Twins – Page 24 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

‘Ant’ & Wolves Make a Statement in Game 1 Win

Posted on April 20, 2024April 20, 2024 by David Shama

Whether it was physical, or verbal, Anthony “Ant” Edwards and the Timberwolves made a statement with their 120-95 win over the Suns today at Target Center.

Edwards, who had averaged 14 points in three regular season losses to the Suns, scored 33 including 18 in the decisive third quarter as the Wolves took Game 1 of their opening Western Conference playoff series. Minnesota extended a 10-point halftime lead to an in-command 92-72 advantage after the third quarter. Edwards, the Wolves’ fourth year wunderkind was a full-time scorer and part-time cheerleader, dazzling with his shooting including four three-pointers while sometimes imploring the crowd to match his uber excitement.

Edwards even took to jawing in the second half with Suns superstar and Hall of Fame bound forward Kevin Durant who led his team in scoring with 31 points.

Late in the fourth quarter, Edwards stripped Durant of the basketball and took off down court for an uncontested dunk. The play was a microcosm of a game where the youthful Edwards and the Wolves played with more energy and physicality than Phoenix.

The Wolves had several days to prepare for their playoff opener and the results were to their liking. There was significant time spent by coaches and players watching past film of the Suns and also instructive practices to get ready for what could be a seven-game series.

In a 125-106 regular season ending loss at Target Center last Sunday the Wolves didn’t look engaged or tough. After today’s game coach Chris Finch said at his press conference heard on KFAN Radio that his team “made all the effort plays tonight.” He praised his team for running the floor, rebounding and playing “with some physicality on defense.”

The Wolves played a complete game, excelling at both ends of the court. They had 19 turnovers in the first half of last Sunday’s loss but totaled 24 today in four quarters. Minnesota was dominant in rebounding with a 52-28 edge (13-3 on offensive rebounds).

Suns’ sharp shooters and three-point specialists Grayson Allen and Bradley Beal who combined for 56 points (nine of nine on three-pointers) last Sunday scored 19 today and were one for six on three-pointers. When they and the other Phoenix starters went out of the game, the Suns bench didn’t match that of the Wolves who were led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid who scored a combined 30 points for Minnesota. Respectively the two had the best plus-minus totals on the team, plus-28 and plus-22 .

After the game, Edwards was interviewed on the court by Bally Sports North, with the fans at the game and at home able to listen. “The crowd definitely played a big role in tonight’s game. Keep coming out and supporting us,” Edwards said.

He also noted that today was just one game in the series that earlier in the week had oddsmakers favoring the Suns. Words of wisdom from the 22-year-old.

Worth Noting

Here are the remaining dates, locations, times and networks for the Wolves-Sun series through Game 4: April 23, Minneapolis, 6:30 p.m. TNT; April 26, Phoenix, 9:30 p.m. ESPN; April 28, Phoenix, 8:30 p.m. TNT. Games can also be seen on Bally Sports North.

How ironic if the Wolves were to win the NBA championship 70 years after the Minneapolis Lakers did so. The 1954 Lakers were part of a Minneapolis dynasty that also won league titles in 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1953.

Three in a row for Gophers football regarding the No. 1 recruit from the state of Minnesota. Esko safety Koi Perich, the class of 2024 No. 1, signed with the Gophers last December. This month class of 2023 No. 1 Jaxon Howard, the edge rusher from Robbinsdale Cooper transferring from LSU, committed to a scholarship, and Minnesota received a verbal commitment from class of 2025 No. 1 Emmanuel Karmo, the linebacker also from Cooper.

With the transfer portal closing at month’s end, former Gophers center Pharrel Payne has yet to find a new program. One door seemingly closed when Indiana secured Oumar Ballo, a transfer from Arizona regarded as the top center in the portal.

Payne, who reportedly visited Indiana, is likely seeking an NIL deal paying well into six figures. Unlike Indiana, where there is a track record of six-figure NIL deals, the Gophers’ NIL pot might not exceed $600,000 to $700,000. That’s been enough, though, to retain Dawson Garcia, Elijah Hawkins, Parker Fox and Mike Mitchell Jr., and receive a commitment from Canisius transfer Frank Mitchell who will replace Payne.

Gophers athletic department leaders Mark Coyle and Jeremiah Carter, along with men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson and Katie Harms representing the NIL Dinkytown Athletes collective, will discuss NIL’s impact on college sports at Wednesday’s Capital Club breakfast at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the Capital Club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

Drake Maye, who the Vikings could end up drafting in the first round Thursday night, a year ago was projected by some authorities to be the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft but an inconsistent 2023 season with North Carolina dropped his stock. Maye’s inconsistency could be partially attributable to playing for a new offense coordinator, but the potential, including arm strength, is there to make him an intriguing draft target whose flaws might be easily fixed by the Vikings coaching staff.

“It’s all there. He just needs to end up in the right system,” said Daniel House who offers his football insights on Mnvikingscorner.com and Gophersguru.com.

