Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka probably earns a pass from at least some Twins administrators for his disappointing rookie season that includes a .215 batting average and nine errors in 51 games. The 27-year-old native of Japan is trying to learn a new language and culture while adjusting to opposing pitchers.
Outfielder Joe Benson, who was the Twins Minor League Player of the Year last season, is hitting .405 in his last 10 games with New Britain. In 83 games with the Double A team he is batting .297, with 10 home runs and 46 RBI.
The Twins game on September 17 against Cleveland at Target Field will be John Gordon Day. The 71-year-old radio play-by-play voice of the Twins is retiring after this season. Gordon’s 25 years on radio is second in franchise history to the late Herb Carneal. Recognition on September 17 will include an on field ceremony.
Twins marketing executive Patrick Klinger said the organization began the formal process on Monday of a national search for Gordon’s successor. Klinger said he’s not sure if Gordon’s broadcast partner Dan Gladden wants to increase his play-by-play role.
The Twins will send out season ticket renewals later this month and have a waiting list in the thousands, according to Klinger.
1500 ESPN announced that Judd Zulgad is leaving the Star Tribune to host a show on the local radio station from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays.
Game time for the Gophers-Virginia Tech basketball game on November 30 will be 8:15 p.m. Minneapolis time. The game, part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, will be at Williams Arena and televised by ESPN2. The Gophers are 4-8 in the challenge, and last year coach Tubby Smith’s Minnesota team lost to Virginia at Williams Arena.
Former Gophers football player Lewis Garrison will be officiating Big Ten basketball games for the first time next season.
Garrison, Mark Smith, Rickey Foggie, Jay Thomas and Eric Smith, all former Gophers, finished up their work last week at the local PreSnap Football Academy. During the spring and summer they have helped young players of various ages to improve skills.
Jon Leuer’s dad, Mike, said his son has a 10 month contract with the Frankfurt Skyliners but the deal provides an out if the NBA ends its labor dispute and the season begins. Leuer, who played at Orono High School and for Wisconsin, was a second round pick in June by Milwaukee. Leuer reports to his German team next week, according to his dad.