In Pick The Pros last week was no different then it has been all season long. Gambo dominates. He hasn’t quite been his speech for winning but it’s a sure thing he has thought about it. Ash and E continue battling it out for second place. The Week 13 picks…
Ash - NY Giants (-3.5), Denver (+ 7.5), Minnesota (-3)
Gamb0 - Arizona (+3), Indianapolis (-4.5), Buffalo (-7)
E - Philadelphia (-3), Tampa Bay (-3.5), Chicago (+3)
Here’s what went down today on G&A
Nash to New York? - The Steve Nash-to-the-Knicks rumors are picking up steam by the day. Sources say Nash would be open to the idea of re-uniting with Mike D’Antoni in the Big Apple following next year. The Knicks have the potential to possibly land 3 top-tier free-agents (LeBron, Chris Bosh, Nash?) following the end of the 2009-10 season. G&A debated if Amare will look to opt out of his final year (2009-10) as well if the Suns aren’t close to competing for a title. Ash still thinks it would be wise to look into dealing Nash if the price is right. Both agree the Suns may have an entirely new “core” in the next few years. We took calls.
Taking over the TV World - ESPN is flexing their muscle and slowly taking over the sports world. The network recently outbid Fox by $100 million to broadcast the BCS from 2011-2014. The shift has evolved from network to cable television with even Monday Night Football leaving big brother ABC for little brother ESPN. ESPN has spread their wings branching out with ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, and other sister stations to farm out increasing PBP conflicts. The guys discussed how prevalent cable/satellite is in homes around the country and how some people would rather live without water, than ESPN. Networks only make money off sponsorships while cable stations reap the benefit of subscriber fees. ESPN gets $3.65 per subscriber which adds up to $4.3 billion. Jerry Colangelo once irritated Valley Suns fans by placing “high-profile” home games on pay-pay-view in the late 90’s. Will people have to pay to watch the Super Bowl some day? We took calls.
Our ESPN NBA insider Tim Legler checked in for his weekly segment to discuss the Suns play over the past week and how the players are adjusting to Terry Porter’s new system. Legs also weighed in on the recent firings of P.J. Carlesimo in Oklahoma City and Eddie Jordan in Washington.
Atlanta Vick-tory - Michael Vick is back in the news – today he pled guilty to state dogfighting charges in hopes of gaining possible early prison release. Vick has said in the past he hopes to continue his NFL career, but it certainly won’t be in Atlanta where rookie Matt Ryan is taking Atlanta by storm. The predominantly African-American city, which once fully supported Ron Mexico, is now looking to Ryan for hope as the Falcons have emerged as a serious playoff threat in the NFC. Ash believes it’s quite simple. Ryan has won games, something that Vick never did on a consistent basis. Gambo doesn’t think Vick will get another shot in the NFL, but wouldn’t necessarily be shocked if he did. We took calls.
ESPN college football analyst Mark May broke down Oklahoma’s thrashing of previously unbeaten Texas Tech in Norman, Penn State clinching a Rose Bowl bid, Bill Snyder’s return to the K-State sidelines, and took an in-depth look at how the BCS standings may shake out over the next couple weeks. MayDay thinks Rich Rodriguez’s days at Michigan could be numbered - maybe as early as this year. Clemson and Tennessee have shown interest in Rich-Rod.
Short show tomorrow before Suns’ basketball
Gambo & Ash will catch up with ASU AD Lisa Love, ESPN Football analyst Mark Schlereth and sports handicapper Brandon Lange.
Tim Legler [15:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (171) Mark May - Part I [13:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (260) Mark May - Part II [11:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (207) Mark Schlereth [12:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (128) Brandon Lange [11:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (156)Here’s what went down Monday on G&A
Giant Gap? - The defending Super Bowl champs came in and left town with a convincing win over the NFC West-leading Cardinals. Gambo thinks the Cards played pretty well despite their ineptness in the red zone, as well as the fact that they couldn’t generate any pressure on Eli Manning, who picked them apart for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ash feels there were too many breakdowns — especially with missed tackles in the secondary, two big turnovers, and lapses on special teams. Both were impressed with the cover skills of rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Why was the roof closed again? We took calls.
Big 12 Bottleneck - The BCS picture is becoming a little clearer — except in the top-heavy Big 12 South. Oklahoma smacked previously unbeaten Texas Tech, but still didn’t pass Texas in the BCS standings. Gambo thinks the Sooners’ beat-down of Tech was the most convincing win of the entire 2008 season. Ash thinks OU will pass UT in the BCS standings with a win this weekend over in-state rival Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The guys debated if the BCS works itself out in the end. Ash ripped Gambo for watching the nightmare that was Washington-Washington State. We took calls.
