Vikings – Page 191 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Twins President Expects .300 from Mauer

Posted on May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 by David Shama

There’s more good news ahead for the Twins if club president Dave St. Peter is right about Joe Mauer. The first place Central Division Twins have won 10 of their last 15 games but Mauer has struggled at the plate hitting .250 with one home run in that span—although he does have 12 RBI.

For the season the Twins are a surprising and impressive 28-18 playing in what St. Peter describes as perhaps baseball’s toughest division. Mauer is second on the team in RBI with 27 but his .276 average and on-base percentage of .337 are significantly lower than his career numbers of .317 and .399.

Mauer, the team’s highest paid player at a reported $23 million per season, suffered a concussion in 2013 and that ended his career as a catcher. Playing first base last season he hit only .277 and his continued below average numbers cause speculation by fans about the 32-year-old Minnesota native’s health.

St. Peter told Sports Headliners that Mauer is “100 percent” healthy. He said Mauer has been a team leader this spring and is evolving into one of the American League’s best first basemen. “I am not worried about Joe Mauer. I think Joe is still primed for a very, very solid season (and) one in which he could drive in 90 to 100 runs. I expect he’s going to hit over .300 and have one of the higher on-base percentages on our club. Joe Mauer is part of the solution. He’s not one of the problems.”

The Twins lost 90-plus games the past four seasons but fans are giddy about the club’s fast start this spring. If the regular season ended now, manager Paul Molitor’s team would be in the playoffs.

“I really don’t go there (the playoff talk),” St. Peter said. “It’s way too early. It’s May. Obviously you want to position yourself to be playing meaningful games late in the season. We’ll deal with that as it comes.

“We do know Mr. Molitor has got these guys competing, so the ultimate goal is to win the World Series. To get to the World Series you have to get to the post-season. Clearly those are things that are out there in front of us, but I can tell you we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about that in May.”

The Twins are 17-6 at Target Field so far—the best home record in the American League. St. Peter said it looks like the club has regained its “mojo” in Minneapolis where in 2010 the team had the best home record in baseball. “If nothing else…I thought that was absolutely critical…to play better at home.

“We’re playing great at home. Hopefully that trend will continue because I think that’s the trademark of a good baseball team.”

Worth Noting

St. Peter said there’s been a “bit of a lag” with the fan base coming back to buy tickets after the team’s struggles during past seasons. However, he’s encouraged by walkup sales including one game where about 5,000 tickets were sold. He said market research shows fans “desperately” want to get behind the franchise.

Tickets remain for all home games including the much anticipated series with the Cubs June 19, 20 and 21. Those games may eventually sell out but the Twins aren’t close to sellouts for any remaining games on the 2015 schedule, St. Peter said.

The Twins will see familiar faces with the Blue Jays in town for games tonight through Sunday. First baseman and outfielder Chris Colabello, for years a journeyman in the Twins organization who could have hot streaks, is hitting .386 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 83 at bats.

Other ex-Twins with the Jays are infielder Danny Valencia and pitchers Andrew Albers, Liam Hendriks and R.A. Dickey. Sal Butera, the former Twins catcher, is a scout with the organization.

Matt Kalil was harshly criticized last season by fans and media but Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer knows some of those barbs weren’t deserved. At times the left tackle (who played injured) didn’t receive the on-field help he needed from now departed starting left guard Charlie Johnson. This week at OTAs Brandon Fusco is working with Kalil from the left guard position after being on the right side last year next to tackle Phil Loadholt.

Kalil said he and Fusco want to achieve good communication and that includes developing rapport off the field. “Yeah, we’re trying to go out (for fun) a little more. Phil is kind of getting a little upset,” Kalil kidded. “That was his boy.”

Zimmer said a key reason for switching Fusco from right guard to left is to benefit rookie T.J. Clemmings who could become the starter on the right side. “We felt like with T.J. Clemmings it would be a little bit easier for him to stay on the same side (as in college),” Zimmer said.

Mike Wallace, the new wide receiver the Vikings acquired in a trade this off-season, said he’s played in five different offenses the last five years. He expects a comfortable adjustment here and looks forward to being part of offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s emphasis on the vertical passing game. He doesn’t think he “messed up” a single play the first two days of practice this week.

Wallace caught 10 touchdown passes for the Dolphins last season. Three times during his career he has averaged 16.6 yards or better per reception, with best averages of 21 in 2010 and 19.4 in 2009 playing for the Steelers.

Is Wallace the kind of upgrade Zimmer wants for the Vikings at wide receiver? “I know he’s a dynamic receiver and he’s been doing a great job of working,” Zimmer said. “He’s a guy that works very, very hard. He’s been catching the ball well. He’s been learning the playbook. All of these things are all different, but he’s looked good.”

Vikings players, coaches and staff have their annual playground building project on June 3 at Falcon Heights Elementary School in Falcon Heights.

Calendar planning for 2016: Xcel Energy Center hosts the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships January 15-24, and the Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament March 17-19.

