Do the Twins have interest in free agent starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman? He’s had his career ups and downs but the Twins’ starting rotation is unsettled and in need of candidates.
Former Twins first round draft choice Kyle Gibson might be a breakthrough starter in 2011.
Sports Headliners reader Matt Stoneking emailed that the Vikings “probably are about the 20th best team in the NFL as their (6-10) record indicates.” He writes that every loss, except to the 6-10 Lions, was against a team with a better record. Every win, except a victory over the 10-6 Eagles, was versus a team with an equivalent or worse record than Minnesota’s. Seven of 10 losses and one win (the Eagles) were against clubs that made the playoffs.
With an unhappy Devoe Joseph transferring from the Gophers it seemingly becomes easier to understand why his highly sought younger brother, Cory, chose Texas and not Minnesota coming out of high school last year.
Gophers Goal Line club president Bob Hughes emailed that his group will have a “meet and greet” with new coach Jerry Kill on Saturday, January 22 at TCF Bank Stadium. Then on Wednesday, February 2 the group will stage the National Signing Day Social at the Gophers football complex. Kill will preview his 2011 recruiting class and there will be a highlight film. Kill will be the Grand Marshall in the St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade on Saturday, February 5.
Among the Gophers problems in recent seasons has been third down conversions. Last season Minnesota ranked No. 68 in the country in that category while Kill’s former team, Northern Illinois, was No. 7.
Wild assistant general manager Brent Flahr and Houston Aeros head coach Mike Yeo were both recognized in The Hockey News “Top 40 Under 40” list. The list, published in the January 17 issue, recognizes hockey people growing in influence.
The first Campbell/Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s National Team Rankings of 2011 have nine Big Ten teams in the top 75 including Ohio State at No. 4 and Minnesota at No. 33.