The guys caught up with light heavyweight champ Oscar de la Hoya, who previewed his much-anticipated bout next weekend against Manny Pacquiao at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “The Golden Boy” is 39-5 with 30 KO’s. Pacquiao enters the bout 47-3-2 with 35 KO’s. He discussed how he is approaching the fight and what he expects from Pac-Man.
Just How Good? - G&A briefly touched on the importance of next weekend’s fight in Vegas. Does the sport of boxing need an epic battle to “save” the sport, and just how good is de la Hoya going to look against the nails’ tough Pacquiao?
Tuesday we’ll be joined by ESPN college football analyst Mark May and NBA analyst Tim Legler.
Here’s what went down Friday on G&A..
Total Domination - The Lakers dismantled the Suns last night. After some early first half struggles, Kobe and the gang rolled to an easy win and made Terry Porter’s team look out-of-sync and slow. The guys reacted to Raja Bell’s non-comment, comments regarding Porter’s new system. Gambo feels the some of the onus falls on Amare Stoudemire who struggled against the bigger Lakers. Ash wasn’t surprised by the results, but thinks maybe it’s time to turn the page with some of the roster - even if that means dealing Steve Nash. We took calls.
Former UA player-turned-assistant coach Josh Pastner - now a part of John Calipari’s staff in Memphis checked in from Puerto Rico to discuss Lute Olson’s sudden retirement and the Tigers’ chances of returning to the Final Four this season. Memphis is 3-0 and currently ranked 12th in the country.
Former ASU star, now Giants offensive lineman and good friend of the program Grey Ruegamer discussed New York’s return to the University of Phoenix Stadium to take on the NFC West-leading Cardinals in Glendale.
G&A previewed Sunday’s Giants-Cardinals game. Who will win - New York’s tough, 3-headed rushing attack or the Red Birds’ high-flying offense? Ash likes the Cards. Gambo thinks New York is too tough on both sides of the ball. We took calls.
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Doug Davis joined us IN-STUDIO to discuss his emotional 2008 season and what he expects from himself and the D-backs in 2009. Plus, he previewed his upcoming golf tournament benefitting The Doug Davis Foundation.
World-renowned sports handicapper Brandon Lang previewed all the big college and pro games this weekend. Lang loves the Colts, TCU, and thinks the Cards have more than a “puncher’s chance” against the Super Bowl champs.
Our ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth checked in for his weekly segment and broke down Sunday’s showdown in Glendale between the Giants and Cards. Plus, the Steelers win over the Ocho Cinco-less Cincinnati Bengals last night in Pittsburgh and everything else making headlines around the league.
Cards’ Pro Bowl defensive end Darnell Dockett looked ahead to this weekend’s showdown with the Super Bowl Champion Giants and what he expects to see from New York’s offense. He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the disgruntled Edgerrin James. Dockett didn’t seem too concerned with Edge’s crying over playing time.
Monday we’ll be joined by Oscar de la Hoya.
Josh Pastner [13:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (164) Grey Ruegamer [12:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (140) Doug Davis [20:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (132) Mark Schlereth [14:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (144) Darnell Dockett [12:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (149)In Pick The Pros Gambo continues to have winning weeks. He is running away with the overall standings. Fortunately for Ash and E they didn’t take any of the same games as Gambo this week, so they may be able to gain some ground if Gambo has a lousy week. Last week Gambo lost one game and in talking to Brandon Lang today he blamed it on him. You can never tell what Gambo is thinking though. He went with Brandon’s advice in a game for this Sunday. The Week 12 picks…
ASH - St. Louis (+8), Jacksonville (-2.5), Arizona (+3)
Gamb0 - Indianapolis (+2.5), Carolina (-1), New England (+1)
E - NY Jets (-5.5), Baltimore (-1), Jacksonville (-2.5)
Brandon Lang [13:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (197) Pick The Pros [11:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (173)Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A
Measuring Stick - The big, bad Lakers roll into town to take on the new-look Suns Thursday. The storylines are everywhere, and they start with the on again/off again relationship between Kobe and Shaq - and O’Neal’s recent denial that he wants to return to LA. Ash thinks the Lakers are good for 65+ wins this season. They discussed the significance of the match-up and how the teams will go about stopping the other team’s best players. We took calls.
