2008 October Archive at Gambo & Ash

Archive for October, 2008

Good start

Published on October 31, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A

Good Start - The Terry Porter Era started with a win-103-98 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio. Gambo took away quite a few goods things - including Amare Stoudemire’s clutch play in the 4th quarter. Ash was pleased with how Leandro Barbosa stepped up (18 points) and made big shots when the Suns needed an offensive push. Both agree the Suns made plays down the stretch and Terry Porter was wise to stretch the bench (10 players saw minutes) with a back-to-back against the tough Hornets tonight. They also think it’s a little too early to see where this team is. We took calls.

Oregon State head football coach Mike Riley joined the show to share his thoughts on his teams Saturday match-up with ASU. The Beavers are 4-3, 3-1 in the Pac-10 and knocked off previously ranked #1 USC 27-21 back on September 25th. If the Beavers win out, they will play in the Rose Bowl on January 2nd, 2009 in Pasadena.

Different Times - The Sun Devil football season has been a huge disappointment. G&A agree there is no hope on the horizon for Dennis Erickson’s team heading to the Northwest to face a tough Oregon State team this weekend. Ash knows there is little, if any, interest in this team and thinks best case scenario, the Devils finish 7-5 and play in a lower-tier bowl. Gambo is excited that Herb Sendek and the recently-tabbed 15th-ranked Sun Devil hoops’ squad starts play in a couple weeks.

Our ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler checked in for his weekly segment to discuss the Suns’ season-opening win last night in San Antonio and what expects tonight against the Hornets. Plus, Greg Oden’s latest setback and the hot-start of the defending Western Conference champion Lakers who stayed perfect blowing out the Clippers last night at Staples Center and reportedly signed center Andrew Bynum to a 4-year extension today.

Phinally! - The Phillies took care of the Rays last night in Philadelphia to claim the 2008 World Series title. The TV numbers were terrible. The guys agree Brad Lidge was nails this season (48-48 saves) and last night was no different. Ash sees nothing but good things ahead from this young Philly roster-even with free-agent Pat Burrell most likely to sign elsewhere. Gambo thinks Rays’ manager Joe Maddon really screwed up by not pitching phenom David Price in Game 5.

Friday: we’ll be joined by ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, Rams’ starting defensive tackle Adam Carriker, and sports handicapper Brandon Lang.

Mike Riley [12:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (150)

Tim Legler [13:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (180)

What can we expect?

Published on October 30, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A

Short show before Suns-Spurs’ basketball in San Antonio

My Bad! - Sideline reporter Danyelle Sargent asked new 49er head coach Mike Singletary about the phone call he made to Bill Walsh after he got the job. Walsh passed away over a year ago. Gambo doesn’t feel there is any room or need for sideline reporters in sports. Ash thinks there’s a place-if they have something to say and add informative pieces to the broadcast.

New Arizona head basketball coach Russ Pennell joined the show to share his thoughts on the circumstances surrounding Lute Olson’s sudden retirement last week, coaching against his former school ASU, the prospects of the season ahead, and losing the Cats’ top-three recruits-including top point guard Abdul Gaddy who committed to Washington.

Tucson, Anyone? - The circus continues in Tucson with Russ Pennell and his new-look staff making preparations for the upcoming season. UofA got bad news today when top recruit Abdul Gaddy spurned Arizona to sign with Washington. Gambo thinks the Cats are no better than an NIT team and knows they need a big-name coach to come in and keep up what Lute Olson and his staff built. Ash thinks the Wildcats will still draw big recruits, but wonders if they will have the coaching “name power” to land them.

Arizona State Director of Athletics Lisa Love checked in for her weekly segment to discuss the Devils blowout loss to Oregon and what she expects this weekend in Corvallis against pesky Oregon State.

Holbrook, Arizona native and lead assistant for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, Mike Budenholzer, previewed tonight’s game against the Suns in the Alamo City and how close he thought he was to replacing Mike D’Antoni this past summer before management opted for Terry Porter.

