Archive for August, 2009

Jon Gone!

Published on August 29, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Jon Gone!…the D-backs sent Jon Rauch to the Twins Friday for the always popular player-to-be-named later.  Gambo reported the Diamondbacks will save around $3 million by dealing the inconsistent reliever.  The guys know Rauch was fine when the game wasn’t on the line, but often folded when called upon in clutch situations.  Mark knows the D-backs will likely spend the money they’re saving by trading Rauch to use on starting pitching.

Whiz and the Bean(ie) Stalk…Beanie Wells is expected to make his NFL debut in the Red Birds third exhibition game against the Packers.  Gambo is anxious to see what the first-round pick brings to the table in his first live game action.  He still believes Wells, if healthy, will be the week 1 starter when the NFC Champs host the 49ers.  Mark is looking to see how Beanie, as well as the Cards defense, performs against a talented Packer team.

Suspended…talented, but troubled, Brandon Marshall was suspended by first-year coach Josh McDaniels for the remainder of the preseason after Marshall refused to seriously participate in Thursday’s workout.  G&A wonder how much control the 32-year-old McDaniels has over his team.  Gambo thinks Marshall is making a mistake as he enters the final year of his contract.  Shut up, go play, put up big numbers, make bank.  Ash compared Marshall’s antics to those of Anquan Boldin, who also expressed a desire to be traded last year.  G&A agree “Q” took a more professional approach to his frustrations with Cards’ management last year.

Short-handed…the Suns will not have starting guard Jason Richardson for the first two games of the regular season after the NBA suspended him following his DUI arrest this past season.  Gambo knows J-Rich has two strikes and the Suns need to sit down and tell him enough is enough because you represent the organization 24/7.  Ash knows, judging from the Suns’ history, they won’t tolerate much more from Richardson.

Arizona Diamondbacks President DERRICK HALL discussed the season and what lies ahead this winter with plenty of question marks heading into 2010.  He also previewed the Luis Gonzalez tribute scheduled for Saturday night at Chase Field and why the team decided to part ways with reliever Jon Rauch.  D-Hall said Rauch’s trade value had peaked after a string of successful appearances so the time was right to strike a deal with Minnesota.

Going Gonzo…the Diamondbacks will honor Luis Gonzalez Saturday night and Gonzo will accept a position within the organization as an assistant to Derrick Hall.  The guys concur he will be remembered as one of, if not, the most popular Arizona athletes.

We caught up with cnnsi.com college football insider STEWART MANDEL who looked ahead to the college football season which kicks off in less than a week.  He shared his thoughts on Dennis Erickson’s ASU Sun Devils, the Heisman Trophy race, and what non-BCS team could make a BCS bowl in January.  Mandel feels Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is pacing to be the greatest player in college football history if he takes home his second Heisman Trophy in December.

Etching His Legacy…Tim Tebow has the world in the palm of his hand.  The senior Florida quarterback is looking for back-to-back National Championships as the Gators are loaded heading into the season.  With college football season less than a week away, G&A debated if Tebow, when his career concludes, will go down as the greatest player in college football history.  Ash feels Matt Leinart ranks as one of the best, Gambo disagrees.  John believes Nebraska’s Tommie Frazier is the greatest college player in the history of the game.  The guys agree Tebow, if he wins his second Heisman Trophy this year.

Empty Wallets Means Empty Seats…the NFL is still king among sports fans, but not necessarily at the box office.  Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Cards are positioning well for home sellouts throughout the season, including Friday’s pre-season game against the Packers in Glendale.  The same can’t be said for fellow postseason contenders Minnesota and San Diego.  It’s so bad in Jacksonville, the Jags are sectioning off parts of their stadium in hopes of selling out games and lifting local blackouts.  The guys know NFL games aren’t cheap (but not overpriced) and by blacking out home games in certain markets, they are lowering their advertising revenue stream in this poor economy.  John thinks the NFL should lift the blackout policy, especially in Detroit where jobs are scarce.

 
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Sealing His Fate?

