Author: David Shama

David Shama is a former sports editor and columnist with local publications. His writing and reporting experiences include covering the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Gophers. Shama’s career experiences also include sports marketing. He is the former Marketing Director of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. He is also the former Marketing Director of the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section. A native of Minneapolis, Shama has been part of the community his entire life. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he majored in journalism. He also has a Master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He was a member of the Governor’s NBA’s Task Force to help create interest in bringing pro basketball to town in the 1980s.

U Deserves More ‘Love’ from Media

Posted on August 8, 2021August 9, 2021 by David Shama

Most media authorities are respectful but not excited about the season ahead for the Golden Gophers. Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern are consistently predicted to finish ahead of Minnesota in the Big Ten West. Top 25 national rankings? Not for the Gophers.

Minnesota, though, is positioned to surprise. The Gophers can match or exceed most Big Ten rivals in the number of returning starters. If quarterback is the most important position in college football, the Gophers boast Tanner Morgan now in his fifth year with the program. Offensive and defensive lines also determine outcomes of games and Minnesota’s lines have experience and depth. The Gophers also have one of the nation’s best running backs in Mohamed Ibrahim.

The Gophers have prove-it positions like wide receiver and linebacker to answer but coach P.J. Fleck’s team has the look of a surprise West Division champion. After an 11-2 season in 2019, Minnesota fell back to 3-4 in the year (2020) of COVID. That record and Minnesota’s defensive woes in the early part of the schedule have impacted predictions of media reps from newspapers, magazines and online.

But that was last year, a season in which the Gophers lost two games by a total of four points and saw the defense improve in November and December. Minnesota, with minimal spring and fall practice time and trying to replace defensive stars from the 2019 team, struggled for awhile last year but got better under the direction of its talented defensive coordinator, Joe Rossi.

Rossi has a line that has added transfer Nyles Pinckney from Clemson and Val Martin from North Carolina State. Boye Mafe, a gifted pass rusher, is a potential All-Big Ten defensive end. The other defensive end, Esezi Otomeow, is a sleeper talent who could do big things. There are several other d-linemen who can play and collectively give the Gophers a steady rotation to keep fresh players on the field.

Based on spring practice Morgan acknowledged the defensive line improvement. “There’s a lot of guys that can make a lot of plays,” he said.

Fleck and his players believe they can beat anyone on their schedule, including Big Ten bully Ohio State with its many gifted players. Because of Minnesota’s talent and experience, Fleck said the program has a “players-led team.” Veteran receiver Chris-Autman Bell describes the Gophers as “super connected.” Mafe said that because of COVID last year it was difficult to bond, but the “chemistry” is much better now.

The coaches and players have stuck together during difficult times. Minnesota’s number of players transferring out of the program ranks among the lowest in the Big Ten during 2020 and 2021, despite the social unrest in the city and other parts of the country. The coaching staff has also remained stable.

“I think one of the big words for this team on the field (in 2021) is consistency and how we play,” Fleck said. “Last year I didn’t think we played consistent enough for a lot of reasons, starting with me.”

In 2020 Minnesota’s inexperience on defense and special teams was problematic. COVID limited practice time and preparation, and sometimes there was unexpected confusion on the field. For the Nebraska game, the Gophers had more than 30 players missing because of COVID but still won the game. This fall the pandemic could be less impactful and Minnesota will take the field with more experience including on special teams where two transfers with prior college success plan to make the field goal and extra point production considerably better. “We know we’re going to have to win really close games,” Fleck said.

The Gophers intend to do just that, with Morgan noting internal expectations for the season are far more optimistic than those of media authorities.

Worth Noting

Last week Fleck acknowledged past recruiting misjudgments. Although he didn’t name units, presumably the transfers from other programs last offseason were corrective moves in the defensive line, linebacker and kicker units. He remains committed to building his program with players just out of high school.

Gopher transfers include Martin, Pinckney, linebacker Jack Gibbens (Abilene Christian) and kickers Will Mobley (Temple) and Matthew Trickett (Kent State).

Newcomer of the year in Dinkytown? Defensive tackle Pinckney was a captain at Clemson and is likely determined to have a breakout final college season to position himself for the NFL Draft. Another candidate is true freshman cornerback Justin Walley, who impressed in the spring after early enrollment at the U and following a prep career where he was named Mississippi Mr. Football.

In a state long known for its successful businesses, name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes has the potential to be a positive for the Gophers. Coaches, though, can’t orchestrate paying of players because of NCAA policy and it will require leaders in the business community to show interest in compensating Gophers for their NIL.

