A media industry source predicts Comcast subscribers receiving the Big Ten Network through a basic programming package this year will have to pay more in another 12 months or so. Speculation is Comcast will put the Big Ten Network in a more expensive package. Comcast and the network recently reached an agreement allowing local viewers to watch Gopher football and basketball during the 2008-2009 season. Charter Communications and Mediacom may soon have agreements to carry the network, too.
This is the 25th anniversary year of KSTP SportsTalk with Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray. The station is considering celebration ideas including a possible show with a live audience.
Tim Pawlenty remains under consideration to become John McCain’s vice presidential running mate, according to a former politician. Also on the list are Florida governor Charlie Criss, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, and ex-Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. A selection is expected prior to the Republican Convention in early September.
The source also said Vikings’ owner Zygi Wilf is mistaken if he thinks the state legislature will approve a new Vikings stadium with the economy struggling. The cost was projected awhile ago at about $1 billion but with construction costs rising a revised figure seems likely.
The Minnesota High School All-Star Football Game will be played tomorrow night (Saturday) starting at 7 p.m. at St. Cloud State University. The game will be televised beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 on FSN North, according to Vikings.com. The Vikings and FSN are “partnering” to make the telecast possible.
The Vikings report to training camp on July 25. The team has a scrimmage against Kansas City in River Falls, Wisconsin on July 31.
By almost default, the Twins keep turning to Brian Buscher to play third base. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter is batting .386 since being recalled from AAA Rochester. In his last 10 games he’s hitting .417. Last year he was recalled after the season began and hit .244, with two homeruns and 10 RBI in 33 games. The organization has been concerned about his fielding but because of the team’s ongoing need to find a third baseman Buscher has been given opportunities. This season he has only one error. Last season he had four.
Talk about a long road trip, the Minnesota Thunder are in Puerto Rico for weekend matches against the Islanders tonight and Sunday evening. The Thunder don’t play at home until July 11 against Carolina.
In anticipation of the franchise’s 20th season, the Timberwolves’ primary logo, featuring the wolf’s head amidst the tree line, has undergone a facelift. The Timberwolves also have a new, re-designed secondary logo. The modified primary logo includes adding white to the wolf’s head as well as a cleaner and sleeker design of the tree line and the script “Minnesota Timberwolves.” The secondary logo has been completely re-designed and features a Timberwolf in front of a tree line howling at the moon (depicted as a basketball). The Wolves will also introduce newly-designed uniforms in August.