Both Sporting News Magazine and ESPN The Magazine predict the Twins will win the Central Division in their baseball previews. Twins president Dave St. Peter said he likes former manager Tom Kelly’s philosophy of preferring to be picked lower and “ambushing people.”
Sporting News said the Twins “have a strong rotation, and you never can underestimate a Ron Gardenhire-managed team.” The magazine also wrote to “look out” for 23-year-old left fielder Delmon Young. The publication quoted pitcher Kevin Slowey as saying Young’s “talent is amazing.”
ESPN wrote about the organization’s edict to pitchers throughout the farm system and big league club to throw strikes. ESPN reported the Twins have “ranked first or second in fewest walks allowed in baseball for six consecutive seasons.”
The Twins’ radio rights with Hubbard Broadcasting expire after the 2010 season, while the Vikings’ deal with Clear Channel is up after this coming season. It’s a good guess that CBS and WCCO Radio are paying attention.
Minnesota Monthly’s latest issue includes a feature on Sid Hartman, “The Last Sports Reporter,” https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/April-2009/The-Last-Sports-Reporter/
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference can do a little boasting after Minnesota State (32-2) won the NCAA DII Women’s Basketball National Championship on Friday night against Franklin Pierce. Conference teams have won three national titles this school year, Minnesota State’s championship along with Concordia-St. Paul in volleyball and Minnesota Duluth in football. The conference has six national titles since 2006.
Carleton senior forward Zach Johnson and Bethel senior guard Tim Madson have been named to the D3hoops.com All-American teams. Johnson was a second team selection and Madson a third team choice. Johnson averaged 22.8 points per game, including 22.4 in MIAC games. Madson averaged 18.9 points per game and was the best free throw shooter in the conference, making more than 90 percent of his attempts.