For now it sounds like whatever NIL money comes to the Gophers, will be spread around. Ibrahim, who could be a Heisman Trophy candidate this fall, is committed to sharing. “…Any money that’s coming in is definitely going to get split with my five, six, seven, eight offensive linemen,” he said.

Speculation, including from a Sports Headliners source, is North Dakota State wants to join a soon to be revamped Big 12 Conference after the defections of Oklahoma and Texas. Jumping from FCS to a Power Five Conference will be a reality check for the football Bison who have built much of their success with rosters filled with Minnesotans.

Happy 85th birthday today to former Gopher quarterback and assistant coach Dick Larson. The charismatic Minneapolis native remains active in the work place running Integrity Wealth Management in St. Paul.

Herb Brooks, who tragically died in an auto accident August 11, 2003, would have been 84 last Thursday. The legendary former Gophers and Olympic hockey coach is still missed by countless friends and admirers. A master coach and a person of the highest character.

Former Gophers wide receiver Adam Mayer is working for Palo Alto-based Archer, and is recruiting and hiring engineers for flight, aeronautics and computer systems. Dad Barry Mayer was a starting running back on Gopher teams in the late 1960s.

The reservation deadline is Monday for the Football Hall of Fame Banquet coming up this Friday at the DoubleTree Hotel in St. Louis Park. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and tickets can be ordered via www.mnfootballcoaches.com

Hall of Fame Inductees from the high school division are: Bill D. Bailey, Starbuck; Richard Robinson, Minneapolis North and Karl Deis, Mora. College Division inductees are: Mike Plinske, Bethel University and Terry Horan, Concordia College.

Butch Nash Assistant Coach Award winners for 2020 are: Jeff Boonstra, NLS; Joe Coenen, Chanhassen; Todd Hamer, Lakeville North; Mark Harris, Stillwater; Kevin Hulke, Minnesota Valley Lutheran; Gregory Johnson, Verndale; John Kyvig, Andover; Matthew Nelson, Kasson-Mantorville; Daniel Svoboda, GSL; Andrew Stephenson, Spring Lake Park; Michael Wenninger, Luverne.

Several other award winners will be announced Friday including the State Coach of the Year.

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Twins GM Levine: Club Not Rebuilding

Posted on August 3, 2021August 3, 2021 by David Shama

Multiple trades last month, including departing headliners Jose Berrios and Nelson Cruz, left Minnesota Twins fans wondering if the club front office is signaling a rebuild for a team that is currently a disappointing 44-62 this season and in last place in the AL Central Division.

General manager Thad Levine told Sports Headliners rebuilding is not the direction of the franchise that this spring was a favorite to win a third consecutive division title. “Our intent is to maintain our competitiveness. We think we’ve been a force in the American League Central the last handful of seasons. We expect to do that moving forward as well.”

Trades last month by Levine and executive VP Derek Falvey focused on prospects, not proven MLB talent. Pitchers dominated the new talent crop, along with highly hyped infielder-outfielder Austin Martin.

“We are not in a rebuild mode,” Levine said. “I think if we had been you would have seen a very different complexion to the trading deadline as we had a number of assets…players that could have drawn a ton of interest in the game. I think if anything, I would clarify it for a little bit more of a retool where we were making adjustments on the fly.

“No one expected the season we just had. But rather than just being muddled and confounded with what transpired and inactive at the deadline, I think we took an opportunity to add to what we feel is already a strong farm system to better position ourselves for 2022 and beyond.

“Painful decisions without question, in terms of departing with a guy like Jose Berrios, in terms of parting with a leader like Nelson Cruz. But I do think there’s an obligation we have to fans, (and) the players to try to build for the future when we’re not winning at the present. So we took advantage of that, but we think the core of this team has a chance to be very competitive in 2022 and beyond.”

Martin had been ranked the Toronto Blue Jays’ second best prospect and 16th overall in baseball, per Mlb.com. He has been assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge, Minnesota’s Double-A affiliate. He was activated today.

As a college player in 2019 at Vanderbilt, Martin hit .392 and helped Vandy to the NCAA championship. When the Twins acquired him last Friday he was batting .281 (55-for-196) with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 16 RBI, 43 runs scored and 37 walks. He had a .424 on-base percentage and an .807 OPS in 55 games for Double-A New Hampshire. This is his first season of professional baseball.

