BYRON BUXTON – Page 9 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Buxton Flashes Early Season MVP Skill

Posted on April 2, 2023April 2, 2023 by David Shama

The Twins are 2-0 this season because of superb pitching, timely defense and (no surprise) Byron Buxton playing like the team (and perhaps American League) MVP.

The team has won two American League Central Division games in Kansas City against the Royals by identical scores of 2-0. Buxton, the Twins’ designated hitter, has scored three of the team’s four runs and “pushed the envelope” with his base running, per manager Rocco Baldelli.

In Minnesota’s opening series win Thursday he stretched an outfield drive into a triple and scored the team’s first run. Yesterday he scored both runs.

Buxton set up Minnesota’s second run in the sixth inning Saturday by doing what few others can. First he advanced from second to third base on a ground ball hit by Jose Miranda to the shortstop. Then he scored on a short outfield fly ball off the bat of Kyle Farmer, running 30.1 feet per second, according to Twins TV analyst Glen Perkins. No wonder after the game, Baldelli said approvingly that Buxton “pushed the envelope” on the bases.

Buxton has a single, double and triple in his first two games. He is two home runs short of hitting 100 in his career.

In Buxton’s early seasons with the Twins he didn’t show a lot of power but that’s changed. In 92 games and 340 at bats last season he hit 28 homers. At 29 years old he has the potential this season to become the fourth hitter in franchise history to join the 40 home run club (the others are Brian Dozier, Harmon Killebrew and Roy Sievers). If Buxton could send 50 over the fence, he would break Killebrew’s single season club record of 49.

Potential is practically Buxton’s middle name. His career has been one characterized by do-everything talent in fielding, throwing, hitting and base running but also being sidelined by more injuries and missed time than any Twins star ever. Only once in his nine-year career has he played in over 100 games.

For now, the Twins are trying to protect Buxton’s health by not playing him in the outfield where diving for fly balls or crashing into walls to save potential home runs can be hazardous to the uber-talented center fielder. The first two games of the season have shown Buxton doesn’t need a glove to be the team MVP.

Worth Noting

Sports Illustrated’s baseball issue has the Twins finishing second in the division with a 87-75 record, a game behind the Guardians. However, the magazine predicts Minnesota defeats Cleveland in the postseason before losing to the Astros. The World Series forecast has the Yankees beating the Padres.

Weather allowing, the Twins will face an early season test against the Astros in a three-game series in Minneapolis starting Thursday. Minnesota is starting the season against two of baseball’s weakest teams in the Royals and Marlins (Monday-Wednesday in Miami).

Sports Illustrated said the Twins “spent more money on big league free agents this winter ($241 million) than the rest of the division combined ($176.75 million).”

This is Dick Bremer’s 40^th season of Twins broadcasts. The team’s TV play-by-play man will work games with a rotation of four analysts, all Twins alumni: Justin Morneau, Roy Smalley, LaTroy Hawkins and Glen Perkins.

New Timberwolves owner Marc Lore spoke about entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management Friday.

Legendary former college football coach Lou Holtz, who coached the Gophers in 1984 and 1985, was just inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, the nonprofit educational organization that honors the achievements of outstanding individuals and encourages youth to pursue their ambitions through higher education.

For over 75 years the Horatio Alger Award has been awarded “to esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to education and charitable efforts in their communities.” Holtz, the son of a bus driver during the Great Depression, got his first job at nine-years-old as a paper boy and went to become one of college football’s most famous coaches including at Notre Dame where he won a national championship.

Two days after the football Golden Gophers open at home on August 31 against Nebraska, the North Dakota State Bison will take on Eastern Washington in the first college football game ever at U.S. Bank Stadium. Tickets for the September 2 game went on sale Friday.

NDSU has nearly 15,000 alumni in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and 26,000 across the state of Minnesota. The Bison drew 34,544 fans to their 2019 season opener against Butler at Target Field. North Dakota State claims about 26,000 alums in Minnesota, including 15 in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

St. Thomas, with the nation’s longest home game winning streak at 26, opens its season September 2 against Black Hills State. The Pioneer league champion Tommies also have nonconference games September 9 at South Dakota and September 16 at Harvard.

A college basketball source told Sports Headliners coveted point guard Andrew Rohde, transferring from St. Thomas, may enroll at Gonzaga.