Published on August 28, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

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

Sealing His Fate?…The D-backs lost a game and may have sealed the fate for one player last night in San Francisco.  Moments after closer Chad Qualls blew a likely Doug Davis win, “Double D” stormed out of the dugout and refused to address the media following the game.  Gambo is certain you can’t “hang your teammate” out to try reacting like Davis did.  Win as a team, lose as a team.  Mark thinks the future free agent’s frustration stems from one thing and one thing only:  dollar signs.  Mark has noticed a more selfish attitude from Davis since shortly following the All-Star break.

Is He Worth It?…Free-agent-to-be Doug Davis is going to want a raise if Josh Byrnes wants to him to return in a Sedona Red uniform.  With the uncertain futures of Brandon Webb and prospect Jarrod Parker, the Snakes will need arms to fill their 2010 rotation.  The guys know Davis is an “innings eater” and has pitched well in spurts, but is no better than a number three starter who deserves similar numbers.  The bigger problem may be Davis, who seems to have an over-inflated sense of his worth in these difficult times.

Back to Business…All eyes will be on Philadelphia Thursday where Michael Vick will make his return to the field with his new team.  This comes on the same day a bankruptcy court approved Vick’s plans to repay close to $20 million in creditor debt in Virginia. Ash is certain the circus will be in full effect as the Eagles host the Jaguars.  Gambo isn’t rooting for failure or success for the troubled quarterback, but feels he’s re-paid his debt to society.

What to Expect…One of the most dynamic athletes in NFL history is going to see extensive playing time Thursday in Philadelphia.  G&A are curious to see if Vick still has “it.”  Ash believes Eagles’ fans are wondering how their new piece will fit into what could be a Super Bowl puzzle.  Gambo says the downside of Vick signing with the Eagles is, if he fails, the hard-core Philly fans will never let Vick forget.
A Window of Opportunity…With receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston nursing injuries, reserve wideouts Sean Morey, Early Doucet and Lance Long will certainly get more reps Friday night in the third, and most important, pre-season game against the Packers.  Ash knows the pressure is on all three of the aforementioned receivers, even fan favorite Lance Long who played well early in camp but has leveled off recently.  Gambo isn’t sure even the Cardinals know which receivers they are going to keep on the 53-man roster.

We caught up with Louisville radio host MATT JONES who discussed Rick Pitino’s now uncertain future at Louisville and former Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie’s DUI.  Jones discussed how Pitino lost his cool at Wednesday’s press conference and how his public perception has taken a serious hit in the state since his sex scandal broke.  He also said Billy Gillespie at UK was one of the worst hires in college basketball history.

Home Hunting…The future of the Coyotes is cloudy but there could be good news ahead for hockey fans here in Phoenix if the league successfully purchases the franchise.  G&A debated if power owner Jerry Reinsdorf ever even wanted the team or if the NHL used his bid to keep the franchise away from Jim Balsillie.

Overpaid, Underperforming…Wayne Gretzky makes around $7 million per year to coach the ‘Yotes.  The average NHL coach makes around $1 million per year.  Both the NHL and Balsillie seem willing to part ways with “The Great One” if/when the sale goes through.  Ash thinks Gretzky saved the team from moving to Portland, but hasn’t proven to be anywhere near the coach ownership envisioned when he was hired in 2005.

NHL Deputy Commissioner BILL DALY joined us to discuss the future of the Phoenix Coyotes and explain how the NHL is attempting to buy the team in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for around $140 million.  It’s uncommon for a pro sports league to buy one of their own teams.  He is confident a deal with the Coyotes can be reached and the team will remain in Arizona.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and 9-time Pro-Bowler WARREN MOON reflected back on his career, the return of Brett Favre, preview Michael Vick’s first game action for the Eagles, and his new book, Never Give Up on Your Dreams.  Moon is the only player inducted into the Pro and Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

We caught up with Diamondbacks second baseman RYAN ROBERTS who homered in Wednesday night’s heart-breaking loss to the Giants.  Vying for an everyday spot in the lineup next year, Roberts is hitting .296 in 206 at-bats this season.

 
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Band back together

Published on August 27, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

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

The band was back together as Ash returned from vacation.

Hamstrung…The Cards are on high alert after Anquan Boldin sat out Wednesday’s practice after tweaking his hamstring on Tuesday.  Coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t seem too concerned, saying “Q” could still play Friday night against the Packers, but would take a wait-and-see approach as the next couple days play out.  G&A understand hamstring issues can make any coach squirm, especially when dealing with a Pro-Bowler like Boldin.

