Author: David Shama

The Twins will play their first series in Chicago against the Cubs since 2001 when the two teams meet at Wrigley Field on June 12-14.  The last time in Chicago the Cubs swept the three game Interleague series.  The overall record between the two franchises is 7-5 Cubs.

Always of interest at Wrigley is who will lead fans in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch.  At one of the games in 2001 former Twin and Cub Gary Gaetti took the microphone.

The tradition of a celebrity leading the fans in the singing started about 10 years ago after the death of legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray.  It was fun-loving Harry who at each home game whipped up the crowd with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”  Since then the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Mr. T and Bret Bielema have led the way.

No word on who is on deck for the Twins-Cubs series but how about Mark Prior at one of the games?  The Twins, drafting No. 1 in 2001 chose Joe Mauer, leaving Prior for the Cubs at No. 2.  He’s been a bust and parted ways with the Cubs in 2007.  Nah, the Cubs wouldn’t see the fun in that one.

If you’re going to the Cubs-Twins games next week, here are a few tips based on my experience at Wrigley last week when I watched Chicago beat the Dodgers on a cold Friday afternoon:

Coming from downtown Chicago, you can’t beat the convenience of taking the commuter train, arriving at Wrigley about one block from the stadium.

Be sure to see the Harry Caray statue outside the ballpark.  Toast the grand old broadcaster who was also famous for calling St. Louis Cardinals games.  He would like that.

Don’t completely anticipate the weather based on predicted temps and blue skies.  A nasty wind off Lake Michigan can make a day with temps in the 60s feel like an outdoor November football game.

The Polish sausage with onions is recommended.

Don’t know for sure but it’s difficult to believe new Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn wants Kevin McHale back as coach, serving in a high visibility spot in what can be a fresh look organization.  Former NBA coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Sam Mitchell would receive approval from the team’s fan base.

Oops. On a news page in last Wednesday’s Star Tribune the newspaper reported that supermodel Adriana Lima is “expecting her first child with her husband, NBA star Marko Jaric… .”  The former Wolves guard may have been described various ways while here, but, puh-leze, not a star.

Charles Barkley, whose targets for controversial remarks have included Wolves’ owner Glen Taylor, commented on his producer during the final show of the season for Inside the NBA. The following comes with a warning about “explicit” language.   https://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/05/31/charles-barkley-starts-his-vacation-early/

“Wally the Beerman” (Wally McNeil) plans to sell beer again by late July or early August following his triple bypass heart surgery on May 18.  McNeil told Sports Headliners he’s recovering at home and plans to hawk beer at Twins and Saints games later this summer.  “Can’t lift anything over 10 pounds (right now),” he said.

McNeil, who turns 75 in August, wasn’t experiencing heart problems when he went in for a routine physical last month.  A stress test led to an angiogram revealing a blocked artery and “moderate/severely” blocked arteries.  He can’t drive for awhile and knows it will take time to recover. “You won’t catch me on the tennis courts this week,” he said.

Kevin Slowey, 8-1 after last night’s Twins 4-3 win over Cleveland, has now tied his career-high by winning four straight games (five starts).  His eight wins rank second in the major leagues behind Toronto’s Roy Halladay who has nine.

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has now hit safely in 11 straight games. He is batting .415 (17-41) with eight runs, three doubles, a triple, two homers and 14 RBI in those games.

Former Edina tennis player Whitney Taney, now at Michigan, has been named to the All-Big Ten Academic team.  Taney, who had a 3.8 GPA during her sophomore year, was selected by Michigan coaches as the team’s sportsmanship winner.  She played No. 1 and 2 doubles, and No. 3 and 4 singles for Michigan compiling 27-6 and 15-10 records, according to her dad, Ted Taney.  He said she will teach tennis at Edina Country Club this summer.

St. Thomas junior outfielder Alison Wright and Gustavus senior shortstop Rachael Click have been selected to the CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Softball Academic All-America first team. Wright was also named the College Division Academic All-American® of the Year.

Registration for golfers is open for the 38^th annual Tapemark Charity Pro Am at Southview Country Club June 12-14.  https://proam.mn/

Joe Mauer’s extraordinary hitting production so far this season has changed speculation as to how much money the Twins’ all-world catcher can command for his next contract.  Mauer’s deal with the Twins goes through 2010 and his next contract could be for 10 years and $200 million (or more).

A source who has known Mauer for years told Sports Headliners last month that he thought the Yankees would offer $180 million in 2010, the Red Sox $160 million.  Both offers would be for eight years.

But now speculation is that Mauer’s next contract could be for $200 million.  The 26-year-old has shown new power hitting this spring while maintaining a high average.  His stats for 28 games and 99 at bats include 11 home runs and a .414 average.  Mauer came into this season averaging one home run every 46.7 at bats.  This season those numbers are one home run per nine at bats.

The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Mauer is maturing physically, coming into his best years. He has more knowledge than ever about how to hit and also catch where he deserves high marks, too, for his all-around ability including how he handles pitchers.  The Yankees and Red Sox have old catchers in Jorge Posada and Jason Veritek, both 37.  Those franchises have large budgets and could surround Mauer with the right teammates to help him earn a World Series championship.

Boston might be of particular appeal to Mauer since it’s more like Minnesota than New York.  The source said Mauer, who hits balls to all fields, but often to left, could “tattoo” the ball off the famed Fenway Park Green Monster in left field.  Hitting in cozy Fenway, particularly to the short left field fence, might elevate the two time batting champion’s average even more than in Minnesota and perhaps produce a .400 season.

The source said Mauer, though, doesn’t want to leave his home state.  If the Twins offer a competitive eight to 10 year contract he will stay, the source predicts.