Ten former Gophers are on NHL rosters of Stanley Cup playoff teams: Brady Skjei, Carolina Hurricanes; Casey Mittelstadt, Colorado Avalanche; Kyle Okposo, Florida Panthers; Tommy Novak, Nashville Predators; Hudson Fasching, New York Islanders; Mike Reilly, New York Islanders; Ryan Lindgren, New York Rangers; Blake Wheeler, New York Rangers (on Injured Reserve); Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs; Nate Schmidt, Winnipeg Jets.

Stillwater-based Creative Charters is hosting its annual Kentucky Derby trip, with the April 28-May 5 travel a dream experience for horse racing fans with its insights about the sport and Kentucky racing culture. The fun, of course, includes the “Run for the Roses” on May 4.

BTW, Creative has sold out its gold, maroon and white trips—and is now selling the pink and green trips—for the Gophers October 12 game against UCLA at the historic Rose Bowl. Minnesota last played in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1962, defeating UCLA 21-3.

News of O.J. Simpson’s death earlier this month prompted memories of September 1968 when the Gophers, coming off their 1967 Big Ten championship season, hosted nationally-ranked Southern California and the most hyped player in college football—Orenthal James Simpson. Minnesota coach Murray Warmath let the Memorial Stadium grass grow long hoping to slow O.J., but the All-American tailback and the Trojans had their way winning 29-20.

Twins’ broadcaster Cory Provus, who is about eight inches shorter than 6-foot-4 TV partner Justin Morneau, stands on a wooden box in the TV booth to minimize the difference in size between the two.

The economic impact of Minneapolis hosting WrestleMania 41 next year could be over $225 million but the WWE has yet to make a final announcement about the 2025 location. Online reports have Las Vegas as a Minneapolis rival to host the multi-days extravaganza that draws young and old from across the country and elsewhere.

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Give Kevin O’Connell Final Authority on QB Draftee

Posted on April 14, 2024April 14, 2024 by David Shama

Who will have the final word in the draft room next week when the Vikings presumably select their future starting quarterback? If this is a movie, leading roles go to GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah, new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and owners Zygi and Mark Wilf but the star of the drama figures to be head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The evening of Thursday, April 25, is potentially a franchise transformative night for the Vikings who haven’t been able to lock in long term on a superlative quarterback this millennium. The chatter has been ceaseless about who the Vikings will draft and whether they can move up from their No. 11 spot in the first round.

Despite the likelihood of taking a quarterback in the first round, there is no guarantee that will happen. But the Vikings will take a quarterback at some point in the NFL Draft and when they do it makes no sense for anyone to have as much say as O’Connell who could see attributes in a prospect that others can’t. He will also be tasked above all others in the newcomer’s development.

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

With other pro teams a heavyweight GM could have the most clout in the QB process, but Adofo-Mensah is about two years into his role as front office boss. His background is in business, data and analytics and he’s never played football or coached it. He and O’Connell work closely together including the deep-dive process for preparing for this draft and selection of a quarterback but their backgrounds and experience are different.

The Wilfs, as in the past, will know what their organization leaders are doing and will be aware of final recommendations. But why would they dictate the decision of who to draft when that’s the job of those they hired?

McCown’s input will be highly valued. He was hired this year after being the Panthers’ quarterback coach last season where he worked with rookie QB Bryce Young. McCown has nearly 20 years of QB playing experience in the NFL and a past relationship with O’Connell.

McCown and others will have O’Connell’s ear but ultimately, he figures to have the final decision whether it’s a consensus or contrarian choice. In two years as Minnesota’s head coach he’s earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest young offensive strategists and teachers. The 38-year-old has the demeanor and knowledge to make the most out of whoever the Vikings count on to lead them at quarterback, the NFL’s most important position.

With O’Connell’s wherewithal and resume that should give him the biggest soap box in the draft room. He not only deserves it but his future security as head coach depends on it.

Worth Noting

The Twins announced this morning they have returned left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar to the roster after his rehab assignment at AAA St. Paul and reinstated him from the 15-day Injured List. Right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala has been optioned to St. Paul to make room on the 26-man roster.

The Twins are averaging 22,448 fans in their first five home games, per ESPN.com, and expect to draw two million or more this season.

As of late last week, fewer than 1,000 tickets remained for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics, at Target Center June 27-30.

The Holy Family Catholic High School football program, losers of 23 straight games until last season’s turnaround 7-4 season, returns seven starters each on offense and defense. Also back will be head coach Dan O’Brien, the former Gophers assistant coach, and veteran assistants Dave Nelson and Jeff Ferguson.

Nelson is assistant executive director of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association that had a record number 1,660 registrants for its annual clinic earlier this month in St. Louis Park.

The Twin Cities Dunkers celebrate their 1,000^th speaker program on May 14 when Golden Gophers baseball coach John Anderson, who is retiring after this season, speaks to the club. It will be Anderson’s 14^thas the lead speaker, the most in Dunkers’ history. The organization began as the Minneapolis Dunkers in 1948.

That was former Golden Gophers head football coach Glen Mason’s 74^th birthday last Tuesday.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor’s 83^rd birthday is Saturday (April 20).

