Vikings rookie guard Chris DeGeare plans to vacation soon with his fiancé in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Politicians have been against the legislative approval of slot machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces on the argument they’re opposed to the expansion of gambling. With Native American operated casinos, gambling at two area race tracks, pull-tabs at bars and lottery tickets for sale at stores, gambling is already well established in the state. This year may provide the best possibility yet for approval of slots at Canterbury and Running Aces, with a possible tie to funding a Vikings stadium.
The second episode of the FOX Sports North series “Unscripted: Coaches/Manager” airs Thursday night at 9 p.m. The series provides conversations with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis, Wild head Todd Richards and Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith. The final episode airs Saturday at 9 p.m.
The Twins relief pitching will look different without late inning specialists Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier but don’t expect the front office to spend big money to replace them. The seventh inning specialist could be Jose Mijares, with Matt Capps in the eighth and Joe Nathan in the ninth. The Twins have to be hoping former contributors Pat Neshek and Glen Perkins can pitch in 2011 with the efficiency they showed a few years ago. Both could help in bullpen roles.
General manager Bill Smith said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle on Sunday that the best news about first baseman Justin Morneau is doctors have told him to “work through” any concussion symptoms.
Tracy Claeys, the Gophers new defensive coordinator, will be the speaker at the C.O.R.E.S luncheon on Thursday, January 13. Gophers broadcaster Dave Mona will introduce Claeys. C.O.R.E.S members can make reservations by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. C.O.R.E.S is an acronym for coaches, officials, educators, reporters and sports fans.
The Senior Bowl, to be played January 29 in Mobile, Alabama, has announced a partial roster for the game including four quarterbacks, TCU’s Andy Dalton, Alabama’s Greg McElroy, Florida State’s Christian Ponder and Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi. No Gophers are expected to be chosen for the game which is a scouting showcase for the NFL.