BYRON BUXTON – Page 7 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Strange Calls Slow Vikings’ Playoff Push in Loss to Bengals

Posted on December 16, 2023December 16, 2023 by David Shama

The reputation of Kevin O’Connell as a superb play-caller took a hit this afternoon in Cincinnati when the Vikings lost 27-24 in overtime to the Bengals. Consecutive short yardage tush-push calls in OT failed and turned the ball over to the Bengals who went down the field to kick a 29-yard winning field goal.

On third down in OT Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens tried tush-push No. 1 and came up short of a first down. Strangely, the fourth down play call was more of the same as Mullens lost yardage and was stopped inches short of a first down at the Bengals’ 42 yard line.

O’Connell indicated on the KFAN postgame radio show that the ball placement by the officials after the third down try may not have been accurate. Maybe that gave him confidence to use the same play again but why use Mullens in that kind of situation?

The backup quarterback was making his first start in a game in almost two years. At 6-1 and 210 pounds, the inexperienced Mullens isn’t a powerful runner. And among the tush-pushers was wide receiver Brendon Powell, one of the smaller NFL players at 5-8 and 181 pounds.

Ty Chandler, starting in place of the injured Alexander Mattison, had a breakout day for the Vikings rushing for 132 yards. It made sense to have Chandler, perhaps running behind fullback C.J. Ham, carry the ball on at least one of those vital downs.

Now the Vikings are 7-7, with three games remaining. They still have an opportunity to make the playoffs with home games against the Packers and Lions, and an away matchup with the Lions who lead the NFC North Division.

But this loss will rightfully have Purple followers wondering if the best outcome in the weeks ahead is to lose games and improve draft position. With a muddled quarterback future, the world knows the Vikings are interested in choosing a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.

More losses could push Minnesota toward a place among the top dozen or so draft selections. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings slide in that direction or continue their roller-coaster season with enough success to make the playoffs.

Worth Noting

Vikings fans can worry a bit more now about losing defensive coordinator Brian Flores after the season. The best head coaching job opening could be the Chargers with talented quarterback Justin Herbert. Playing without Herbert, the now 5-9 Chargers got thrashed last Thursday night by the Raiders, 63-21. Yes, that Raiders team which managed zero points in a 3-0 loss to the Vikings December 10.

Koi Perich, the Gophers’ highest ranked verbal commit, is reportedly considering signing with Ohio State next Wednesday. Here are a few points the Gophers can make to the sought after Esko, Minnesota safety:

Go to Ohio State and you will be known here as the high school superstar who said no to the home state team. Choose the Gophers, have a solid career in Dinkytown and you will be known as a home state hero—and that can present opportunities for life.
The Buckeyes, per 247Sports, already have three safeties among their verbal commitments. The opportunity to play sooner and longer could well be better in Minneapolis than Columbus.
Safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tyler Nubin were honored as All-Americans in 2019 and 2023. That’s a statement about the coaching system and development at Minnesota.
Don’t choose a school just for Name, Image and Likeness rewards but do think of the NIL potential in your home state, including in northeastern Minnesota where the Gophers seldom find football players.

Name, Image and Likeness benefiting Golden Gophers athletes is doing well through the start-up Dinkytown Athletes. One challenge DA doesn’t face in the state is that Division I St. Thomas doesn’t have an NIL collective to compete with the Gophers.

Cole Kramer, the Gophers quarterback for the Motor City Bowl December 26, has one more season of eligibility but may not use it choosing to move on from college football. The former Eden Prairie star will marry Katie Miller in Rochester, Minnesota February 3.

Word is Eden Prairie defensive lineman Mo Saine, verbally committed in the Gophers 2024 recruiting class, is solid on his pledge.

Dating back to its inception in 2011 the Big Ten football championship game has been held in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. With the Big Ten expanding to 18 teams, that will change in the future, probably after 2028. The title game is booked in Indy through that year, but Minneapolis (U.S. Bank Stadium) and Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium) seem likely future sites.

Justin Dungy, a high school senior cornerback in Florida and son of Gopher football alum and Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy, visited Montana State with his dad earlier this month. Justin is about 5-10, 155 pounds.

Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union president, and Kirk Cousins, Vikings quarterback, are good friends. After Cousins injured his Achilles earlier this fall, Stoltz stopped by his friend’s house to offer support.

