Media – Page 12 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Cheery 2024 Predictions for Three with Twins Connections

Posted on January 3, 2024January 3, 2024 by David Shama

This could be a year to treasure for Twins ace Pablo López , outfield prospect Walker Jenkins and hometown hero Joe Mauer.

MLB.com authority Anthony Castrovince wrote recently that López is his choice for 2024 American League Cy Young winner. He noted the 27-year-old right-hander pitched a career-high 194 innings in 2023, improved his strikes-walks ratio (struck out 234) and was “awesome” in two postseason starts against the Blue Jays and Astros going 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA. Lopez’s regular season record was 11-8 in 32 starts with a 3.66 ERA.

Castrovince wrote: “…He might have only scratched the surface, because now that he’s added a sweeper that held opponents to a .173 average and .287 slugging percentage, he has a genuine five-pitch mix that could even improve in effectiveness as he gets more comfortable utilizing it. López has the command to do so. If he does, he’s a Cy winner waiting to happen.”

Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis of MLB.com talked about Jenkins on a recent podcast. They predict big things for the 18-year-old who was Minnesota’s No. 1 draft selection last year. Callis believes Jenkins could be the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball for 2024.

The athletic Jenkins is a five-tool player who in coming years could become the Twins’ starter in right field or center field. His impressive swing and power are attributes that often first draw attention, with observers raving about his potential. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Jenkins was taken fifth overall and he might be the steal of last year’s draft.

Jenkins didn’t sign his $7.1 million contract until late July, but he turned heads in the minors and perhaps will play in Double-A this year. His stats last season with two farm system teams included 102 at bats, .362 batting average, three home runs, 21 RBI and a .988 OPS.

Mauer, the St. Paul native who excelled at first base and catcher for the Twins before retiring after the 2018 season, has been tracking well in votes for acceptance into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Select members of the Baseball Writers Association of America do the voting that ended December 31 and votes made public so far indicate there’s strong support for Mauer to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Approximately 400 association members had an opportunity to vote. A candidate must receive 75 percent or more of the votes and Mauer has impressive credentials.

In addition to Mauer’s three batting titles and MVP Award, he was named to six American League All-Star teams, earned five Louisville Slugger Awards and three Rawlings Golden Glove Awards. He is also the only American League catcher ever to win a batting title.

Voting results will be announced beginning at 5 p.m. January 23 on the MLB Network.

Worth Noting

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to progress on rehab from Achilles tendon surgery and NBC reported Sunday night that he expects to go from just walking to jogging by February 1.

Who starts for the Vikings at QB in the final regular season game Sunday in Detroit against the Lions? The prediction here is Nick Mullens because he has played more recently than Josh Dobbs and better than Jaren Hall.

Word has been Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a target for the Vikings in April’s NFL Draft. His passing accuracy might be questionable, and he wasn’t that impressive in the high stakes semifinal playoff win over Alabama Monday night. He looks far from ready to play in the pros and maybe not first round worthy.

A trusted source believes Bethel’s Brian Raabe, who has coached the Royals for 12 seasons and is known for his prowess as a baseball instructor, could be the next head coach replacing legendary John Anderson who is retiring after the 2024 season.

The Gophers, seeking to add experience to their running back roster, have offered a scholarship to Northwestern transfer Anthony Tyus III. As a junior in 2023, he was third on the team in rushing yards with 254 and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. The Portage, Michigan native was an Associated Press first team All-State selection in high school.

That was former Gopher defensive tackle Trill Carter playing for Texas Monday night in the Longhorns’ semifinal playoff game against Washington. He didn’t record any defensive stats but has been a contributor for Texas while participating in 13 of 14 games.

Among Gophers who transferred after 2022, no one was more recognized for his accomplishments with his new team than cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. He was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-American second team and was first team All-Big 12.

Former Gopher edge rusher Austin Booker, who led Kansas with eight sacks for 61 yards, also made first-team All-Big 12. Defensive lineman Gage Keys also transferred from Minnesota to Kansas and played a lot of snaps in 2023 before recently deciding to play for Auburn in 2024.