The Twin Cities and state of Minnesota have long ranked at or near the top for most interest per capita in fantasy football. That obsession in speculating how players and teams preform will carry over if legalized sports wagering is enacted in the state. With about six weeks to the close of the current state legislative session, a bill approving sports betting could pass.

Minnesota native Bill Herzog was a basketball official for 63 years including Big Ten games from 1976 until 1988. Herzog, a Florida resident for 30 years now, worked high school games in that state until 2019. Sports Headliners asked his opinion awhile ago of college basketball officiating this year.

“In general, I think the officiating I have seen this year has been very good,” Herzog said via email. “As an ex official, I look to see if they are using proper floor mechanics and very seldom do I see them out of position. This is important because if you are not in proper position, you don’t have a very good chance to make the right call.

“There are still those marginal calls that can always be questioned. That’s basketball and those calls were there 40 years ago and will always be a part of the game. But in general, I think the officiating that I have seen would grade out at A-. …

“One thing has been very evident this year is that I have not seen many, if not any, overweight officials. That’s a good thing and in general the total staff seems to be young and vibrant, which was not the case when I was working where officials just seemed to hang on forever.”

College officials can make their livelihoods from officiating over a five- month period, working several games per week. Herzog’s understanding is the Big Ten pays $4,000 per game. “Seems like a lot but they have to pay their own travel, hotel and meals with that fee,” Herzog wrote. “I am assuming that the other major conferences pay the same.”

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Twins Boss Talks Shortstops & More

Posted on December 18, 2022December 18, 2022 by David Shama

The Twins have a TBD situation at shortstop after free agent Carlos Correa said no to a future in Minnesota and accepted a reported 13-year, $350 million deal with the Giants. In an interview with Sports Headliners after the Correa bid fell through, Derek Falvey talked what’s next at the position and a lot more including his view about the team’s outlook for 2023.

The offseason started with Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson being the most coveted free agent shortstops in MLB. Now all four are gone, with the latest news that Swanson is headed to the Cubs on a reported seven-year, $177 million deal.

The Twins were interested in Swanson who had a proven resume in the field and at bat with the Braves. ”…We’ve maintained contact with his representatives and a number of other free agents, and we have to, and we should,” said Falvey, the Twins’ chief baseball officer. “So, I expect we’ll continue to have those conversations over the next few weeks as well.”

Sports Headliners can confirm the Twins offered Correa $285 million, reportedly for 10 years. Would the Twins use at least a portion of what was targeted for Correa on other talent outside the organization?

“It’s definitely something that we’re open to,” Falvey said. “…I think the baseline here is that the Pohlads (ownership group) have continued to support investment in this team, and if we find the right path and the right avenue to acquire a free agent at those dollars…we have the ability to do so. There are paths, though, where we aren’t spending all of that money. We’re not just going to spend it to spend it. …”

One path, at least for the short-term, is making Kyle Farmer the opening day shortstop. Farmer, 32, was acquired in a November trade as “insurance” for the club. He played in 145 games for the Reds last season, hitting .255 with 78 RBI and he is a versatile player in the field who has even been a catcher.

Falvey describes Farmer as “a really good stabilizing force at the position” while knowing the team has other options including within the organization where the shadow of Royce Lewis looms large. The former No. 1 draft choice got hurt last season while playing center field and is rehabbing from ACL surgery.

Falvey said Lewis’ recovery is going fine and all are hopeful he can be on a baseball field next summer. And at shortstop. “That’s what he views himself to be,” Falvey said. “(However,) he will play anywhere. He’s said that. He said, ‘Listen, you just give me a location on the field, and I’ll play.’

“He’s such a good athlete. He was an outfielder, some in high school. He played second and third base in high school as well. This guy has the type of athleticism that’s going to translate to any position. We need him to play but we do believe that he can play shortstop.”

Regarding Correa’s final decision, Falvey said the Twins made their best offer based on what was comfortable for them. Correa’s deal with the Giants takes him through age 41, a time when his skills might not even allow him to play. “I think for us, it wasn’t something we were in the conversation to do,” Falvey said about the length of contract.

Did Minnesota finish second in the sweepstakes for the team’s 2022 MVP? “That’s a good question,” Falvey said. “I’ll never know. You know, I’m guessing we did but I can’t say I know that for sure. No way to know.”

