Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Lasting Impression…Gambo became the center of A.J. Hinch’s press conference Thursday night and, funny, Gambo didn’t even go to the game.  What started as media small-talk basically making fun of the way John talks turned into a high-stakes dare which Dave Burns was happy to accept.  $42 was collected before Hinch entered the room and it was Burnsy’s for the taking if he would ask the first question of the presser in Gambo’s voice.  He did, Hinch got a kick out of it, and now Dave is $42 richer.  The good guy Commissioner took the money and bought sporting goods to donate to Doug & Wolf’s “Gear Up For Kids” benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix.  Rumor has it Gambo gets a free dinner out of the deal, so everyone’s happy.

Apple of his eye…Amare Stoudemire has been outspoken in regards to his future here in Phoenix, or possibly elsewhere.  He went on a New York radio station recently and said he would love to play for the Knicks and former coach Mike D’Antoni.  This is just one of a few teams STAT has lobbied for on his recent radio tour.  Stoudemire said it’s a “50-50 chance” he’s coming back to Phoenix.  G&A believe a deal will get done and one suitor for a deal might be the Washington Wizards.  He likes a package including Caron Butler and Nick Young, among others, but isn’t sure of the Wizards would part with that much for Amare - especially with a questionable attitude and lingering eye concerns following a second surgery.  Gambo thinks STAT now stands for Somebody Take Amare Today.

Cards’ Pro Bowl wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD joined us as the second week of Organized Team Activities concluded Thursday in Tempe.  Fitz shared his thoughts on the offseason and how he expects the ongoing Anquan Boldin saga to play out with training camp just a couple months away.  He is coming off a career-year which included 96 catches, 1431 yards, and 12 TD’s.  He added 30 grabs for 546 yards and 7 touchdowns in the playoffs.

Where Are They Now?…We caught up with former Sun and fan favorite, now Memphis Grizzlies radio analyst, ELLIOT PERRY.  “Socks” played 11 years in the NBA, including two stints with the Suns (1994-96 & 2000-2001).  He finished 2nd for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 1994-95.  He discussed transitioning to the broadcasting field and shared his thoughts on the playoffs, which continue Friday night in Denver with Game 6 between the Lakers and Nuggets.  He also said he got his nickname from a reporter when he came out for practice one day with his socks pulled up to his knees.

D-backs infielder RYAN ROBERTS joined us to discuss his recent hot streak at the plate.  He said the team is playing better and gaining more confidence with every win.  He also shared the story behind his numerous tattoos, saying he originally only planned on getting one (a cross wrapped with barbed wire) on his left bicep.  Obviously, that has changed.

Desert Revival…The Dbacks are starting to win and people seem to be “getting back into” baseball.  Ash is one of those people.  G&A agree A.J. Hinch and his staff have done a nice job smoothing out the rough edges left behind by Bob Melvin, Bryan Price and some of the other coaches from the previous regime.  Gambo was willing to be patient with some of the younger players.

Our ESPN NBA analyst TIM LEGLER joined us to break down the Cavs Game 5 win over the Magic Thursday night in Cleveland and what he expects Friday night in Denver as the Nuggets look to stave off elimination against the Lakers at the Pepsi Center.  Just how great is LeBron James following another triple-double last night?  Legs also said Amare would love to play for Mike D’Antoni again because of the chance to play in New York and the fact that Coach Mike doesn’t exactly preach defense in practice or games - which fits right up Amare’s alley.

Team LeBron…The Cavs are still playing…barely.  Thanks to another monumental effort from LeBron James, the Cavs are getting set for a Game 6 in Orlando.  G&A are running out of catchy adjectives to describe LBJ, who recorded another triple-double and had a hand in 29 straight 4th-quarter points.  Gambo feels sorry for the city of Cleveland who craves a title so badly.  The Browns won a title way back in the mid-60s.

We were joined ON LOCATION by our ESPN NFL insider MARK SCHLERETH who’s son Daniel, a pitcher in the Diamondbacks organization,  was called up from Double-A Mobile earlier Friday.  Stink said he’s never been happier or prouder than he was Thursday night when he got the call from his son saying he was “going to The Show.”  He said they both cried during their late night conversation.

Monday we’ll be joined by Cards receiver Early Doucet.

 

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

Mark Asher returned this afternoon from illness.