What Can We Expect? - The Suns open the season tonight in San Antonio with a new coach and a new style. Gambo thinks the Suns will be around a 5-seed in the Western Conference and warns fans that the days of the run-and-gun Suns are over. Ash still believes the Suns will get up and down the floor and expects a deeper team-especially with Grant Hill coming off the bench. We took calls.

Thursday we’ll be joined by ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley, and Rams’ starting defensive tackle Adam Carriker.

Russ Pennell [14:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (199)

Lisa Love [4:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (171)

Mike Budenholzer [9:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (198)

Singled Out

Published on October 29, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A

Washed Out! - Game 5 of the World Series was suspended last night under terrible weather conditions and now Major League Baseball isn’t sure when they are going to resume the game. They are “tentatively” scheduled to resume play in the 6th inning Wednesday night. Gambo thinks it was absurd they even tried to get the game in and feels cutting down the long layoff between series could have possibly avoided this roadblock. There is no room in the game for the World Series to be decided with poor fielding and batting obstacles on a field and hazards everywhere. Ash wonders if scheduling a few more regular season double-headers could rectify this problem, but still keep the “traditional” 162-game season intact. G&A like Tim McCarver’s idea of simply wiping the slate clean and starting the game over. We took calls.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian checked in from rainy Philly to discuss Major League Baseball’s decision to postpone Game 5 due to inclement weather until tomorrow night at the earliest. The game was suspended last night in the middle of the 6th with the score tied at two.

Singled Out - 49er head coach Mike Singletary called out tight end Vernon Davis Sunday during their loss to the Seahawks and Gambo absolutely loved it. He is confident this style of coaching is exactly what the NFL needs to keep these selfish players in-check. Ash also applauded the move, but doesn’t feel professional athletes will take to that approach because of their big, me-first, egos.

ESPN college football analyst Mark May broke down all of last weekend’s big games including Georgia’s thrashing of LSU in Baton Rouge, Penn State’s big win at The Horseshoe, and USC’s victory in Tucson over Mike Stoops’ and the ‘Cats. He also previewed this weekend’s marquee games featuring top-ranked Texas @ Texas Tech and Florida vs. Georgia in Jacksonville.

Sunrise? - The Suns start their season tomorrow night. G&A discussed the outlook of the new-look, over-hauled roster under first-year head coach Terry Porter. Both agree this team is no longer the title contender they once were, but feel they will be mid-seeded in the Western Conference. We took calls. General Manager Steve Kerr also joined the show.

Wednesday: Spurs’ lead assistant Mike Budenholzer, UA head basketball coach Russ Pennell, and ASU AD Lisa Love

Tim Kurkjian [14:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (182)

Mark May - Part I [11:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (187)

Mark May - Part II [10:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (183)

Steve Kerr [13:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (189)

Gambo & Ash’s Holiday Heroes

Published on October 29, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Hey just a heads up and a few preview photos that Gambo & Ash’s Holiday Heroes will be on December 17 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Missed Opportunity

Published on October 28, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A…

Missed Opportunity - The Red Birds let one slip away yesterday in Carolina blowing a 17-3 lead as the Panthers stormed back for a 27-23 win. Gambo thinks Edgerrin James’ fumble really killed momentum and ultimately led to their undoing. Ash was pleased with the overall performance, but thinks the Cards’ defense needs to learn how to wrap up and tackle. Both seemed OK with Whiz’s decision to go for the fake field goal and concluded last week that they would lose that game, but know a chance for a 5-2 start passed them by.

Refusing to Run - The Cardinals are the worst rushing team in the NFL. That being said, the Red Birds are, even with yesterday’s loss, on track to make the post-season as the 3-seed in the NFC. Gambo concluded that the Cards have no balance, but thinks Kurt Warner is efficient enough that he can get the team in the end zone.

