If the Vikings are winning games and Adrian Peterson is making lots of big plays, the rookie running back could be on his way next fall to becoming the most popular sports figure in this town since Kirby Puckett of the Twins.
The Sporting News rates the Vikings’ Kevin and Pat Williams as the best defensive tackle pair in the NFC. The publication describes them as “arguably the NFL’s best running stop duo.”
Here’s a popular view on 30-year-old Randy Moss: his physical skills have diminished but coach Bill Belichick will be so smart about how he uses Moss that he’ll receive enough production out of the controversial former Viking to make New England’s trade acquisition from Oakland worthwhile.
The NBA Draft Lottery will be Tuesday, May 22 at the NBA Entertainment studio in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Timberwolves hope to improve on their No. 7 position.
The last three NBA MVP awards have been won by foreign players, Canada’s Steve Nash (twice) and Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki. The influx of European players will grow but what’s really interesting is the development of players in China. The world’s most populous country may be exporting many players in the next 10 years including a “young Pete Maravich.”
My proposed name of Wheaties Field for the downtown baseball stadium drew some support from Twins players but they were more ready to express concerns about playing outside in cold weather during April.
The Twins have been running a fan poll on their web site asking whether Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer or Mike Redmond should be the No. 3 hitter in the lineup while Joe Mauer is on the disabled list.
Kent Hrbek’s Tales from the Minnesota Twins Dugout is a new book by the former Twins first baseman. He will autograph copies from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 in the Barnes & Noble store at the Mall of America, according to kenthrbekoutdoors.com.
Brian Lawton, the local player agent, interviewed last week for the Phoenix Coyotes’ general manager position. Lawton was the first American ever drafted No. 1 when the Minnesota North Stars chose him in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
The Minnesota Wild has begun season ticket renewal and historically the rate has been 95%-plus, tops in the NHL.