Future in Flux…The Coyotes still don’t have a definite answer to their future, but they know it won’t involve power owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who is no longer a candidate to buy the team.  The NHL and the Ice Edge group are looking to purchase the team and keep them in Glendale for not just this season, but several thereafter.  The guys know this is good news to an otherwise ugly off-season for the Desert Dogs.  G&A feel, regardless of how this saga ends, Wayne Gretzky has done little both on the ice and off, to elevate this team and the sport of hockey in the Valley.

Amare’s Legacy…Amare Stoudemire spoke Tuesday discussing a myriad of topics including his NBA legacy, winning an NBA title, and his cloudy future with the Suns.  Ash knows STAT loves the spotlight and he’s done his best via interviews, appearances and tweets to stay in the headlines.  John understands Amare now realizes he needs to have a monster year to ensure a max-type deal next summer because the Suns never offered him the 3-year extension he had hoped for after this past season.  In short, play well and make bank.  Play poorly and the big dollars won’t be there.

Packers Pro-Bowl cornerback AL HARRIS joined us to preview their upcoming season, former teammate Brett Favre signing with the Vikings, and Friday’s exhibition game against the Cards in Glendale.  The All-Pro has 19 career interceptions and is considered one of the best bump-and-run corners in football.  He knows the Packers will have their hands full with the Cards receivers and says he holds no hard feelings towards Favre.

Cardinals defensive end BRYAN ROBINSON checked in to discuss Saturday’s game against the Chargers where he recorded one of the Red Birds’ five sacks.  He also talked about his role in new defensive coordinator Bill Davis’ defense and looked ahead to Friday’s game against the Packers.  The 13-year veteran credited his wife for prolonging his career by helping him eat healthier.

Getting Defensive…The Cards lost the game Saturday against the Chargers, but Ash knows the first-team defense never looked better, sacking Philip Rivers four times in a seven play span in the first quarter.  He said if the Red Birds can get pressure up the middle this year, it will only help the new-look secondary.

Protecting Your (Fantasy) Investment…Just when you thought you’d seen it all, we now have insurance policies for your fantasy football team this fall.  An online policy can help you protect your “investment” for around $20 if you fear Tom Brady or Adrian Peterson will go down at some point this year.  Mark, an avid fantasy player, says he’s thinking about getting the insurance for Peterson, whom he will draft first overall in one of his drafts next week.  Gambo doesn’t understand why someone would insure a fantasy player when most people insure more high-price items like cars, houses and jewelry.  The guys debated if the creator of fantasy sports insurance just unearthed the “next big thing.”  Look out, post-it note.

Our ESPN baseball insider TIM KURKJIAN discussed the red-hot Colorado Rockies, the impact Billy Wagner will have in Boston, Johan Santana being done for the year with the Mets, and everything else making headlines in baseball.

Thursday we’ll be joined by Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon at 3:40

 
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Proceed with caution

Published on August 26, 2009 in Show recap. 1 Comment

Here’s what went down Tuesday on Gambo & Ash…

Gambo flew solo with Ash on vacation.

Must-See TV…The Cards are still looking for their first preseason win, but apparently fans here in the Valley don’t care. Saturday’s preseason game against the Chargers drew an eye-popping 10.3 rating with a 19 share. These numbers double last years’ preseason ratings. John knows Cardinal Fever has swept the Valley, but is stunned at the eye-popping numbers. He feels a lackluster Suns’ season followed by the last-place Diamondbacks have set the table perfectly for the Bidwill’s to keep a finger on the Phoenix sports pulse.

Proceed With Caution…Ken Whisenhunt said Monday after practice rookie Beanie Wells looked “fast” and expects him to play Friday against the Packers. The bigger question for Whiz is how much should Wells play in the third, and largely considered most important, preseason game. Gambo knows he has more star power than incumbent Tim Hightower and would be best suited to get the majority of the carries Friday and even in the final exhibition game when most starters rarely play. John is certain Beanie has the potential to be a future star, but the same can’t be said for steady, but not spectacular, Hightower.