Going into the offseason the Twins’ highest priorities were shortstop and catcher. Now they have signed catcher Christian Vazquez to a three-year contract worth $30 million. Vazquez, 32, split last season between the Red Sox and Astros, hitting .274 while finishing tied for first in the American League among catchers in throwing out base runners (16). He tied for fourth among big league catchers with 11 defensive runs saved (per FanGraphs).

Falvey, GM Thad Levine, manager Rocco Baldelli and catching coach Hank Conger interviewed Vazquez via zoom before signing him. They were impressed as he talked baseball and what a catcher does including how to work with young pitchers. “We had heard good things, but it’s nothing like actually hearing it from the player himself,” Falvey said. “What he was talking about (included)…how to navigate a game, how to control the running game, how to kind of pace some young pitchers all the way through whether we have a veteran guy or guys that just showed up in the big leagues looking. …I think he’s going to be a huge value-add for us.”

Falvey believes Vazquez will catch about 60 percent of the time, with Ryan Jeffers handling the other 40 percent of the 2023 season. The Twins’ boss said the catchers will work with a pitching staff he is optimistic about, pointing out it’s been some time since the club will begin a season with as many proven starting pitchers as they have in Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, Tyler Mahle, Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan.

Falvey likes the bullpen, too, referring to Jhoan Duran “as one of the best relievers in the game.” Jorge Lopez can be a closer, too. Relievers Falvey likes earlier in games include Griffin Jax and Caleb Thielbar. “…I would tell you that from a backend bullpen standpoint, I think we actually have one of the better, better groups that we’ve had in a long time,” Falvey said.

The Twins signed free agent slugging outfielder Joey Gallo after last week’s interview with Falvey. Able to play all three outfield positions, Gallo fits in with a versatile roster the Twins value. Players like AL batting champ Luis Arraez, Nick Gordon and Jose Miranda can play in multiple spots.

The Twins were in first place in the Central Division much of last season until fading in September when injuries did them in. Falvey has respect for division rivals including the Guardians who were champions last season and the White Sox who could be favored in 2023. “But we feel this is a division that we can compete in, no matter what the current construct of our roster looks like. Because of the depth we have, because of the young players we have. Guys are going to need to step up in order to do so but I feel like we’re really in a good place for that.”

Players like center fielder Byron Buxton, first baseman-outfielder Alex Kirilloff and others who were injured last year are recovering in the offseason. The collective health of the team will determine a lot about whether, and how much, the Twins can improve on last season’s 78-84 record.

Falvey said tell him on April 1 what kind of injury run the team will have, and he can make an accurate prediction. “I can probably tell you where we’re gonna land.”

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Vikes Earn an “A” for Persistence Today

Posted on September 25, 2022September 25, 2022 by David Shama

Let’s get right to the grades after the Vikings’ last minute 28-24 win over the Lions today at US Bank Stadium.

The Vikings, now 2-1, trailed 24-14 going into the fourth quarter. In its previous games Minnesota hadn’t produced a touchdown in the second half. But when today’s game was over the Vikings had scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, including a 28-yard strike from quarterback Kirk Cousins to wide receiver K.J. Osborn in the last minute.

Minnesota had never led in the game until the Osborn touchdown with 25 seconds remaining. Give the Vikings an A team grade for persistence.

Lions’ coach Dan Campbell gets an F for late-game strategy. It was his fourth down decision to go for a failed field goal of 54 yards that allowed the Vikings, trailing 24-21, to start their winning TD drive from their own 44-yard line. A Detroit punt sending the Vikings back near their own goal would have been a savvy option and no-brainer for most coaches.

Cousins and his offensive line deserve B- grades. A popular target for not delivering in pressure situations, Cousins threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns today. The Lions were blitz crazy but his offensive line and own awareness helped him avoid interceptions and he was sacked just once.

Kevin O’Connell photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The offense didn’t have much of a day for explosive plays but got two big ones at the end when Osborn preceded his winning reception with another 28-yarder. Running back Dalvin Cook had his best game of the season with 96 yards on 17 carries before apparently injuring his shoulder. Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said on the KFAN Radio postgame show he didn’t think the injury was serious.

The Vikings’ defense stopped the now 1-2 Lions in the closing seconds, ending the game with a Josh Metellus interception of a Jared Goff pass. Hard to give that unit better than a below average grade for its work today, though. The Lions consistently opened running holes and Goff’s repetitive completions over the middle were an embarrassment. The Vikings didn’t come up with a single sack and Detroit’s time of possession was 34:04, while Minnesota’s was 25:56.