Superman’s Kryptonite…LeBron and the #1-seeded Cavs are on the verge of elimination following Tuesday night’s loss in Orlando.  In actuality, the series should be over-except for LBJ’s last-second Game 2 shot which, at the time, evened the series at 1-1.  The Cavs are having a tough time stopping the Magic’s versatile offense, particularly Dwight Howard.  Gambo thinks the solution is quite simple-put 4-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace on Superman.  It’s apparent Anderson Varejao can’t handle Howard’s strength and athleticism.  Ash thinks the bigger issue is “The Master of Panic” Stan Van Gundy has thoroughly out-coached NBA Coach of Year Mike Brown.

Fran-tic Message…The greatest quarterback in Minnesota Vikings history Fran Tarkenton spoke out recently about possible Vikes’ quarterback Brett Favre.  Here is one salvo… “I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good. ”Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year [playing for] the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers? I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail.”  Gambo loves these comments because he’s sick of Favre and his me-first attitude.  Ash doesn’t agree with everything Tarkenton said, but knows Vikings’ fans would be wise to hear the underlying meaning behind his message.

Arizona State Director of Athletics LISA LOVE checked in for her weekly segment.  The #5 National Seed ASU baseball team will begin their hopeful trip to the College World Series Friday when they host Kent State at Packard Stadium, plus break down the amazing season for junior right-hander Mike Leake, and look ahead to tomorrow’s WCWS matchup between the defending champion Lady Sun Devils and Missouri in Oklahoma City.

We were joined by our ESPN baseball analyst TIM KURKJIAN.  He broke down the Dbacks recent improved play under new skipper A.J. Hinch, the amazing start of Zack Greinke who lowered his season ERA to 0.84 with a complete-game win over the Tigers last night, and the Dodgers who are running away in the NL West-even without Manny.

Rock the Vote!…The All-Star Game is just over 5 weeks away and guess who could be one of the starting outfielders for the National League?  The suspended Manny Ramirez of all people.  ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian is outraged by all this.  He believes MLB should do away with internet voting all together because the REAL baseball fans attend the games and know the players.  Gambo thinks this is an outrage and sends a terrible message if Man-Ram is allowed to play.  Ash knows the All-Star Game is a popularity contest and won’t lose sleep either way.  John thinks fans vote for their favorite players, more than the best players.  Mark then ripped him saying he votes for the Yankees starting lineup, anyway.  Do the fans hold the right to vote in the players they want or should a higher power (commissioner Selig?) step in and “make it right” for other players who haven’t been busted in the steroid circle.

We caught up with Cards’ quarterback KURT WARNER.  He shared his thoughts on his recent visit with President Obama, Anquan Boldin firing Drew Rosenhaus, the noticed maturity on and off the field of Matt Leinart, and how the second week of OTA’s are progressing in Tempe.  Warner is hopeful the organization can get a new deal done with Boldin and put this year-long power struggle to rest once and for all.

Follow the Leader?…Anquan Boldin is no longer represented by Drew Rosenhaus.  Will fellow Florida State star and Cards’ teammate Darnell Dockett follow suit?  Gambo thinks this would be in the best interest of Dockett who hasn’t gotten anywhere on a new deal with Rosenhaus at the helm.  Ash feels we could see a trickle-down effect hurting Rosenhaus’ status as the NFL’s “money maker” for some of the higher profile players around the league.

Thursday we’ll be joined by Cards’ wide receiver Steve Breaston and ASU junior ace Mike Leake.

 

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Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Dave Burns filling in for one vacationing John Gambadoro

Played Out?…Interleague play starts Friday as the Diamondbacks open a 3-game set against the A’s in Oakland.  Burnsy thinks Interleague games have really lost their luster.  Ash doesn’t get real excited over it, either.  Since you, as fans, have to deal with these non-traditional games, would you rather see the Snakes play more high-profile teams (Red Sox or Yankees) and get their brains beat in or match-up against the likes of the A’s or Mariners with a better chance to stack wins?  Burnsy wants to see the best teams - regardless if that means more losses.  How about playing American League rules in National League parks and vice versa?  Would this stir up interest in Interleague play?  One e-mailer suggested a game at Chase Field…just not involving the Diamondbacks.  Ouch.  The guys debated and we took calls.