Running back Trey Potts and wide receiver Dylan Wright were highly visible offensive players for the Gophers before transferring. Potts was fifth for Penn State in rushing with 155 net yards while Wright caught 11 passes for 187 yards at TCU.

Think there will be a little drama November 9 when the Gophers play at Rutgers if their former quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, is playing for the Scarlet Knights?

It might not be widely known but the Gophers weren’t the first college football team from Minnesota to play in a January bowl game when they met Washington in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 1961. This college football bowl season is the 75^th anniversary of St. Thomas’ 1949 trip to the Cigar Bowl in Tampa where the Tommies tied Missouri Valley, 13-13. http://tommiesports.com

The Michigan basketball team the Gophers (10-3) play in Ann Arbor Thursday night is the only Big Ten club with a below .500 record at 6-7. The Wolverines are giving up a conference worst 79.1 points per game. Peacock televises the game starting at 8 p.m.

Hit by injuries, including star forward Kirill Kaprizov and goalie Filip Gustavsson, the Wild has lost three consecutive games and has to find a way not to go on a long losing streak.

In a state where many residents claim Norwegian descent, it’s interesting the Wild’s Mats Zuccarello is one of only eight players from Norway ever to play in the NHL. Norwegian Americans are 13.8 percent of Minnesota’s population, per Worldpopulationreview.com.

The Pelicans, who play the Timberwolves tonight in Minneapolis, are a difficult team for Minnesota when forward Zion Williamson plays. The Pels played last night and it could be Willamson is rested tonight by sitting out the game.

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Vikings Defense May Thrive on Rookie QB Mistakes

Posted on December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 by David Shama

The eyes of Vikings pass defenders could be wide-eyed today against the Raiders in Las Vegas. That’s because players like Minnesota cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. will be facing a rookie quarterback in Aidan O’Connell who didn’t take over the starting assignment until early November. When matched up against an inexperienced QB, Murphy told Sports Headliners a defender can think “this week I gotta go get more picks.”

O’Connell took over from George Clooney look-a-like Jimmy Garoppolo for the November 5 Raiders game against the Giants. Vegas is 2-2 since, with wins over the Giants and Jets, and losses to the Dolphins and Chiefs.

The 25-year-old fourth round draft choice from Purdue played sparingly until given the starting assignment against the Giants. Now the Raiders are committed to him this season—although not unexpectedly he has been inconsistent throwing six interceptions (three against the Dolphins) and four touchdown passes to receivers who include elite WR Davante Adams.

“Playing a younger quarterback, they’re trying to make everything perfect, and obviously trying to get the ball to their top guys,” Murphy said. “So that kind of gives you a tell (clue) where the ball is going. Where you need to be on that type of play.”

The Vikings will try to confuse O’Connell with their defensive looks and blitz-happy scheme. That will challenge his QB IQ and poise but there is a feeling in Vegas the rookie is improving.

Vincent Bonsignore, writing for the Las Vegas Review-Journal Friday, noted that in O’Connell’s last game (against the Chiefs) he had no fumbles or interceptions. Among those impressed was Raiders coach Antonio Pierce.

“That last game (against the Chiefs), that kid played well,” Pierce said in the Journal’s story. “He gave us a chance to win, took care of the football, made the adjustments, made the corrections that we needed to, was poised … that’s what we want to see.”

Worth Noting

Murphy is in his first season with the Vikings after four years with the Cardinals. The Vikings, under second-year coach Kevin O’Connell are known for their culture, and Murphy is a believer saying “the support system around this place is just amazing.”

During the team’s bye week Murphy went home to Arizona and spent time with his six-year-old son. The most exciting development, however, was learning he will be the father of a baby girl due in April.

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ own elite receiver, Justin Jefferson, returns to the lineup today after missing seven games because of his hamstring injury. “I mean It’s huge (having him back),” WR K.J. Osborn said. “It will change the way teams defend us, give us another playmaker.”

Osborn and Jefferson are close so he knows how frustrated his friend was. “He’s a competitor. He wanted to get back out there. I know it was killing him. …”

Osborn talking about Jefferson’s personality and make up: “He’s a great guy. The same guy that you guys (media) see is how he is. Very personable. Funny, always wants to have fun. Smile on his face. Nice guy that comes from a great family.”

