Forbes magazine and Web site (www.forbes.com) lists Twins owner Carl Pohlad as the 114th richest person in America with a net worth of $3.1 billion. In the Forbes annual listing of the 400 wealthiest Americans, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is 149th at $2.7 billion. Donald Trump ranked 117th at $3 billion. Oprah Winfrey is 165th at $2.5 billion. Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild owners didn’t make the list.
Steve LaCroix, Viking vice president of sales and marketing, said late last week that the Packer game on Sunday will be a sellout and televised in the metro area. LaCroix expects tickets for the game to be available early this week.
Viking end Ray Edwards said the defense has set a goal of 68 sacks for the season. Through the first three games the total is 11. Edwards, a fourth round draft choice from Purdue now in his second season with the Vikings, wants to start every game after being a reserve in 2006. Going back to his pee-wee football days, he’s played every position in football except quarterback and center.
Viking wide receiver Troy Williamson said he’s continuing with eye exercises he learned during the off-season. He said his depth perception has improved as a result of the exercises.
Tejas Restaurant in Edina has a special promotion today through Friday to help promote the Taste of the NFL and benefit Hunger Solutions Minnesota. Each day a Minnesota Viking alum or other celebrity will be in attendance from noon to 1 p.m. and a 2007 MINI Cooper will be on display. Raffle tickets costing $100 each are being sold with a chance to win the MINI Cooper courtesy of Motorwerks MINI, plus a year of insurance from Calhoun Insurance agency. Only 500 total tickets are being sold and the winning ticket will be drawn at the Taste of the NFL Celebrity Dinner on October 1 at Winter Park, practice home of the Vikings. Ticket info available by calling 612-338-4537 or www.tasteofthenflmn.org.
I learned a lesson from a player agent years ago. With a promising young client, you usually want a shorter contract so that when the player starts accumulating impressive stats there is a free agency opportunity. A longer contract is desirable for an older player who may be more likely to suffer injuries and could be a less effective performer in the near future. Now think about the Twins and free agent Torii Hunter. The Twins offered a three year contract but Hunter, 32, wants a longer deal.
Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer is hitting .500 (5-for-10) with 13 RBI with the bases loaded and less than two outs.
Gopher football coach Tim Brewster said he and his wife are still deciding whether to build or buy a home here.