Gophers Basketball – Page 130 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Twins Start Just What the ‘Doctor’ Ordered

Posted on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by David Shama

With all the international scouting done by the Twins, perhaps the organization has found a voodoo man who is boosting the franchise’s fortunes.

That might be a far-out attempt to explain the club’s surprising performance so far this season. But here’s the point: This team is unexpectedly winning games, so why not throw out the voodoo theory?

The franchise that lost 90-plus games for four consecutive seasons has put a team on the field in 2015 with minimal resemblance to those clubs. Yes, it’s still early in the season but who doesn’t like what we see?

The Twins are 27-18 compared with a 24-25 record a year ago. Minnesota is a competitive 11-12 on the road, and the 16-6 home record is the second best in the American League. After a 1-6 start this season, the Twins are 26-12.

Past Twins teams were often way behind by the middle innings. This year’s model sometimes holds a big lead before the fifth inning. Impressive, too, are the club’s eight comeback wins.

Manager Paul Molitor and his coaching staff don’t have a roster glittering with talent. First baseman Joe Mauer and starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco, two of the club’s best paid players, have been mediocre. The roster includes other recognizable names to baseball fans across the country but also has a number of “Who’s he?” guys.

Molitor and staff have maximized their personnel, showing a will and ability to develop players. They have emphasized fundamentals and instilled confidence in both pitchers and position players. Game after game the Twins are a good bet not to beat themselves while demonstrating efficiency, versatility and adaptability.

The Twins rank 12th among MLB teams in hits but are ninth in runs scored. The team has been efficient in close games including last night’s 2-1 win over the Red Sox. And when Minnesota takes a lead into the ninth inning, closer Glen Perkins has more saves, 17, than anyone in the majors. That’s efficiency, too.

Molitor’s roster has guys who can play multiple positions. Eduardo Escobar is the poster boy for versatility, able to play left field and three infield positions. Trevor Plouffe, the third baseman, can also play first and used to be the team’s shorstop. Eduardo Nunez plays in both the infield and outfield. Catcher Chris Herrmann is able to sub in the outfield. The list doesn’t end there and all that versatility helps Molitor deal with injuries. It also helps the manager with hitting and fielding strategies while creating competition for playing time.

The 2015 team had to adjust even before the season started. Pitcher Ervin Santana, the club’s prize free agent signing during the offseason, was given an 80 game suspension back in March for steroid use. That loss was supposed to wreck the starting pitching but it hasn’t.

Other pitchers, including a previously stumbling Trevor May, have stepped up in Santana’s absence. The starting rotation has been so deep the Twins dispatched left-hander Tommy Milone to the minors where for the last couple of weeks he’s been the International League Pitcher of the Week. His record at Triple A Rochester is 4-0 with a 0.28 ERA.

The starters and relievers have responded to new pitching coach Neil Allen. He has them throwing strikes, mixing up their pitches and working with confidence. Allen was stuck in the minors employed by the Rays organization but the Twins made a smart move when they hired him before this season.

Power hitters Kennys Vargas and Oswaldo Arcia were expected to help the lead offense but they haven’t. The Twins adapted, finding power from Plouffe, second baseman Brian Dozier and 39-year-old outfielder Torii Hunter.

Those guys might hit a home run to win a game, or the club may find another way to make a big play. Molitor’s high baseball IQ is often on display. Opposing clubs can be surprised when the Twins pick the right moment to steal a base, or a relief pitcher summoned from the bullpen makes his first throw to first base trying to pick off a runner.

This Twins team appears different in so many ways from its recent predecessors. It looks just like what the (voodoo) doctor ordered.

Worth Noting

Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino completed his recruiting class with an announcement yesterday about Davonte Fitzgerald, a transfer from Texas A&M. A 6-foot-7, 209-pound forward who played two seasons with the Aggies, Fitzgerald will sit out next season and have two years of eligibility starting in 2016. The former Rivals.com three-star prep averaged 12.6 minutes per game in two seasons with the Aggies. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds.

Another member of the seven-man recruiting class who won’t play next season is Edina native Reggie Lynch, a transfer from Illinois State. Feshmen Kevin Dorsey, Ahmad Gilbert, Jarvis Johnson, Dupree McBrayer and Jordan Murphy will be eligible to play in 2015-2016.

Earlier this spring Pitino’s blog on Gophersports.com predicted a top-25 recruiting class. The May 19 Rivals.com ranking of the top 30 classes nationally doesn’t include the Gophers but does have five Big Ten teams with Ohio State No. 6, Illinois No. 17, Michigan State No. 24, Indiana No. 27 and Purdue No. 28.