The guys caught up with Matt Barnes. The new Suns’ forward and recent father of twin boys discussed his first season in Phoenix and previewed tonight’s match-up with the 8-1 Lakers at U.S. Airways Center. Barnes is averaging 12 points and nearly 6 rebounds a game.
Rhode Trip - Florida State star safety Myron Rolle is in an interesting position. The ‘Noles have a big game this weekend at Maryland, but Rolle has something much bigger ahead of his in the “game of life.” Rolle is a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes scholarship and the interview is Saturday…in Alabama, and likely won’t make it to the game even though there is a private jet waiting just in case. G&A applaud what Rolle is doing on and off the field. Ash thinks you’re a scholar before you’re an athlete so the decision is quite simple. Gambo thinks other student-athletes should follow Rolle’s lead and get more out of their scholarship/education, because most don’t.
Former Diamondback and good friend of the program Luis Gonzalez updated us on his playing status for the 2009 season and shared information on his Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon tomorrow which benefits Arizona Quest for Kids.
Our ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler shared his thoughts on Thursday’s Lakers-Suns game and everything else making headlines around the league. Legler thinks Phil Jackson’s team has the depth and talent to finish what they couldn’t last summer-win another NBA title.
Former NBA head coach, now TNT analyst commonly referred to as the “Czar of the Telestrator,” Mike Fratello joined G&A to break down Thursday’s Lakers-Suns game. He will be calling the game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.
Friday we’ll be joined by Giants o-lineman Grey Ruegamer, Cards’ Pro-Bowler Darnell Dockett, ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, Memphis assistant coach Josh Pastner and sports handicapper Brandon Lang.
Matt Barnes [12:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (132) Luis Gonzalez [9:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (136) Tim Legler [13:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (131) Mike Fratello [14:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (151)Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A
Meltdown, Arizona! - The Arizona Wildcats are the talk of the country-for all of the wrong reasons following last night’s meltdown in Tucson against UAB. Jamelle Horne’s intentional foul with under a second left and the game tied allowed the Blazers to escape McKale with a 1-point win. G&A, for once, are at a loss for words. Ash thinks the timing couldn’t be worse-seeing it was the second home game for new coach Russ Pennell in the Old Pueblo and Horne simply panicked. Gambo says, no excuses, it was simply a stupid play and one that ‘Cat fans won’t forget anytime soon. This comes just one day after the 30-year anniversary of “The Miracle at The Meadowlands” starring Joe Pisarchick and Herm Edwards. We took calls.
The voice of the Arizona Cardinals and ESPN broadcaster Dave Pasch joined the guys. He called last night’s bizarre UAB-UofA basketball game in Tucson. Pasch said it was one of the strangest endings he’s called or even seen.
Arizona State Director of Athletics Lisa Love share her thoughts on Herb Sendek’s nationally-ranked hoops’ squads quick start including last night’s 59-52 win at San Diego State and Glendale losing out for their bid to host an upcoming Final Four.
Pushing it to The Edge - Edgerrin James wants out of Arizona. Gambo thinks James only cares about himself and not the success of the Cards. He feels he’s taking the easy way out (asking to be released) instead of trying to unseat Tim Hightower as the starter. Ash can see Edge’s frustration, but doesn’t feel now is the time. Matt Leinart is keeping his mouth shut, why can’t James? Both agree J.J. Arrington’s emergence leaves James with no true role or position on this roster.
Is Honesty the Best Policy? - Golfer J.P. Hayes cost himself a chance for a complete 2009 tourney card after turning himself in for using “illegal” golf balls. Gambo says he would have kept him mouth shut in this situation. Ash says the game of golf is a “different animal” and integrity is a big part of that. Did Hayes make the right call? Calls were split.
Thursday we’ll be joined by Suns’ forward Matt Barnes, TNT analyst Mike Fratello, and ESPN’s Tim Legler.
Dave Pasch [6:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (28) Lisa Love [8:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (23)Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A
MVPedroia - Gritty Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won the MVP today to go along with his Golden Glove and Silver Slugger Award. His former coach at ASU, Pat Murphy, joined the guys to discuss what makes the Pedro so special.
Welcoming the White Sox - The Chicago White Sox are on their way to Phoenix for spring training starting in February. Thus, Tucson Electric Park will only be home to your Arizona Diamondbacks for spring training - for now. Gambo thinks it’s just a matter of time before the D-backs make their way back to the Valley on a full-time basis. Tucson didn’t support these teams, but Phoenix does. Ash thinks Cactus League tickets will be even hotter with the addition of the White Sox and Dodgers. Gambo wonders if anyone will pay $90 to see the Dodgers play exhibition baseball even though major companies aren’t paying for advertising, even during the Super Bowl, because the economy is so poor. We took calls.
