Wild – Page 69 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Zimmer Frustrated with Vikings Opener

Posted on September 16, 2015September 16, 2015 by David Shama

Wednesday morning quarterbacking in today’s column after the Vikings’ embarrassing 20-3 loss to the 49ers on Monday night. Here are several observations:

Minnesota was favored to win its opening game against a 49ers team labeled mediocre, but the defeat raised questions about what kind of team the Vikings are and will become this fall. Minnesota has been a trendy summer pick to become a surprise team in the NFL—a club that improves on last season’s 7-9 record and finishes in the playoffs. The Vikings, though, didn’t impress anybody Monday night including head coach Mike Zimmer who indicated his players were out of position, flustered and frustrated against the 49ers. “It was just a really, really uncharacteristic performance from our football team and it’s disappointing,” the second-year coach said during a news conference yesterday in which he was critical of the offense and defense.

For one game at least the Vikings are a flop. The final score indicated the difference in the performance of the two teams, but the Vikings could have lost the game by even more than 17 points. The 49ers messed up potential early scoring drives in Vikings territory with penalties. They also had a punt return for a touchdown nullified because of a penalty during a first half that looked like a ragged scrimmage for both teams.

For all the attention given to flashy skill position players like quarterbacks, receivers and cornerbacks in today’s NFL, linemen still have a big say in determining outcomes. Monday night the 49ers offensive and defensive lines were superior to the Vikings. The 49ers sometimes ran through the Vikings defense like they were playing a college team. Second-year running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was different from the Vikings Adrian Peterson who came into the game looking for redemption and found frustration.

Hyde ran with speed and deception, moving quickly through holes or making his own space. Peterson, 30, wasn’t explosive in the first game he played since missing 15 of 16 games last season because of the infamous incident with his son. He didn’t look very frisky compared with the elusive Hyde as he rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries. In fact, he sometimes looked more like a fullback than a halfback including a determined effort where he carried multiple tacklers on his back for several yards.

Peterson’s image didn’t gain any ground either when he was benched in passing situations. The Vikings didn’t seem to want him on the field as they struggled to maximize pass protection while using a line that has shuffled personnel because of injuries. The rebuilt offensive line came into the game as the Vikings’ most suspect unit and collectively they failed at run and pass blocking on Monday night.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was under plenty of pressure from 49ers rushers and at times looked rattled. Zimmer agreed his quarterback appeared unsure at times.

“Yeah, that’s the first time I’ve really seen him like that,” Zimmer said. “Usually he’s got so much composure, but he did seem that way (rattled).”

Praised for his accuracy in the past, Bridgewater had some bad throws even when he wasn’t under that much duress. Without a rushing game to relieve pressure, the Vikings weren’t that effective passing.

Not only didn’t the Vikings run the ball, they sometimes couldn’t stop the 49ers from success on the ground. Running and tackling requires physical play, and Zimmer lamented his team’s lack of it. “Not the team I’ve come to know,” he said on KFAN Radio after the game.

Zimmer made his radio remarks after midnight on Tuesday morning as rain began to fall in Eden Prairie near the Vikings Winter Park training facility. It was an appropriate ending to a dreary evening.

Worth Noting

Former Gophers and Packers running back Darrell Thompson talking about Peterson’s opening game and the season ahead: “I’ll bet he’ll rebound and play well.”

A source told Sports Headliners the Gophers received $200,000 from Colorado State for playing in Fort Collins last Saturday.

Minnesota coach Jerry Kill said at his news conference yesterday starting guard Jon Christenson had knee surgery on Monday and won’t play for three to four weeks. Injuries have disrupted the offensive line’s cohesiveness and Kill said two other starting linemen who he declined to identify wouldn’t practice yesterday. Regarding the line, Kill said, “Three starters down and we’ll see how it works.”

Injuries are also expected to keep defensive backs Damarius Travis and Charlie Rogers out of Saturday’s home game with Kent State.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Isaiah Gentry hasn’t played in Minnesota’s first two games, a loss to TCU and win against Colorado State. Gentry had a hamstring problem but is expected to make his college debut Saturday and the coaches are looking forward to seeing what he can do.

“He’s a big play receiver,” said offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover. “He’s a guy that can change that field in a hurry, and we’re excited to get him back.”

The Gophers offense has both faltered and been clutch in the first two games. Quarterback Mitch Leidner has been criticized and praised, but Kill pointed out the redshirt junior from Lakeville has now thrown 153 passes without an interception.

