Gophers Basketball – Page 124 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Joe Mauer Re-Do on Contract Now Due?

Posted on August 31, 2015August 31, 2015 by David Shama

The opinion here is Joe Mauer should consider restructuring his contract with the Twins in a meeting with club officials after the season ends.

Mauer has three years remaining on a deal he signed in 2010 that pays him $23 million annually through 2018. His $184 million eight-year contract is the richest in Twins history, making him one of the best paid major league baseball players ever.

Mauer presumably has so much money from his current deal, plus earnings prior to his 2010 contract, he can take care of not only his immediate family but future generations. At a season-ending exit interview he and the Twins could propose adding three more years to his contract with no change in compensation. Instead of paying Mauer $23 million annually in 2016-2018, Mauer would make $11.5 million each year from 2016-2021.

My proposed change in contract benefits both the Twins and Mauer. The club’s annual payroll decreases with a revised Mauer deal, enhancing the possibility of the franchise adding more quality players to help the already revitalized team push toward championships in the years ahead. Even more practically, the organization can be better positioned to re-sign its nucleus of best contributors on the present roster.

A contract re-do would allow Mauer to demonstrate leadership and willingness to sacrifice for a franchise that has won four division titles during his 12-year career, but never a pennant or World Series, and has struggled through 90-plus loss seasons in 2011-2014. News about a revised contract would be a public relations coup for the Minnesota native who has heard plenty of boos and criticism during the last couple of years. He hit .277 with four home runs and 55 RBI during a disappointing season in 2014 that included a 15-day stretch on the disabled list. This season the health has been better but it’s more of the same statistically with a .271 average and eight home runs and 55 RBI.

With Mauer being 32 years old and coming off a concussion in 2013, doubts grow stronger about whether he will ever again be the player who started this season with a .319 career batting average—the seventh best in major league baseball since 1950. But Mauer’s numbers during the last two seasons for a first baseman and someone who usually hits No. 3 in the batting order are out of whack for what’s expected.

The Twins awarded Mauer his extraordinary contract because of his three batting titles, MVP season in 2009 and immense popularity in Minnesota as the club prepared to move into its new ballpark, planning to maximize ticket sales and other revenues at Target Field. Given those realities, paying Mauer a mega-sum was appropriate. But now circumstances and reality are different, and even if Mauer approaches past performance next year or in 2017, his past compensation and proposed earnings of $11.5 million through 2021 would be fair for a player who will be nearly 40 when that contract expires.

Mauer is known as a quiet figure in the clubhouse. He’s a good role model for teammates, though, because of his character and midwestern values. In the past he’s mostly made his statements with on-field performances at the plate, and also catching and now at first base. By re-doing his contract, he could make another statement and contribution to the organization.

And one other incentive, Joe. The taxman figures to go easier on you at $11.5 million per year than $23 million.

Worth Noting

The nonconference schedule for coach Richard Pitino’s team was announced this afternoon. Highlights include the Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament in San Juan where the Gophers will play three games in four days starting with Temple on November 19. Clemson plays at Williams Arena on November 30 as part of the 2015 Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

After home games December 5 and 8 against South Dakota and South Dakota State, Minnesota will play Oklahoma State in Sioux Falls on December 12 in a neutral court matchup at the Sanford Pentagon. The Gophers open their Big Ten schedule on the road at Ohio State on December 30. Minnesota’s first Big Ten home game is January 2 against Michigan State.

The Twins have won eight of their last 10 games and remain in contention for a wild card spot in the American League playoffs. Among the interesting storylines before the season was that starting pitchers Phil Hughes, Ricky Nolasco and Ervin Santana were thought to be key figures in determining the team’s chances of playing meaningful games in August. Hughes has struggled this season and been on the disabled list much of the month. Nolasco hasn’t pitched since May 31, and has also been on the disabled list. Santana missed the first half of the season because of a suspension and has been mostly disappointing since his return, although he was impressive yesterday giving up no runs in seven innings against the Astros while striking out 10 batters.

Before the season neither third baseman Miguel Sano nor center fielder Byron Buxton had played higher than Class AA in the minor leagues. The hope was at least one of the two super prospects would play for the Twins this year. Both are making major contributions to the big league club after recalls from the minors. After less than 200 at bats, Sano has hit 13 home runs with 45 RBI and has a .287 average. He has been invaluable for a team that sometimes struggles to score runs.

Sano has hit a home run every 13.2 times at the plate. Twins Hall of Fame slugger Harmon Killebrew homered at a rate of 14.2. He hit 573 career home runs.

Former Gophers athletic director McKinley Boston is retired from the same position at New Mexico State. Boston continues to live in New Mexico where his grandson Jaylon Boston, playing for Centennial High School, was second team all-state as a sophomore running back last season.