Prejudice Prevails?…The Nuggets beat the Lakers Thursday night to even the series at one apiece.  Meanwhile in the east, the Cavs hope to even the series Friday against Orlando.  The guys broke down Game 2 Thursday night at Staples Center.  Ash believes it’s evident the Nuggets don’t fear Team Kobe.  Do you attribute this to Chauncey Billups?  Burnsy has an extreme dislike for George Karl dating back to his reporting days in Seattle.  Dave only wants to see a Lakers-Cavs Finals.  Ash feels no team has played better this postseason than Denver.  David Stern and the NBA moneymakers are really pulling for a LA-Cleveland final, but are you?

Arizona State Director of Athletics LISA LOVE checked in for her weekly segment.  She previewed the defending champion Sun Devil Lady softball team, who will host North Dakota State later Friday afternoon in the Tempe Super Regional.  Plus, Pat Murphy’s baseball team looks to round into postseason form when they play three against UCLA starting Friday at Packard Stadium.

The Disappearing Hockey Team?…The Coyotes’ future is in jeopardy and it doesn’t help that reportedly only $20,000 in season tickets have been sold for next season - if the Desert Dogs’ season even happens.  Ash feels it is realistic the franchise might fold, the Coyotes players disperse to other teams around the NHL, and a brand new pretty franchise could surface in Canada.  It would also “save face” for the NHL, who needs all the PR help it can get.  Burnsy doesn’t really care what happens to the ‘Yotes and believes most of Valley doesn’t either.

Our baseball insider TIM KURKJIAN from ESPN discussed the Dbacks’ recent improved play, what to do with the slumping Chris Young, the streaking New York Yankees, and yesterday’s near deal that sent Jake Peavy to the White Sox.

Number 300…Former Diamondback Randy Johnson goes for #299 Friday against the Mariners in Seattle and could go for #300 early next month against the Snakes at Chase Field when the Giants come in for a three-game series, although he may miss Arizona in the rotation.  The guys ran down the list of possible modern day players who could one day reach that feat.  The list is small…very small.  Blue Jays ace Roy Halliday has 139 wins, but isn’t getting any younger.  Burnsy asked if 200 is the new 300 in terms of pitching milestones?  Ash thinks the modern-day pitcher doesn’t throw as much or for as long as the Randy Johnson’s, Tom Glavine’s, and Greg Maddux’s of the world.

ESPN NBA analyst TIM LEGLER joined us to share his thoughts on the Nuggets big win Thursday night in Los Angeles, the Clippers winning the Blake Griffin sweepstakes on Tuesday, and a preview of Friday’s Magic-Cavs Game 2 as Cleveland looks to even up the series.

Eye on the Future…Amare Stoudemire has made it known that he may want out of Phoenix and the rumors are swirling that that just may happen.  There is interest from several teams around the league - including the Wizards and Grizzlies.  Meanwhile, STAT is still recovering from eye surgery that kept him part of the second half of the season.  Tim Legler said he’s been told teams would want Amare even “if he came with a patch over his eye.”  Burnsy isn’t so sure that’s the case.  Why would a franchise part with key pieces and/or valued draft picks for possible damaged goods and a questionable attitude?  Ash thinks if the deal is right, the Suns should pull the trigger IF the deal makes sense.  Should teams be concerned about the talented, but damaged Stoudemire?

Too Melo?…Carmelo Anthony is taking his game and his team to the next level.  The Nuggets forward has Denver in the midst of an NBA Finals run and he’s shed his previous label of lazy, soft and unmotivated.  Anthony has played great defense on Kobe Bryant the first two games, but his national appeal isn’t there quite yet.  Burnsy reported Melo’s jersey is the 15th most popular among NBA consumers.  The likes of Nate Robinson and David Lee (big Market-New York) rank ahead of him.  Ash thinks it’s because Anthony has a checkered past, on and off the court.  He’s happy he ditched the cornrows.  Will Anthony ever make the NBA Mount Rushmore along with Kobe, LeBron, Dwight Howard and D-Wade?  The guys discussed and took calls.

No show Monday…Gambo is back Tuesday…we’ll be joined by Dbacks’ skipper A.J. Hinch and Cards’ mammoth rookie tackle Herman Johnson.

 

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Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

Short show today before Diamondbacks baseball.

Bird House - OTA’s began this morning in Tempe and the Cards are back in the news again. The stories that just won’t seem to go away include the whining Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett, Adrian Wilson’s possible pending new deal, and what might happen with twice franchise-tagged Karlos Dansby. The guys seem to think the Cards could botch things with Dansby who’s coming off a big year and is expected to make big dollars when the franchise tag expires at the end of the season. Will the Cards get a long-term deal done before July 15th? Gambo thinks he deserves the right to test the market. Ash doesn’t have a good feeling about this is story will end. Do you?

