David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Gophers Get Big Ten ‘Underrated’ Label

Posted on June 1, 2015June 1, 2015 by David Shama

The only college football magazine on the shelves at Barnes & Noble’s Eden Prairie store last week was Sporting News College Football. Other college preview publications will follow soon but for now Gophers fans can enjoy a few accolades from Sporting News.

In the magazine’s Big Ten section Minnesota is labeled the conference’s most “underrated” program. Noting Jerry Kill’s consecutive eight win seasons, Sporting News says the “next mission” is to defeat Wisconsin and win back Paul Bunyan’s Axe (after 11 consecutive losses).

Minnesota junior quarterback Mitch Leidner is labeled the Big Ten’s “biggest overachiever.” The former Rivals.com two-star high school player showed more consistency last season than in 2013 and is expected to perform even better this fall.

The Gophers are predicted to finish third in the Big Ten’s West Division behind Wisconsin and Nebraska. The magazine forecasts Minnesota will play Virginia Tech in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Yankee Stadium, New York City).

Minnesota can boost its improving national reputation with an opening season win against TCU on September 3 at TCF Bank Stadium. The Horned Frogs are mentioned in the same breath with Ohio State as most likely to win the national championship. Sporting News predicts the two teams will play for the title next January.

Gophers offensive tackle Josh Campion, defensive back Briean–Boddy Calhoun and punter Peter Mortell are All-Big Ten selections by Sporting News. All three are seniors.

The magazine delivers plenty of props to North Dakota State, ranking the Bison No. 1 in the FCS preseason top 25 while noting the program is 58-3 the last four years and in pursuit of a fifth FCS national championship. As usual, the Bison roster will be loaded with Minnesota natives including offensive tackle Joe Haeg from Brainerd High School who Sporting News includes on its FCS All-America team.

UMD is ranked No. 1 and Minnesota State No. 6 in the magazine’s Division II preseason top 25 rankings.

Worth Noting

Look at the fine print in college football magazines during coming weeks and read the names of former Gophers assistants coaching at other schools. “Alums” include New Mexico’s defensive and offensive coordinators Kevin Cosgrove and Bob DeBesse. Others are Rutgers offensive line coach Mitch Browning and running backs coach Norries Wilson, San Diego State offensive coordinator Jeff Horton, UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, and Greg Hudson, David Gibbs and Ted Roof who are defensive coordinators at Purdue, Texas Tech and Georgia Tech.

Eric Kendricks, the Vikings rookie linebacker from UCLA, loves football so much he told Sports Headliners he probably would play for semi-pro wages. “I can’t say the money is not nice but at the end of the day I am doing what I love. It’s putting a smile on my face so I can’t complain.”

Kendricks is being introduced to pro football this week and last at the Vikings’ OTAs. He admitted to being confused at times with all there is to learn. That includes thinking about the UCLA playbook when Vikings information is what’s needed.

Nothing unusual about that for a rookie. Kendricks, who was UCLA’s all-time leading tackler, may have a learning advantage because he played for a former NFL head coach in college who knows a lot about the pros. Bruins head coach Jim Mora told Kendricks, who was a college senior last season, that he was ready for the NFL.

“I get here and sometimes I think—was I ready?” said Kendricks who won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. “But that’s that whole NFL aspect, and how…difficult it is coming in for a college player. But I am trying to adjust.”

It’s too early to know if Kendricks, a second round draft choice, will be a starter right away, or just contribute on special teams. At a minimum he figures to see the field a lot next fall on special teams where he was used early in his UCLA career.

A Sportsillustrated.com article last Wednesday by Matt Verderame ranked the uniforms of all 32 NFL teams. Not such happy stuff for Vikings fans. The Purple came in at No. 23. “The Vikings have great colors, but the pants and sleeve piping knock it down some,” Verderame wrote.

Wait, Vikings fans, it gets worse. The Packers uniforms were ranked No. 1, just ahead of the Steelers and Raiders. Verderame praised the Packers’ “classic look” and traditional logo. Best part? “The incredible combination of green and yellow,” he wrote.