We caught up with Cardinals starting tight end Stephen Spach who shared his thoughts on training camp and what he expects his role to be in Ken Whisenhunt’s offense this season. Spach is known as one of the better blockers on the Cards’ roster and coming back from off-season knee surgery.

Diamondbacks skipper A.J. Hinch checked in for his weekly segment and said Eric Byrnes and Justin Upton are progressing well in their injury re-hap assignments, while Chris Young seems to have found his stroke at Triple-A Reno. Hinch’s goal is to keep his team focused on the final month of the season with several key personnel decisions to be made this winter.

A Bad Night’s Sleep…With the struggling economy forcing people everywhere to cut back on unnecessary luxuries, the Pac-10 just might be joining the party in the coming years. A future proposal is calling for home football teams to stay at hotels the night before each game in the fall. The savings could equal anywhere from $40,000-50,000 annually. Gambo knows athletes won’t get a good night’s rest bunking in loud door rooms, but understands why Pac-10 schools are doing this: in order to save someone’s job with the university.

Depressed…Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley is both talented, but troubled. The former K-State star checked himself into a Houston re-hab center suffering from depression. Gambo thinks he has an idea why Beasley is depressed. In one word: marijuana. A recent twit-pic showed Beasley with what appeared to be baggies of pot in the corner of the photo. John sees a link between Beasley and troubled point guard Stephon Marbury who also went public with his “issues” some feel are linked to dope. Another reason is the public has far more access now thanks to Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks that didn’t exist ten years ago.

Wednesday Ash returns.

We’ll be joined by ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian at 3:25, Cardinals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson, and Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris.

Edge signs with NFC West team

Published on August 25, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A…

Gambo flew solo with Ash on vacation.

It’s Over…One of the more talked about NFC Champ Camp battles looks to be over. With an opportunity to make a case to be Kurt Warner’s backup, Brian St. Pierre did little to impress Ken Whisenhunt, and Cardinal fans, Saturday night against the Chargers. Gambo is certain this all but gives the job to Matt Leinart who has proven to be more accurate on, and focused off, the field this preseason. John believes Leinart is now ready to step in and effectively run the offense should the injury bug hit Warner this season.

Too Early to Worry?…Kurt Warner has not played well in the club’s two exhibition games and Gambo seems to be a little concerned. Not only has the Cards’ offense bogged down in the red zone, but seeing Warner toss an interception is never a good thing  - even in the preseason.

We were joined by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby who had one of the Red Birds five sacks Saturday night against San Diego. The Cards will look for their first preseason win Friday when they host the Packers. Dansby said the defense will be even more aggressive this season under first-year defensive coordinator Bill Davis.

The Future at First…The D-backs season is all but over, but don’t tell that to first base prospect Brandon Allen who made his major league debut over the weekend in his hometown of Houston. John loves the trade the D-backs made earlier with the White Sox merely parting with streaky reliever Tony Pena for who they feel will be their first baseman of the future.

A Tough Dilemma…Little-known utility player Ryan Roberts is making a serious push to be the everyday second baseman hitting .291 in around 200 at-bats. Gambo knows Roberts is working hard to cement his spot on the roster and he loves the versatility he brings to the 25-man roster. His only concern is are the D-backs convinced Roberts can play and, more importantly, produce every day?

Insight on the Insight Bowl…The Insight Bowl is stepping up their game and it will only benefit the Valley’s football fans and the local economy. It was announced over the weekend that the bowl will now get higher slotted finishers from the Big 12 and Big 10. Gambo isn’t surprised the Fiesta Bowl people are making this happen (giving more money to each team invited) and knows better teams will draw more fans to Phoenix.

The Little Big Guy…Rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling had his coming out party Saturday night breaking long kickoff returns which eventually led to Cardinal field goals. Gambo feels LSH is now a lock to make the team because of his return and other special teams skill. This could spell the end for Pro-Bowler Sean Morey who’s in his own roster battle with fan favorite Lance Long who continues to catch everything in practice and during the teams two exhibition games.

20 Dark Years…Monday marked the 20th anniversary of Pete Rose being banned from baseball. Gambo knows Charlie Hustle did exactly the opposite baseball wanted him to (stay away from Vegas, the dog track, etc) in hopes of getting him into Cooperstown. John is tired of the topic because he knows people have, and will continue to, be split on whether Rose should be let into the Hall of Fame.

