Author: David Shama

It’s expected that Randy Foye will be the Timberwolves representative at the NBA draft lottery in New York on May 22 in Secaucus, New Jersey. 

Tony Dungy, the former Gopher quarterback and Vikings assistant coach who was in Minneapolis last night to speak at the University of Minnesota’s annual alumni celebration, has been named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. 

Vikings second round pick Sidney Rice talking on draft weekend about the possibility of becoming a starting wide receiver:  “There’s no telling. I’m going to come in and give 100% and be ready to go when I get there. I’m going to fight for a starting position, and I’m not going to count myself out.” 

Former Gopher Thomas Vanek, 23, is turning heads in the NHL.  During the regular season, his second in the league, he led Buffalo in goals with 43.  In the playoffs he’s already scored five goals for the Sabres, a Stanley Cup favorite. 

Ralph Jon Fritz, a WCCO TV sportscaster for parts or all of five decades, is host of the Out N’ About show seen at 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays on Ch. 4.  Fritz makes 18 shows per year with 54 segments. 

St. Thomas won its fourth consecutive MIAC softball tournament championship last weekend and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. St. Thomas junior pitcher Maria Bye was named the tournament MVP. Bye pitched 12 1/3 innings during the playoffs, allowing only one earned run and six hits. She finished the tournament with a 0.57 ERA and 12 strikeouts. As a hitter, Bye was five for eight (.625 average) with five runs batted in.  

Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners recently there’s a possibility his franchise will acquire another team’s No. 1 pick for the 2007 NBA draft in June.  The Timberwolves already own a No. 1 pick and their position in the draft will be determined by the NBA lottery on May 22. 

The beleaguered Wolves had a 32-50 record last season, the team’s worst since 1996.  The club needs changes to slow fan apathy and contend for the playoffs next season and beyond. 

“We’re leaving all options open,” Taylor said.  While there may be just a few teams willing to sell a No. 1 pick, the Wolves’ owner said a trade could also bring an extra first round choice to his team.  A team might be persuaded to part with its No. 1 pick for $3 million to $5 million.  Not having to pay $8 million or so to a No. 1 draft choice represents a nice savings, too. 

With about two-thirds of the roster having players that are either guards or small forwards, Taylor admitted he wants to acquire “fairly tall players,” adding such draftees need physical strength, too.  The idea is to find rebounding and defensive help for the Wolves’ primary physical players, 7-foot-1 Kevin Garnett and 6-foot-7 Craig Smith. 

Fred Hoiberg, the Wolves assistant general manager, is impressed with the quality of potential players in the draft, including college underclassmen.  Those players need to remain eligible for the draft, rather than opt to return to school, to make the 2007 draft class as good later as it looks now.  “It’s a very deep draft both domestic and international,” Hoiberg said.  

Taylor said he will be more involved than in the past regarding draft and trade decisions this off-season.  As much as he wants to improve his team, the Wolves “won’t change, just to change.” 

Taylor said he doesn’t have the final figure but the franchise’s financial loss for last season will be “substantial,” in the range of “$10 million to $15 million.”  He’s budgeting for a loss next season, too.

It’s not breaking news but Twins catcher Joe Mauer is going to be a great “catch” for a young woman.  The 24-year-old hometowner with the good looks and long sideburns was featured as one of America’s Most Eligible Bachelors on the “Extra” TV show last Friday.   

His nature is shy and modest but Mauer admitted on the show that “fans have come to the park” asking for marriage.  No deals yet but he’s an unbiased scout who likes blondes and brunettes, and might even go for someone who doesn’t like baseball.   

“Extra” listed his specs including 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, “dimpled smile, baby blues” and “super cute.”  Throw in his $4 million salary and four houses and this guy becomes an easy sell.   

Values?  “Extra” reported that Mauer has a “humble heart” and wants to be married.  “I think I’ll be a great husband,” he told viewers.  “I am pretty easy going.  I am a big family guy.  Family comes first for me.” 

Mauer applicants can go to www.extratv.com and “pen” their thoughts as to why they rate a date with the local hero.  Although you might hit a “home run,” there’s no guarantee you’ll get to “first base.” 

His parents, Jake and Teresa, told Sports Headliners on Sunday that their son doesn’t have a steady girl friend.   

Mauer, who signed a $33 million contract earlier this year, recently informed his parents they can retire from their jobs.  Jake and Teresa said they are targeting late summer or fall to begin retirement. 

Mauer’s focus now is on recovering from a strained left quad muscle that has him unable to play for at least two weeks.  He’s among the American League batting leaders hitting .353.