Twins – Page 134 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

No Yips for Vikings New Kicker Forbath

Posted on December 12, 2016December 12, 2016 by David Shama

A weekend full of notes starting with the Vikings.

New placekicker Kai Forbath, who was signed as a free agent last month, kicked four field goals in yesterday’s 25-16 Vikings win over the Jaguars. He is 10 for 10 in four games with Minnesota.

Forbath replaced Blair Walsh who missed the infamous 27-yard goal that cost the Vikings their opening playoff win against the Seahawks last January in Minneapolis. Walsh was out of sync this fall, particularly struggling with extra points. Forbath has converted on four of six attempts but his one miss yesterday can be forgiven because a penalty had put the ball at the Jaguars’ 38-yard-line.

Walsh may have had the yips this year, but Forbath isn’t admitting to any extreme nervousness impacting motor skills. “I’ve always told myself if you’ve missed, to move on from it,” he told Sports Headliners. “Not try to overcorrect it. …”

Forbath reportedly was let go by the Redskins in 2015 because he didn’t hit the ball deep enough on kickoffs. With the Vikings he has produced 13 touchbacks in 22 kickoffs. Walsh, who missed four extra points and made 12 of 16 field goals, had 19 of 41 kicks resulting in touchbacks this season.

The Vikings signed Forbath to a two-year contract but it’s not guaranteed. “I’ve been going through that my whole career so nothing new to me,” he said. …

With three games remaining in the regular season, first round draft choice Laquon Treadwell is still a non-contributor to a Vikings offense that has struggled most of the season. While coaches and teammates have insisted Treadwell’s lack of playing time and success isn’t concerning, fans and media have a different view.

The Vikings’ rookie wide receiver has one reception this season and didn’t catch a pass in yesterday’s win over the Jaguars. He plays a position that is not a project process like offensive line and quarterback, but yet he has hardly seen the field despite playing on an offense that has gone begging for big plays.

While the 6-2, 215-pound Treadwell seems to have the size and hands to succeed at wide receiver, questions persist about his speed and ability to separate from defenders. Right now he is part of a suspect 2016 draft class that also includes fourth round offensive lineman Willie Beavers who hasn’t been able to earn significant playing time despite the injury epidemic on the O-line.

Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen insists Treadwell has the skills to play in the pros. “You see it everyday in practice. He’s got the size, got the speed. He’s got the athleticism. It’s just putting it all together.

“It’s a tough (offensive) system. It’s a long season. It’s just not easy to come in, and step in, and make plays. You gotta earn your right, you gotta keep getting better.”

Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who turned heads as a rookie last season, is a believer in Treadwell, too. “He’s doing everything in his power to become the player that he wants to be.”

Diggs likes Treadwell’s attitude. “He has that want to. He wants to do well.” …

Instead of three regular season NFL games in London as in the past, four will be played next year. The Vikings last played in London in 2013. The use agreement the franchise signed with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) in October of 2013 allows only three Vikings home games to be played internationally during a 15-year period. So, as of now, the Vikings can move only two games from U.S. Bank Stadium to an international site.

The NFL teams participating in the 2017 London game are expected to be announced tomorrow. …

The Vikings are paying $10 million to the MSFA in this their first season at U.S. Bank Stadium. That amount increases by three percent per year in the future. The club also pays what the use agreement terms “direct and incremental operating expenses” for Vikings events at the stadium. The Vikings receive all revenue from various sources for their events including but not limited to tickets, naming rights, suite licenses, sponsorships and signage. …

A hockey source told Sports Headliners he believes the Minnesota Wild has a leadership issue but offered only praise for goalie Devan Dubnyk and new coach Bruce Boudreau. “Who are the leaders (among players)?” the source asked. “There needs to be leaders that push the young players, police the locker room and make sure everyone is rowing the boat together.”

The Wild has been inconsistent and lost too many close games this season, although the club has won four consecutive games, is in third place in the seven-team Central Division and is a playoff contender. The source said Boudreau has done a “good job” but he has been taken aback at times by the team’s lack of effort, and that relates to the players’ leadership issue.