The Vikings placed veteran cornerback Josh Robinson on the physically unable to perform list today. They also cut offensive tackle Carter Bykowski, the Eden Prairie native who has two years of NFL experience after playing at Iowa State.

The Vikings have about 12 acres of land at Winter Park where the club has offices and practice facilities. The organization needs more room and about the only way to expand at the present site is vertically. The Vikings have a purchase agreement in Eagan for 185 acres on the former Northwest Airlines site. A Vikings spokesman said the club is performing due diligence on the property now.

Names to speculate as candidates for the Gophers athletic director vacancy include at least two from the West. Tina Kunzer-Murphy is one of the few female athletic directors at a major school. Murphy, the wife of former Gophers quarterback Greg Murphy, has been the athletic director at UNLV since midway through the 2013-2014 school year. She has held high level administrative positions in athletics at UNLV and Pacific.

Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson is from Redwood Falls, Minnesota and is a University of Minnesota journalism graduate. He has been commissioner of three college conferences including the Mountain West since 1998 and has extensive relationships in college athletics. He’s a known innovator and creative thinker with a high regard for academics and sportsmanship. He’s served on more than two dozen NCAA groups addressing issues such as playoffs, licensing and officiating.

Congratulations to Albany High School football coach Mike Kleinschmidt who won his 100th career game last Friday night with a 38-7 win over St. Cloud Cathedral. He has been a head coach for 13 years, all at Albany, and his overall career record is 100-33.

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Teague, Flip Missed Golden Connection

Posted on August 14, 2015August 14, 2015 by David Shama

Norwood Teague’s departure as Golden Gophers athletic director stirs memories of his failed connection with Flip Saunders who was a candidate to replace Tubby Smith as Minnesota’s basketball coach in the spring of 2013.

Saunders was a once-in-a-generation fit for the job. The former Gophers point guard played during the program’s glory days of the 1970s when the team’s talent was extraordinary and the capacity crowds at Williams Arena were the envy of college basketball. Saunders, a four-year starter, later was an assistant coach for the Gophers and eventually became the popular head coach of the Timberwolves who reached the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2004.

Saunders kept his permanent home in the Minneapolis area after he left the Timberwolves and made coaching stops in Detroit and Washington, D.C. He was out of coaching in 2013 when Smith was fired by Teague. Saunders, full of energy and with a never ending appetite for basketball, had stayed active in the sport with national TV work, and when in Minnesota attended games including those involving Apple Valley High School superstar Tyus Jones.

Sources said Saunders was interested in returning to his alma mater. Teague, a cocky administrator and newcomer to this state, had other candidates for his basketball coaching job and made them a priority. The search wasn’t gaining ground when Teague agreed to meet out of town with Saunders—a gesture that may well have been prompted by pressure from program boosters and media to interview the former Gopher.

Saunders was told in the interview he would need the approval of Teague to hire his assistant coaches, according to multiple sources. A career coach with more than 30 years of experience and with connections all over the country, Saunders wasn’t going to be told who he could hire.

There probably were other issues—perhaps including bonus incentives—that may have tripped up getting a deal done. Whatever the stumbling blocks, talks ended within about 24 hours.

My sources questioned the determination of Teague’s efforts with Saunders. I know the late David Larson, a major Gophers financial supporter and former member of the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, was angry a deal couldn’t be reached with Saunders.

What Larson and other proponents of a Saunders hire saw was a unique candidate and golden opportunity for the Gophers and the University. Saunders would have jump-started a program that has been in decline for more than 15 years and is still going downhill. Saunders’ relationship with Jones could well have resulted in the two of them leading a Gophers on-court turnaround last season. Instead Jones, playing as a freshman for Duke, was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after the Blue Devils won the national championship.

As a former college point guard and veteran NBA coach who had coached some of the world’s best at that position, Saunders could have made a convincing pitch to Jones who he had a relationship with. Jones committing to Minnesota might have caused a domino effect in recruiting that at this point would have the program rolling.

Saunders was intrigued with college basketball and returning to Minnesota. He had insights into coaching in the Big Ten because of his close friend Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State coach. Over the years Saunders had thought about college coaching and planned to use the famous pregame ball handling and passing show he had learned as a player under coach Bill Musselman at Minnesota. It was a show stopper choreographed with music that had the stands packed 30 minutes before tipoff, with enthusiastic fans ready to clap and roar approval.

No wonder Larson and other insiders were angry when a deal wasn’t reached with Saunders. What they knew is this: When you’re dealing with a big time coaching candidate the strategy is to create a deal that person can be happy with and gives him the authority, structure and resources to be successful. Let’s also make this point: Of course you negotiate and make deals that you wouldn’t for other candidates.

Teague, who was hired as Minnesota AD in 2012, was an outsider from the East. In not developing relationships and understanding the culture here, he failed many times. I don’t think he understood what he had in Saunders.

