Wild – Page 13 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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.

Comments Welcome

Golden Gophers Get Tournament Resume-Building Win

Posted on February 4, 2024February 4, 2024 by David Shama

The Gophers earned a resume-building win yesterday defeating Northwestern 75-66 in overtime at Williams Arena. Minnesota, 14-7 overall and 5-5 in Big Ten games, enhanced its goal of receiving the school’s first NCAA Tournament invite since 2019 with the victory. “That was a significant win for the program,” former Gophers head coach Jim Dutcher told Sports Headliners.

Northwestern, 15-7 overall and 6-5 in conference games, went into Saturday as part of the projected 68-team tournament field posted on ESPN.com by bracketologist Joe Lunardi. He had the Wildcats, who hold one win and an overtime loss against national title favorite Purdue, as a No. 7 seed.

The Gophers have won two straight games to reach the halfway mark of the Big Ten schedule. They outscored Penn State by 23 points in the second half to win on the road last weekend. Yesterday the Gophers trailed most of the second half but were clearly the better team than the Wildcats who turned over the ball an uncharacteristic 17 times.

Coach Ben Johnson, talking on the KFAN postgame radio show, said his team is improving and growing more confident. “We’re really good (in) second halves. We just have like a calmness to us. We have a belief. …They don’t get rattled. They don’t get flustered. …When it’s on the line and we gotta get a win they found ways to win games, and that’s a great sign of a team that’s maturing as the season progresses.”

The Gophers also have a win over Nebraska who Lunardi has as one of his last four teams making the tournament field that will be announced March 17. Minnesota can keep the resume building Tuesday night at Williams Arena against Michigan State. Lunardi has the Spartans, who defeated the Gophers 76-66 in East Lansing last month, as a No. 8 seed. They are 14-8 overall, 6-5 in league games.

Dutcher is clearly on board with how the Gophers helped themselves yesterday beating the Wildcats. “Yeah, absolutely. You know if you beat some of the lower teams it doesn’t mean as much. But when you beat a team as good as they are—not only this game but they had a really good shot at winning the Wisconsin game (lost 61-59 to the Big Ten’s second best team). …They played them (the Badgers) even pretty much all night.”

Wolves Could Trade for PG They Should Have Kept

Gersson Rosas made savvy moves when he was the Timberwolves president of basketball operations. It was a mistake, though, during the 2019 offseason when the club let hometown hero Tyus Jones move on via free agency to the Grizzlies.

The Rosas regime hired Chris Finch as head coach and his 2024 Wolves have a 34-15 record, tied with the Thunder for best in the NBA Western Conference. Personnel acquired by Rosas includes multiple contributors to the current Wolves starting with NBA All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards and another talented lineup regular in small forward Jaden McDaniels. Also, still with the Wolves and contributing off the bench are power forward Naz Reid and playmaking guard Jordan McLaughlin.

But oh, how the Wolves could use Jones, now playing point guard for the Wizards and a possible Minnesota target before the NBA tradeline of Thursday afternoon. Rosas, who parted ways with the Wolves in September of 2021, apparently didn’t believe Jones, then a reserve, fit in his personnel and pay roll plan.

The Wolves are a talented bunch but need help off the bench including for scoring and decision making. Jones is an exceptional offensive leader able to help others score and is averaging a career high 12.1 points per game. His presence with the Wolves would significantly help a roster short on basketball IQ and ability to make the best decisions in clutch situations.

When the Wolves face some of the biggest moments in the playoffs this spring, they will need basketball smarts to do important and subtle things on the court. Mike Conley Jr., the team’s 36-year-old starting point guard, aces the role but help is needed. If Jones were on the team, he could even play clutch moments with Conley and help direct the team. If Conley needs rest, is in foul trouble or not able to play because of injury, Jones becomes even more valuable.

Some players just know how to play the game and that’s been the profile on Jones dating back to Apple Valley High School, Duke and the NBA. The 27-year-old has led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio in each of the past three seasons, including a league-record 6.96-to-1 figure in 2018-19.

To make the salary cap numbers work, Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly will likely have to send a player like guard Shake Milton to the Wizards. But what will be of more interest to the Wizards is having the Wolves offer a high future draft choice—perhaps multiple picks.

That’s giving up a lot but it’s likely a safe assumption Connelly and ownership see a window now to contend for an NBA title. They have to aggressively sort out possibilities this week as the trade deadline nears.

Minnesota’s options could also include Tyus’ brother Tre from the Spurs. Like the Wizards, the Spurs are building for future seasons and presumably interested in draft choices. Tre, at reported salary of almost $9 million, earns an estimated $5 million less than his older brother. Tre has that Jones DNA of playing with intelligence and poise. The 24-year-old might be a lesser offensive point guard than Tyus but he’s probably better defensively.