Dubnyk leads the NHL in goals against average per game at 1.63, save percentage at .946 and shutouts with four. He is the team MVP so far and is playing like he did two seasons ago when he rallied Minnesota to the playoffs. How come?

“Goalies are creatures of habit like pitchers,” the hockey man said. “Sometimes they’re hot and sometimes they’re not.”

At what level has Dubnyk been playing? “I think he is as good a goaltender as there is the NHL,” the source said. “He just hasn’t (consistently) had the support.” …

Five voices familiar to local fans have been nominated for Minnesota State Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). They are Mike Grimm, Alan Horton, Anthony LaPanta, Cory Provus and Mark Rosen. …

The Gophers and Washington State play on December 27 in the National Funding Holiday Bowl, and both are led by head coaches who didn’t play college football—Tracy Claeys and Mike Leach. Sports Headliners reader Mike Wilkinson wonders if that has ever happened before in major college bowl history? He also wrote in his email that Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino didn’t play college basketball. He asked if a major college athletic department ever had football and basketball coaches like Claeys and Pitino who didn’t play their sports while students in college? Anybody have answers? …

Two Twins minor leaguers made the Arizona Fall League (AFL) top 25 prospects team announced last week by MLB.com. Shortstop Nick Gordon was fourth in league average at .346, while also leading players at his position in total chances and assists in 21 games. Catcher Mitch Garver was second in the AFL in home runs with four, while batting .229 in 19 games. Gordon was listed as the No. 2 prospect along with Yankees’ minor leaguer and shortstop Gleyber Torres. Garver ranked No. 23. …

Condolences to friends of Edina attorney and Hobey Baker supporter Jack Carlson who died last Wednesday night. Jack was an avid sports fan with a passion for University of Illinois athletics.

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Ex-Gopher Captain Wants Regent Role

Posted on November 9, 2016November 9, 2016 by David Shama

Former Gopher football captain Jim Carter is submitting an application for membership to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The State Legislature will approve individuals to fill four vacancies on the board next year.

Carter, who played for the Gophers from 1967-1969 after a legendary schoolboy career in South St. Paul, said many people have urged him to apply. He is known for his passion and straight talk about the University. As a regent he wants to help with issues such as student tuition costs and debt, student preparedness to enter the workforce, and enhancing athletics including the revenue-producing sports of football, basketball and hockey.

Carter, who lives in the Hastings area and hopes to represent the Second Congressional District on the Board of Regents, played for the Green Bay Packers where he was elected team captain. He has decades of business and civic experience including 28 years as an automobile dealer in Wisconsin, and participation on many boards including the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. In addition to his experience in governance, Carter has been a donor to many organizations including the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Minneapolis businessman Mark Sheffert, a University alum and advisor to the Board of Regents, is familiar with Carter’s background. “He is passionate about and cares about the University,” Sheffert said. “He has attended many meetings of the regents to learn what they do. He has also talked to regents and University administrators to give his constructive thoughts.”

Typical of Carter’s involvement and support for the University is the assistance and leadership he provided this fall to increase awareness about the proposed Lineman Center for the Gophers. Carter has urged regents and others to help make the center part of the new football facility in the now under construction Athletes Village project on campus.

After attending the Board of Regents meetings last month, Carter is optimistic the University will approve the center early next year. He told Sports Headliners there is an anonymous donor willing “to pay at least half” the cost for the Gophers Center.

It’s anticipated the center will add thousands of square feet to the football practice facility and cost several million dollars. Carter said without the center, offensive and defensive linemen won’t have a large enough place indoors that is dedicated to improving their skills—a space big enough to accommodate not only the players but also practice equipment including blocking sleds. The center space would also be used by Gopher athletes in other sports.

Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys has stressed the importance of the center to Carter and others.

Worth Noting

The Gophers have their first road night game Saturday at Nebraska. Quarterback Mitch Leidner said it’s important for the players to stay relaxed during the day. “Don’t burn too much energy thinking about the game,” Leidner said. “Conserve that energy all the way up until game time starts.”

Emmit Carpenter, the Gophers’ kicker is not only from Green Bay but is a self-described “die-hard Packers fan.” He said his family has owned Packers season tickets for decades. A redshirt sophomore, he is 16 of 18 on field goals this season, and his 16 are tops in the Big Ten.