The most passionate of Gophers basketball fans might now forgive but they won’t forget.

Worth Noting

Gophers senior wide receiver KJ Maye, who played in 13 games and started five in 2014, caught 16 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown. His goals for this season are “maybe like 60 catches, 900 yards,” he said.

Sophomore Brandon Lingen, who played prep football at Wayzata High School, is one of the Gophers trying to replace the departed Maxx Williams, probably the best pass catching tight end in program history. Does Lingen compare himself with Williams?

“Try not to because he’s a really good tight end,” Lingen answered. “But at the same time I try to emulate him, try to be just like him—trying to do what he did well and hopefully some day try to be like him.”

Lingen said earlier this year Williams, now in training camp with the Ravens, took all the Gophers tight ends out to dinner. What is the best advice he has heard from Williams? “Work hard and treat practice like a game,” Lingen said.

Stefon Diggs, the Vikings fifth round rookie draft choice from Maryland, impressed with a 62-yard punt return in Minnesota’s preseason opening win Sunday against the Steelers. Vikings special teams coach Mike Priefer was asked if he anticipates Diggs taking that primary punt return role from incumbent Marcus Sherels, the former Gopher from Rochester, Minnesota.

“I would like to continue to work Marcus [Sherels] in there because if he’s going to be the guy, then we need to make sure he’s ready for the season as well,” Priefer said. “You can’t just roll the ball out there against San Francisco and hope Marcus is the guy. So, were going to continue working the top three returners (including Adam Thielen) as we go forward.”

The Vikings open the regular season on September 14 against San Francisco, but tomorrow night play preseason game No. 2 against the Bucs starting at 7 p.m. in TCF Bank Stadium. Diggs, also a wide receiver, and Sherels, a reserve defensive back going into his sixth NFL season, have four more preseason games to prove their value. So, too, does Thielen, a second-year wide receiver, who didn’t return punts in game action last season. Sherel’s 10.5 career average on punt returns is the best in franchise history. His 15.2 average in 2013 was second best in the NFL.

Sports Media News reported on Tuesday the Vikings-Steelers game averaged 11 million viewers on NBC and was the most watched NFL preseason telecast on any network in five years.

Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki is struggling at the plate with a .231 average and just four home runs and 33 RBI. The team needs offensive production and first baseman Joe Mauer doesn’t have stats worthy of his $23 million salary. He is batting .269, with seven home runs and 50 RBI while usually hitting No. 3 in the lineup. But Twins president Dave St. Peter all but dismissed the notion of returning Mauer, a former All-Star catcher, back to that position. St. Peter said the organization has crossed the “threshold” with Mauer regarding catching because of his concussion history that prompted the switch to first base in 2014.

While the Twins are only 4-8 in their last 12 games, St. Peter is encouraged the club is playing “meaningful games in August for the first time in five years.” The Twins, who lost 90-plus games the previous four years, are a wildcard contender with a 57-57 record. St. Peter hopes that will help season home attendance to total about 2.2 million. The club’s attendance in 2014 was 2,250,606.

Rob Fornasiere, the Gophers assistant head baseball coach, is excited about the return of pitching coaching Todd Oakes who has made a courageous and inspirational recovery from cancer. “I would say the biggest boost we have for the coming season (2016) is the return of Todd Oakes full-time to our coaching staff. Just the overall presence and confidence he brings to the pitching staff I think will have a dramatic effect on our whole team. So you can talk about recruiting all you want, but I still think he is the biggest addition we have coming back to our team.”

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Peterson Tells NBC He Understands Critics

Posted on August 12, 2015August 12, 2015 by David Shama

Controversial Adrian Peterson didn’t play in last Sunday’s nationally televised preseason Vikings-Steelers game but he certainly wasn’t ignored. Among references to the Vikings running back was acknowledgment by NBC that Peterson declined an on-camera interview regarding the incident last year when he beat his four-year-old son with a switch. However, NBC pro football analyst Cris Collinsworth reported a conversation with Peterson where the future Hall of Famer “owned up” to his mistake.

Collinsworth told TV viewers Peterson understands the harsh views people have about him if all they know regarding his character are graphic photos showing the bloody injury his son suffered. Peterson’s supporters, though, including many individuals in the Vikings organization, have long insisted the 30-year-old Texas native is someone they like for his personal qualities and community involvement.

“It was a difficult conversation with him,” Collinsworth said on the NBC telecast. “He explained his family growing up—that he had tough love. That he was spanked by his parents and extended family, and (he) thought that discipline went a long way towards the guy that he became. Also, that many of his friends did not receive that kind of discipline and they’re in jail to this day.”

Adrian Peterson (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Peterson has multiple children by different women. He talked to Collinsworth about his 10-year-old daughter “who understood everything that was being said about her father” (involving the child abuse incident and his NFL suspension last season).

