Twins president Dave St. Peter reports via e-mail that the Twins Radio Network has 66 affiliate stations “and counting.” The network ranks as one of the largest team-operated radio networks in baseball, according to St. Peter. New affiliates have been added in such communities as Red Wing, New Richmond, Marshall, Moose Lake, Preston and Sioux City.
Wild general manager Doug Risebrough was asked about the recent addition of star center Peter Forsberg to Nashville’s roster, a team that already ranked with the best in the NHL. Risebrough recalled the Wild won a playoff series in 2003 against a Colorado team with Forbes and Joe Sakic. “I would say it’s improved their team but I don’t think it’s ordained their team,” Risebrough said.
The Wild have no problem selling season tickets. The Minnesota North Stars of the Norm Green era did, however. The North Star owner came up with a simple and memorable idea. During a playoff game he held up a sign from his suite that said, “If you like what you see, buy season tickets.”
Freshman center Mike Carman is a player to watch as the Gophers near the WCHA playoffs. The Apple Valley native was named WCHA Rookie of the Week earlier this week following his two goal performance in a 3-2 win over Colorado College last Saturday.
Dan Johnson, the Coon Rapids native, has signed a contract with the Athletics and hopes to win the starting first base job after having double vision last year, according to nbc.sports.com. In 286 at bats last season he hit .234 with nine home runs. He struck out 45 times.
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. reports that son Larry, the Arizona Cardinals star receiver from Minneapolis, is vacationing in Australia.