The Twins have the No. 6 selection in the First-Year MLB Player Draft that begins June 8. “There’s an opportunity to add high-end talent to our roster,” Twins president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners. “Pitching would be my bet but… they’re (Twins decision makers) going to take the best guy available.”

The choice might be University of Illinois pitcher Tyler Jay. He could be the best left-handed pitcher available in the draft. There is, however, speculation on whether Jay is a reliever or starter in the pros.

The Central Division leading Twins are 25-10 since April 22, the best winning percentage in Major League Baseball. The Twins open a series in Boston tonight after sweeping the Red Sox in three games last week at Target Field.

Former Gophers and NBA legendary coach Bill Fitch, who turned 81 last month, talking to Sports Headliners about his birthday cake: “It took two days to blow out the candles.”

College basketball policy makers are on the right track (finally) with proposed rules changes that have the shot clock reduced from 35 seconds to 30 seconds and reducing the number of timeouts allowed. The changes are likely to be approved this month and will both increase scoring and speed up games. Hallelujah! See the March 18 Sports Headliners column “College Basketball in Need of Changes.”

Condolences to WCHA men’s commissioner Bill Robertson on the death of his father Norb Robertson on Saturday. Mr. Robertson, 95, passed away from heart failure while out for a walk in St. Paul. Visitation (9 a.m.) and mass (10 a.m.) will be next Monday at Lumen Christi Catholic Church in St. Paul.

Comments Welcome

Twins President Expects .300 from Mauer

Posted on May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 by David Shama

There’s more good news ahead for the Twins if club president Dave St. Peter is right about Joe Mauer. The first place Central Division Twins have won 10 of their last 15 games but Mauer has struggled at the plate hitting .250 with one home run in that span—although he does have 12 RBI.

For the season the Twins are a surprising and impressive 28-18 playing in what St. Peter describes as perhaps baseball’s toughest division. Mauer is second on the team in RBI with 27 but his .276 average and on-base percentage of .337 are significantly lower than his career numbers of .317 and .399.

Mauer, the team’s highest paid player at a reported $23 million per season, suffered a concussion in 2013 and that ended his career as a catcher. Playing first base last season he hit only .277 and his continued below average numbers cause speculation by fans about the 32-year-old Minnesota native’s health.

St. Peter told Sports Headliners that Mauer is “100 percent” healthy. He said Mauer has been a team leader this spring and is evolving into one of the American League’s best first basemen. “I am not worried about Joe Mauer. I think Joe is still primed for a very, very solid season (and) one in which he could drive in 90 to 100 runs. I expect he’s going to hit over .300 and have one of the higher on-base percentages on our club. Joe Mauer is part of the solution. He’s not one of the problems.”

The Twins lost 90-plus games the past four seasons but fans are giddy about the club’s fast start this spring. If the regular season ended now, manager Paul Molitor’s team would be in the playoffs.

“I really don’t go there (the playoff talk),” St. Peter said. “It’s way too early. It’s May. Obviously you want to position yourself to be playing meaningful games late in the season. We’ll deal with that as it comes.

“We do know Mr. Molitor has got these guys competing, so the ultimate goal is to win the World Series. To get to the World Series you have to get to the post-season. Clearly those are things that are out there in front of us, but I can tell you we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about that in May.”

The Twins are 17-6 at Target Field so far—the best home record in the American League. St. Peter said it looks like the club has regained its “mojo” in Minneapolis where in 2010 the team had the best home record in baseball. “If nothing else…I thought that was absolutely critical…to play better at home.

“We’re playing great at home. Hopefully that trend will continue because I think that’s the trademark of a good baseball team.”

Worth Noting

St. Peter said there’s been a “bit of a lag” with the fan base coming back to buy tickets after the team’s struggles during past seasons. However, he’s encouraged by walkup sales including one game where about 5,000 tickets were sold. He said market research shows fans “desperately” want to get behind the franchise.

