big Apple.

Milstone for KGJ. Ken Griffey Jr. hit career homerun #600 last night against the Marlins. Gambo wonders if anyone will remember Griffey for any of his accomplishments in Cincinnati besides yesterday’s milestones. G&A remember how great he was in Seattle, but average he has been with the Reds. Ash thinks the expectations may have been too high for KGJ in Cincy. Both agree Griff is headed to the HOF.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian checked in for his weekly segment to discuss the road-weary Dbacks, Ken Griffey’s milestone day yesterday in Miami, and the surging Chicago White Sox.

Tomorrow: We’ll be joined by Dbacks’ skipper Bob Melvin and Cards’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

 
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The Terry Porter era begins…

Published on June 9, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A

NOT Bringing Sexy Back. The Suns made it official over the weekend. Terry Porter is the new head coach. G&A like the hire, but know no one is going to be buzzing over this hire. Ash wonders why the usually-heady Suns would hold an 11:00 a.m. Monday press conference when there was a conflicting Diamondbacks game. Both agree it’s time to start playing the young players (Strawberry & Tucker). Gambo knows expectations will be lower next year and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. G&A discussed why there is no buzz over the hiring of Porter. We took calls.

Speaking of Terry Porter, he joined the show to discuss what he likes about his new job, new team, new boss, and returning to a very competitive Western Conference.

Benson the Bozo. The Chicago Bears released troubled running back Cedric Benson this afternoon after he failed a DUI test in Austin over the weekend. This was the second run-in with the law for Benson in the past month. Now the 4th pick in the 2005 draft is out of work. G&A continue to wonder why so many high-profile athletes can’t keep themselves out of trouble. Both agree the Cards should not pursue Benson.

Dead Last. Big Brown did not fulfill The Triple Crown finishing dead last at The Belmont. Gambo wonders if Big Brown NOT being on steroids seriously hurt his chances for history. Ash thinks it wasn’t so much steroids, but the hoof problem that was reported last week. Gambo thinks people will remember Big Brown more than other near Triple Crown winners because he finished dead last. Ash thinks he will eventually race into obscurity.

Celtic Pride. Boston is two wins away from winning another NBA title. Gambo feels the Lakers are still in this series, but they must play smarter and, just as important, tougher. G&A still lament the Suns trading away Rajon Rondo. Gambo is continually frustrated by the inconsistent officiating. Ash wonders if Vladamir Radmanovic took 5 steps or 6 on his late-game breakaway dunk.

Cards starting right guard Deuce Lutui checked in to discuss the final week of OTA’s which started this morning in Tempe. The former USC All-American is entering his 3rd year with the Red Birds.

Tomorrow: ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian

 
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The Deal is real broke

Published on June 6, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A:

Abbreviated show before Diamondbacks’ baseball in Pittsburgh.

Academy Award: The Celtics take a 1-0 NBA Finals Series lead defeating the Lakers 98-88 Thursday night in Boston. G&A debated the “injury” to Paul Pierce. Gambo thinks Pierce should be given an acting award for his performance last night. Ash wonders why any player would fake an injury in a game of such great magnitude. We took calls-they were mostly split. One thing G&A did agree on was the Celtics’ bench out-played the Lakers’ bench in Game 1.

Collins Says No: Doug Collins is no longer interested in becoming the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls, but former Suns player Vinny del Negro is. G&A discussed where it all went wrong for Collins and the Bulls.

Talk to the Skipper: The Bob Melvin Show: D-Backs skipper Bob Melvin checked in for his weekly segment. BoMel is confident the bats will awaken this weekend at PNC Park. He expects another strong outing from ace Brandon Webb this afternoon.

“The Deal” is Real Broke: Evander Holyfield is experiencing serious financial hardship. His $10 million mansion is under foreclosure. Holyfield is months behind on his child support payments and even owes his gardeners thousands of dollars. G&A wonder how multi-million dollar athletes blow thru their money-especially boxers. Ash now knows why Holyfield continued to fight into his 40’s.

Monday we’ll be joined by Cardinals offensive lineman Deuce Lutui.

 
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NBA Finals begin tonight

Published on June 4, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

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

Our ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler joined Gambo & Ash to talk Lakers-Celtics Game 1 tonight in Boston and share his thoughts on the rumored Derrek Rose for Dwyane Wade trade. “Legs” likes the Celtics to win a close, hard-fought series. G&A also like the Celtics to prevail.

Taking Sides. The trainer for Big Brown continues to run his mouth about how his horse will complete the Triple Crown this weekend. G&A debate if people are now rooting against Big Brown on Saturday.

ASU head baseball coach Pat Murphy checked in to preview this weekend’s Super Regional at Packard Stadium and discuss today’s MLB draft. The Devils host Fresno State in a best-of-three series that starts Saturday night at 6:00. The winner punches their ticket to Omaha.

Derek Jeter is on the verge of becoming the first New York Yankee to record 3,000 hits. G&A are amazed a traditionally-rich franchise like the Yankees have never had a player get 3,000 hits as a member of their team.

1984 Olympic gold medalist, 12-year NBA pro, and former Sun-turned Jazz musician Wayman Tisdale discussed life in the NBA, “Rebound” his latest album that hit stores Tuesday, and most importantly- his fight against cancer.

The Rat. Pats’ O-lineman Nick Kaczur aided a drug sting. He helped bust the drug dealer who supplied him with painkillers. Ash wonders if any of his teammates will ever trust him and fears for his public safety. Gambo feels it’s time for Kaczur man-up, admit his mistake, and take his punishment.