Devils Dominated - ASU dropped their 5th-straight Saturday night, getting blown out by Oregon. Ash doesn’t think the Devils are going bowling, but would like to see them get there if they become eligible. He also feels ASU shouldn’t blame the previous coaching regime for lack of roster depth when they were more than happy with last year’s squad which reached the Holiday Bowl. Gambo doesn’t want to see Dennis Erickson’s team reach a lower-tier bowl and hopes Erickson will play the younger players, even if that means benching veteran starters like Rudy Carpenter. Oregon has outscored ASU 168-73 in their last four meetings. We took calls.

NBA journeyman and one of the more popular Suns’ players in recent years, Paul Shirley, checked in to preview the upcoming season and his book signing/Q&A session Tuesday night at Majerle’s in Chandler. Shirley’s Can I Keep My Jersey? 11 Teams, 6 Years, 5 Countries, and My Life as a Basketball Vagabond novel were recently released in paperback.

Diamondbacks’ second baseman Orlando Hudson shared his thoughts on the Phillies looking to close Tampa tonight, his pending free-agency, and his November 2nd Arizona Walk Now for Autism Event at Tempe Town Lake. O-Dog is serving as the Honorary Chair with the goal to raise $750,000.

Tuesday: We’ll be joined by ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian & college football analyst Mark May.

Paul Shirley - Former Suns forward [13:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (201)

Orlando Hudson - Dback 2B [10:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (201)

Pick The Pros - Week 8

Published on October 27, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

In Pick The Pros Gambo continues to have winning weeks. He didn’t join the guys today because he is up in Las Vegas. Not sure how much time he put into his picks and we’ll see if that gives him his first losing week. E is back from vacation and ready to get back on track after fill-in producer Farmer Rod didn’t fare to well. Ash had a 3-0 week and went the right way with his Monday night pick of the Pats. As for Week 8’s Pick The Pros …

ASH - Carolina, San Diego, Seattle

Gambo - Buffalo, Washington, Philadelphia

E - Carolina, Washington, San Francisco

Pick The Pros [5:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (178)

Change of scenery

Published on October 25, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A

Change of Scenery - Just a day after Lute Olson abruptly resigned as head basketball coach of UA, there were more ripples in Tucson. Former ASU assistant and radio color analyst Russ Pennell is now leading the Basket Cats after fellow assistant Mike Dunlap decided he didn’t want the job unless the “interim” label is removed. Ash reported UNLV’s Lon Kruger and Memphis coach John Calipari are two names being bounced around to replace Olson in 2010. He also said the Cats will lose most, if not all, of their blue chip recruits, including Abdul Gatti. Ash is amazed Jim Livingood would hire a former Sun Devil to lead UA-even if just for one season. We took calls.

Former Arizona State head football coach Bruce Snyder, who led the Sun Devils to the 1997 Rose Bowl and will be inducted to the ASU Hall of Fame tomorrow night at Sun Devil Stadium, joined us to reflect back on his time in Tempe. Snyder also talked about his fight against melanoma.

Bounty - Ravens’ linebacker Terrell Suggs put a bounty on Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward…well, sort of. T-Sizzle later said he “misspoke,” but promised the Baltimore D would have something special for “# 86.” Ash shared his thoughts on if Ward is that nice guy/dirty player that some say he is. We took calls.

Our world-renowned sports handicapper Brandon Lang shared his expertise on all the Marquee College and pro games. He likes Alabama, the Panthers, and Raiders to cover the number. He also teased his upcoming TV show, Life’s a Gamble with Brandon Lang. For more information, go to Brandonlang.com.

ESPNNFL analyst Mark Schlereth checked in for his weekly segment to preview the Cards’ game Sunday against the Panthers, Terrell Suggs’ bounty on Hines Ward, and the uncertain future of Tom Brady.

Monday: the return of Gambo!!