Back in Business…Former Cardinal Edgerrin James is back in the NFL and will likely make a return to Phoenix this fall as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Gambo believes, with little depth at running back, Edge is will fit in well on Jim Mora’s squad. The Seahawks are coming off a disappointing season and with a new-look offense. John is certain James will bring his “A-Game” for the two inner-division games against Cards and could be the “x-factor” if the Seahawks are to compete for the NFC West title.

Tuesday we’ll be joined by D-backs skipper A.J. Hinch at 3:00 and Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris.

Returning to the Nest

Published on August 21, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Return to the Nest…The Cardinals are back at the University Stadium Saturday night taking on the Chargers in their pre-season home opener. This will be the first time the Red Birds have played a home game since beating the Eagles. Ash knows Cardinal fever has hit the Valley-especially with several thousands people watching a summer scrimmage in Flagstaff. John thinks the Cards, similar to the Suns, have a four-year window for success and he expects more this season with a repeat trip to the Super Bowl certainly not out of the question.

How Much Has Changed?…The Cards are creeping closer to the regular season and Gambo feels, for the most part, the position pieces are in place for success on both sides of the ball. John has been impressed with new corner Bryant McFadden and second-year defensive end Calais Campbell who will both be starting this season. Mark knows this is a confident team with high (Super Bowl champion) expectations. The biggest question is can this team handle the inflated expectations in 2009.

We caught up with University of Arizona head football coach Mike Stoops who previewed the Wildcats season and discussed the upcoming UA alumni kickoff lunch at the Biltmore Saturday, August 29th at 12:30. $50 tickets are still available at www.arizonaalumni.com. Stoops said Willie Tuitama’s replacement at quarterback has yet to be determined between Matt Scott and Michigan State transfer Nick Foles.

Thanks, But No Thanks…Nationwide sporting goods store Dick’s will not carry any Michael Vick jerseys in any of their 400 franchised stores. While others have had no problem stocking their shelves, Dick’s is taking a stand and G&A applaud them for it. The same can’t be said for the NFL who will be releasing Michael Vick jerseys for your dog for the low, low price of $39.99. G&A feel the NFL are being total hypocrites. Mark feels the issue is still far too sensitive to go down that road.

Seeing Red…The Cardinals are gaining popularity around the world, both on the field, and with the fans, in terms of merchandise sales. Larry Fitzgerald’s jersey is the 14th-most popular in the NFL, while Kurt Warner’s is 21st. The guys know the Cardinals break through Super Bowl run has propelled the club’s popularity to unseen heights. Mark was stunned when Gambo told him Jay Culter was the most popular selling jersey around and believes Fitz will eventually become the most popular pro athlete in Arizona because he is “one of our own”-unlike Steve Nash, Randy Johnson, and other stars who started their pro careers elsewhere.

Steamed Rice…Recently inducted HOF’er Jim Rice was the latest baseball legend to take a shot at the mystique surrounding today’s modern stars. John says all the players he mentioned (Manny Ramirez, A-Rod) fall into the category of poor role models, but the same can’t be said for squeaky-clean Derek Jeter who has always played the game the right way. Mark isn’t shocked another “old schooler” has stepped forward and vented their frustration to the myriad of problems surrounding today’s players.

Lost his Edge?…The Cardinals are playing, but former running back Edgerrin James isn’t. Edge is still looking for work, along with established vets Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks, and Marvin Harrison. The guys are stunned a running back-strapped team hasn’t taken a flier on James. Gambo is certain he wants to keep playing, even for around $1 million a year. Mark is stunned Harrison is out of work because “older” wide receivers can still put up productive numbers in the right system.

Giving something back

Published on August 20, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what happened Thursday on G&A…

Take Your Pitch, I Mean Pick…Gambo reported D-backs starter Jon Garland has cleared waivers joining Doug Davis as possible trade bait that didn’t generate enough interest from teams around the league. The Diamondbacks are going to likely re-sign one of the two free-agents-to-be. Ash would be shocked if Davis lowers his reported asking price, 2-years, $25 million, and feels Garland is a better long-term option than the lefty Davis. John is thinking the Snakes will offer one a possible 2-year deal.