Fans and media are skeptical, but the Twins and Byron Buxton are determined he will be the starting center fielder in 2024.

Future candidates to play that position could include Ricardo Olivar who was in 100 games last season for Single-A Fort Myers. He impressed offensively and the Twins appreciate his versatility in the field, playing catcher and center field!

Buxton, Royce Lewis, Pablo Lopez and many other players are scheduled for TwinsFest January 26-27 at Fillmore Minneapolis and Target Field.

The Twins and the other sports organizations in town continue to monitor the prospect of sports wagering becoming legal in Minnesota. It’s a good bet that it’s approved by the state in 2024. Minnesota is now surrounded by states who have already legalized sports wagering.

Have to think Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly strategizes everyday how he can acquire a quality backup point guard like native Minnesotan Tyus Jones with the Wizards. It’s a nightmare scenario if the Wolves lose 36-year-old Mike Conley Jr. for an extended period.

Gophers’ basketball forward Parker Fox, unselfish with a pass first, shoot second approach, had made 20 of his 26 field goal attempts, a gaudy .769 percentage. And better than his free throw percentage at .615.

Good-guy Dave Stead, the retired former executive director of the Minnesota State High School League, will take over the one-year volunteer position of Head Coach of the Twin Cities Dunkers in 2024. He will have program meeting responsibilities for the organization that through its Dunkers Fund provides financial assistance to the athletic programs of public Twin Cities high schools.

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Twins Fans Take the ‘Mic’ on Byron Buxton’s Future

Posted on October 15, 2023October 15, 2023 by David Shama

Byron Buxton has missed so much playing time during his major league career it’s not out of bounds to wonder at age 29 how much longer he might play. The future of the gifted Buxton, who turns 30 in December, is certainly something Twins fans and media will ponder during the offseason.

Buxton and management are on record that he will return in 2024. That’s not surprising given how much emotionally Buxton and the club have invested in each other. His tantalizing skills make a difference in winning or losing games, and possibly even championships.

Buxton heads into the fall and winter with the familiar challenge of how best to prepare his body for another season. In 2023 he once again was unable to play in 100 games, a threshold achieved one time in his nine-year career. After August 1, he appeared in one game as a pinch hitter, popping up in Game 4 of last Wednesday’s American League Division Championship Series.

Buxton also missed the closing weeks of the 2022 season. He had surgery on his right knee last fall, but the knee was problematic again in 2023. A right hamstring injury took him out of the lineup in early August of this year.

The last three years Buxton has played in 61, 92 and 85 games. But there was something different in 2023. He never played in the field, with all his action as a DH and pinch hitter.

A healthy Buxton can carry a team with his bat, fielding and baserunning. But at 30 years old—with a history of injuries, a troublesome knee and perhaps additional physical issues unknown to the public confronting him—how does he launch a recovery plan that will result in at least limited but impactful performance including at the most meaningful times? Well, a lot about that plan isn’t known but one step was taken last Friday when Buxton had more surgery on his right knee.

If Buxton can contribute to the Twins’ success next season that’s welcomed by all. But it’s not like the club doesn’t have other options, even at DH. Does the team look to infielder Royce Lewis to become the regular center fielder, filling Buxton’s old spot? Gifted young hitter Edouard Julien may again find his playing time at second base blocked by veteran Jorge Polanco and instead could be the club’s most used DH.

Then, too, where does Brooks Lee fit? The impressive switch hitter is among early mentions for American League Rookie of the Year in 2024 but where does he play in the field? His experience has been mostly at shortstop and third base, but his athleticism likely would allow him to play the outfield and almost certainly first base.

Alex Kirilloff hasn’t seized the first base job and the Twins might consider a veteran offseason acquisition. Could Buxton play first on any regular basis? It’s another question in the jumbled land of speculation about what’s next for him.

A relatively healthy Buxton will be a contributor to the 26-man roster, but a struggling Buck is again problematic. This last season not only couldn’t he help the team in the field and on the bases, but his .207 average was the lowest for any season in which he had over 100 at bats. In 304 plate appearances he hit 17 home runs and drove in 42 runs but his scarcity of contact with the ball and strikeouts were issues.

The Twins made a seven-year $100 million commitment to the Georgia native in December of 2021. The club didn’t want to lose Buxton to free agency and paid him as much for his potential as his past performance. Presumably, the Twins have an insurance policy on that deal to pay Buxton the balance of his contract if he retires early.