A Minnesota Wild spokesperson reported via e-mail “we are renewing and adding new season-ticket holders in record numbers.” The NHL club’s TV ratings were over 40 percent higher this season than last. The Wells Fargo Wild Road Tour at the end of June will have three different caravans travelling in Minnesota and Iowa.

John Hughes, the popular and well-connected local magician, told Sports Headliners earlier this spring he plans to play basketball in the National Senior Games here in Minnesota this summer. “The Amazing Hondo’s” birthday was Sunday. He is a 1970 graduate of Cretin-Derham High School.

Looks like there is something else certain in life besides death and taxes. For the eighth year in a row St. Thomas won both the men’s and women’s championships in the MIAC All-Sports Competition. This is the 29th overall All-Sports title for the UST men and 24th for the women.

Duck and Buck Commander of the TV show Duck Dynasty are providing autographed duck calls along with autographed baseballs from Willie, Phil, Si and Jase Robertson to be used as prizes for Northwoods League Fantasy Baseball.

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Dutcher Understands Rick Pitino Role

Posted on May 25, 2015May 25, 2015 by David Shama

Rick Pitino has used the media to defend his son Richard Pitino this year. After the Gophers stumbled to a disappointing 6-12 Big Ten record and no post-season play, the legendary Louisville coach pointed out his son Richard—only in his second year of rebuilding at Minnesota—had no all-conference players to work with. Then earlier this month the elder Pitino disclosed his son seriously considered the Alabama coaching vacancy but wasn’t interested because he hadn’t established himself as head coach of the Gophers.

Rick was “proud” of Richard for demonstrating humility and perspective in making the decision, according to a May 8 Amelia Rayno story in the Star Tribune quoting from Pitino’s interview on “The Jim Rome Show” two days earlier.

Gophers fans have been surprised to find two Pitinos speaking for the Minnesota men’s basketball program. Jim Dutcher offered interpretation and opinion on the subject. Dutcher is a qualified source since he is a former Gophers head coach, follows the program closely and also has a son in major college basketball coaching.

Brian Dutcher has been Steve Fisher’s top assistant at San Diego State for years. The two have built a ho-hum program into one of the best on the West Coast, and as of late the Aztecs have a superior resume to Minnesota’s. Fisher is already past retirement age and Brian has been labeled “head coach in waiting.”

Gophers fans had read the rumors Richard Pitino’s name was on the candidate list for the Alabama job. When Dutcher later read Rick Pitino’s comments about the Alabama situation and why his son decided to remain at Minnesota, his reaction was “here’s daddy just trying to make something good come out of this.”

To Dutcher it’s obvious Pitino is making statements to protect his son. Dutcher believes that’s also what happened back in March when Rick made it clear Minnesota’s talent isn’t what it needs to be and Richard isn’t responsible for inheriting a bare cupboard. “Richard can’t say that but his dad can, so you gotta read through it and say this is what Richard thinks,” Dutcher said.

While it might bother Gophers fans that Rick, 62, is speaking for Richard, 32, Dutcher sees a protective parent at work using his platform as one of college basketball’s most prominent coaches. Dutcher, though, isn’t interested in going public with statements about Brian and his career.

“It’s not a role that I would play in Brian’s thing,” Dutcher said. “I get asked all the time why isn’t he the head coach? I say because it’s Steve’s job, and I don’t take it any further than that.

“Do you want your son to do well? Absolutely. Are you defensive about any criticism he may get? Absolutely. How you handle that. …I guess to each his own. I try not to be critical (the Pitinos). I just see it as a dad trying to be defensive in the defense of his son.”

While some may see Rick Pitino’s actions as meddlesome, Dutcher doesn’t. “That’s what fathers do,” Dutcher said.

It wouldn’t be surprising if there are more supportive comments coming from the older Pitino about his son. “When it’s parents speaking in defense of their children I give them a lot of leeway,” Dutcher said.

Worth Noting

Dutcher picks Maryland to win the Big Ten title next season. He added that Michigan, with injured star Caris LeVert returning for 2015-2016, will be a contender.

At 32, you wonder if conditioning and many years of basketball toil didn’t drive Janel McCarville’s surprise announcement to not play this season for the Lynx. McCarville played four seasons for the Gophers, then in the WNBA including the last two seasons for the Lynx where she was a major contributor as the team’s starting center.