Worth Noting

Right now, it looks like Finch is in a two-man race for NBA Coach of the Year with the Thunder’s Mark Daigneault whose roster includes Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren. The former Minnehaha Academy superstar is in his own two-man race, vying with the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year.

The Wolves are the No. 1 NBA team defensively, giving up the fewest points per game. A lot of that success is because of center Rudy Gobert who looks like a favorite to be the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Connelly will draw major interest for NBA Executive of the Year. Sam Presti of the Thunder and Brad Stevens from the Celtics look like Connelly’s major rivals.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Twins also make trade news this week. Starting pitching help seems likely between now and the start of the season.

Veteran right fielder Max Kepler, rumored to be an offseason roster casualty, is a favorite of Twins management but might have been part of trade talks with the Mariners before a deal was finalized last week sending second baseman Jorge Polanco to Seattle.

Burnsville native Shawn Schlechter will be the St. Paul Saints hitting coach in 2024. He had that role for High-A Cedar Rapids in 2022 and Double-A Wichita in 2023 but now returns to Minnesota to work for the Twins’ Triple-A farm team.

Toby Gardenhire, son of Twins Hall of Fame manager Ron Gardenhire, returns for his fourth consecutive season leading the Saints.

Jonathan Mekonnen from Eastview, and Kyle Jorgensen from Washburn, plan to be roommates at Colorado State next summer when they start their college basketball careers. They are two of four scholarship Rams in the class of 2024 and have formed a friendship after being recruited by Colorado State head coach Niko Medved, the Roseville native and former Gopher student manager.

Mekonnen, a wing averaging 23 points and 13 rebounds as of late last week, is expected to be a top 10 candidate for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball Award. Jorgensen entered this season as a lower profile college prospect, but the Washburn center has been impressive. Eastview coach Danny Olsen, whose team lost to the Millers in December, told Sports Headliners Jorgensen has skills and a playing style that reminds him of NBA superstar center Nikola Nikola Jokić. Olsen said Jorgensen can “score on anyone” and is a “great passer.”

Norwood Teague’s tenure as Gopher athletic director didn’t end well but it’s interesting that two administrators who he hired at Minnesota are now athletic directors at prominent schools: David Benedict, Connecticut; and Beth Goetz, Iowa.

Remember when Nevada (the site of this year’s Super Bowl) was the only state where you could legally wager on the outcome of sports events? Now such gambling is legal in 38 states, with others including Minnesota likely to soon join the ranks. With the gambling fun comes financial setbacks and addiction but who would wager sports betting will be in decline anytime soon?

Because of a labor agreement signed years ago between the NHL and its players, salaries pale in comparison to other major sports leagues. Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, the team’s lone representative in Saturday’s NHL All-Star Game, is compensated at an annual value of $9 million while so-so Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy reportedly earns nearly as much.

Mark Whicker, writing for The Morning After, detailed the NHL compensation situation in a recent article. He pointed out NBA Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reportedly makes $15 million, a figure that exceeds many NHL players including Kaprizov.

Word from a valued hockey source is if the Wild don’t start fast after the All-Star break, there will be personnel changes by GM Bill Guerin that include parting ways with Marc-André Fleury. Near untouchables, the source said, are Karprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek and Brock Faber.

A former NFL team executive, asking that his name not be published, predicts the Chiefs will beat the 49ers in Sunday’s Super Bowl. He told Sports Headliners the Chiefs’ defense has been consistent and effective, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is “so good on that big stage.”

One in six American service veterans and their families are hungry and not receiving minimum nutritional requirements to live healthy, contributive lives, according to promoters of the “Chefs for Vets” initiative going on now through Super Bowl Sunday February 11. Edina-based Heritage Gear is stepping up to help. During the campaign every purchase of a bag, accessory or any item found at the Heritage Gear website (http://heritagegear.com) raises money to feed veterans and their families.

Minnesota hockey icon Natalie Darwitz, general manager of the Minnesota team in the startup Professional Women’s Hockey League, speaks to the Twin Cities Dunkers February 15. Minnesota drew a record professional women’s hockey crowd of over 13,000 at its first game in early January and the league has been averaging close to 5,000 fans per game, according to a recent online report by The Hockey News.

The eighth annual Guns-N-Hoses game benefiting the Front Line Foundation will be February 23 at the Blaine Super Rink, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The hockey game matches Minnesota police and firefighters who entertain to help the Foundation that monetarily supports dependents of fallen heroes from law enforcement, fire departments, EMS and the National Guard. Admission is free but sponsorships, donations and other support is welcome, with more information available at the Guns-N-Hoses website.

Comments Welcome

Don’t Bet Against Kirk Cousins Comeback

Posted on January 30, 2024 by David Shama

Kirk Cousins had serious but successful surgery on his right Achilles tendon almost three months ago. At age 35, there is reason to be concerned about future performance by the Vikings’ soon to be free agent quarterback regardless of who he plays for next season.