Lettering in MMA? - Brock Lesnar beat MMA icon Randy Couture Saturday night in Vegas. The former WWE star and NFL training camp invitee has rapidly climbed the latter to the top of the UFC with a professional record of just 3-1. G&A agree that several former wrestlers-turned MMA fighters are at an advantage because of their wrestling background. The sport is becoming so popular a high school is Massachusetts has an MMA club team. Does this make sense and will this ever become commonplace as the sport grows? The guys don’t see this happening. We took calls.
Our ESPN college football analyst Mark May checked in for his weekly segment to discuss last weekend’s games including Florida’s beatdown of former coach Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks and LSU’s big 4th-quarter comeback against Troy. MayDay also shared his thoughts on Texas Tech-Oklahoma in Norman, BYU at Utah, and Michigan State traveling to Happy Valley to take on Penn State.
Out of Gas - The Suns started off hot, before going ice cold and losing to the Jazz last night in Salt Lake. The setback came the night after the biggest win of the young season against the Pistons. Ash could see this coming-even with Utah playing without All-Star Darren Williams. Gambo thought Shaq looked old in the second half of the back-to-back. He is convinced O’Neal can’t play on consecutive nights at the age of 36. The guys agree Carlos Boozer outplayed Amare Stoudemire at both ends of the floor. Ash wonders if Phoenix can compete with the Western Conference elite-like the Jazz, Lakers, Hornets, etc. We took calls.
Mark May - Part I [11:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (39) Mark May - Part II [11:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (37) Pat Murphy [9:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (26)Here’s what went down Monday on G&A
One Step Closer - The Cards got another big over the weekend - this time in Seattle over the Seahawks. G&A broke down the game and shared their thoughts on how the Cards picked up their biggest road win recent memory. Ash still has concerns over the Red Birds’ poor rushing attack, but was pleased at how the Red Birds finished a feat not often accomplished in the past. Gambo is amazed the Cardinals could wrap up the NFC West by the end of the month! They lead the division by five games. He also liked the way rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played his best game when the team needed him most. Will the physical duo of Fitzgerald and Boldin make NFC West teams re-assess their smallish cornerbacks? Gambo sure thinks so. We took calls.
Cards’ running back J.J. Arrington joined the guys. He had a team-high 40 yards rushing and two scores, including an 8-yard TD reception which turned out to be the game-winner in Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Seahawks in Seattle. Arrington discussed how he has worked his way back into the good graces of the Cardinal coaching staff after being inactive for the first portion of the season.
Signature Win - The Suns got their best win of the season last night, pounding the Pistons at U.S. Airways Center. Gambo & Ash were impressed by the play of Amare Stoudemire and Shaq before he was kicked out in the second quarter. Both agree this roster is now an inside-out team, not an outside-in team like they were under Mike D’Antoni. Terry Porter has Phoenix playing tougher than they ever have and G&A know people around the country are taking notice.
MVP Albert - Cards’ slugger Albert Pujols won the National League MVP, even though St. Louis finished well out of post-season contention. Ash is fine with this because at least the Cardinals were competitive in what turned out to be a very tough NL Central. Gambo doesn’t want to see players win this coveted award who weren’t on a team in the pennant race.
Shaq Fined! - The NBA came down on Shaq this afternoon, fining the Suns’ center $25K for his intentional foul on Pistons’ guard Rodney Stuckey last night. Gambo felt the league was smart for not suspending Shaq. Ash wonders when the heavy windfall of fines in all sports started and agreed that Shaq’s foul wasn’t meant with any malicious intent.
A Richer Pitcher - the Yankees offered free agent ace C.C. Sabathia $140 million to wear the pinstripes starting next season. G&A agree New York is driving up the value for other high-profile free agent pitchers like Derek Lowe by offering $40 million more to Sabathia than other suitors. The Major League Baseball Players’ Association is really hoping Sabathia takes the money from the Yanks. G&A discussed how this will affect Brandon Webb’s new deal in the next couple years. Both know the Snakes won’t be able to get him “on the cheap,” especially with the Yankees throwing around big dollars other franchises can’t afford.
Tuesday we’ll be joined by Luis Gonzalez in-studio and ESPN college football analyst Mark May.
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