Alex Wimmers, the Twins’ 2010 No. 1 draft choice, has been a reliever in four games and started one this season for Fort Myers in Class A.  He is 0-1 in 10 innings with a 6.30 ERA.

For a late season promotion to increase Twins attendance, Cesar Tovar played all nine positions in a 1968 game.  Mostly an outfielder who had major league experience in the infield, too, Tovar accepted the challenge of also catching and pitching in the game.

Last week when Michael Cuddyer pitched one inning for the Twins it brought back memories of Tovar’s performance.  Tony Oliva, who was a teammate of Tovar, was asked about Cuddyer who has major league experience in the infield and outfield.  “I think if Minnesota asked him to catch, he would go and catch, too,” Oliva said.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday on his 1500 ESPN radio show he expects Denard Span to rejoin the team in Anaheim on Tuesday for the start of the Angels series.  The manager has told Span, who hasn’t played with the Twins since June 6, that instead of his regular center field spot he may sometimes be assigned to right or left field.

Span is more comfortable in center, but Gardenhire said Span is willing to play where asked.  Center fielder Ben Revere’s arm isn’t strong enough to play right field.

An article in the August 1 issue of Sporting News Magazine lists “Sports’ Greatest Individual Performances” and No. 4 on the all-time list is Jack Morris’ 10 innings, 1-0 shutout of Atlanta for the Twins in game seven of the 1991 World Series.

Minnesota’s 1997 Mr. Basketball Khalid El-Amin, now 32, said he will play foreign pro basketball again next winter but isn’t sure where.  El-Amin is interested in a coaching career after he retires from playing.

Former Gophers basketball assistant coach Silas McKinnie, who worked for head coach Clem Haskins, is a scout for the Detroit Lions.

Minneapolis native and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is on the cover of the August 1 issue of Sports Illustrated.  He is praised in an NFL article for his off-season work ethic.

Vegasinsider.com makes Alabama the favorite at 4/1 odds to win the 2012 national championship.  Nebraska at 22/1 is the most likely Big Ten team to win the title.

General public tickets for the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game on December 3 in Indianapolis sold out within two hours on Saturday.  After the two participating schools are determined, each will receive 7,500 tickets.  The game will be played at 63,000-seat Lucas Oil Stadium.

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Rene Pulley has watched not only Jones but also several Gophers players in his summer basketball league.  Among the players he’s intrigued to see play for Minnesota next season is forward Rodney Williams who had a disappointing sophomore year averaging 6.8 points per game, making only 21 percent of his three point field goals and often being a non-contributor even though he was a starter.  Before the season he was projected by nbadraftnet.com to be a top 10 NBA draft choice in 2011.

“I think he’s got a new confidence in his game and his potential and his ability now,” Pulley said.  “He’s been shooting the three point shot very well.  He did that at the LeBron James camp and also the Kevin Durant camp.  But he’s brought that back to the league (Howard Pulley) and he’s been doing that here.

“(He’s) putting the ball on the floor far more aggressive than he’s ever been.  I am one of the ones that wonder, is it him?  Or is it somebody holding him back?  Because he impresses everybody.  He’s a crowd favorite here.  But for whatever reason, when he gets over to the U, you got a different Rodney Williams.”

Williams, who might be the most athletic player in the Big Ten, certainly has NBA potential and so, too, does teammate Trevor Mbakwe who is trying to make the USA World University Games roster this month.  The Gophers’ power forward led the Big Ten in rebounding last year at 10.5 per game and was an intimidating player not only rebounding, but blocking shots with his exceptional strength and jumping ability.

“My assessment of Trevor is he’s a beast,” Pulley said.  “He still needs to work on his low post moves, his footwork, and maybe develop a little eight to 12 foot shot.  But if he gets that together, he’s got a chance to be in the NBA.”

The best of Minnesota’s new players next season could certainly be Memphis freshman guard Andre Hollins.  The 6-1 Hollins averaged 23.5 points per game during his senior year and was Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball.

“I think he’s special,” Pulley said.  “I really, really like him.  He’s a strong body.  He’s an outstanding guard.  A good handler, very athletic.  Jumps out of the gym, but he’s got a great jump shot.  He’s got a three point shot, a mid-range shot and he’s quick.  I think he’s going to help the Gophers a lot.”

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