Kill raved about the play of sophomore defensive lineman Steven Richardson against Colorado State. “Steve Richardson played one of the best games I’ve ever seen a defensive tackle play. I mean, he played flat unbelievable. Highlight video. I mean, unreal.”

The Mid-American Conference served its annual notice last Saturday that MAC teams can’t be taken for granted when playing power conference schools. MAC members Toledo and Bowling Green pulled off upsets over Arkansas and Maryland, although it’s not likely Kent State will do the same against the Gophers. The Golden Flashes, 2-9 last season, lost their opening game this year to Illinois, 52-3. The Illini led 38-0 at the half. Kent State was 11-3 in 2012 but might be reverting to a dark period like 1989-2000 when the Flashes weren’t so golden, winning 16 games in 12 years.

The Kent State roster includes fifth-year kicker April Goss. The 5-6, 134-pound native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania converted an extra point in Kent State’s win over Delaware State last week to become just the second woman ever to score a point in a major college game. Goss was mobbed by teammates after her second quarter conversion, carried off the field on their shoulders and congratulated on the sidelines by the Kent State president. A walk-on with the Golden Flashes in 2012, she had seen no game action prior to this season.

Miami athletic director Blake James, a graduate of Coon Rapids High School and Minnesota State Mankato, is a name that could draw speculation for the Gophers AD opening. James has been athletic director at the Florida school for more than two years, and he has extensive experience in college athletics including administrative and development work.

It will be interesting to see if the University of Minnesota hires a search firm to assist with hiring the next athletic director who could be someone with Minnesota roots (the opposite of former AD Norwood Teague who came with an East Coast background and didn’t have relationships here). Perhaps a firm that will be considered for the search is College Sports Solutions founded by Jeff Schemmel, who worked for 13 years in the Gophers athletic department and is the former athletic director at San Diego State.

Twins rookie Miguel Sano, who drove in two runs last night in a 5-4 loss to the Tigers, now has an impressive 47 RBI in 62 games. Joe Mauer reached base for a 35th consecutive game, the second longest streak of his career after his 36 games in 2009-2010.

The Wild have capped season ticket sales at 15,000, an increase of “several hundred” from a year ago when sales also went well, according to a team spokesperson. The franchise has a waiting list for season tickets.

The Wild opens training camp Friday at 8:30 a.m. in Xcel Energy Center. Fans can attend practice at Xcel on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Entry to the building will be through Gate 1. The team’s first preseason game is next Monday at home starting at 7 p.m. against the Sabres.

Saint John’s is 2-0 this season after nonconference wins and the Johnnies are ranked No. 8 nationally in the D3football.com top 25. Two Johnnies have been honored with Player of the Week recognition following Saturday’s 56-7 win over Buena Vista. Junior linebacker Carter Hanson (Blue Earth, Minn.) is the MIAC’s Defensive Player of the Week after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Buena Vista and also making nine tackles and one sack. The Johnnies Josh Bungum (Paynesville, Minn.) returned three punts Saturday for 58 yards (19.3 average) and set up three touchdowns. He is the MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Gustavus Adolphus senior quarterback Mitch Hendricks (Bemidji, Minn.) threw for 353 passing yards and five touchdowns in a 49-0 win over Lake Forest last Saturday to win the MIAC’s offensive award for the week. This is his fourth MIAC Offensive Player of the Week award in the last two seasons.

The recent death of basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone prompted memories of Bill Musselman, the former Gophers coach from the 1970s who revived interest in Minnesota basketball and packed Williams Arena with frenzied fans. Musselman was a tireless recruiter who targeted Malone as a high school player in Norfolk, Virginia but the 6-10 center went directly to the American Basketball Association and never played in college. Malone might have joined a Gophers roster in 1974 that included future pros Mark Landsberger, Mychal Thompson and Mark Olberding.

A guess right now is Dr. Bill McGuire and his ownership group that intends to bring a MLS team to Minnesota will choose St. Paul as a stadium site and make an announcement within 60 days.

Comments Welcome

Twins Rookie Sano Talks Besting Cabrera

Posted on July 9, 2015July 9, 2015 by David Shama

The Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera, 32, is probably the greatest hitter of his generation with a .321 lifetime average and 405 home runs but Twins rookie Miguel Sano said yesterday he expects a lot of success, too. “I can be better than Cabrera, I think,” Sano said.

Sano spoke unemotionally when he said those words. He wasn’t trying to be cocky as he talked about the Tigers star who is 10 years older. “He’s one of my favorite players, and I follow Cabrera a lot,” Sano said. “He’s the best hitter I’ve seen in my life.”