The last four games in the series between the two NFC North Division rivals have been decided by four points or less. When the Vikings and Lions play again, December 11 in Detroit, the days will be counting down to Christmas. The Vikings better plan on playing better because they can’t expect another “gift” from Campbell.

Worth Noting

It’s believed the University of St. Thomas will soon announce plans to build an on-campus hockey facility after considering other sites in St. Paul. To meet CCHA guidelines the facility will have to seat at least 3,000 fans.

The Gopher football team, dominant in a 34-7 win over Michigan State Saturday, has outscored opponents 183-24 in four games. Minnesota has punted three times all season.

Minnesota is No. 21 in the Associated Press top 25 poll out today. It’s the first time this season the Gophers have been in the AP top 25. Haven’t been ranked by the AP since 2020.

U marketers are promoting the first ever Stripe Out in Huntington Bank Stadium next Saturday for the Purdue game. Fans in various sections are asked to wear maroon or gold clothing.

Former Gophers head coach Jerry Kill earned his first win at New Mexico State last night with a 45-26 home victory over Hawaii.

Often injured Byron Buxton hasn’t played in a Twins game since August 22 and will finish the year appearing in 92 games. That ties the 92 games he played in 2016 for the second highest total of his eight-year career. In 2017 the Twins’ MVP played in 140 games.

The best hope the Twins may have in retaining Carlos Correa for next season is if he and representative Scott Boras decide the less crowded free agent market for shortstops a year from now is their best strategy for a mega contract deal.

Without splashy offseason moves, including possible retention of Correa, the Twins will find it difficult to retain and grow their disappointed fanbase.

It was 10 years ago this fall that St. Paul native Tim Tschida, now 62, retired from umpiring MLB games. The affable Tschida enjoys tending bar at Mancini’s Char House.

Long before home run king Aaron Judge and hockey immortal Wayne Gretzky wore No. 99, Minneapolis Lakers great George Mikan popularized the number. He was voted Mr. Basketball of the first half of the 20th century by Associated Press.

BTW, although way overdue, the Los Angeles Lakers will retire Mikan’s number in a home game October 30 against the Nuggets.

Oddsmakers have the Timberwolves, who have their first training camp practice Tuesday, finishing second in the Northwest Division behind the Nuggets.

Gophers basketball player Parker Fox has a podcast called “Double Down.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X25lkiCNXM

For the first time ever Minneapolis will host Big Ten Basketball Media Days. The event October 11 and 12 at Target Center will include coaches and players from all 28 men’s and women’s basketball programs. Minnesota coaches Ben Johnson and Lindsay Whalen will speak October 12.

Nolan Winter, the Lakeville North basketball recruit who has verbally committed to Wisconsin, will be a nice fit in the Badgers’ offense that features outside shooting by its bigs, but his decision to turn down the Gophers is painful for local fans who over the years have watched a “parade” of Minnesota preps travel to Madison.

Apple Valley’s Tre Jones, a reliable playmaker but able to make just 19.6 percent of his three-point attempts last season, could emerge in training camp as the starting point guard for the NBA Spurs. Jones, 22, is starting his third NBA season.

The USHL Fall Classic in suburban Pittsburgh this weekend is attracting about 300 scouts and college coaches including former Wild GM Chuck Fletcher now in the same role with the Flyers. All 16 USHL teams are playing their first games of the season.

Budding superstar Kirill Kaprizov, who probably would be targeted for military conscription if still in his native Russia, played with teammates and others in the Wild’s inaugural golf tournament last Monday at Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo. The course opened in 2018 but is up for sale with a possible purchase price of $8 million, per a September 20 story from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Bally Sports North will televise three Wild preseason games: October 2 and 6 against the Blackhawks, and October 8 with the Stars.

Oddsmakers have the Wild, who started preseason practices last Thursday, finishing second to the Avalanche in the Central Division.

Some Wild preseason practices at TRIA Rink are open to fans who must pre-register. http://www.wild.com/openpractices

St. Thomas football coach Glenn Caruso speaks to the CORES group November 10 at the Bloomington Event Center. Former North and Henry basketball coach Larry McKenzie will be the January 12 speaker. More information about CORES is available by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

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