Author: David Shama

Tsuyoshi Nishioka’s return to the Twins will provide local fans plenty to talk about.  The Twins’ first year middle infielder is near the end of his rehab from his April broken leg, but instead of rejoining the team as a second baseman he will play shortstop.

Nishioka’s arm strength has been questioned and coming out of spring training the Twins decided to play the 26-year-old native of Japan at second base.  The move to shortstop is expected to make it easier for him to turn double play balls and may allow him more emotional security after breaking his left leg while attempting a double play.

There’s more to the story, though, than Nishioka’s arm strength.  The Twins have won nine of their last 11 games.  Shortstop Alexi Casilla will be headed for second base, when and if, Nishioka is playing shortstop.  Casilla has been playing outstanding shortstop and is hitting much better, improving his average from under .200 earlier in the spring to .264 now.

His frequent double play partner, second baseman Matt Tolbert, has been effective in the field, too.  Both players are key contributors to the team’s new found speed and hustle.

Nishioka was a shortstop in Japan.  Last year he played 144 games at the position.  Back in 2007 he was a Gold Glove winner playing for Chiba Lotte.   But excelling in Japan isn’t the same as playing MLB, the best baseball league in the world.

Do the Twins alter a winning lineup when Nishioka is ready to rejoin the team?  Maybe, but presumably he will have to produce in a hurry for a club that is desperate to get back into the Central Division race before it is too late.  Nishioka is still learning not only major league baseball, but the American culture.  Pressure could understandably bother him more than a more experienced player.

Nishioka has a three year, $9.25 million contract with the Twins, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts website.  That’s the best money deal among club infielders except for Justin Morneau’s $80 million contract.  The Twins may well want to play Nishioka every day to maximize their financial return, but it’s not like the team has been suffering of late without him.

The Twins will make a roster move prior to tonight’s game against Chicago, perhaps adding Nishioka to replace Morneau who went on the disabled list yesterday with a left wrist strain.

New Britain right-hander Liam Hendriks is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for June 4-10.  The Australian native started two games, with a 2-0 record over 13 innings including 10 strikeouts and a 0.69 ERA.

The Twins’ bullpen has allowed just three earned runs in 27.2 innings since June 1.

Harmon Killebrew, who passed away last month, would have been 75 on June 29.  His foundation will have a promotion that day on the Budweiser Roof Deck at Target Field where the Twins will play the Dodgers.  Tickets are $150 and include access to the deck, plus food and beverages for the game.  Net ticket proceeds benefit the Legacy Program of the Harmon Killebrew Foundation. More at www.harmonkillebrewfoundation.org

Former Timberwolves’ head coach Dwane Casey had his profile raised in the NBA Finals.  Casey’s role as a Dallas assistant in helping orchestrate the Mavericks’ zone defense was impressive and a factor in winning the NBA title.  He did an admirable job with the Wolves in a short time, going 20 and 20 (2006-07 season) and seems likely to receive another NBA offer.  But if the Timberwolves replace coach Kurt Rambis, it would be surprising if Casey is considered for the job.

The June 13 issue of Sports Illustrated praised Ricky Rubio in a one page feature comparing the soon-to-be Timberwolf with NBA star Steve Nash’s ability to “draw in defenses” and pass to an open teammate, or finish the play at the basket.  The article also quoted an anonymous scout as saying the 20-year-old Spaniard performs like “he was born to play point guard.”

St. Thomas Academy offensive guard Isaac Hayes is ranked No. 116 among the ESPN-U top 150 senior prep players.  The ESPN.com website reports Hayes hasn’t made a college commitment.

The University of St. Thomas is interested in Jack Gilliland, a wide receiver and kick returner from a private high school in Simi Valley, California.  A senior in 2011-12, Gilliland is a dynamic playmaker and could draw interest from the Gophers.

Augsburg golfer Stefani Zappa, a senior from Patrick Henry High, is the MIAC nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.  The award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academic achievement, athletics, service, and leadership.

Sporting News Magazine offers a “My Profile” in each issue.  A sports celebrity shares trivia about himself ranging from values he admires in others to a favorite car or meal. Although many candidates applied for today’s Sports Headliners version of “My Profile,” I selected the person I know best.

Me.

Name: David John Shama, although family and childhood friends often call me Mik (don’t ask).  A pal from grade school days calls me Rock (a reference to my muscles, not my head).

Best advice: My mom told me “mind your own business and you will have plenty to do.”

Favorite coach: Phil Jackson.

Childhood sports heroes: Mickey Mantle and Jerry West.

First job: selling TV Guide subscriptions door-to-door.

My heroes today: the men and women past and present who gave their lives in service to America.

Pet peeve: Slow moving motorists who hog the left lane.

What I can’t figure out: Why investment advisors know so much about making money but have to work for a living.

Must see TV: “60 Minutes” (journalism lives!).

Best movies: “Midnight in Paris” and “Animal House.”

Dream date: My wife (she edits my column).

How to recognize a tough week: A bird poops on my writing tablet while sitting on the deck at home.  Two days later I am playing golf and victimized again.  (Same bird? Nah.)

Greatest love: My family, and college football.