Sano has only 22 at bats since the Twins called him up from Double-A Chattanooga but he’s been impressive with a .455 batting average, one home run and five RBI. He has shown not only raw power but plate discipline that helps explain why he hasn’t been troubled with breaking ball pitchers like many young players who struggle. He has hits in all seven games with the Twins.

Used mostly as a designated hitter so far, Sano made his big league debut at third base yesterday and didn’t have an error. Cabrera has also been a third baseman, although as of late he’s been assigned to first base, a position the Twins have also had Sano practice.

The comparisons between the two Hispanic players don’t stop there, of course. Both are right-handed hitters and large men, with Sano listed at 6-4, 260 and Cabrera at 6-4, 240.

Wolves Owner Expects Garnett to Start

Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves 39-year-old power forward, has played reduced minutes in recent seasons but team owner Glen Taylor still expects him to be a starter next fall. “Our thoughts today are that he will start every game, and then limit his minutes during the game, depending on how he feels,” Taylor told Sports Headliners. “I think we want to see him as a starter to set the tone on defense for the player that comes in behind him.”

Garnett is accepting a new contract with the Timberwolves after joining the team last winter via a trade with the Nets. Taylor and the Wolves had traded Garnett to the Celtics in 2007 where he later helped Boston win the NBA title. But with the Nets and then the Wolves last season it’s not been uncommon for Garnett to play less than half of a game.

Next season his role will include mentoring a roster dominated by young players. Garnett has enjoyed a storied pro career since the Wolves drafted him out of high school in 1995. He has strong opinions about how to play and doesn’t hesitate to voice them.

Players who will be on the receiving end of advice will include 2015 No. 1 draft choice Karl-Anthony Towns who might sub for Garnett off the bench. Does Taylor worry that the opinionated Garnett can be too hard on young players including rookies?

“I don’t worry about it, but I think that’s just one of the things that Flip will be close enough, and around enough, that he can communicate with K.G. if he felt that way,” Taylor said. “K.G. is a good person and he would understand that too. But I think you gotta give him a little flexibility, and K.G. really believes in what he believes. It’s going to be a little bit hard to hold him back some of the times.”

Are Taylor and basketball president/coach Flip Saunders trying to trade often-injured center Nikola Pekovic and the reported $60 million contract he signed in 2013? “Nope, we need to get Pek to get injury free and see how well he does,” Taylor answered.

Pekovic is among the league’s best low-post scorers and the skill is unique on the Wolves roster. Taylor values that attribute and said Pekovic is feeling healthy. He added that Pekovic is “ahead of schedule” following Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year.

Taylor’s franchise has had its ups and downs over the years, including losing millions of dollars and not making the playoffs since 2004. But now there is a buzz about the Wolves with both attendance and wins almost certain to jump in 2015-2016 because of a promising and athletic roster that includes Towns and last season’s NBA Rookie of the year Andrew Wiggins.

Taylor is pleased. “I am happy. I am enjoying it,” he said.

Worth Noting

The Vikings and the Minnesota Football Coaches Association will sponsor the annual Minnesota High School All-Star Football Game next year in U.S. Bank Stadium on a date in December yet to be determined, according to game manager Dave Fritze. For years the game has been in late June but Fritze said by moving the date it’s expected players going on to major college football careers will participate. The June date conflicts with early enrollment in college for many potential All-Star Game players who are recently graduated high school seniors. Not a single major college-bound player played in the 2015 All-Star Game, Fritze said.

The 2016 game, like past contests, will be played with a North versus South format. Fritze, who has been the game director for 16 years, said the first-year stadium will be an attraction to fans, and the MFCA is appreciative of the Vikings and U.S. Bank for allowing the facility to be the All-Star Game site. The 2016 game will be one week after the Prep Bowl and no agreement is yet in place to stage the game at U.S. Bank Stadium beyond next year.

This year’s 42nd annual game was played at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State campus. Players and coaches representing 77 schools and 27 conferences participated. It has long been speculated the game might some day have Minnesota all-stars playing against a neighboring state.

Fritze is the defensive coordinator at East Ridge High School where his players include JoJo Garcia, the 6-4, 285-pound senior tackle who has verbally committed to the Gophers for 2016. Fritze praised Garcia’s upper body strength, agility and toughness. “He has a real great nose of how to play defensive tackle,” Fritze said.