Sid Hartman is no longer doing sports analysis weekdays at 7:40 a.m. for WCCO Radio. Mike Max has that slot now, with Hartman on air at 8:40 a.m. as in the past.

P.J. Fleck—the young Western Michigan coach who has the undefeated Mid-American Conference Broncos ranked No. 14 by the Associated Press—quietly has his name mentioned by Gophers boosters as a future coach. Fleck is a media favorite who last week was featured by the New York Times and this week was written up by the Washington Post. Other national media coverage has come from Sports Illustrated and Forbes.com.

The 5-3 Vikings rank second among NFL teams in points allowed per game at 15.8. Although the offense has struggled to score, that unit has just one turnover in eight games going into Sunday’s road game with the 4-3-1 Redskins.

Eden Prairie sophomore quarterback Cole Kramer is the grandson of former Gophers athletic director Tom Moe. The Eagles are among the playoff favorites for the November 25 Class 6A state title game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minikahda Club pro Jeff Sorenson shot a course record 12-under par 60 Monday at Cabo del Sol Golf Club in Cabo San Lucas. Playing in a tournament for TaylorMade club professionals, the 2016 Minnesota Section PGA Player of the Year beat the previous course record by four strokes.

Twins reliever Glen Perkins, recovering from shoulder surgery, said on Monday he expects to pitch in spring training games next March. Perkins, the Twins All-Star closer, pitched just two innings during the 2016 season.

The Twins Hall of Fame is way overdue to induct the late Halsey Hall, the colorful radio-TV analyst from the club’s early years in Minnesota. Inductees for next year perhaps will include former outfielder Michael Cuddyer and ex-general manager Terry Ryan.

The Wild has recalled forwards Christoph Bertschy and Zack Mitchell and defenseman Mike Reilly from its Iowa affiliate team in the American Hockey League. The Wild has placed defenseman Marco Scandella on long-term injured reserve because of a high right ankle sprain (October 27 at Buffalo).

Hollywood comedian and actor Erik Stolhanske, a Minnesota native, will be the first keynote speaker for the free Bremer Bank Game Changers Speaker Series November 22 at Xcel Energy Center. Stolhanske was born without a fibula and has a prosthetic leg, but despite obstacles has earned roles in shows such as Super Troopers and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Visit the Minnesota Wild website and Speaker Series page for more information. https://www.nhl.com/wild/fans/game-changers-speaker-series

Olivia Paradise, the granddaughter of hockey legends Herb Brooks and Bob Paradise, played No. 1 singles for the Class 2A champion Mahtomedi tennis team this fall and is known for her modeling work.

The WCHA has the three top-ranked women’s teams in the national USCHO.com poll, No. 1 Wisconsin, No. 2 Minnesota and No. 3 UMD. The Big Ten Gopher men’s team has moved up to No. 8 in that USCHO poll, two spots behind No. 6 North Dakota who Minnesota tied in one game and defeated in another last weekend. UMD is No. 1.

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Twins New Bosses Face Fan Anger

Posted on November 7, 2016November 7, 2016 by David Shama

The Twins introduced new baseball department bosses Derek Falvey and Thad Levine to the media and fans today. News of their appointments won’t sell many tickets or immediately improve a team that lost 103 games last season.

Falvey is the new executive vice president and chief baseball officer. Levine’s title is senior vice president and general manager. They represent a new start for a franchise that has lost over 90 games in five of the last six seasons. Home attendance has declined every year, with the Twins drawing less than two million fans last season for the first time since moving into Target Field in 2010.

Fans have become both angry and apathetic. A knowledgeable sports industry source told Sports Headliners he heard the Twins’ season tickets total is about 8,800 right now. Another source believes the final total for 2017 will be about 10,000. When the club started playing at Target Field the season tickets total was approximately 25,000.

TV viewership was dismal at times last season. A ratings authority said the Nielsen results for a Twins-Blue Jays game in August showed no viewers in the 600-home meters sample size. “That’s never happened before with the Twins,” the source said.

Twins president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners earlier this year market research shows fans “desperately” want to get behind the franchise. To rally the fan base, though, Falvey and Levine will have to make changes that re-energize the public.