We were joined by San Diego Chargers second-year cornerback and former UA All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner Antoine Cason who previewed their pre-season game against the Cards Saturday night in Glendale. He finished his rookie year with 74 tackles and 2 interceptions and said anything less than a Super Bowl appearance will be a disappointment to the Bolts.

Giving Something Back…Cards wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is re-structuring his deal to help free up some additional cap space for General Manager Rod Graves. Ash thinks this could lead to a re-worked deal for fellow Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin. Gambo knows a new contract for franchise-tagged linebacker Karlos Dansby is unlikely, but Graves would be smart to re-work a deal for Boldin and Fitz as both are cornerstone players, with Fitzgerald being the best wideout in the game.

Off to Prison…Former Giants receiver and Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress is off to jail for two years after pleading guilty to gun charges in New York. Gambo thinks Plax is lucky because he didn’t hurt himself, and more importantly, someone else when his gun went off in a Manhattan Club. Ash feels the penalty is too harsh-especially when Mike Vick brutally murdered dozens of dogs and a drunk Dante Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian in South Beach-both served less prison time than Burress. Gambo says the law is simple in New York: carrying an unlicensed gun in a public place that serves alcohol is a big no-no.

Walking in Memphis…The Memphis Tigers and now former coach John Calipari were stripped of 38 victories and their Final Four appearance last year after the NCAA ruled the Tigers used an ineligible player-some guy named Derrick Rose. Ash feels the luckiest person in all this is UA AD Jim Livengood who pursued Tim Floyd, Rick Pitino, and Calipari but “settled” for Sean Miller who has already lured a number of high-profile recruits to Tucson.

A Winter in the Dominican…D-back Conor Jackson, who has suffered from Valley Fever much of the season, may be headed to the Dominican to play winter ball after the season if his health improves, according to Gambo. The guys feel sympathy towards the popular Co-Jack who now is battling for his roster-spot life in what’s expected to be a crowded 2010 outfield. Both agree Valley Fever is no laughing matter when it takes its toll on even the most fit professional athletes like Jackson.

Tainted Championship…After word got out that Memphis’ 2008 Final Four appearance was scratched from the record books, Gambo & Ash confirmed, thru an independent consulting firm, Doug & Wolf are no longer the 2008 Bracket Beatdown Challenge Champions. D&W had the Tigers making a deep March Madness run. Reached during the show, Sports 620 KTAR Commissioner Dave Burns would not confirm the reports, only saying the investigation “is on-going.”

We caught up with Cardinals rookie running back LaRod Stephens-Howling who discussed NFC Champ Camp and how he envisions his role in the offense. The seventh-round pick from Pitt has impressed the Cards’ coaching staff with his versatility and special teams play.

Friday we’ll be joined by UA head football coach Mike Stoops at 1:40

Wells hurting again

Published on August 19, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here is what went down Wednesday on Gambo & Ash

Minnesota Vikings great Fran Tarkenton ripped the newest Viking Brett Favre. Fran sounds like he is really tired of Favre’s shtick. Gambo does not believe that Tarkenton is jealous of the Vikings QB.

G&A caught up with Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt to discuss getting ready for the regular season, how the roster is starting to shape up, and building on last year’s success.

“Beanie” Wells hurt his ankle again last night. Ash isn’t worried yet and still believes that Wells can have an impact on the team this year. The guys debated how many tight ends the team will keep. Ben Patrick is suspended for the first 4 games which makes the decision more difficult. The other TE’s fighting for roster spots are Stephen Spach, Dominque Byrd, Anthony Becht, and Leonard Pope.

Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin joined the guys to talk about the differences between this off-season and last off-season, his relationship with his teammates, how he and Fitz push each other to be great.

We were joined by our baseball insider Tim Kurkjian from ESPN who will share his thoughts on the latest Diamondback news including Mark Reynolds impressive season, the National League Wild Card race, and everything else making headlines around baseball.

The return of Favre

Published on August 18, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Favre Returns…Brett Favre decided to come out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a two year contract worth $25 million. Ash is fed up with hearing about Brett Favre. Gambo thinks that Favre is one of the most selfish athletes of all time. Brett Favre will start Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

We were joined by Cards’ wide receiver Lance Long who has impressed in OTA’s and here at training camp as he looks to land a roster spot among a talented group of receivers with the Cards.

