Former state senator Dean Johnson, a leader in Twins stadium legislation a few years ago, told Sports Headliners he doesn’t expect a Vikings stadium bill to be passed this year. Tim Pawlenty won’t lead stadium legislation even though he isn’t running for re-election, according to Johnson who says the governor has other interests and priorities. Johnson believes that with a new governor and legislators in 2011, and with the Vikings Metrodome lease expiring late next year, a stadium bill will be passed. He predicted the facility likely will be funded from a mix of sources including perhaps a car rental tax.
Third baseman Joe Crede is still on the market as a free agent and probably approachable for a budget offer from the Twins. At 31 and with a history of back problems, Crede is a “red flag” to many teams but the Twins need a third baseman and he hit 15 home runs for them in 333 at bats last year.
The Brewers were apparently willing to trade shortstop J.J. Hardy to the Twins because of their excitement over 23-year-old shortstop Alcides Escobar. Hardy, 27, is a former All-Star, but the Brewers have an extraordinary prospect in Escobar who has been among the most impressive defensive middle infielders in the minors.
The February 10-16 issue of USA Today Sports Weekly lists Escobar No. 5 among 100 players who are “among the next wave of players heading into the major leagues” that can make the biggest impact in 2010. The Twins didn’t have a player on the list.
The Twins are featured in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated as a successful example of a small market franchise. Afflicted with limited payrolls, small market teams haven’t won a World Series in six years but the magazine reports the Twins are “brimming with optimism.”
Local sports writer and announcer Dave Wright has authored his first book and it’s titled: 162-0. The book is about the greatest wins in Twins history and will be out in early March.
Power rankings of NFL teams for next season still regard the Vikings as a top 10, or even top five team, but division rival Green Bay is included, too.