We’ll be joined by Diamondback 2nd baseman (for now) Orlando Hudson

Bruce Snyder [17:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (186)

Brandon Lang [14:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (191)

Mark Schlereth - Part I [13:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (192)

Mark Schlereth Part II [11:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (191)

Gambo & Ash Hall of Fame Interviews

Published on October 24, 2008 in Audio. 3 Comments

Troy Aikman (Oct. 17, 2007) - is considered one of the best NFL quarterbacks of his era, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006. Aikman is referred to as one of “The Triplets” with Cowboys teammates with Michael Irvin and Emitt Smith.

Jose Canseco (Jan. 25, 2007) - admitted to using anabolic steroids in a tell-all book, where he claimed that up to 85 percent of major league players took steroids. In 1988, Canseco became the first player in major league history to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in the same year.

Tony Gwynn (Feb. 14, 2007) - is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history, who played his entire 20-year career for the San Diego Padres and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kareem Abdul-Jabar (April 13, 2007) - considered one of the greatest players of all time, Abdul-Jabar accumulated 38,387 points, the NBA’s highest career total. He won a record six MVPs, played on six championship teams as a professional, and played on three NCAA championship teams under coach John Wooden as a collegian.

Roy Jones, Jr. ( July 17, 2007) - is a boxer and a consensus choice for the best pound for pound fighter of the nineties. Jones, Jr. captured IBF championships in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and was regarded as the No. 1 fighter in these three weightclasses.

Harmon Killebrew (May 24, 2007) - is a former MLB player and member of the Hall of Fame, who hit 573 home runs in his career - ninth best all time. Killebrew was a broadcaster for Minnesota Twins baseball from 1976 to 1978 and also from 1984 to 1988.

Kelly Pavlik (Oct. 4, 2007) - nicknamed “The Ghost”, Pavlik is currently the reigning middleweight champion of the world. Pavlik turned pro in 2000 and remains undefeated. His record includes an impressive 29 of 32 wins by way of KO.

Jim Palmer (June 25, 2007) - nicknamed “Cakes,” Palmer is a former right-handed pitcher who played his entire career for the Baltimore Orioles (1965-1984) and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 19990.

Cal Ripken, Jr. (June 27, 2007) - is a 19-time All-Star, who is considered one of the best shortstops to ever play the game and played in a record 2,632 straight games spanning sixteen seasons.

David Robinson (Jan. 31, 2007) - is often considered one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Robinson won the MVP trophy in 1995, and in 1996 he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Sep. 19, 2007) - is an actor and former nine-time world champion professional wrestler. The Rock was also part of the Miami Hurricanes’ National Championship team in 1991.

Pat Summitt (April 26, 2007) - is the coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team and has seven national championships, which is the most among all women’s coaches, and second most among all college coaches.

Charlie Ward (June 21, 2007) - is a former professional basketball and college football standout, who won the 1993 Heisman Trophy as a quarterback for Florida State.

Michael Wilbon (March 5, 2007) - is a columnist for The Washington Post, has co-hosted Pardon the Interruption on ESPN since 2001, and serves as an analyst for ESPN.

Tedy Bruschi (Aug. 22, 2007) - is a linebacker for the New England Patriots, who previously played for the Arizona Wildcats as a defensive tackle, where he tied the NCAA Division I-A sack record with 52 sacks. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke in 2006, a week after leading the Patriots to their third Super Bowl title in four years.

Billy Donovan (March 28, 2007) - has taken the Florida Gators to three NCAA championship game appearances, in 2000, 2006 and 2007 as their head coach. After a brief stint as head coach of the Orlando Magic that lasted only 5 days, Donovan re-signed with the Gators on June 7, 2007, with a deal that makes him the highest-paid coach in college basketball, at $3.5-million per year.

Bernard Hopkins (May 3, 2007) - was the first undisputed world middleweight champion since Marvin Hagler in 1987, which he defended six times. Hopkins became the first boxer to ever unify the titles of all four major sanctioning bodies WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF by defeating Oscar De La Hoya.