Tickets remain for all home games including the much anticipated series with the Cubs June 19, 20 and 21. Those games may eventually sell out but the Twins aren’t close to sellouts for any remaining games on the 2015 schedule, St. Peter said.

The Twins will see familiar faces with the Blue Jays in town for games tonight through Sunday. First baseman and outfielder Chris Colabello, for years a journeyman in the Twins organization who could have hot streaks, is hitting .386 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 83 at bats.

Other ex-Twins with the Jays are infielder Danny Valencia and pitchers Andrew Albers, Liam Hendriks and R.A. Dickey. Sal Butera, the former Twins catcher, is a scout with the organization.

Matt Kalil was harshly criticized last season by fans and media but Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer knows some of those barbs weren’t deserved. At times the left tackle (who played injured) didn’t receive the on-field help he needed from now departed starting left guard Charlie Johnson. This week at OTAs Brandon Fusco is working with Kalil from the left guard position after being on the right side last year next to tackle Phil Loadholt.

Kalil said he and Fusco want to achieve good communication and that includes developing rapport off the field. “Yeah, we’re trying to go out (for fun) a little more. Phil is kind of getting a little upset,” Kalil kidded. “That was his boy.”

Zimmer said a key reason for switching Fusco from right guard to left is to benefit rookie T.J. Clemmings who could become the starter on the right side. “We felt like with T.J. Clemmings it would be a little bit easier for him to stay on the same side (as in college),” Zimmer said.

Mike Wallace, the new wide receiver the Vikings acquired in a trade this off-season, said he’s played in five different offenses the last five years. He expects a comfortable adjustment here and looks forward to being part of offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s emphasis on the vertical passing game. He doesn’t think he “messed up” a single play the first two days of practice this week.

Wallace caught 10 touchdown passes for the Dolphins last season. Three times during his career he has averaged 16.6 yards or better per reception, with best averages of 21 in 2010 and 19.4 in 2009 playing for the Steelers.

Is Wallace the kind of upgrade Zimmer wants for the Vikings at wide receiver? “I know he’s a dynamic receiver and he’s been doing a great job of working,” Zimmer said. “He’s a guy that works very, very hard. He’s been catching the ball well. He’s been learning the playbook. All of these things are all different, but he’s looked good.”

Vikings players, coaches and staff have their annual playground building project on June 3 at Falcon Heights Elementary School in Falcon Heights.

Calendar planning for 2016: Xcel Energy Center hosts the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships January 15-24, and the Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament March 17-19.

Comments Welcome

Twins Start Just What the ‘Doctor’ Ordered

Posted on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by David Shama

With all the international scouting done by the Twins, perhaps the organization has found a voodoo man who is boosting the franchise’s fortunes.

That might be a far-out attempt to explain the club’s surprising performance so far this season. But here’s the point: This team is unexpectedly winning games, so why not throw out the voodoo theory?

The franchise that lost 90-plus games for four consecutive seasons has put a team on the field in 2015 with minimal resemblance to those clubs. Yes, it’s still early in the season but who doesn’t like what we see?

The Twins are 27-18 compared with a 24-25 record a year ago. Minnesota is a competitive 11-12 on the road, and the 16-6 home record is the second best in the American League. After a 1-6 start this season, the Twins are 26-12.

Past Twins teams were often way behind by the middle innings. This year’s model sometimes holds a big lead before the fifth inning. Impressive, too, are the club’s eight comeback wins.

Manager Paul Molitor and his coaching staff don’t have a roster glittering with talent. First baseman Joe Mauer and starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco, two of the club’s best paid players, have been mediocre. The roster includes other recognizable names to baseball fans across the country but also has a number of “Who’s he?” guys.

Molitor and staff have maximized their personnel, showing a will and ability to develop players. They have emphasized fundamentals and instilled confidence in both pitchers and position players. Game after game the Twins are a good bet not to beat themselves while demonstrating efficiency, versatility and adaptability.

The Twins rank 12th among MLB teams in hits but are ninth in runs scored. The team has been efficient in close games including last night’s 2-1 win over the Red Sox. And when Minnesota takes a lead into the ninth inning, closer Glen Perkins has more saves, 17, than anyone in the majors. That’s efficiency, too.

