Former Twins pitcher Carlos Silva, who was Seattle’s losing pitcher pitcher here last night giving up six runs in five innings, had a 10.45 ERA in three spring training games while pitching 10.1 innings. Silva is in the second season of a $48 million contract, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts Website. Last year Silva was 4-15 with a 6.46 ERA. General manager Bill Bavasi signed Silva to his contract after leaving the Twins following the 2007 season. Bavasi is no longer employed by the Mariners.
The Michigan State basketball team that lost to North Carolina on Monday night in the national championship game relied on only two seniors. The Spartans will be a Big Ten heavyweight again next season led by sophomore guard Kalin Lucas who was the conference’s player of the year. Minnesota native Isaiah Dahlman participated in 16 total games, averaging 1.8 minutes and 0.8 points per game.
The Wolves’ Kevin Love needs two more rebounds and two more double-doubles to set franchise records for a rookie. The team is 7-24 since center Al Jefferson was injured on February 4.
Wolves owner Glen Taylor has been much criticized since his group bought the franchise in 1995 but his Minnesota roots and loyalty probably ensure continued operation here indefinitely despite losing money, with short term prospects not much better given both the state of the team and economy.
The Vikings Draft Party tickets are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling the team’s ticket office, 612-33-VIKES. Tickets for the Saturday, April 25 event at the Winter Park Fieldhouse are priced at either $15 (general admission), or $70 including preferred seating, private autograph session, food and beverage coupons and prize giveaways. The Vikings, with the No. 22 pick, are expected to draft at about 6:30 p.m. The draft party, the same day as the Gophers spring football game, will be from 1:30 to 7 p.m.
The Gophers and 11 other schools will be competing in the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships April 16-18 at the U’s Sports Pavillion. The Gophers, ranked No. 7 in the country, participate in the evening pre-qualifier on April 16 (starting at 7 p.m.). No. 1 Stanford is in the afternoon session that day (1 p.m. start).