Author: David Shama

A design for the new Twins’ baseball stadium will likely be presented to the public in March or April of next year, according to club president Dave St. Peter. During an interview with Sports Headliners he spoke about various aspects of the stadium project including whether there will be a retractable roof. 

St. Peter expects ground to be broken for the stadium in May or June and the facility will open in 2010.  Although Hennepin County and the Twins made a commitment to build a $522 million (includes financing and infrastructure) open-air stadium earlier this year, there has been ongoing speculation about adding a retractable roof but St. Peter said “there is no secret plan” to do so. 

The expense of a roof would add considerably to the stadium’s cost and has never been part of the current plan.  The Twins, St. Peter said, were given a choice of remaining in the Metrodome or playing in an open-air stadium. 

Based on his research, St. Peter concluded there isn’t a significant inclement weather difference between Minneapolis and other northern major league cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.  St. Peter said the Twins and stadium planners are looking at options for providing protective cover and heat to “as many seats as possible.” 

St. Peter’s enthusiasm about the stadium is evident.  “The ballpark preserves the future of the franchise,” he said.  He expects the 42,000 seat facility to allow the Twins to move from near the bottom in revenues among major league teams to a league average.  While those revenues are important to making the Twins competitive on the field, St. Peter also talked about the consumer benefit of the new stadium.  With seats angled toward the pitcher’s mound, views of the downtown skyline, 21^st century fan enhancements and a superb location with proximity to transportation and hospitality, the Twins expect to play in the new ballpark for 50 to 100 years.  “We’re building a landmark,” St. Peter said. 

St. Peter said the expected increase in revenues from the new ballpark will not figure into the franchise’s budgeting for “at least two years.”  The team’s budget philosophy has been and remains to spend what it earns.  Because revenues increased in 2006, St. Peter expects the player payroll to increase for next season.  Although he didn’t offer any figures, there has been speculation the payroll may increase from an estimated $63 million to perhaps $70 million.    

What will the ballpark be named?  St. Peter said the Twins aren’t rushing to make a decision and want to thoroughly consider the name.  A corporate name is a possibility but not a given, he said, although already “there is no shortage of interest from companies.”

 If you measure a player’s contribution by both skill level and versatility, then Dominic Jones is the Gopher football team’s most valuable player.  After all, what else would you expect from “Mighty Mouse?” 

Jones, a 5-foot-8, 190- pound sophomore, started the season as Minnesota’s strong safety.  Trumaine Banks’ broken left arm sent Jones to cornerback after the Wisconsin game on October 14.  Jones had started as a freshman at safety, impressing everyone with his hard tackling and desire to cover the field to make as many plays as possible.  So how well did Jones adapt to cornerback?  “He’s a better corner than he is a safety,” coach Glen Mason said Sunday on WCCO Radio.

Jones, who is a good fit for the “Mighty Mouse” tag because of his speed, strength and short stature, started seven games as a true freshman last season and also returned punts.  This season he has clearly established himself as one of the team’s best players, covering receivers with skill and rocking ball carriers or receivers with tackles worthy of his nickname.  As both a punt and kickoff return man, he ranked among the 2006 Big Ten Conference leaders in both categories. 

Jones is so versatile Mason has said the former Columbus, Ohio high school star could excel as a running back for the Gophers.

Vikings’ No. 1 draft choice Chad Greenway injured his left knee on August 8 in a pre-season game against the Oakland Raiders and shortly thereafter it was announced Greenway wouldn’t play until next year.  He has been rehabilitating the knee this fall and said recently he probably could play before the season is over but won’t. 

“I am quite a ways ahead (of schedule on rehab). …It’s gone very well (the last three months),” Greenway said.  “Technically, I could push harder and get back.  But there’s no point in pushing it because when you start pushing it you put more stress on the patella and you get tendonitis and stuff. …I will be 100% by mini-camps (next spring) and I will certainly be looking to be 100% within the next month and a half, two months.” 

The rookie linebacker from Iowa, the No. 17 pick in the draft earlier this year, is working hard to regain his explosiveness and lateral movement.  He works on strengthening his legs and balance.   

Greenway injured his right knee in the spring of 2002 in Iowa City and had a major rehabilitation process.  He recovered to play in the fall and during his Iowa career became an All-America linebacker. 

In addition to participating in practice next spring, Greenway is looking forward to golf and perhaps playing every day.  He has a 10 handicap. “It’s not that great but it’s good for me,” he said.