Questions about Buxton’s future is enough to keep the more passionate of Twins’ fans awake at night. Sports Headliners took the “temperature” of some column readers and Twins fans with a mass email last week asking what they thought about Buxton and if he should retire. It was a small sampling sent out to more than 20 contacts, with not everyone responding, but the replies were interesting. Here’s part of what they said via email, with all but one person requesting anonymity. Messages have been edited for brevity, clarity, and style.

A leadoff comment from a Twins fan that is indicative of mixed feelings among fans: “If Buxton is unable to take the field, steal bases or hit over .200, then yes, he SHOULD retire. But if there’s still hope for some level of recovery (then) I’m not ready to pull the plug yet.”

Another fan wants goals established for Buxton in 2024. “One more year. If he can’t play in the outfield next year at least 50% of games, or DH in at least 80% of games, he should retire.”

Here’s someone else writing about urgency for Buxton: “The Twins now have four months to get whatever needs to be done to get him back at full (or close to full) strength. If he cannot do it in that time frame, the team has no choice but to trade or release him. The money does you no good if the guy cannot play.”

Another fan agrees Buxton and the Twins should part ways: “If they can get anything for him in a trade (unlikely), they should take it. If they can’t trade him, they should just let him go. He can’t stay healthy enough to stay on the field, and when he does play, he is of little value, hitting around .200 with an occasional long ball.”

A former journalist expressed empathy about the Buxton situation, describing it as “sad” for the player and fans: “We witnessed his incredible athletic ability only briefly. What a career it could have been! I think the Twins should bring him to spring training next year with the hope that he gets off to a good start. Then trade him to the highest bidder for young prominent pitching and a young/raw center fielder with promising potential. The Buxton experiment is over, and most Twins fans know it, where his constant injuries have become the punchline to a joke!”

A person with career experience in sports and entertainment wrote this: “Since Byron is set to make $15 million a year fully guaranteed through the 2028 season, I think it’s in the Twins’ best interest to keep him on the roster—yet go about their business assuming he won’t be much of a contributor. Anything they get from him should be considered a bonus. Byron’s talent has been betrayed by a body that doesn’t allow him to absorb the grind of a 162-game MLB season.”

Among readers who don’t want to see Buxton give up baseball is one who wrote this: “I don’t think he should retire at this time. Recall that he started last spring very well, but then was injured. He’s not old. I’m not optimistic, but he should certainly hang in there, continue to get medical treatment and try again.”

Twins fan and longtime season ticket buyer Kirk Detlefsen also wants Buxton to play on. “Retire, no way. He is still fast. He is still Gold Glove. Let him play every day (or 75% of the days) in the outfield. Being involved in the game (on the field), I would expect his batting average to go up close to 100 points. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt and he goes on the IL. No worse than if he had been at home watching the games on TV.”

Another column reader stressed that Buxton is entitled to his lucrative contract: “From what I know, he has done everything right and nothing wrong. Players get hurt, some a lot, and Buxton is one of them. That’s the way it goes for all teams, who know (ahead of time) the pros and cons of offering long-term contracts. If the player is doing his best both on the field and with rehab efforts, he is absolutely entitled to whatever the team agreed to pay him and there is no shame in that.”

Sending both an optimistic and cautionary message was an amateur baseball authority who wrote: “I think what makes Byron Buxton special is his ability to excel offensively and defensively. Without both sides of the game, he’s a very expensive player with significantly limited value. If he isn’t healthy enough to be a two-way player, retirement is an option Byron will need to consider. It’s my hope he comes back healthy, is able to play in the outfield, and still has several good years ahead!”

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P.J. Fleck Timing on NIL Comments No Accident

Posted on October 3, 2023October 3, 2023 by David Shama

Golden Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck’s comments last week about the urgency of increasing money for Name, Image and Likeness were calculated. Fleck, speaking on his radio show, pointed out his program lost players to other schools after last season because of NIL and that more money will be needed in the future to avoid an exodus of talent.

One likely concern is whether the Gophers can retain superb freshman running back Darius Taylor. Other Gopher targets by Power Five programs could include redshirt sophomore quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and redshirt defensive end Anthony Smith.

Tampering with players at other schools and using NIL as a recruiting inducement isn’t legal but that’s standard operating procedure by many college football programs. The Gophers play by the rules while others (perhaps the majority of Power Five programs) don’t operate ethically and the NCAA appears almost toothless with its enforcement of policies.