In college and professional baseball he has shown scouts exceptional knowledge of the strike zone and making contact with the baseball. “Those are fundamental skills that are exceptionally valuable to major league hitters,” Levine said. “We believe the power will come with him. …”

The 6-foot, 185-pound Martin has the athleticism to play multiple positions in the majors, perhaps even shortstop. Levine said Martin is not “preordained” by the Twins to any position yet and the organization will go through an assessment process in the weeks and months ahead. He is listed as an outfielder on the Wind Surge roster. “He actually will have the opportunity to fill a variety of holes when he gets here,” Levine said.

The Twins GM is appreciative of Martin’s versatility in the field but said, “The best position we think he has is being in the batter’s box and hitting good pitching.”

Worth Noting

Right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson, another top 100 prospect acquired from the Blue Jays, is pitching for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics and will later join Martin in Wichita. His Olympic teammate, right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan who was acquired in the Cruz deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, will be assigned to Triple-A St. Paul. Right-hander Drew Strotman, also part of the Rays deal, is already on the St. Paul roster.

It was 20 years ago last Sunday that Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer died. He collapsed from exertional heatstroke in training camp on July 31, 2001 and passed away the next day. The Vikings are honoring his memory including partnering with the NFL Foundation and the Korey Stringer Institute to create the Korey and Kelci Stringer Athletic Training Scholarship with an initial $50,000 endowment.

Prominent Minneapolis attorney and former Minnesota Daily sports editor Marshall Tanick wrote in a Minnpost.com article last week about how Stringer’s death changed protocols in the NFL. “It prompted changes in the game, how it is played and monitored, and the team, but not the law,” Tanick wrote in his story that makes reference to lawsuits and legal precedent.

Word is the Vikings are hoping for a crowd of 20,000 at Saturday afternoon’s scrimmage open to fans at U.S. Bank Stadium. An adult ticket is $20, with a $10 cost for those 17 and younger (children under 36 inches admitted free). The practice begins at noon, with activities and promotions available for fans outside the stadium prior to watching the Vikings.

Target attendance is 45,000 for the recently announced U.S. Bank Stadium game September 2, 2023 between FCS powers North Dakota State and Eastern Washington. NDSU has nearly 15,000 alums in the metro area and 26,000 in the state of Minnesota, per a news release. A 2019 game between the Bison and Butler drew a crowd of 34,544 to Target Field.

The football Golden Gophers open their 2023 schedule at home August 31, playing Big Ten opponent Nebraska.

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck didn’t identify the players but said today those who have been sidelined will make their way back to practice in different phases this month. Minnesota opens training camp Wednesday.

Dave Matter, writing yesterday for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, speculated Gophers AD Mark Coyle could be a candidate for the vacancy at Missouri. Matter writes that Missouri may want to hire an existing AD from a Power Five conference and someone with SEC experience. Coyle has been an AD at three schools including Minnesota and he was once deputy athletics director at Kentucky, an SEC member.

Ken Novak Sr. enriched so many lives as a high school basketball coach, his legacy will endure for a long time. The legendary Hopkins High School figure passed away last week. Condolences to his family and many friends.

Patrick Mader, the author of two books on Minnesota Olympians, is promoting a Zoom event next Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. He will present a slide show about the rich history of Minnesota Olympians, and then be joined by former Olympians who will talk about their experiences. More at http://patrickmader.com.

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Berrios Trade May Help Keep Buxton

Posted on August 1, 2021 by David Shama

The Twins made a significant payroll dump Friday, trading away starting pitchers Jose Berrios and JA Happ. Their 2021 salaries are $4,142,980 and $5,204,285, per MLB payroll authority Spotrac.com.

Happ, 38, had a questionable future with the club but the 27-year-old Berrios was a foundational talent if he was willing to stay in Minnesota beyond the 2022 season. Front office executives Derek Falvey and Thad Levine decided the uncertainty of signing Berrios to a long-term deal starting with the 2023 season wasn’t worth losing the opportunity to acquire two of the Toronto Blue Jays’ best prospects.

After the 2022 season Berrios, who was Minnesota’s best starter, is on track to command a contract over $100 million. Before the trade, Falvey and Levine faced the prospect of Berrios and center fielder Byron Buxton both having new deals in 2023 for more than $100 million each, plus incentives to earn more.

Buxton, also 27, reportedly is more amenable to staying with the Twins after team control ends following the 2022 season. Although the oft-injured Buxton goes through stretches where he is sidelined more than being in the lineup, he has flashed superstar potential with his hitting, fielding and running the bases. The Twins are in a historically difficult place with the Buxton negotiations, trapped between his career history of physical woes but tantalized by performances that draw comparisons to baseball’s best player, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.