As of July 1, the Gophers had sold 27,523 football season tickets—down a couple hundred from that same date in 2014 and 2013 when totals were 27,786 and 27,741. Those totals don’t include student ticket sales. During the offseason season ticket holders had to either increase—or for the first time—pay scholarship donations for their seats. Because of that factor the Athletic Department is likely pleased with the number of season tickets sold to date.

Single game tickets were still available last week for the Gophers’ much anticipated September 3 game at TCF Bank Stadium against national power TCU. The Horned Frogs will likely be a consensus top-five team in preseason polls.

Former Gophers football player Jim Brunzell has self-published a book with colorful stories about his career in pro wrestling. “Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell” wrestled from 1972-1999 and was a favorite of American Wrestling Association fans. His book MatLands is loaded with photos of wrestling characters ranging from Andre the Giant to Chief Peter Maivia. www.blurb.com/b/6298514-matlands.

Condolences to the family of former Gophers tight end Charlie Sanders who died several days ago. Sanders, 68, became a pro football hall of famer after his career with the Lions. He was a celebrity but also known for his friendly personality.

Although there is a lengthy list of ex-Twins playing in the majors, none of them has been selected so far for next week’s All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Relief pitcher Glen Perkins is the Twins’ only representative to date but the club is pushing fan voting for second baseman Brian Dozier. This will be Perkins’ third consecutive All-Star Game. He has a club record 28 consecutive saves this season.

It will be interesting to watch the continued career development of Minnesota State men’s hockey coach Mike Hastings who the Mavericks recently awarded a new eight-year contract. In three years of coaching in Mankato his record is 79-36-7. No hockey school in the nation can match the Mavericks’ win total in that time period.

Forty-six players are scheduled to attend the Wild’s Development Camp that starts July 9 and continues through July 14 at Xcel Energy Center. Players expected include Brady Brassart, Brody Hoffman, Mario Lucia, Zack Mitchell, Zach Palmquist, Avery Peterson, Mike Reilly and Alex Tuch, plus six selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Free scrimmages open to the public will be on July 11 starting at 2:30 p.m. and July 14 at 6:30 p.m. Gates open on those dates at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Canterbury Park hosts Extreme Race Day presented by the Minnesota State Lottery on July 18. The afternoon’s lineup of entertainment will include exhibition racing with camels and zebras, plus The Battle of the Surfaces—a pari-mutuel race with thoroughbreds competing against each other simultaneously at one mile and 70 yards on the turf, and one mile on the dirt. A lineup of traditional horse races will also be part of the entertainment at the Shakopee race track.

Comments Welcome

State Making Basketball History Now

Posted on June 26, 2015August 22, 2015 by David Shama

The state of Minnesota made basketball history last night during the NBA Draft. Tyus Jones and Rashad Vaughn became the first pair of Minnesotans to be selected in the draft’s first round. The Timberwolves for the first time in franchise history had the NBA’s overall No. 1 pick and chose Karl-Anthony Towns.

A long list of native Minnesotans—from Cole Aldrich to Royce White—have been first round draft choices but never in the same year have two players from the state been selected as Jones and Vaughn were last night. Jones was expected to be selected before Vaughn but the shooting guard was the No. 17 pick of the Bucks. Jones landed with the Wolves after a trade with the Cavs who chose him at No. 24.

Towns, the 6-11, 250-pound center from Kentucky, was anticipated to be the team’s first draft choice. He can score inside and outside, and is an athletic defender. “He’s incredibly versatile,” ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said last night on the air.

The network reported last evening the Wolves are now the first NBA team to ever have three overall No. 1 draft choices on a roster. In a trade with the Cavs last year the Wolves acquired 2013 No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett and 2014 No. 1 selection Andrew Wiggins. In April Wiggins became the first Wolves player in franchise history to be NBA Rookie of the Year.

Minnesota prep basketball made history this spring with the announcement Apple Valley High School players Gary Trent Jr. and Tre Jones earned roster spots on the USA Basketball Men’s Under-16 team. It was the first time two Minnesotans have been selected for the Under-16 team at the same time. With Trent and Jones being from the same high school, the achievement was even more distinct.

Tre Jones, of course, is the brother of Tyus who saw four other point guards selected last night before his name was called. But the 19-year-old former Apple Valley and Duke star couldn’t have asked for more than to start his NBA career in Minneapolis.

It was a special night for Vaughn, too, who played at Cooper High School before finishing his prep career in Las Vegas. Only 18, Vaughn played as a freshman at UNLV before declaring for the draft. Vaughn is known as an excellent shooter with a big time stroke who could be a “steal” for the Bucks.