Molitor’s roster has guys who can play multiple positions. Eduardo Escobar is the poster boy for versatility, able to play left field and three infield positions. Trevor Plouffe, the third baseman, can also play first and used to be the team’s shorstop. Eduardo Nunez plays in both the infield and outfield. Catcher Chris Herrmann is able to sub in the outfield. The list doesn’t end there and all that versatility helps Molitor deal with injuries. It also helps the manager with hitting and fielding strategies while creating competition for playing time.

The 2015 team had to adjust even before the season started. Pitcher Ervin Santana, the club’s prize free agent signing during the offseason, was given an 80 game suspension back in March for steroid use. That loss was supposed to wreck the starting pitching but it hasn’t.

Other pitchers, including a previously stumbling Trevor May, have stepped up in Santana’s absence. The starting rotation has been so deep the Twins dispatched left-hander Tommy Milone to the minors where for the last couple of weeks he’s been the International League Pitcher of the Week. His record at Triple A Rochester is 4-0 with a 0.28 ERA.

The starters and relievers have responded to new pitching coach Neil Allen. He has them throwing strikes, mixing up their pitches and working with confidence. Allen was stuck in the minors employed by the Rays organization but the Twins made a smart move when they hired him before this season.

Power hitters Kennys Vargas and Oswaldo Arcia were expected to help the lead offense but they haven’t. The Twins adapted, finding power from Plouffe, second baseman Brian Dozier and 39-year-old outfielder Torii Hunter.

Those guys might hit a home run to win a game, or the club may find another way to make a big play. Molitor’s high baseball IQ is often on display. Opposing clubs can be surprised when the Twins pick the right moment to steal a base, or a relief pitcher summoned from the bullpen makes his first throw to first base trying to pick off a runner.

This Twins team appears different in so many ways from its recent predecessors. It looks just like what the (voodoo) doctor ordered.

Worth Noting

Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino completed his recruiting class with an announcement yesterday about Davonte Fitzgerald, a transfer from Texas A&M. A 6-foot-7, 209-pound forward who played two seasons with the Aggies, Fitzgerald will sit out next season and have two years of eligibility starting in 2016. The former Rivals.com three-star prep averaged 12.6 minutes per game in two seasons with the Aggies. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds.

Another member of the seven-man recruiting class who won’t play next season is Edina native Reggie Lynch, a transfer from Illinois State. Feshmen Kevin Dorsey, Ahmad Gilbert, Jarvis Johnson, Dupree McBrayer and Jordan Murphy will be eligible to play in 2015-2016.

Earlier this spring Pitino’s blog on Gophersports.com predicted a top-25 recruiting class. The May 19 Rivals.com ranking of the top 30 classes nationally doesn’t include the Gophers but does have five Big Ten teams with Ohio State No. 6, Illinois No. 17, Michigan State No. 24, Indiana No. 27 and Purdue No. 28.

A Minnesota Wild spokesperson reported via e-mail “we are renewing and adding new season-ticket holders in record numbers.” The NHL club’s TV ratings were over 40 percent higher this season than last. The Wells Fargo Wild Road Tour at the end of June will have three different caravans travelling in Minnesota and Iowa.

John Hughes, the popular and well-connected local magician, told Sports Headliners earlier this spring he plans to play basketball in the National Senior Games here in Minnesota this summer. “The Amazing Hondo’s” birthday was Sunday. He is a 1970 graduate of Cretin-Derham High School.

Looks like there is something else certain in life besides death and taxes. For the eighth year in a row St. Thomas won both the men’s and women’s championships in the MIAC All-Sports Competition. This is the 29th overall All-Sports title for the UST men and 24th for the women.

Duck and Buck Commander of the TV show Duck Dynasty are providing autographed duck calls along with autographed baseballs from Willie, Phil, Si and Jase Robertson to be used as prizes for Northwoods League Fantasy Baseball.

Comments Welcome