Twins catcher Joe Mauer is the fourth best player in baseball, according to Joe Posnanski from SI.com. On his 32 player list he ranks Albert Pujols, Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez ahead of Mauer.
The Twins’ outfield was scrutinized for its defensive performance by Sports Illustrated in the magazine’s baseball preview issue last week. The publication reported that the Twins allowed the second highest total in the American League last season for doubles and triples. Left fielder Delmon Young, center fielder Denard Span and right fielder Michael Cuddyer need to prove collectively they’re better than mediocre.
Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire said on Saturday that Francisco Liriano threw the ball the “best” he’s seen him during the left-hander’s final outing in spring training. But Liriano became too excited in his regular season debut on Saturday against Toronto, started “overthrowing” and lost control of his pitches during a four hit, four run loss in just 4.1 innings.
Speculation about a funding model for a new Vikings’ stadium has the franchise perhaps contributing about one-third of the cost. Local authority Tony Spadaforda has been studying stadiums, including financing issues, since 1996. He wants to see a larger financial participation from the Vikings, and also is concerned the team could relocate if a stadium deal doesn’t materialize.
The annual Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party at Winter Park will be Thursday, April 28 during the first round of the NFL Draft. General admission tickets went on sale Friday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.vikings.com.
Timberwolves’ assistant coach Reggie Theus seems like a fit for the coaching vacancy at UNLV. Theus played for the Rebels and had success as head coach at New Mexico State.
Colorado State might be the school that former Gopher Colton Iverson transfers to.
Rumors of Gophers’ coach Tubby Smith being offered the Missouri job prompted an unsupportive story by Mike DeArmond on the Kansas City Star’s blog.