We were joined by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby. The Red Birds franchise tagged the five-year pro for the second time following an impressive 2008 season which included 119 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. He discussed his future with the Cards, as well as OTA’s which started this morning in Tempe.

Deisel Moving to Dallas? - Reports say the Suns and Mavericks could pull off a trade sending Shaq to Big D for Erick Dampier and Jerry Stackhouse who’s contract the Suns would buyout and essentially save Robert Sarver $10 million. Gambo doesn’t think this makes sense because Shaq’s $13 million would come off the books after next season and bringing Dampier (who has two years left) back, as well. Dampier is OK, but certainly not at $13 million per season. The Suns want to play up-tempo and the slow-footed Dampier doesn’t fit that role. Ash feels Dampier is OK, but won’t get anyone too excited about it. He would rather see Shaq dealt to New Orleans for Tyson Chandler and the expiring contract of Antonio Daniels. The salaries would match-up, but would the Hornets go for it? Gambo floated the idea of Amare to Boston for a package including Rajon Rondo and possibly Brian Scalabrine (for salary purposes). The lottery is today. G&A agree it will be an interesting summer for Steve Kerr.

Good Business Man - Ash is marveling at what WWE owner and CEO Vince McMahon is cashing in on the exposure over the scheduling conflict next Monday where the WWE is scheduled to tape a Monday Night Raw at Pepsi Center. One problem…the Nuggets need the arena for Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals the same night. McMahon has gotten free national exposure over the past 48 hours since the story broke. The NBA is allowing the Nuggets and WWE to resolve the issue.

Sports 620 KTAR’s Dan Weiss checked in from downtown Phoenix to update us on the latest bankruptcy news regarding the Coyotes-whose future is on shaky ground to say the least. Weiss said the power struggle continues between who exactly controlled the team-Jerry Moyes or the NHL and what makes the most sense for the broke franchise? Can the team move without the approval of the NHL? We likely won’t know for quite some time.

We were also joined by Diamondbacks’ skipper A.J. Hinch who discussed his first two weeks on the job, the “misunderstanding” between he and Doug Davis, and how the team is dealing with the other off-the-field distractions.

 

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Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Lucky 7’s?…the Magic and Rockets held serve at home Thursday night to force all-or-nothing Game 7’s Sunday in Boston and Los Angeles.  The guys were impressed at how the Rockets took the fight out of the Lakers immediately, but Ash gives Houston no chance of winning this weekend at the Staples Center.  Gambo feels Phil Jackson’s team is soft (particularly Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom).  Ash likes Orlando’s chances in Beantown, but not Gambo.  The Rockets can’t match the Lakers talent-wise.  Can heart beat out talent?  Who ya’ got?

Our ESPN NBA analyst TIM LEGLER joined us to discuss Thursday night’s wins by the Magic and Rockets, forcing Game 7’s on Sunday.  Plus, how the Cavs and Nuggets are dealing with their extended post-season layoffs waiting for the other respective semi-final series to conclude this weekend.

Preakness Prep…a filly will race against the boys tomorrow at the Preakness in Baltimore and she very well might win it all.  Other horse owners tried to keep Rachel Alexandra (undefeated in past four races) out of the race because they knew she would have a great chance of winning.  Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is still in line for the Triple Crown.  Are you going to be watching tomorrow and do you want to see a possible Triple Crown winner (Mine That Bird) or Rachel Alexandria?

Yer Not Big Papi!…Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is struggling in a big way.  He went 0-7 and left 12 runners on base in Thursday’s loss to the Angels.  In 144 at-bats this season Big Papi has one less homer than the slugger known as Augie Ojeda (who has one).  Where did it all go wrong for Ortiz who two years ago was one of the most feared hitters in baseball?  Does he miss Manny Ramirez that much?  Could Big Popi be the next big name involved in the steroid scandal?  The guys weighed in and shared their thoughts.

Where Are They Now?…we were joined by former Arizona State star and NFL defensive tackle JEREMY STAAT.  After his career in pro football, he followed in good friend Pat Tillman’s steps joining the Marines and serving in Iraq.  The 32-year-old is engaged and graduated Friday morning in Tempe.  Staat plans on attending Cal State Bakersfield and working towards his Master’s Degree in Theology and Public Administration.

 

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