Condolences to the family and friends of Gordy Genz who passed away earlier this month. He was a hockey coaching icon at Warroad and Alexander Ramsey High School. A superb athlete at Hamline, he scored 11 points in a 1959 hockey game against Augsburg, according to Hamline.edu.

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Wolves Comeback Kids in 2023-2024

Posted on April 3, 2024April 4, 2024 by David Shama

Enjoy a Wednesday notes column.

The Timberwolves trailed the Rockets by 11 points early in the second quarter last night but came back to win 113-106 at Target Center. It was the 15th double-digit comeback win of the season, further establishing a franchise record (previous best 12 in 2017-2018).

The Wolves are tied with the Bulls for the second-most such wins in the NBA this season (Thunder 16 wins). The comeback victories are a key reason Minnesota is in position to finish first in the Western Conference for only the second time in franchise history.

It could be a nod of things to come when Chris Paddack makes his first pitching start today since the spring of 2022 for the Twins, who have at least two uncertain spots in their starting rotation. Paddack, who had Tommy John arm surgery in 2022 and 2016, will pitch against the Brewers in Milwaukee when the Twins try to end a two-game losing streak where they have produced just seven total hits in 11-0 and 3-2 losses to the Royals Sunday and Brewers yesterday.

Paddack was tagged “The Sheriff” because of his Austin, Texas roots when he pitched for the Padres. Fans attended games wearing cowboy boots and badges with “Paddack’s Posse” inscribed on them while cheering for the right hander. He was acquired by the Twins in 2022 and made five starts before needing Tommy John surgery.

The Vikings have scheduled voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on these dates at Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center: May 20, 21, 23, 28, 29 and 31, June 10, 11, 12 and 13. The mandatory minicamp at their Eagan training center will be June 4, 5 and 6.

Word is Ari Peterson, the daughter of former Vikings great Adrian Peterson, will transfer from Providence Academy to Minnetonka for the next school year. Ari, probably the best eighth grader in the state last season, already has a college offer from the Gophers and would join a Skippers team that is expecting three returning starters and is the 2024 Class 4A champions.

Former Viking Chad Greenway’s daughter Maddyn plays at Providence and will be one of the best players in the state next season as a junior. Don’t be surprised if all four of Greenway’s athletic daughters go to Iowa where Chad and his wife Jenni went to school.

Sources speculate former Gophers center Pharrel Payne, now in the transfer portal, will receive Name, Image and Likeness compensation well into six-figures at his next stop.

MLB.com recently asked 88 baseball authorities to vote for their choices for 2024 division champs and the World Series winner. The Twins, the popular choice to win the AL Central, host the Dodgers next week in a three-game series and Los Angeles was voted to lose in the World Series to the Orioles.

Twins’ front office executives Derek Falvey and Thad Levine make their annual speaking appearances before the Twin Cities Dunkers April 10. St. Paul native and retired MLB umpire Tim Tschida speaks to the group April 24.

Twins president Dave St. Peter found it “refreshing” how the national media regarded Joe Mauer’s career as a catcher and how that view helped him to be voted into the Hall of Fame in the St. Paul native’s first year of eligibility. “I was pleasantly surprised (at his election),” St. Peter told Sports Headliners.

St. Peter said Mauer was “underappreciated” in Minnesota because of his mega contract, team performance in his later years, injuries and switching positions from catcher to first base. “Those 10 years (catching) really stack up against any catcher that’s ever played the game. I think Joe is getting his due because of that. And that’s really special and I am so excited for him, and I am excited for the Twins. It’s a big deal for our franchise.”

Joe, along with brothers Jake and Billy, will be inducted into the Mancini’s Sports Hall of Fame May 13 at Mancini’s Char House. Others being inducted are Bart and Brad Buetow, Bob Hill, Jerry Kline and Bob Nicosia posthumously. Tony Ruiz will be recognized with a special award for his community work. Charley Walters will emcee with Dick Jonckowski also speaking.

The Gophers’ Mark Crawford, participating in spring practice as he prepares for his final season as the team’s No. 1 punter, is seven years older than Viking punter Ryan Wright. The 30-year-old Australian has lettered four years with the Gophers and was All-Big Honorable Mention last year as selected by the media.

There will be a benefit from 6 to 8 p.m. April 14 at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena in Cottage Grove raising funds to help offset medical costs and living expenses for Cole Basset, a 41-year-old hockey coach and skills instructor for Park High School who is battling a rare form of cancer. Attendees can enjoy skating, a silent auction, food and beverage offerings and more at the event for Basset whose playing career included four years at Minnesota State. His GoFundMe site is https://gofund.me/73da1f8e

The Wild plays a rare pair of matinees Saturday and Sunday, hosting the Jets for a 3 p.m. home game and then playing the Blackhawks in Chicago in a 2:30 p.m. start. The Jets are 3-0 this season against Minnesota, with the Wild dominating the Blackhawks in recent seasons winning 11 consecutive times dating back to 2020.

The Wild stopped a five-game Senators win streak last night with a 3-2 victory behind goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. He is one of two active NHL goalies (Frederik Andersen is the other) to have at least 50 wins while playing for three or more franchises.

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