Worth Noting

The Gophers men’s basketball team will play Oklahoma State of the Big 12 in a nonconference game on Saturday, December 12 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The schools haven’t played against one another since 1986. Minnesota leads the all-time series 3-2.

The Twins have placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 15-day disabled list with a left thumb sprain, an injury that occurred on Tuesday attempting to steal second base. To replace Buxton on the 25-man roster, the Twins have recalled infielder Danny Santana from Triple-A Rochester. Santana has hit .308 (20-for-65) with six doubles, three triples and five RBI in 15 games for the Red Wings since being optioned by the Twins on June 7.

The Wolves had a full page advertisement in today’s Star Tribune featuring No. 1 draft choice Karl-Anthony Towns and also picturing five players from the current roster. Noticeably absent was often injured center Nikola Pekovic.

The new Timberwolves and Lynx training center has interesting amenities including three plunge treatment pools and one therapy pool; three steam rooms and two saunas; five locker rooms and two film rooms; 9-foot doors and 8-foot showerheads; a players lounge and nutrition center. The Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square is a $25 million (private investment) facility that is both a training center and corporate headquarters for the teams. Located across the street from Target Center on First Avenue North, Mayo Clinic Square is a first of its kind facility in the NBA and WNBA. The Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in the complex is available to all athletes.

Former Gopher basketball players Don Linehan, Larry Overskei and Paul Presthus visited John Kundla last week in advance of their ex-coach’s 99th birthday on July 3.

“I feel like a million but I’m only 99,” Kundla said with a smile at his living care facility in northeast Minneapolis. Presthus reported the quip in an e-mail where he also wrote: “John looked great, is self-sufficient and was sharp as could be.”

Kundla was the Gophers coach from 1959-1968, and Linehan, Overskei and Presthus played for him. “John is as humble as they come, a true gentleman, (and) one of the nicest men I ever met, and he always treated his players with respect,” Presthus said in the e-mail.

Before becoming Gophers coach, Kundla coached the Minneapolis Lakers to five world professional championships, the last in 1954. Presthus said there was storytelling about the Gophers and Lakers, and plenty of laughs during the visit. “We spent about an hour visiting with him before he had to leave to go to mass,” Presthus wrote.

The Wild want “to get bigger and more physical” with personnel moves at the NHL Entry Draft today and tomorrow, according to a hockey source who asked that his name not be used. Playing better “around the boards and the net, and not getting outmuscled” is needed for the Wild to continue its ascent among NHL competition and to play more effectively against clubs like the Blackhawks, Ducks and Kings.

Wing Thomas Vanek, 31, had a disappointing initial season for the Wild. The source said Minnesota might release or trade the former Gopher, speculating a return to the Wild could be 50-50.

The return next season of expensive 37-year-old goalie Niklas Backstrom seems unlikely. He reportedly earned $3.75 million last season and will be paid more under terms of his contract for next year. Of course the team’s goalie priority is re-signing 29-year-old Devan Dubnyk. The source said Dubnyk wants $5 to $6 million annually and Minnesota might now be willing to pay $4 million.

Vanek is one of 17 Gopher Hockey alums who played in the NHL last season. Here is the list: Mark Alt (Philadelphia), Keith Ballard (Minnesota), Stu Bickel (Minnesota), Nick Bjugstad (Florida), Alex Goligoski (Dallas), Erik Haula (Minnesota), Seth Helgeson (New Jersey), Erik Johnson (Colorado), Phil Kessel (Toronto), Nick Leddy (New York Islanders), Jordan Leopold (St. Louis/Columbus/Minnesota), Paul Martin (Pittsburgh), Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders), Nate Schmidt (Washington), Jordan Schroeder (Minnesota), Thomas Vanek (Minnesota) and Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg).

About 2,000 fans are expected to attend tonight’s Summer Bash and NHL Draft Viewing Party from 6 to 9 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center. In addition to watching the draft on TV from Florida, fans can visit the Wild locker room and press box. Wild players Keith Ballard, Ryan Carter, Charlie Coyle, Matt Dumba, Jordan Leopold and Jason Zucker are scheduled for photos and autographs.

Players and coaches representing 79 schools and 27 conferences are expected to participate in tomorrow’s annual MFCA Tackle Cancer All-Star Football Game in Husky Stadium at St. Cloud State. Players (2015 high school grads) and coaches were selected by members of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association.

Comments Welcome