Fleck made his public comments last week not only knowing he will have to recruit some of his own players to stay in Minneapolis after this season, but there will also be players from outside the program evaluating Minnesota’s reputation for NIL money. Included will be players in the transfer portal and high school prospects from the class of 2024. All will be aware of whether Minnesota is a place where NIL is strongly positioned.

Fleck isn’t saying retaining and attracting players to Minnesota is all about money. Far from it, as he sells the college experience and opportunity to be part of a program that emphasizes development of football skills, academics, personal character and community involvement.

Fleck, though, is concerned about having enough money to keep the Gophers competitive in the high paced recruiting environment of major college football. With 85 scholarship players, not all will be positioned to capitalize on their name, image and likeness in the marketplace, but many will. A commonsense guess is the Gophers need a couple million dollars available annually through the Dinkytown Athletes (DA) collective to meet their needs and have more money than many Power Five programs.

DA started up only a year ago and results are encouraging for NIL funding involving not only football but other sports at Minnesota. Money isn’t just given out to players. It’s earned with athletes available to provide instruction to youth, engage at fan events, make personal appearances for charities and businesses, and endorse products and services including their own.

A big moment can provide NIL opportunity for an athlete like it did with Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson in the opening game against Nebraska. He made an extraordinary toe-tapping TD catch in the game and DA later helped connect him with Athlete’s Thread to sell clothing celebrating the extraordinary reception.

“We have a lot of players on our football team right now who make a lot of money in NIL,” Fleck said. “It’s my job, (AD) Mark Coyle’s job, and our job with our NIL department and our collectives to go out and raise lots of money for our student athletes. And that’s what we’ve been doing. There’s been a lot of support from our fans and our alumni to help, because that’s the name of the game.”

An initiative announced last week was that Gray Duck Spirits is producing its first ever beer, Duck Duck Beer, along with a new seltzer Fan Pack, as part of a partnership with DA. The products, decorated in maroon and gold, are being sold in state liquor stores and bars and restaurants, with 20 percent of sales going to Dinkytown Athletes. At Huntington Bank Stadium fans can not only help the cause by buying Duck, Duck Beer but the Parlour burgers stand is giving its proceeds to DA.

Adding to the momentum of growing dollars for NIL at Minnesota are social events involving passionate Gophers fans who have the means to boost DA revenues for football and other sports with their checkbooks. And DA, which last week had its strongest membership week since last fall, has options for fans to support NIL starting at $10 per month membership, or boosters can make a one-time contribution of any amount.

Fleck is aware of the momentum for NIL at Minnesota and certainly was last week when he gave a shout-out that more NIL revenue is needed. He’s also grateful for the funding already in place.

A long time ago when the Gophers were winning Big Ten and even national championships, football players had off-the-field jobs provided by businesses in Minneapolis and elsewhere in the state. Those players were attracted to Minnesota because of academics, a winning football team and a jobs program that generously rewarded players. In a strong business community that still prevails, and with many fans who still care about Golden Gophers football, Fleck knows making the present like the past is a strategy deserving urgency.

Worth Noting

Esko safety Koi Perich, the Gophers’ highest ranked 2024 recruit from the state, received a scholarship offer from USC last week. He is scheduled to attend the Minnesota-Michigan game Saturday night in Minneapolis, a recruiting authority told Sports Headliners.

Know how sweet a home win over Michigan next Saturday night would be for the Gophers? It’s been 46 years since Minnesota defeated the Wolverines in Minneapolis. In 1977 the Gophers pounded No. 1 ranked Michigan 16-0 at old Memorial Stadium.

Former Gophers running back Barry Mayer, who was second team All-Big Ten in 1970 and lettered three seasons at Minnesota, is relieved to have three major surgeries completed. In May he had back fusion, and knee replacements in August and September.

MLB.com ranks the Twins’ pitching staff third best among the 12 teams in the postseason, with the Brewers No. 1 and Blue Jays No. 2. Minnesota’s offense ranks No. 9, with the Blue Jays (who face the Twins starting today in a best of three series) at No. 8.

Starters Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan all rank in the top 10 in AL expected ERA. MLB.com also points out the club’s highest paid players, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, have OPS+ averages below the league average, and Minnesota led the majors in total strikeouts “by a wide margin.”

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