At the top of the to-do list is adding a couple of marquee players to the roster before next season. The Twins have a reputation for usually not spending significantly on free agents—nor wisely when they do. Their offseason shopping list might start with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos who the Twins errantly traded away to the Nationals in 2010 for closer Matt Capps. Ramos, 29, had a breakout year in 2016, becoming a National League All-Star and hitting .307 with 22 home runs with 80 RBI.

Everyone knows the Twins need to upgrade their pitching staff and that assignment might be where Falvey and Levine can show their smarts first. If they can identity the right pitching help this offseason, that will be impressive. Without better starters and relievers, the Twins are probably a lock to finish last in the American League Central Division again.

The shopping list should also include a clubhouse leader. The Twins never replaced role model vet Torii Hunter who retired after the 2015 season. His leadership and hitting production were key reasons why the 2015 team had a winning record (83-79).

Falvey and Levine should show the fan base they are changing the culture in the baseball department. Change is anticipated to include increased use of analytics but it’s also expected to result in new faces in the organization. Changes might include new coaches.

Levine indicated at today’s news conference he and Falvey see manager Paul Molitor as “someone they can invest in.” No reassurances were made, though, that all the coaches on Molitor’s staff will return. Rob Antony, who has been leading the baseball operation, drew praise from Falvey who didn’t hint at change there.

The 33-year-old Falvey and the 44-year-old Levine have a big job ahead. In a few years the results of their decisions will be known. Let them do things now they believe will give the Twins the best chance to win in 2017 and beyond.

Falvey comes from the Indians where he was assistant general manager. His most extensive experience with the organization was serving four years as the director of baseball operations. Levine has spent the past 11 seasons as assistant general manager for the Rangers.

Worth Noting

Falvey and Levine impressed with their answers at today’s news conference, with the latter more than once showing a sense of humor. The transplanted Texan said he had been warned about Minneapolis weather in November but temps have been mild. “This is actually a lovely time of year up here,” Levine said.

Bo Hellquist, the former UMD pitcher from Savage who signed as a free agent with the Twins in June, had a 5-3 record with a 2.25 ERA in 11 games pitching in the Gulf Coast League for rookies.

Jay Buckley’s Baseball Tours, operating from La Crosse, Wisconsin, has announced 30 trips for 2017 including games to see the World Series champion Cubs. Billed as the “Ultimate Wrigley Field Experience,” the Chicago trip will allow fans to watch games from the stadium and a rooftop. More at Jaybuckley.com.

Give the Gophers and coach Don Lucia credit for a weekend with a tie and a win over North Dakota, a team that has been ranked No. 1 in the country. Saturday night’s announced attendance was 10,310—the ninth largest ever at Mariucci Arena.

The Sports Illustrated College Basketball Projection System simulates the season ahead 10,000 times and ranks teams from No. 1 to 351. The Gophers are No. 97, just behind East Tennessee State and one spot ahead of South Dakota State. Minnesota ranks 13th in the 14-team Big Ten Conference. Rutgers—ouch!—is 224th.

S.I. ranks Duke No. 1 in the nation, while Big Ten teams in the top 16 are Wisconsin No. 8, Purdue No. 11 and Indiana No. 14.

Emmit Carpenter, who kicked three field goals including two of over 50 yards in the Gophers’ win over Purdue Saturday, was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week today.

New Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur impressed yesterday with his use of various personnel and play calling, including a surprise touchdown run by reserve tight end Rhett Ellison in Minnesota’s 22-16 loss to the Lions.

Bleacherreport.com’s NFL power rankings this morning have the Lions at No. 11 and the Vikings No. 12. The Redskins, who the Vikings play next Sunday, are No. 13, while the Patriots rank first.

Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a current exhibit at the Minnesota History Center, and one that Vikings fans will enjoy. The travelling exhibit, on display through January 15, includes an area devoted to the Minnesota NFL franchise. In addition to the Hometown Heroes section, fans can enjoy and learn about the history of pro football including how Ole Haugsrud purchased the Duluth Eskimos franchise for $1 in 1925. Haugsrud later became one of the original Vikings owners.

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