Chris Peterson (Jan. 9, 2007) - currently the head coach of the Boise State Broncos. Petersen played quarterback at UC Davis. In his first year as head coach for Boise State, Petersen led the Broncos to an undefeated regular season and the program’s first ever BCS bowl game berth. He became the fourth rookie head coach to lead a team to a BCS bowl game.

Albert Pujols (Oct. 8, 2007) - is widely regarded as one of the best players in the game today, who plays first base for the St. Louis Cardinals. Since his debut in 2001 through the 2006 season he leads the major leagues in RBI (758), runs (748), total bases (2,193), and extra base hits (522), and is second in home runs (250, to Alex Rodriguez 275), second in hits (1,159) to Ichiro Suzuki.

Ryne Sandberg (Oct. 4, 2007) - nicknamed “Ryno”, is a former second baseman in the MLB, who spent nearly his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. Sandberg established himself as a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove candidate, making 10 consecutive All-Star appearances and winning 9 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1983 to 1991.

Everson Walls (April 9, 2007) - played for the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns. During his 14 seasons, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He was also a 3-time All-Pro selection. Walls won a Super Bowl with the Giants after the 1990 season.

Dave Winfield (March 27, 2007) - Part I & Dave Winfield (March 27, 2007) - Part II - played for 22 seasons and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Winfield ranked number 94 on The Sporting News list of Baseball’s Greatest Players, and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

Honorable Mention:

* Luther Wright (June 22, 2007)

* Charlie Sanders (Feb. 21, 2007)

List compiled by: Gambo & Ash Executive Producer Eric Sorenson/Sports 620 KTAR

Did your favorite interview not make the list?

Let us know and we’ll consider it as an Honorable Mention

Troy Aikman [13:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (410)

Jose Canseco [11:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (417)

Tony Gwynn [25:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (392)

Kareem Abdul-Jabar [21:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (391)

Roy Jones, Jr. [14:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (414)

Goodbye Lute

Published on October 24, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A

Goodbye Lute - Lute Olson reportedly stepped down as coach of the Arizona Wildcats. Dick Vitale cited sources close to the situation that Lute will set aside and associate head coach Mike Dunlap will step in on an interim basis. UA is denying this report. Ash reported Memphis head coach John Calipari is a hot name. Gambo thinks the smart hire would be Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. G&A both agree Olson acted selfishly and put the University in an uncomfortable position. Gambo thinks he knew he wasn’t ready to return to the stress and countless hours of full-time coaching, but was too stubborn to let Arizona AD Jim Livengood know.

The guys caught up with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas. Bilas shared his thoughts on Olson stepping down and explained why he shouldn’t feel bad doing so. He also said now is the time for Herb Sendek and ASU to turn up the heat and take over as the marquee college hoops program in the state of Arizona.

Nearing the Edge - Cards’ running back Edgerrin James is unhappy with the amount of carries he’s getting in Todd Haley’s offense. G&A are amazed Edge would be this selfish with the Red Birds’ 4-2 start and a NFC West title/playoff birth well within reach. Gambo doesn’t feel the Cards’ don’t owe James anything and vice versa. Shut up and play. Ash applauds his competitive nature, but wonders who’s going to take a flier on him in the future if he continues to pout as the team continues to win. We took calls.

Late-Inning Success - The Phillies jumped out to an early lead and held off the Rays last night in St. Pete to go up 1-0 in the World Series. G&A discussed how the Phils have leaned on their solid bullpen all season. Gambo thinks nothing is more important, especially in the post-season, than a deep bullpen because starters do go as deep into games as they used to.

Friday: Viva Las Vegas, Gambo!

Ash will be joined by former ASU head coach Bruce Snyder, ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, and sports handicapper Brandon Lang.

Jay Bilas [7:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (215)

Exclusive Audio: Jay Bilas

Published on October 23, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas joined Gambo & Ash Thursday afternoon to talk about the news of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson stepping down.