Francisco Liriano, who will miss next season because of elbow surgery, is expected to receive a modest salary increase for 2007 to $350,000 or more, according to a major league baseball source. Liriano reportedly earned $327,000 in his rookie season of 2006. His salary is not eligible for arbitration until after the 2008 season.
After finishing with three wins in the Big Ten Conference this fall, Glen Mason’s 10 year career conference record is 32-48. The Gophers’ 2006 12-game schedule was considered one of the most difficult in the country. Opponents had a combined record of 92-63.
The leading active NFL coaches with the best winning percentages since 2000 in the month of November are Philadelphia’s Andy Reid and Indy’s Tony Dungy, the former Gopher quarterback and Viking defensive coordinator. Dungy’s percentage is .758 (22-7); Reid .724 (21-8).
Will much criticized wide receiver Troy Williams be given one more off-season to improve his pass catching before the Vikings decide whether to keep their No. 1 draft choice from 2005?
More athletes could emulate Timberwolves center Mark Madsen who makes a noticeable effort to briefly stop and greet fans between the court and locker room on game nights at Target Center.
Former Gopher football coach Murray Warmath will have his 94th birthday on December 26. He coached the 1960 Gophers to the national championship and had a three year record from 1960-1962 of 22-6-1.
Among the new books from Nodin Press in Minneapolis is “The Great Dan Patch and the Remarkable Mr. Savage.” Author Tim Brady will appear at a book signing on Saturday, December 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Minnesota Historical Society. The book tells the story of Minnesota’s famous pacing horse and resourceful owner.