Two years ago New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks, a former Twin, signed a reported seven-year $70 million deal. Hicks is a poor man’s Buxton. The Twins will try to lock up Buxton with a deal that includes incentives for playing in a certain number of games, or plate appearances. That could be a hang-up with Buxton and his advisors who are positioned to ask for sizeable guaranteed money—perhaps five-years, $110 million.

Negotiations will happen during the offseason with Buxton. He earns $5,125,000 this season, per Spotrac.com. That payroll authority also lists the $7,897,884 salary of DH Nelson Cruz, who was recently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. If the Twins brought back Berrios, Cruz and Happ in 2022, on similar deals as this season, that totals about $17 million.

In the next offseason the team is likely to part with 31-year-old shortstop Andrelton Simmons who has a one-year deal at $10,500,000. Starting pitcher Michael Pineda, 32, makes $10 million this season but with unrestricted free agent status in the offseason he might be another payroll savings. Reliever Alex Colome, a first-year bust with Minnesota, is making $5 million in 2021 and unlikely to return. Other Twins like Max Kepler (due $6,750,000 in 2022, per Spotrac) could be expendable. The grand prize of payroll reduction is if the Twins find another franchise willing to take on third baseman Josh Donaldson’s deal paying him $21 million next year.

The point is the Twins, historically careful with high salaries, are potentially looking at a much reduced payroll the next couple years and they now may feel more comfortable about offering Buxton a new contract he will sign. Whether Buxton is worth a mega-deal to a franchise that fans are worried is headed for reset mode in 2022 and beyond is another question. Certainly securing Buxton for years to come will help the organization’s image and ticket sales. But Buxton and a ho-hum supporting cast won’t produce championships. Trout’s Angels have been mediocre for a long time and can only dream of playing in the World Series.

It takes a roster of high performers to win championships and no team goes deep into October without pitching. Falvey and Levine substantiated that need in their flurry of trades late last week when six of the seven new players acquired were pitchers.

Worth Noting

Austin Martin, 22, the infielder-outfielder acquired from Toronto in the Berrios deal, could be Buxton’s successor in center field if the veteran leaves Minnesota either by trade or free agency. Martin has been ranked the Jays’ second best prospect and 16th overall in baseball, per Mlb.com.

Joe Ryan, acquired this summer from the Rays for Cruz, is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA as a starting pitcher for Team USA in the Olympics. The Americans have now advanced into the medal round.

Best player from the Twins organization ever to play for the U.S. in the Olympics? Jacque Jones, 1996.

Condolences to family and friends of Tom Duffy of Minneapolis, who passed away in late July. Retired from IBM, Tom was the second person Hollis Cavner hired to help run the 3M Championship Tournament in 1992. Tom told Cavner he would work for one year in sales and marketing, but stayed for 19.

Cavner said he learned a lot from Tom including how to deal with people. “He is one of the finest gentlemen I ever met in my life,” Cavner said.

Expectations are Cavner’s 2021 3M Open Tournament will gift a minimum of $1.5 million to charity. The figure is in line with previous years.

Next year’s 3M Open will be July 18-24 and again following the British Open. Cavner likes that positioning and hopes for it indefinitely because he sees top players wanting to play here, and then taking a break for the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Big Ten men’s basketball coaches like to brag on their league but the players aren’t doing much to captivate NBA scouts. In the last two NBA drafts only two conference players have been selected in the first round, Maryland’s Jalen Smith in 2020 and Michigan’s Franz Wagner in 2021.

No Big Ten team has won an NCAA title since Michigan State in 2000.

Congratulations to Edina resident and prominent Minnesota businessman Ron Leafblad on his upcoming induction September 10 into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. Leafblad was a tight end on the 1963 UW Rose Bowl team and captained the 1964 squad. The Chicago-area native has been an exemplary supporter of UW through the years including with the school’s alumni association and letter winners club. He was a student representative of the Athletic Board while in school. He and his wife Diane have generously donated funds to assist academics, football and alumni efforts at UW.

Leafblad is the owner of a diverse group of companies whose products range from retail apparel to corporate uniforms, and from website development and fulfillment to precision parts for the computer and medical equipment industries. His Gold Country business has for several years been part of the Sports Headliners group of advertisers.

Scheels in Eden Prairie has been promoting an appearance today by University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck. A $50 ticket at the meet and greet includes an autographed copy of his new book, Row the Boat, with proceeds benefiting the U Masonic Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Former Minnesota North Stars Neal Broten and Mike Modano have scheduled signings at Scheels Eden Prairie August 14 and 21.

It looks like WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle, the much listened to Sunday show that started in 1981 and aired through early 2020, won’t be returning to the air.

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