Jefferson has 5,396 career receiving yards and needs 117 receiving yards to surpass Michael Thomas (5,512 receiving yards) for the most by a player in his first four seasons in NFL history.

Osborn will be a free agent after this season but said nothing is happening now regarding a contract extension with the Vikings.

Just like the Raiders, the future of the Vikings’ QB situation is unsettled both short and long term. Joshua Dobbs was named the starter for today after there was anticipation Nick Mullens would get the call. However things to turn out today, there will be many fans who will say, “I told you so.”

Vikings’ left guard Dalton Risner, now in his fifth NFL season, knows the public is fickle. “You can’t focus too much on the outside (noise),” he said. “They’re gonna love you when you’re up. They’re gonna hate you when you’re down.”

Dobbs does provide a running threat that Mullens can’t offer, and Osborn has been impressed. “Cause I didn’t even know he was that athletic. I think it surprised a lot of us. But he goes out there, and when he has to, he’s able to extend plays with his legs and help us out that way.”

Risner doesn’t anticipate a quarterback controversy inside the Vikings’ locker room. “This is a strong locker room. From what I’ve taken it’s a locker room that supports whatever the coaches are doing and whatever the organization chooses. “

Risner joined the Vikings two games into the season. He became a starter on October 23 and while some on the outside may be so-so on his performance he isn’t. “I’ve had a really good year. I haven’t even given up a sack yet.”

The Vikings’ other starting guard, Ed Ingram, was maligned last season as a rookie but he’s improved now. Ingram told Sports Headliners that as a rookie playing next to standout tackle Brian O’Neill, he was nervous and “I didn’t want to mess him up.”

Ingram said the coaches have told him his “level of play has elevated since last season.” He now believes he and O’Neill complement each other.

Vivid Seat’s Fan Forecast is 54 percent of the patrons at today’s game at Allegiant Stadium will be Vikings fans.

Maxwell Woods, the running back / defensive back from Chanhassen High School, was today named Mr. Football for 2023 by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA). In a news release Chanhassen coach Cullen Nelson said:

“Maxwell Woods is the hardest worker I have ever coached and his drive to win is unmatched. He is an ambassador for our football program and school. He is the ultimate competitor and teammate. He isn’t a stats guy; he is a team guy. He gets just as excited when his teammates score as when he does. I will never coach a player better than Maxwell Woods. He is the total package. Maxwell is committed to North Dakota State University to play running back next year.”

The Mr. Football Award is co-sponsored by the MFCA and the Vikings. The two organizations also annually collaborate on the All-Star football game matching high school seniors from the state in a North-South rivalry. With its varied activities to benefit high school football, the MFCA lives by the mantra “The Keepers of the Game.”

Audra Martin, the Twins sideline reporter, and Wild studio host, is the latest guest on “Behind the Game” with hosts Patrick Klinger and Dave Boden. A Chicago native and graduate of Central Florida, Martin has worked in this market since 2015. The show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW-LqbyoZhI

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The Bet Here: A Nick Mullens Start at QB in Las Vegas

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

It will be surprising if Nick Mullens isn’t named the starting quarterback for the Vikings in their next game, December 10 in Las Vegas against the Raiders. Head coach Kevin O’Connell declined to name a starter during last week’s bye period, but Josh Dobbs is 2-2 in leading the offense and is coming off a four interception performance against the Bears November 27.

Mullens’ back injury likely prevented him from being the starter after Kirk Cousins suffered his torn Achilles season-ending injury against the Packers October 29. Mullens has the best understanding of the offense on a quarterback roster that also includes rookie Jaren Hall.

Dobbs was acquired in an October 31 trade with the Cardinals. Mullens came to Minnesota in a trade with the Raiders in August of 2022. Both he and Dobbs are 28 years old, have been with multiple NFL teams and are considered journeymen.

Nick Mullens image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Mullens’ experience with the offensive system could give the Vikings the best outcome in getting the ball to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson in Vegas and for the rest of the season. Jefferson is expected to play next Sunday after being sidelined with a hamstring injury for almost two months. The whole offense is predicated on passing success with other superb targets in rookie WR Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Likeable and soft spoken, Mullens has been a supportive backup to Cousins. If he starts next Sunday it will be his first for the Vikings during the regular season. In 24 previous games in the NFL, including 17 starts, he has thrown 27 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions.

