Author: David Shama

Greg Jones, the Michigan State junior linebacker who was selected earlier this week as the Big Ten Conference’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, was interested in the Gophers when in high school.  His interest lessened when there was a coaching change at Minnesota after the 2007 season.

The Gophers’ 2009 schedule is a stark contrast from two other Big Ten programs that have byes, Illinois and Wisconsin.  Both those schools have December games, lengthening their schedules and providing rest for players and coaches.  Illinois and Wisconsin both have two byes in their schedules.  “It’s hard to go 12 straight weeks,” Illinois coach Ron Zook said at the conference’s media day on Monday.  “It’s hard for players and coaches.”

Minnesota coach Tim Brewster is an advocate of adding a 12^th team to the conference, dividing the league into two divisions and having a conference championship game between the winners in December.  There’s probably a consensus among conference coaches that later games in the fall will help keep their teams sharper for bowl games.  “I think playing into December would help us,” Brewster said.

At media day Brewster described his program, 1-11 two years ago but 7-6 last season, as an “ascending program.”  He said this about the upcoming season: “We’re experienced, we’re talented and it’s an opportunity for us to really step forward as we go into TCF Bank Stadium.”

Four MIAC players have been named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America team.  First team selections included St. Thomas senior center Josh Ostrue and Bethel senior cornerback Tim Cornish.  Saint John’s senior defensive lineman Nick Gunderson and Gustavus senior safety Joe Welch were named to the second team defense.

Gustavus has chosen nine individuals for induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2009 inductees are Kerri Pool Foss (soccer), Dan Dohmeier (baseball), Bob Klindworth (cross country/track and field), Leisha Johnson Ronning  (basketball), C.J. Page (gymnastics), Scott Anderson (football), Jon Lindquist  (golf), Amy McCrea Morrell (tennis) and Steve Wilkinson (coach).

Don’t know if Brett Favre is going to play for the Vikings but if he does Sports Headliners has a few suggestions to help him settle in.  Here’s a list of must-do’s for the legendary Mr. Favre who has quarterbacked countless comebacks, willed his teams to victory, and played in all kinds of emotional and physical pain while inspiring millions during an 18 year NFL career that includes two Super Bowls and a record three consecutive league MVP awards.

First, refer to our metropolis as the Twin Cities.  We’re very sensitive and politically correct, and even though the Vikings play in Minneapolis be careful about any references to the city.  Follow the lead of the local broadcaster who refers to the “Metrodome in the Twin Cities.”  Political correctness before accuracy, you know.

Don’t worry about a few media guys who rip you before your plane lands.  We’ve been hoping they would go away for years, or at least take a couple of journalism classes to learn about fairness, objectivity and civility.

Presuming you and the Vikings win the season opener on September 13 at Cleveland, be prepared to become more popular than the Mall of America.  We have a huge bandwagon in this town for our heroes and there won’t be enough room for all who come on board by September 13.  (Note: many travel on one week passes).

Never publicly defend coach Brad Childress.  The cocktail fueled Vikings fandom knows Chili (as they like to call him) can’t coach.  If the Vikings lose, the blame is on the coaches, not the players.

Never intimate that Tarvaris Jackson isn’t a talented NFL quarterback.  I suspect a few of your more biased teammates think he’s earned starting status.  Wink, wink.

If you are still capable of miracles and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl, don’t expect to win.  The Super Bowl record is perfect, 0-4.  Keeping it that way helps many Minnesotans feel sorry for themselves.

Don’t go deer hunting in Wisconsin this fall.  Some Packers’ fan, crushed by your decision to play for the Vikings, might “mistake” you for a buck.

Be sure to drink a Minnesota brewed beer like Grain Belt, and keep the Lienenkugel back home in Mississippi.  And we apologize in advance for limited options on two of your faves, okra and crawfish.

Never drive on 494 if you expect to get anywhere on time.  When you drive downtown be assured that not every street is closed for construction.

Finally this: even though the cynics are too far into the dark side to realize the truth, others know the reason you’re here at 39 with nothing left to prove is because you love football. To that we say, “Have fun.”

And thanks for signing on (hopefully).

Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban left-hander who defected earlier this summer, likely will be a coveted commodity on baseball’s free agent market during the coming off-season.  Under baseball rules he and his representatives are able to negotiate a contract with any major league team.

Not sure who all will be in pursuit of the 6-3 pitcher who supposedly has thrown his fast ball over 100 miles per hour, but Tony Oliva called him a “hot tamale.” Oliva defected from Cuba about 50 years ago, became an All-Star with the Twins and still works for the organization.  Oliva told Sports Headliners he doesn’t know if the Twins will be trying to sign Chapman, but he offered him some advice.

“If he wants to play in the big leagues, maybe he should take less money but go with the guy (team) that gives him the opportunity to play as soon as possible,” Oliva said.  “Like the Minnesota Twins…Tampa, those kind of places.”

An ESPN The Magazine article earlier this month speculated that Chapman could receive a deal exceeding the $32 million Cuban pitcher and defector Jose Contreras signed in 2002.  That’s a heady neighborhood for a guy who possibly throws harder than almost anyone on the planet, but baseball’s richer clubs most likely will be proactive. Angels’ scouting director Eddie Bane, the former Twins’ pitcher, told the Orange County Register his franchise is interested in Chapman.  https://headlines.ocregister.com/sports/selects-34244-defector-angels.html

Chapman might be ready for the bigs now but there are questions about his control, ability to develop pitches in addition to the fast ball and even his age.  Some reports have his age at 26, not 21.

Age discrepancies among Latin American ball players certainly aren’t unheard of.  Oliva said the “bottom line is if a guy can pitch and throw,” and Chapman’s age shouldn’t deter interest.

Oliva, who knows people in Cuba familiar with Chapman, is concerned, though, about giving so much money to an unproven product.  “This kid is supposed to be a great player, but it’s different pitching in Cuba,” he said.  “What if he don’t make it?”