Ciatrick Fason offered advice to Adrian Peterson, the Vikings’ No. 1 draft choice last weekend.  Fason, a reserve running back drafted in the fourth round by the Vikings two years ago, was asked about the transition Peterson will make going from Oklahoma where he set school and NCAA rushing records to playing in the NFL. 

Fason told Sports Headliners “learning how to take care of your body” tops the must-do list.   How is that done?  “You just got to do everything possible. . . Tony Richardson (veteran Vikings running back) and those guys, they teach you those things. …They taught me how to go to the chiropractor, how to get massages, how to take care of your feet.  You gotta do everything just to make sure your body is always taken care of.” 

The advice couldn’t be more on target for running backs, with all the physical abuse they receive, and particularly Peterson whose story line at Oklahoma was almost as much about injuries as it was electrifying performances on the field where he ran past and over tacklers with a style and frequency seldom seen in college football.  During his first season, the one year he was free from injury, he broke the NCAA freshman running record and the school single season rushing mark.  He gained 1,925 yards. 

Fason disagrees with those who question whether Peterson, who seldom was thrown passes at Oklahoma, can catch the ball, adding that Peterson has “great hands.”  Durability and pass receiving were pre-draft concerns about Peterson. 

“I watched him his whole career,” Fason said.  “He’s a great back.  I feel like we’re a lot alike.  … He’s just a little faster than me, but I feel like we’re almost the same type of back.”  

Fason, 6-foot, 207-pounds, has run the 40 yard dash in 4.57 seconds.  Peterson, 6-foot-2, 217-pounds, has run a 4.37.   

Asked to further describe Peterson’s running style, Fason said, “He runs with a mad demeanor about himself.”  That description fit with profiles of Peterson running “angry.” 

The Vikings listed seven running backs on their pre-draft roster.  There had to be some private “ughs” in reaction to the Vikings selecting Peterson at No. 7.  A good teammate wants to see the team improve itself but he also wants playing time.   

Fason, for example, has played a reserve role for two seasons.  His NFL career stats include 18 games, 50 carries, 161 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Does he anticipate his third season means an expanded role with the Vikings?  “I really can’t tell you that now,” he said.  “I thought it was going to be but the way it’s looking, I am going to have to…wait for my opportunity.” 

The Vikings might make a $15 million guaranteed investment in Peterson.  That money translates into opportunity.  “Third or fourth round guys, we just got to sit back and wait for our opportunities,” Fason said.  “It really makes a big difference on where you slide (in the draft) and you just got to wait for your opportunity.”

Comments Welcome

Ramon Ortiz has made a nice impression during the first month of the major league baseball season.  The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher signed with Minnesota as a free agent before this season and the Twins Nation crossed its collective fingers he could be as good or better than his previous six-plus major league seasons.  Playing for Washington last year his record was 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA.  For all seasons through 2006 he was a not too exciting 79-76 with a 4.85 ERA. 

In search of at least two starters to emerge as regulars in the team’s five man rotation, the Twins signed Ortiz in January for $3.1 million, according to espn.com.  So far the results have been, well, sort of un-Ortiz like.  His 3-1 record and 2.57 ERA place him among the American League leaders in both categories. Ortiz and Johan Santana lead the Twins in wins.  Ortiz’s ERA is the best among the team’s starters and his walks are the fewest.   

In five starts, he has been consistently sharp.  He won his first three games including a three hit, eight inning game against the Yankees.  Each game he’s pitched at least six innings, never given up more than eight hits and twice had no walks in games. 

“Mr. April” has been pitching all month like a man with confidence.  Ortiz raves about pitching coach Rick Anderson.  “How much this guy helped me this year…it’s unbelievable,” Ortiz told Sports Headliners last week.  “He worked me hard the whole spring training and now in the season.  It’s unbelievable the way we pitch right now. …” 

Ortiz has pitched for three other major league teams.  Is Anderson his best pitching coach? “Well, believe it,” Ortiz answered.  “Yes, the best one. …The best one because he doesn’t have a special guy. …He’s working for everybody.  He be happy for everybody. …I am happy here.” 

Ortiz’s best seasons were with the Angels in 2001-2003 when he won 13, 15 and 16 games.  A visitor mentioned winning 15 games or more for the Twins.  “I want to pitch the best I can,” Ortiz said.  “Every time you get an opportunity to go get it, you pitch the best you can. …” 

Comments Welcome

The Gophers have sold 2,000 and 1,000 new football and basketball season tickets, according to Jason LaFrenz, director of marketing and ticket sales for University athletics.

Basketball insiders say the Gophers’ Tubby Smith is one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the country. 

A family rivalry missed:  If the Vikings had selected quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame he could have competed twice per season against his brother-in-law, linebacker A.J. Hawk of the Packers. 

Twins pitcher Joe Nathan talking about last season when he was 7-0 with a career best 1.58 ERA:  “Last year I think I did a really good job of using all three pitches (slider, fast ball and curve).  That was kind of what kept me from being predictable.  And you don’t ever want to be predictable when you’re on the mound.   The more pitches you are comfortable with out there, the better.” 

Legendary St. John’s coach John Gagliardi, 80, just finished teaching his annual Theory of Football course to 53 students and is focusing on 2008 recruiting.  He was a speaker at the recent Minnesota State High School League’s athletic directors conference.    

The United States Handball Association National 4-Wall Championship starts today and goes through May 6 at the University of Minnesota Rec Center.  Hundreds of participants from America and other countries will participate.  More information is available at www.ushandball.org.

Comments Welcome