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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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Spielman Expects ‘Big Year’ from AP

Posted on May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 by David Shama

The Vikings begin OTAs later this month. Whether Adrian Peterson will show up for the organized team activities isn’t known. Neither general manager Rick Spielman nor coach Mike Zimmer will say specifically when Peterson will join the team.

“We expect Adrian to be back,” Spielman said. “We expect Adrian to have a big year for us.”

The OTAs aren’t mandatory for Vikings players but the club’s June 16-18 mini-camp is. Peterson’s $250,000 contractual workout bonus is tied to participation in both, according to an April 20 story on Espn.com by Ben Goessling.

Although Peterson missed all but one game last season and is 30 years old, Spielman expects a high level of performance from the future Hall of Famer. “I think everybody saw what he was able to do coming off his ACL and how he performed the next year. Adrian is just different than most players I’ve been around from a physical nature.”

Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards in 2012 after the ACL injury and surgery that prematurely ended his 2011 season. Because of an NFL suspension last season Peterson only rushed for 21 yards on 75 carries. The absence of playing time and loss of a potential 1,500 yard season could one day prevent him from becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.

Zimmer doesn’t expect Peterson to negatively impact team harmony whenever he does show up. “I don’t think there will be any issues, no,” Zimmer said.

Although Peterson has become a controversial figure because of using a switch to beat his son, he has many supporters in the Vikings organization who are looking forward to his return. A comment heard from insiders is Peterson has a “good heart” and has been proactive in helping others in the community.

Worth Noting

Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil was a Pro Bowler after his rookie year in 2012 but struggled last season, drawing lots of criticism. But he had knee problems and that was a factor in his play. Kalil had offseason surgery on both knees. “He understands he needs to play better,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer admires how a less than 100 percent Kalil was a gamer last season. “There was one week I didn’t know if he would make it. He’s never missed anything. He always shows up. He tries to fight as hard as he can for the guys.”

Another disappointment last season was wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson who as a second-year pro was inconsistent in his route running. Zimmer has watched Patterson this spring and is encouraged. “I’ve been impressed with the things that he has done.”

Former Gophers wide receiver Isaac Fruechte, who was added to the Vikings roster this week, said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle program last Sunday that during workouts earlier this year he ran about a 4.4 40-yard dash.

TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin, who the Gophers face at TCF Bank Stadium in their nonconference season opener on September 3, is the favorite for the 2015 Heisman Trophy, according to a Tuesday story by Si.com. The Sports Illustrated article points out the senior quarterback is one of 10 starters returning for an offense that was second nationally in scoring at 46.4 points per game.

The Big Ten will have more than the usual number of great players next fall, probably none better than Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa who could be the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft. The Gophers play at Ohio State on November 7.

It will be an offense versus defense format tomorrow when coach Glenn Caruso and his Tommies have their spring football game at Palmer Field in O’Shaughnessy Stadium. The game begins at 1 p.m. and is part of the Tommies’ practice preparations for their summer trip to Italy that includes a football game and cultural experiences. Admission to tomorrow’s game is free.

The Wolves are investing $49 million in the $129 million Target Center renovation project but team owner Glen Taylor doesn’t expect work to start this year as hoped. He talked to Sports Headliners about a fix up in 2016 and 2017. The city will invest $74.5 million and AEG, the company that manages the building, will contribute $5.5 million. Target Center, which opened in 1990, originally cost about $104 million.

Taylor is joining Dr. Bill McGuire and others as an investor in the hoped-for Minneapolis MLS soccer franchise. Plans include an outdoor stadium to be built near the Farmers Market downtown. The facility would be open air. A long soccer season could begin in late winter and run into late October. Taylor was asked if the Minneapolis weather causes a concern about playing outdoors.

“I think we should try to work to have the Vikings facility available for some of those extreme cases where the weather would be too bad or something like that,” Taylor said. “In the long run we’d want to do that. We don’t have anything yet. Nor has the Wilf family (Vikings owners) indicated that they have any interest, but I just think that when you get everything going and stuff like that you should have cooperation. …”

The Vikings ownership has an exclusive option to operate a new Minneapolis MLS franchise inside the new domed stadium set to open in 2016. That option is for five years after the facility opens but the MLS is working with the McGuire group. Taylor believes that because the city and state, in addition to the Vikings, are paying for the stadium, the facility should be open to hosting some soccer there if the weather dictated.

At today’s Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority board meeting, the Vikings and the Wilf family will commit an additional $14 million toward the new stadium, bringing the team’s increased private contributions since stadium legislation passed to $89 million and the overall team/private commitment to $566 million. Nearly $13 million of the $14 million will be for the stadium’s television system, including over 2,000 HDTV monitors.

The Twins are 2-7 against the Tigers this season after yesterday’s loss in Detroit. Minnesota is 7-11 on the road but 12-5 in Minneapolis where the Twins open a weekend series starting tonight against the Rays. The Twins are 18-10 overall since April 15.

With a longer season and record purses projected, Canterbury Park begins its live racing season tonight with post time at 6:30 p.m. Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at 12:45 p.m. The 70-day racing meet, the longest at the Shakopee racetrack since 1992, runs through September 12. Jockeys, trainers, and owners will be competing for record purses of approximately $14 million.

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