Who Gets Cut? The guys debated whether Leonard Pope and Alan Branch will make the Cardinals roster. Gambo thinks Pope is going to have a tough time with Ben Patrick and Anthony Becht almost locks to make the team. Ash can not believe how far Alan Branch has fallen. When he left Michigan most experts had him going in the top 10, he fell to the Cardinals in the second round and now could get released.

Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes joined us on The AJ Hinch Show to share his thoughts on the road trip which continues later today in Philadelphia against the Phillies.

Second-year Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell will talk about taking over the starting spot in place of the departed Antonio Smith.

Birds in Flight

Published on August 15, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on Gambo & Ash…

Birds in Flight…The Red Birds opened their 2009 exhibition season Thursday losing to the Super Bowl Champion Steelers in Pittsburgh.  Ash was relieved no major injuries occurred and Matt Leinart stepped up in his camp battle with fellow back-up Brian St. Pierre.  Gambo took away some positives, but knows the Red Birds have to work out some kinks (like a fumbled punt by Antrel Rolle and a missed safety by Calais Campbell).  The guys expect much sharper play on both sides of the ball when the Cards host the Chargers Saturday in Glendale.

Early Winner…Matt Leinart looked good relieving Kurt Warner in the second quarter and engineering a scoring drive just before halftime.  Brian St. Pierre wasn’t as successful, but suffered from poor pass protection and dropped passes while working mainly with the third-team offense on Thursday.  Ash thought St. Pierre’s third-quarter interception won’t be forgotten anytime soon by Ken Whisenhunt and his staff.  Gambo feels Leinart will be Kurt Warner’s back-up once the regular season starts.  John isn’t concerned so much about wins and losses in the pre-season, but wants to see improvement and depth developed on the offensive line.

“Hide Your Beagle, Vick’s An Eagle”…Michael Vick is back in the NFL as the newest member of the Philadelphia Eagles.  Gambo is stunned the Eagles were able to keep the story away from the media before ESPN broke the story Thursday night during the Cards-Steelers game.  Ash likes the addition for Philly because Andy Reid can use him in short yardage situations and as a run-pass option near the goal line, as well.  Gambo thinks the Eagles feel Vick is the missing piece to a Super Bowl Championship and could take some snaps away from starting signal-caller Donovan McNabb.

A Risk…Gambo isn’t certain Vick is the answer in Philly.  Ron Mexico hasn’t played a down of NFL football since 2006.  The guys debated if the Eagles will pick up Vick’s second-year, $5.2 million option for 2010.  Mark feels Vick will be on his best behavior for the strong-willed Eagles who have a well-respected owner and head coach.  John is shocked he is back in the NFL after initially saying he would never make it back to the league just before beginning his jail sentence.

Madden Madness…OK, football season is officially here…not because the NFL pre-season is underway, but because, with Cards’ Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald on the cover, Madden 2010 from EA Sports hit the shelves at 12:01AM Friday morning.  The guys laugh that people waited in lines most of last night just to get their hands on the most popular sports video game.

More Problems…Rick Pitino is back in hot water.  Although the Louisville head coach has come clean with his affair back in 2003.  The latest allegations from his mistress, Karen Sypher, claim Pitino paid his former equipment manager Tim Sypher to marry her in hopes of making the story go away.  Gambo is certain this story has no ending and more dirty details from Pitino’s past could be made public sooner rather than later.  Mark is certain something happened, but questions the sincerity of Karen Sypher - who’s checkered past has come into question since the story originally surfaced a few months ago.  Both concur Pitino is a power player and that could determine future events following the saga.

We were joined by our ESPN NFL analyst MARK SCHLERETH from ESPN.  He shared his thoughts on the Cards pre-season opener Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the play of Matt Leinart, and Michael Vick’s new team, the Philadelphia Eagles.  “Stink” expects the Red Birds to repeat as NFC West Champs and said he was shocked the Eagles took a flier on Vick and only time will tell how the situation will play out in Philly.

Monday we’ll follow day baseball in Atlanta.

 
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