Author: David Shama

What’s obvious is the Twins organization doesn’t have pitchers and other ball players in their farm system to help with the mess of this spring.  The frequent flyer miles are piling up in a hurry as the organization shuttles players back and forth between here and the Triple A farm team in Rochester, New York.

If the organization has talented reinforcements coming they must be mostly buried deep in the minor leagues.  Pitcher Kyle Gibson is a hoped for contributor at Rochester but might not be ready to help until next season.  Further down on the organization’s depth chart are potential saviors Miguel Sano, a 17-year-old infielder, and Max Kepler, the 18-year-old outfielder.

What’s frustrating to fans is the Twins have lost personnel during the last several years that could be helping the club.  Included are pitchers Matt Garza, now with the Cubs but a 15 game winner with Tampa Bay last year, and Phil Humber, a surprise contributor with the White Sox with his 3.06 ERA.  And who wouldn’t take Crain and a 0.75 ERA in his last 10 games for the White Sox?

A year ago the Twins looked overloaded at catcher with Wilson Ramos and Jose Morales.  Neither is here now with Ramos at Washington and Morales in Colorado.

Two years ago the Twins acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera to help their Central Division title drive but they didn’t keep him after the 2009 season.  Now Cabrera is hitting near .300 in Cleveland.

Another vocal leader and veteran infielder, Orlando Hudson, was a contributor to the 2010 Central Division champions.  Now he’s starting at second base for San Diego and while he’s been struggling he looks okay compared to the Twins’ middle infielders.

Garza, Ramos, Cabrera and other ex-Twins could make a difference but Minnesota will have to rally without them.  Already 10 games back of first place Cleveland in the division, the Twins have to make up ground this month, not fall further behind.

But is this a team that now−or in the future−is able to contend even in the American League’s least talented division, the Central?

The Gophers didn’t have anyone selected in the recent NFL draft, but 29 Big Ten players were chosen.  The Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC were the only conferences to produce at least six first-rounders.  The Big Ten’s first round picks were the most for the conference since six in the 2007 first round.

Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill attended a party with former Gophers on Saturday night celebrating the life of national championship coach Murray Warmath.  Among the attendees Kill met were Mike Wilkinson, author of Warmath’s book, The Autumn Warrior.

Kill has a Nutrition Bar for players to start them off on a successful morning.  Players are provided with items such as bagels and fruit.  He had a similar offering at Northern Illinois.

U football fans Bruce Krinke and Dave Henry showed Kill a new bronze bust of Bruce Smith on Monday.  Two busts have been completed by Faribault artist Ivan Whillock immortalizing Smith, a Faribault native and the only Gopher ever to win the Heisman Trophy.  Plans are for one bust to be displayed at the University and the other at Faribault High School.  Anyone interested in helping with funding for the busts can email Krinke, contact@fctv10.org.

Gophers’ quarterback MarQueis Gray will remain in town during the summer to work on his passing game, and not go home to Indianapolis.

Darrell Thompson’s Bolder Options organization holds its annual Training for Life Dinner on Thursday, May 19 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.  The popular fundraiser includes a raffle, auctions, and live music.  Thompson is executive director of Bolder Options, a local mentoring program focusing on youth development.  www.trainingforlifedinner.com

Canterbury Park tellers will open for Kentucky Derby wagering starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.  The first race from Churchill Downs begins at 9:30 a.m. Minneapolis time.  The derby, televised on NBC, starts at 5:24 p.m.  The Shakopee race track opens for live racing on Friday, May 20.

St. Francis High School sophomore Maggie Ewen has been a newsmaker the last several days.  She is the KARE 11 Athlete of the Week after recently setting a school record and Hamline Elite meet record in the shot put with a throw of 45 feet, 11.75 inches.

Timberwolves basketball executives David Kahn and Tony Ronzone leave for Spain today and meetings with Ricky Rubio and his representatives, according to a basketball source.

The process of bringing the European point guard to Minneapolis for an NBA career with the Timberwolves is ongoing, the source said.  The Timberwolves chose Rubio with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft but thus far he has remained in Europe.

Representatives of Rubio spoke with Timberwolves officials last week about endorsements for the 20-year-old Rubio.  Money from endorsements is one of the factors that can ease the transition from Spain to the NBA.

In the weeks ahead Kahn, president of basketball operations, and Ronzone, assistant general manager, hope to solidify an agreement to bring Rubio here for next season.  That will be a major transition for Rubio who will not only face cultural and language changes, but also the more physical style of play in the NBA.

At 6-4, Rubio’s name sparks excitement but also controversy.  Basketball authorities acknowledge his extraordinary court vision and passing skills, but whether he has the physical strength and all around game to immediately be a solid NBA player next season is debatable.

For certain his signing would be a major box office and corporate sponsorship stimulus for the Timberwolves.  Rubio is a handsome kid, who plays basketball with flair and has an international reputation.

He’s potentially a major upgrade for a franchise facing perhaps the most intriguing summer in organization history.  The Timberwolves may change coaches, luck into the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, sign free agents, make progress on the renovation of Target Center…and bring Rubio to town.

Other than that, not much going on.