Devan Dubnyk, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, reportedly earned $800,000 during 2014-2015 but perhaps could get a $1.8 million salary next season as part of a new three-year deal with the Wild, a hockey source told Sports Headliners. If the 29-year-old goalie had played a key role in taking the Wild to the Stanley Cup finals this spring he might have commanded $3 million next season.

ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said on the NFL Draft telecast April 30 the tackling of Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes was sometimes a “liability.” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman told Sports Headliners his first round draft choice has “made some pretty good tackles on (video) tape.”

Vikings fans will have to decide if there are tackling issues with Waynes. “The biggest thing with our corners in this (defensive) scheme is to be able to cover,” Spielman said.

Former Gophers wide receiver Isaac Fruechte only caught 18 passes (one touchdown reception) in Minnesota’s ground-focused offense last season but the Vikings added him to their roster for now. “He just came in and did a good job during our rookie minicamp,” Spielman said. “You could see the size (6-3) and the speed. He caught the ball well. We felt that coming out of that camp that it was worth giving him an opportunity.”

Former Vikings running back Dave Osborn speaks to the “Breakfast with Leroy” group on Saturday, June 13, at the Bloomington Knights of Columbus, 1114 American Blvd West. A breakfast buffet precedes Osborn’s remarks, with more information available by contacting Pat Rickert at 612-861-3981. Group attendees are mostly athletes from the Minneapolis public schools in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, many of whom went on to college and professional careers.

Minnesota native Tom Lehman couldn’t hold an early lead last week in the 76th Senior PGA Championship in French Lick, Indiana. Lehman finished seven over for the tournament while champion Colin Montgomerie was minus eight after final play yesterday. Don Berry, the Edinburgh USA head pro, also played in French Lick but didn’t make the cut.

Both Berry and Lehman are former winners of the annual Tapemark Charity Pro-Am in West St. Paul. This year’s Tapemark for men will be played June 12, 13 and 14 at Southview Country Club. Berry, eight times the tournament champion including last year, is expected to participate again.

Doug Mientkiewicz, manager of the Twins Double A Chattanooga farm team, said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle program yesterday German native Max Kepler is “night and day” the most improved player on the roster. Kepler, who leads the team in hitting with a .345 average, can play all three outfield positions and first base.

Mientkiewicz also talked about center fielder Byron Buxton’s extraordinary speed, describing him as special when sprinting from third base to home plate.

When asked to identify a player most ready to help the Twins, Mientkiewicz said relief pitcher Zack Jones. He is 3-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 15.2 innings.

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Ex-Coach Expects AP to Remain a Viking

Posted on April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 by David Shama

Former Vikings running backs coach Dean Dalton would be shocked if Adrian Peterson refuses to play for the Vikings this season. He is also convinced the future Hall of Famer won’t cause problems for coach Mike Zimmer after the Vikings begin practices.

Dalton was a Vikings assistant from 1999-2005. Peterson didn’t become a Viking until 2007 but Dalton knows him from being around the team. Although Peterson’s agent has made statements about whether his client’s future should be with the Vikings, Dalton questions whether that’s how Peterson feels.

Dalton told Sports Headliners Ben Dogra’s stance could be based on trying to leverage a better contract here or elsewhere. Yesterday the NFL reinstated Peterson from his suspension involving mistreatment of his son last year. The fact Peterson is now officially eligible to play in 2015 prompted the question of whether the controversial superstar will intentionally cause trouble with Zimmer and the team as a means for escaping Minnesota.

“I would say absolutely not,” Dalton said. “I think he would be 180 degrees from that. Having known the young man since he was drafted, (I know) his heart is in the right place.

“He’s more than served his punishment for disciplining his son. I would suggest that the good people of Minnesota will welcome Adrian back and Peterson will welcome that.”

Dalton said Peterson won’t give Zimmer and teammates “anything less than 100 percent.” During an eight-year career Peterson has scored 86 touchdowns and in six seasons rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Although Peterson turned 30 in March, Dalton expects Peterson to be refreshed and determined after playing in only one game last year because of the suspension.

Despite Dogra’s comment about playing in Minnesota not being in his client’s best interest, Dalton believes the most likely of scenarios would have Peterson with the Vikings next season. “I definitely don’t think they will release him,” Dalton said about speculation the Vikings might want to rid themselves of Peterson’s team-high expensive contract and his seemingly disgruntled agent.

A trade is a possibility, Dalton acknowledges, but he said transactions involving teams and a star player like Peterson can be challenging. Still, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has a history of pulling off surprising trades including sending troublesome receiver-runner Percy Harvin to the Seahawks in 2013 for three draft choices.