The future status of the Vikings quarterback leadership beyond this season is muddled. The club seems almost certain to take a quarterback in the first round. Minnesota could be on pace to draft around No. 20 and the best available then might be J.J. McCarthy of Michigan. He not only has passing skills but has the mobility to add another option to O’Connell’s creative schemes and play calling. He is young (turns 21 in January) and will need developmental time.

The Vikings and Cousins have to determine if they can figure out a new contract. Cousins is a free agent and a proven top 12 NFL quarterback but his bargaining power will be diminished coming off such a severe injury. Still, he would be valuable to the Vikings for a season or two while they groom a McCarthy.

But how do the Vikings determine their salary cap and budget challenges in 2024 with expensive new contracts that could start with Cousins at $35 million, Jefferson at $30 million and pass rushing whiz Danielle Hunter at $25 million.

Worth Noting

McCarthy’s coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh, is likely to leave the controversies of college coaching behind and take an NFL job in the coming weeks. Harbaugh interviewed with the Vikings two years ago with a resume that included taking a so-so 49ers team to the Super Bowl. Last week Yardbarker was quoting 5-1 odds he will be the next coach of the NFL Panthers.

Speaking of quarterbacks, a lot of fans have to be rooting for Cole Kramer to have a successful game leading the Gophers in their bowl game. The former Eden Prairie star enrolled at Minnesota in January of 2019 and has seen minimal playing time during his career including brief appearances in two games this season. He’s been the definition of the “loyal trooper” and it will be interesting to see if with starter Athan Kaliakmanis in the transfer pool he chooses to use his last year of eligibility at Minnesota in 2024.

The Gophers are targeting FCS passing leader Max Brosmer, the quarterback from New Hampshire who has entered the transfer portal. He was the team’s captain and is originally from Georgia. Brosmer was a semifinalist for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy recognizing the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule told reporters recently “a good quarterback” costs $1 million to $2 million in NIL money. Presumably he’s talking FBS, not FCS, because the Gophers can’t afford that kind of money.

Dinkytown Athletes, the official collective of Gopher athletics, is making progress in generating NIL money including with creative ideas partnering with businesses. It’s believed NIL money will first be a priority here in retaining players on the roster.

Quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who once had an interest in the Gophers, is in the transfer portal and leaving Louisiana Tech. Coming out of high school in California in 2019, Bachmeier was one of the nation’s top ranked pro style quarterbacks and chose Boise State.

The Gophers haven’t played in the Rose Bowl since January of 1962 when they defeated UCLA in the “grandaddy” of all bowl games. That changes next year when Minnesota plays at UCLA on the Bruins’ home field, the Rose Bowl. Stillwater-based Creative Charters is already promoting a fan-trip to Southern California October 9-13.

Bill Guerin has fired two head coaches since becoming the Wild’s GM, Bruce Boudreau in 2020 and Dean Evason last week. If new hire John Hynes doesn’t last at least a few years, scrutiny will focus on Guerin who has yet to see one of his Wild teams make a deep playoff run.

After last night’s win over the Hornets in Charlotte, the Timberwolves are 15-4, the best record through the first 19 games of a season in franchise history.

Cleveland.com reports former Gopher and Minnesota native Jamison Battle is making a career high 38.6 percent of his three-point shots. Stephen Means of the website predicts Battle’s new team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, will win 73-61 against the Gophers tonight in Columbus in the first Big Ten game for both teams on the 2023-2024 schedule.

Popular emcee and former Gophers public address announcer Dick Jonckowski had a checkup last month and continues to be cancer free from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Dick was told he won’t need another checkup for a year.

David Mackay produced and directed a movie he filmed in Norway and Ireland titled “My Norwegian Holiday” which debuted Friday night on the Hallmark Channel. David is the son of Minnesota icon Harvey Mackay who has been a prominent booster of local sports and confidant to Gophers sports leaders over the years.

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