How will his on-field mobility be? Hardly a turf-field dancer during his 12 season NFL career, a more limited Cousins could be a stationary target and easy prey in the pocket next fall. That status would make Cousins less productive and potentially prone to injuries including a concussion. Best case scenario might be okay maneuverability next season, with improvement the year after.

There is also a possibility of re-injury to the Achilles. That development would almost assuredly end Cousins’ career which other than last fall has been one of good fortune and durability. Even a less than stable right leg could lessen Cousins’ trademark arm strength.

Advances in surgery and rehabilitation have changed the outcomes of serious lower leg injuries for NFL players. The greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady, recovered from ACL knee surgery in 2008 and played 14 more seasons. Adrian Peterson, the Vikings GOAT RB, injured his left knee in late 2011 and recovered from ACL surgery to have one of his best seasons in 2012.

However, Achilles tendon surgery is generally considered more problematic than ACL knee surgery for a football player. Rams’ running back Cam Akers, though, made a recovery in less than six months a couple of years ago, shaving multiple months off his scheduled return to the field. Reports now on the recovery by Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers after his 2023 Achilles tendon surgery are cheery and basketball players like Kevin Durant also have success stories following the potential career-threatening injury.

Cousins is a high character athlete who will follow advice and instruction at a GOAT level. He will use intelligence, common sense, work ethic and determination to provide himself with the best possible recovery outcome. He told NBC a while ago he expects to go from walking to jogging by February 1.

Cousins built his reputation as a top-twelve NFL quarterback on his strong arm, accuracy and football intelligence. Never considered a scrambling or running threat, Cousins does need to achieve mobility and lower body strength similar to the past to make his comeback successful. It’s reasonable–with no guarantees—to think of a recovery timeline that allows him to be on the field when the NFL schedule starts up next September.

Don’t bet against him regardless of where he calls home later in 2024.

Worth Noting

NFC North Division rivals Detroit and Green Bay are reminding Vikings fans of the alternatives in building quarterback success.

The division champion Lions have an eight-year career veteran in Jared Goff. He is similar in experience, league quarterback reputation and skill set to Cousins. The Lions have built an impressive total team and coaching support around Goff that could lead them to a Super Bowl in 2025. The Vikings? Much more of a long shot, although a healthy Cousins and significantly improved defensive personnel would shorten the odds.

The Packers have employed three starting quarterbacks in the last 31 years. The GB way is to identify quarterback potential and develop it. Aaron Rodgers sat for three seasons behind starter Brett Favre. After Rodgers left for the Jets in the 2023 off-season, the Packers turned to Jordan Love who had also been in development for three seasons. Love’s hot finish in his first year as a starter almost got the Packers to the NFC championship game this month.

It’s looking like much-admired Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will not be hired away for a head coaching job. Flores, the Dolphins former head coach, has a discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams that remains unsettled. His return for at least one more season will be a major plus for Minnesota.

Gabriel Gonzalez, 20, the outfielder who the Twins acquired from the Mariners yesterday as one of four players coming to Minneapolis in return for second baseman Jorge Polanco is only 5-10 and 165-pounds, but he has surprising power and could turn out to be the gem of the trade for Minnesota. In 477 at bats in the low minors last year he hit 18 home runs.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin, speaking before a gathering of more than 300 at the Minnesota Breakfast Club in Naples, Florida this month, talked candidly about his disappointing team. The Wild currently has 47 points, the second lowest total in the eight-team Central Division and is 5-9 this month including a two-game losing streak.

In the fall Minnesota had been forecast as a solid bet for the playoffs but prospects are iffy now. Breakfast attendee Marshall Tanick emailed Sports Headliners that Guerin said his in-season head coaching hire John Hynes (who replaced Dean Evason) is a “very detailed, very organized guy” who will help players in their preparations and performances.

Positives this season, per Guerin, include 39-year-old Marc-Andre Fleury becoming the second winningest all-time NHL goalie and the play of former Gopher defenseman Brock Faber who is impressing after joining the Wild for two games last spring.

Entertaining storyteller Bob Hagan, who for many years headed the Vikings’ public relations department, is the latest guest on Behind the Game with co-host Patrick Klinger and Dave Boden. Hagan, whose well-known quip at news conferences was “time for two more,” talks on the show about a career that made him one of the NFL’s well-known team communications leaders. https://youtu.be/maTN5BM4c4o.

Condolences to the family and friends of Phil Frerk who passed away from congestive heart failure earlier this month. He coached St. Louis Park girls’ basketball teams to state championships in 1986 and 1990. In retirement, the mild-mannered Frerk helped lead the CORES organization that hosted prominent speakers at luncheon gatherings in Bloomington. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

Birthday club: Former Gophers All-American tight end and 1970s Viking Doug Kingsriter turned 74 yesterday, January 29. Authoritative Star Tribune Gopher basketball beat reporter Marcus Fuller celebrated his 45^th birthday last week.

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