Hockeytown Now Title Town! The Detroit Red Wings are the 2008 Stanley Cup Champions. G&A agree this was a highly competitive 6-game series and just what the struggling NHL needs. Gambo wonders if there’s anything more difficult in sports than shaking the hands of the team that just beat you for the title.

Red Wings forward and former Phoenix Coyote Dallas Drake joined the show to discuss winning his first Stanley Cup championship last night as Detroit beat the Penguins in Pittsburgh 3-2. Drake was one of the first players to hoist the Cup following last night’s win.

Tomorrow: D-Backs’ skipper Bob Melvin

 
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The D-Backs are on a tail spin

Published on June 4, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

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

-Short show after another D-Backs’ loss

* Lack of Effort. The D-Backs get swept in Milwaukee this afternoon-committing three errors in the process. Ash thinks the D-Backs are playing stupid, undisciplined baseball. Gambo feels it’s time for Bob Melvin to turn up the heat on this young team and start holding some players (Upton, Young, Reynolds) accountable. Gambo feels the Snakes will not be atop the NL West at the end of the month-mostly due to lack of leadership. The D-Backs were outscored 21-5 by the Brewers in the series.

* Cards’ cornerback Eric Green joined the guys to discuss the Red Birds’ on-going OTA’s in Tempe, the early progress of fellow corner-rookie Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, and the position change of Antrel Rolle. Green thinks the Cardinals have one of the best, young defenses in the NFL.

* Smoltz Sidelined. Braves’ star John Smoltz, the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves, is gone for the year with shoulder surgery. Smokin’ John says he wants to pitch next season. The guys debate if the 41-year old Smoltz is a 1st-ballot HOF’er. Ash thinks he’s in-even though he doesn’t have the “milestones” that other HOF’ers do. Gambo wonders if it’s worth it for Smoltz to come back to the game at the age of 42.

* Kerr Speaks. The Suns are closing in on a coach. The guys shared their thoughts. Will Steve Kerr go with Elson Turner or the more proven Terry Porter? Stay tuned.

* Tomorrow: ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler, ASU baseball coach Pat Murphy, and former Sun and current jazz musician/cancer survivor Wayman Tisdale

 
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The D-Backs show their youth on defense

Published on June 4, 2008 in Show recap. 1 Comment

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

Gambo’s daughters are listening to songs about kissing girls and liking it. Good luck with that, Gambo.

Former Tucson Sabino High standout, now Brewers All-Star shortstop JJ Hardy discussed last night’s win over the D-Backs, learning the position under former D-Back Craig Counsell in Milwaukee, and facing Randy Johnson tonight at Miller Park.

Back to Basics. The Diamondbacks kicked away a game last night in Milwaukee as shaky defense continues to haunt this team. Gambo thinks Josh Byrnes might look to trade for another big bat and add another lefty out of the pen. Ash wonders just how much of a “specialist” Doug Slaten is when he can’t get lefties out. Gambo wonders if any team in baseball leaves more runners on third with less than two outs.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian checked in for his weekly segment to breakdown the D-Backs’ sloppy play, Joba Chamberlain’s first start tonight against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium, and the surging Chicago Cubs who have won 8 straight.

Flipped Off! Flip Saunders was let go today as head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Gambo reported that Saunders is not a candidate for the Suns’ coaching vacancy. Gambo insists Saunders’ plodding play does not fit the Suns’ style. Gambo doesn’t think he has the leadership skills to take that “next step” as a championship coach. If Detroit makes Rasheed Wallace available, Ash thinks the Suns should place a call-especially with his expiring contract next year.

Numbers Game. Babe Ruth’s granddaughter is trying, through an on-line petition, to get Major League Baseball to retire Ruth’s #3 like they did with Jackie Robinson. The Yankees have Ruth’s number retired, but pro players do wear it around the league. Gambo doesn’t want to see Babe’s number retired by the league. Ash thinks the D-Backs will eventually retire Randy Johnson’s number when his career ends.

Tomorrow: Former Sun turned Jazz musician/cancer survivor Wayman Tisdale & Cards’ cornerback Eric Green

 
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Lakers/Celtics: The NBA’s dream matchup

Published on June 3, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A…

Ash’s modeling aspirations got a boost over the weekend after his big sleeveless photo spread hit computers, newsstands and doorsteps worldwide. Gambo ripped him accordingly.

Turn Back the Clock. The Celtics and Lakers start the NBA Finals Thursday in Boston. G&A are looking forward to this battle between two teams who have won 30 of the 61 NBA titles. Both agree this is what the NBA wanted. Ash likes the Celtics- at least for now. Gambo thinks people should take a look at the Lakers-Celtics games from the 80’s on ESPN Classic this week. Gambo wonders why the “purity” of the NBA is gone. G&A discuss how the game has evolved.

A Slice of Kimbo. Kimbo Slice made his MMA network debut over the weekend defeating some guy named James Thompson. G&A debated if the sloppy fight hurt or helped the sport. Gambo doesn’t compare this to the train wreck that was the XFL. Gambo feels sorry for Kimbo, because he’s being over-hyped and pushed too hard to be the “next big thing.” Ash thinks KO’s are the way to go-even if the ref stepped in prematurely on Saturday. Ash thinks Kimbo is too tough to get knocked out. Gambo wonders why he doesn’t try boxing.

Cards’ cornerback-turned-safety Antrell Rolle checked in to discuss the start of OTA’s Week 3 and the position change he’s making going into his fourth pro season with the Red Birds. Rolle is a big Kobe Bryant fan and hopes the Lakers beat the Celtics.

Tomorrow: Brewers’ shortstop JJ Hardy & ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian

 
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