Peterson and the Vikings were in Canton, Ohio to play in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Chris Wesseling, writing for NFL.com on Sunday, reported Peterson believes his eventual induction into the Hall of Fame is a “no-brainer.”

Peterson has the third highest all-time average of rushing yards per game, but Wesseling quoted him as having career ambitions that go beyond being acknowledged as football’s greatest running back. He wants to be known as “the greatest player” ever.

Because injuries are a possibility, Peterson probably won’t play in the team’s remaining four preseason games. His first on-field appearance is likely to be the regular season opener September 14 against the 49ers.

Worth Noting

Sports Illustrated’s August 10 College Football Preview predicts the Gophers will be third in the Big Ten’s West Division after Wisconsin and Nebraska. Iowa, Northwestern, Illinois and Purdue will finish behind Minnesota.

Ohio State is the magazine’s choice to win the East Division and is ranked No. 1 in the country. S.I. projects a four-team college football playoff between the Buckeyes, Auburn, Notre Dame and TCU. The Gophers play at Ohio State November 7 and host TCU in Minneapolis September 3.

About 5,000 tickets remain for the TCU game that is expected to sell out. Among fans attending the game will be about 8,000 University of Minnesota students, including 3,000 who purchased tickets. Another 5,000 will be freshmen who annually receive free tickets to the home opener.

Among true freshmen making a good impression at early Gophers practices were offensive tackle Quinn Oseland and running back James Johanesson. Oseland, 6-6, 301 pounds from Springfield, Illinois, was rated the No. 2 offensive tackle in Illinois by Scout.com. Johannesson, the two-time North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year, rushed for 81 career touchdowns at Fargo South High School. If Johannesson, 6-1, 221 pounds, becomes a starter for the Gophers some day, he will draw comparisons with Barry Mayer, a similar size running back from Fargo who led Minnesota in rushing in 1968 and 1969.

Mayer’s son, Adam Mayer, is a freshman walk-on wide receiver with the Gophers. The 6-1, 205-pound Mayer is from Concord, California where he played on a state championship high school team and was considered one of the better prep receivers in the Bay Area.

Gophers senior wide receiver KJ Maye liked what he saw of true freshman wide receiver Rashad Still during informal summer workouts. “The way that he can go get the deep ball and the way that he learns (impressed),” Maye said. “He learns pretty good.”

Still, 6-5, 200 pounds and from El Paso, Texas, was ranked as the No. 62 senior prep wide receiver in the nation by ESPN.

Dan O’Brien, Gophers senior associate athletic director, said his teenage son Casey had a successful surgery for cancer on his right lung last week. In a few months Casey will undergo surgery on the left lung with intent to remove all the cancer in his body.

O’Brien will have to decide whether he wants to be a candidate for the athletic director’s job vacated by Norwood Teague.

It’s interesting to look back at the comments of Rick Pitino about Teague. Pitino, the Louisville basketball coach, is the father of Gophers men’s coach Richard Pitino who was Teague’s most important coaching hire in three years at Minnesota. In April of 2014 the older Pitino, talking on 1500 ESPN, referred to Teague as one of the five best athletic directors in the country. “He’s an awesome AD,” Pitino said. “He is going to bring them to heights they’ve never seen before.”

Gene Taylor, the former North Dakota State athletic director who is credited with helping shape the Bison’s nationally prominent football success, told the Fargo Forum last week he isn’t interested in the Gophers job. Taylor is now deputy director of athletics at Iowa.

Chris Obekpa, the 6-9 shot blocking center the Gophers reportedly once had interest in, has transferred from St. John’s to UNLV. Obekpa, who was suspended by St. John’s earlier this year, will use his final season of college eligibility (2016-2017) at UNLV.

A source told Sports Headliners Dr. Bill McGuire’s option to buy eight acres of land near Target Field and the Farmers Market expires at month’s end. McGuire’s intent has been to build a new outdoor soccer stadium there or in St. Paul as part of the effort to acquire a Major League Soccer franchise for Minnesota. Proponents of the Minneapolis site want to see Hennepin County involved in covering infrastructure costs.

Danny Santana, the former Twins shortstop recently sent down to AAA Rochester after hitting .218 here, is batting .266 with the Red Wings.

The Gophers have commitments from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan State, UCLA and Washington to play in a round-robin baseball tournament at the new U.S. Bank Stadium. Rob Fornasiere, Minnesota’s assistant head coach, said the Pac 12/Big Ten Challenge will be the first weekend in March of 2018.

Minnesota native Karl Gregor is the new men’s head tennis coach at Tufts University. Gregor, a Wayzata High School alum, was interim coach of the team last season. He is a 1997 graduate of the Air Force Academy where he played No. 1 singles.

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