Dalton laughed recalling an early experience with Peterson. During Peterson’s rookie training camp team owner Zygi Wilf approached Dalton. Wilf asked Dalton if he wished the Vikings could have drafted Peterson when he was still coaching. “I would still be your running backs coach,” Dalton answered.

Worth Noting

When the Wild defeated the Blues last night in their opening game of the Stanley Cup playoffs it was only the second loss in April for St. Louis. The Blues had also won five of the last six games at Scottrade Center against the Wild, outscoring Minnesota 22-10. But the Wild, who last year struggled to win on the road in the playoffs, were impressive last night with a 4-2 victory.

For the first time in program history, the Gophers last night had two players selected in the WNBA Draft. Center Amanda Zahui B. was the No. 2 pick overall by Tulsa and forward Shae Kelley was the No. 35 choice by the Lynx.

Cameron Botticelli, a senior leader as a defensive tackle on last season’s Gophers football team, is unlikely to be chosen in the NFL Draft. “I am predicted as an undrafted free agent which is fine by me,” he told Sports Headliners. “If you look back in high school and coming here as a walk-on, I’ve never had the red carpet rolled out for me—which is totally fine, but I have had an opportunity and I feel that’s all I need to show that I belong.”

Botticelli didn’t draw interest from major college football programs while he played at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. He surprised observers by becoming a starter and contributor on the Gophers’ defense. Now he’s hoping to succeed in the NFL and is using Minneapolis-based Blake Baratz (Institute for Athletes) as his agent. Botticelli has been training with other Gophers having NFL ambitions, David Cobb, Cedric Thompson and Damien Wilson.

“Just working out every single day,” Botticelli said. “Trying to get better and give myself the best shot, wherever I get an opportunity this May.”

If not the NFL? “You know what? As far as a plan ‘B,’ it’s been well documented and I‘ve not been shy shy about it, I am just as passionate about a career in law as a career in football. So if things weren’t to work out that’s where I would be headed.”

Botticelli earned a 3.6 GPA while majoring in political science and earning a degree. He has a serious interest in politics but first would want to establish himself in the private sector. Media members, impressed with his intelligence and articulation, refer to him as “the Senator.”

“Kyle Gergely, the equipment guy, calls me the Governor,” Botticelli said. “I didn’t know how I feel about it but, yeah absolutely, that’s something (politics) I feel very passionately about and I want to pursue.”

Gophers fans were disappointed redshirt freshman quarterback Jacques Perra wasn’t available for last Saturday’s spring game because of a thumb injury. That injury isn’t expected to be an ongoing problem but it came after having a sore arm. “He has had arm problems all spring so he hasn’t been able to throw the ball with zip,” Gophers coach Jerry Kill told Sports Headliners.

Perra, a walk-on last fall from Roseville High school, could push redshirt sophomore Chris Streveler for the No. 2 quarterback spot. Perra might have more passing potential than any quarterback on the roster.

Former Gophers center Elliott Eliason is working with Teddy Archer, the local agent who also represents Austin Hollins and Maverick Ahanmisi. Eliason is hoping to secure a contract in the near future from a European team. Hollins played this past season in France while Ahanmisi was in the Philippines. Both were teammates of Eliason but one year ahead of him at Minnesota.

Eliason started 35 games for the Gophers as a junior in 2013-2014 but played fewer minutes last season than he did as a sophomore. His playing time dropped to minimal minutes in the last several games and he told Sports Headliners there was a “lack of communication” between him and coach Richard Pitino. In retrospect both he and the coach could have done more to understand each other, Eliason said.

Eliason will graduate from the University of Minnesota with a marketing degree this spring. Eventually he hopes to play in the NBA. During his junior season he finished third among Big Ten players in blocked shots and his 6.6 rebounds per game was sixth best in the league.

Jessica Plant—announced this week this week as one of two winners of the 2015 Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award—is the first female winner from the Gophers to ever be honored with the prestigious Big Ten scholarship. The award began in 2008 and is an annual scholarship recognizing one male and one female Big Ten senior student-athlete pursuing a postgraduate degree for achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership.

Plant, a swimmer at Minnesota, is a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, two-time Academic All-American and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. She enters her final undergraduate academic semester with a 4.0 GPA as she progresses toward her art history and classical civilizations degrees.

Minnesota State, Mankato athletic director Kevin Buisman announced three candidates have been selected as finalists in the search for a new women’s hockey head coach. The three are Bemidji State women’s hockey assistant Amber Fryklund, former St. John’s men’s head coach John Harrington and UMD assistant coach Laura Schuler.

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