Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is expected to announce in Kansas City today that the Royals will host the 2012 All-Star game.  Although Twins president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners there’s “nothing new” on Minneapolis being the site for a future All-Star game, it appears 2014 could be the year.

The All-Star game alternates between National and American League cities, so four years from now is the soonest the event could be at Target Field.  Twins leaders and other local officials are interested in bringing the game here in 2014.  Meet Minneapolis, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, has estimated that the All-Star game could mean more than $50 million in economic impact.  https://www.ballparkauthority.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B5BA32D35-9BE8-46A4-8256-00B0E159EFFD%7D&DE=%7BE5BE858A-BC3B-4E2E-8FF0-5FF3F02BD93A%7D

Baseball’s owners will be in Minneapolis for quarterly meetings in August.  Those who haven’t seen Target Field will have an insider’s look.  Selig is already familiar with the new facility and is impressed.

The All-Star game hasn’t been played in Minneapolis since 1985 so that figures to be another factor in favor of the event coming here.  Kansas City last hosted the game in 1973.  The Royals play in Kauffman Stadium, a facility that recently had a $250 million renovation.

The All-Star game determines home field advantage in the World Series.  St. Peter approves of the World Series incentive, implemented in 2003 after years of simply alternating American and National League cities.  “I do like the change,” he said.

Target Field has been such a success that St. Peter predicted the franchise will set new records for home attendance ticket revenues and concession sales.  He declined to provide specific figures.  The Twins all-time home attendance high was established in 1988 when the club drew 3,030,672 fans.

The Twins have been leading the Central Division, although that margin is down to 2.5 games.  The Twins have lost two of their last three games and are only 6-4 in their previous 10.  With the halfway mark in the 162 games schedule nearing, the 37-27 Twins are hoping to have more of their best players on the field.

What’s St. Peter’s assessment of the club?  “We feel good about our baseball team,” he said.  “You never complain about being in first place.  As we get healthier we think better times are ahead.”

Injuries or personal issues have sidelined a long list of Twins pitchers and position players.  Both second baseman Orlando Hudson and starting shortstop J.J. Hardy remain on the disabled list.

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Joe Webb, the Vikings sixth round draft choice, demonstrates his athleticism on a YouTube video where he jumps over seven football practice bags.  The video was made last winter and has generated lots of attention. “Especially when it first got on YouTube a lot of people called me up and said, ‘That’s crazy,’ ” Webb recalled. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9PsUH1fmJk

Webb was drafted as a potential wide receiver but his raw talent as a quarterback intrigues the Vikings.  He was given attention and opportunity at the team’s recent minicamp.

Among those watching Webb was former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema who predicted Webb will make the Vikings 53-man roster or practice squad this year.  “I know I am competing to make a No. 53 spot. …I am just trying to find my way in,” Webb said.

Webb alos said the Vikings coaches like his arm and ability to move around.  But offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said it will be a process to develop the young quarterback who also played wide receiver in college at UAB.

“‘He’s a big athlete,” Bevell said. “He is a tall guy (about 6-4, 220 pounds).  He has a strong arm. …He is very raw at this point. There are a lot of things that he can continue to improve on. …”

Lurtsema also likes Vikings rookie defensive end Everson Griffen.  He said Griffen has the athleticism to “shuffle” off initial contact and make plays for the Vikings.

Critics said last year that Vikings center John Sullivan was undersized for his position at about 6-3, 300 pounds.  Sullivan told Sports Headliners he’s worked hard during the off-season to improve himself physically.  “Really tried to increase upper body size, and get bigger and stronger, and I think I’ve done a good job of that so far,” he said.  “We’ve got a little bit of time before training camp so I will try to continue to make improvements.”

Sullivan said his weight has increased to “just over 300.”

Last week’s approval by Santa Clara voters of a 49ers stadium means the NFL has only three remaining stadium challenges among it 32 teams.  Oakland, San Diego and Minneapolis still have stadium issues.  What’s interesting about the $937 million stadium plan is that nearly 90 percent of the funding will come from private sources.  It seems unlikely that any financing plan for a new Vikings stadium will have 90 percent funding from private sources.

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Wesley Johnson, who worked out for the Timbrwolves yesterday, is a popular choice to be the No. 4 pick in next week’s NBA draft and become a member of the Wolves. The Syracuse junior wasn’t highly recruited in high school but his development in college has made him a probable fit for the Timberwolves who are in need of a small forward.  Last season the 6-7, 205 pound Johnson ranked 10^thin the Big East Conference at 16.5 points per game, fifth in rebounding averaging 8.5, fifth in steals at 1.7, sixth in blocks with 1.8 and seventh in three-point percentage at .415.

The Northwoods League, a summer college baseball league that includes Minnesota franchises, reports a record 162 alumni chosen during the 50 rounds of last week’s major league baseball draft.  The league website says 65 former Northwoods players have made the big leagues.  https://www.northwoodsleague.com/News.aspx

Former North Stars owner Howard Baldwin wants to make a movie about hockey legend Gordie Howe.

Mike Modano, who started his career with the North Stars, will play a 20^th NHL season and probably finish his career in Dallas where new ownership will be decided soon.

Ex-Gopher Paul Martin, in demand as a free agent, may wait until New Jersey names a coach to replace Jacques Lemaire before deciding on a future with the Devils.

The annual Bruce Smith Golf Classic at Faribault Golf Club is next Monday.  The classic is named after Faribault native and former Gophers Heisman Trophy winner Bruce Smith.  The event provides scholarships for students who have graduated from Faribault High School, Bethlehem Academy and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.

Rachelle Dosch is the new head volleyball coach at Gustavus.  Dosch, a 2007 St. Thomas grad, was an assistant coach at Winona State and Luther College during the past three years.

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