Author: David Shama

The Minnesota Timberwolves may try to buy a 2007 first round draft choice. Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners that acquiring another team’s pick in the June NBA draft through a cash transaction is something he has thought about.

 The Wolves owner said recently it “depends on where we finish” in the draft order as to whether he will further consider purchasing a draft choice.  The Wolves may not have a No. 1 pick because of a deal they made with the Clippers in 2005 sending Sam Cassell to Los Angeles for Marco Jaric.

Where the Wolves will draft is ultimately determined by the NBA’s lottery system. If the Wolves draft 1-10, they retain their No. 1 choice in 2007.  If the pick is lower than No. 10, it goes to the Clippers.   

Finding a seller to buy a pick from is likely to be a challenge since teams covet  number one choices.  But not all NBA teams have equally deep pockets and perhaps a franchise like the New Orleans Hornets might be interested in making a deal for millions in cash.  Hornets’ owner George Shinn reportedly had financial challenges when his team was in Charlotte and now in New Orleans.   

Taylor is determined to improve the Wolves.  The franchise has doubled its scouting staff.  The last two drafts have produced three players, Rashad McCants, Randy Foye and Craig Smith, who have the potential to contribute to a winning nucleus.  McCants and Foye are guards, and Smith is an undersized (6-foot-7) forward.  No doubt the team needs to participate in the draft and find a quality big man, a power forward or center to join Kevin Garnett as the team’s second quality player in the front court. 

Taylor has been evaluating the Wolves at games.  His seat is next to the coaching staff and he couldn’t be any closer to the players.  Taylor said in an earlier interview this is the first year he has sat so near his employees.  The seats became available after last season and he enjoys the up close location allowing him to observe things he wouldn’t otherwise see. Taylor said after awhile the players and coaches “forget about you” (being there).  He makes mental notes about what he observes involving communications, motivation and focus.   He said it’s “helpful when having a business meeting to have my own perspective. …”

If Joe Nathan broke out the customary cigars last week over the birth of his second child, he’s probably holding a few smokes in reserve for another celebration.  A new contract would be cause for an additional special moment in the life of arguably baseball’s best relief pitcher. 

Nathan told Sports Headliners yesterday that “I’d love it” to finish his career as a Minnesota Twin.  Without a new contract, the Twins could lose Nathan after the 2008 season.  Nathan is contractually signed through the 2007 season.  The Twins have the option of picking up his contract for the 2008 season at an already agreed upon salary (made specific as part of the contract he signed in 2005).  If the team doesn’t exercise its option, there is a buyout for an undisclosed amount of money, according to a Twins spokesman. 

Nathan, 32, wants to stay here if a satisfactory contract can be negotiated and has given his agent the okay to continue to pursue a deal.  “I’ve showed interest,” he said.  That interest is based on several factors including the organization’s patience and assistance in helping him develop into a premier relief pitcher.  At the start of this season his 123 saves dating back to 2004 were second among major league relief pitchers to Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, both with 130.  Nathan saved 36 of 38 save opportunities last season and so far in 2007 is three for three. 

He’s also interested in remaining with the Twins because he “loves the city” and is optimistic about the club’s future with so much young talent.  He hopes his agent can complete a deal before the season ends. 

Nathan’s loyalty to the Twins made headlines last week when he was willing to pitch for the team on the day his wife gave birth to their first daughter.  Nathan said although he was “floating that day” he could have focused enough to pitch effectively.   

Compartmentalizing his personal and professional lives is part of Nathan’s success in both.  “Just a matter of separating the two,” he said.   

Even if he has a difficult experience at the ballpark, Nathan keeps a focus on other things at home.  At the ballpark he has a routine that helps him get ready mentally and physically including running and throwing.

Sports Headliners has learned the football Gophers and Northern Illinois have a verbal agreement for the Huskies to play in Minneapolis on August 30, 2008.   A signed contract is expected soon.  That will be Minnesota’s opening game and completes the 2008 schedule.  Other non-conference games will be at Bowling Green, and home against Montana State and Florida Atlantic. 

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, an NHL fan, is picking Buffalo and Detroit to play for the Stanley Cup.   

Wayne Kostroski, co-owner of Minneapolis area restaurants Tejas and Bar Abilene, reports that the 2007 Taste of the NFL raised $550,000 for hunger- related charities.  Kostroski, who volunteers his time as executive director of Taste of the NFL, said the mega annual Super Bowl party is the “only lasting legacy” to the Super Bowl held in Minneapolis in 1992.  The event began here and has now raised $6.6 million for organizations such as food banks.  Called a “party with a purpose,” the 2007 event in south Florida had a record attendance of 3,000 people who enjoyed food from restaurants representing each NFL city. 

Sports enthusiast Tim Murray, co-owner of Murray’s restaurant, will be married on April 21 to Mary Foster, a Minneapolis banker.  The two have known each other since grade school in Golden Valley.  The couple will honeymoon in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas. 

Kickoffs will be from the 30 yard line this season in Division I college football.   Kickoffs were from the 35 yard line last year but will be pushed back five yards to create more returns. 

Concordia College sophomore pitcher Jill Reinert, from Watertown, Minnesota,  struck out 20 batters in Concordia’s 6-3, 12-inning win over Bethel on Friday. That set a school record for most strikeouts in a single game.  The MIAC named Reinert its Softball Pitcher of the Week.