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The State of the Franchise: Timberwolves
2008-03-28 21:20:00
Here is an incredibly accurate and poignant editorial on exactly what is going wrong with our favorite pro basketball team. It’s written by a college student in Boston, of all sources. Thanks for the insight, Ross! http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/ - Keep Your Mouth Shut Article
More About: Franchise , State , The State

NFL: High Picks = Top Performers??
2008-03-28 19:16:00
This year the Minnesota Vikings will have the 17th overall selection in the NFL Draft.  Midway through last season it looked like we were a lock to land a top 5 pick.  Then Adrian Peterson realized that he was one of the 3 most explosive, game-changing players in the league and all hell broke loose.  The worst case scenario in the NFL is to narrowly miss the playoffs; in this scenario you not only miss out on the postseason, you also get a lousy draft pick. Unlike sports like hockey and baseball, it definitely pays to tank in the NFL; there’s not even a lottery..  Although the Vikings did pay bigtime for their winning ways the last half of the season in the way of draft order, the way they will not pay is by having to invest in upwards of $30 million guaranteed dollars in what likely will amount to a bust player from college.  With the 2008 NFL Draft closely at hand (relatively speaking), I for one am glad that our Vikings don’t have the responsibility of picking ...
More About: High

Minnesota Twins 2008 Predictions:
2008-03-25 17:37:00
Ok, with Denard Span being sent down to AAA and Joe Nathan being inked to a 4 year, $47 M payday, the Minnesota Twins opening day roster is rounding into shape.  Here are my predictions for the upcoming season.  The opening day lineup will look like this: 1. Carlos Gomez, CF 2. Joe Mauer, C 3. Michael Cuddyer, RF 4. Justin Morneau, 1B 5. Delmon Young, LF 6. Craig Monroe/Jason Kubel, DH 7. Brendan Harris, 2B 8. Mike Lamb, 3B 9. Adam Everett, SS The best case scenario is that Carlos Gomez becomes Jose Reyes, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau play like they did in 2006, Delmon Young plays like Torii Hunter did last year, and the 7,8,9 spots can get at least 3 combined hits a game.  Worst case scenario is that Carlos Gomez bats .232 like he last year with the Mets, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau play like they did in 2007, Delmon Young is still a couple years away from being a superstar, Craig Monroe remembers that he is old and Jason Kubel continues to deliver nothing on the hype that I ...
More About: Predictions , Minnesota Twins , 2008

Awareness Test
2008-03-25 06:14:00
This has nothing to do with sports. It will still make you laugh hysterically.
More About: Awareness , Test

He wanted to be a dunking Kirby Puckett
2008-03-19 22:00:00
Potentially one of the best articles written on Kevin Garnett and why Glen Taylor continues to fail him. From Yahoo sports writer Johnny Ludden- HOUSTON – Kevin Garnett leaned over the scorer’s table, clapped his hands together and out burst that familiar cloud of chalk. As the dust settled into the air, Garnett turned to walk onto the court. The fierceness in his eyes told everyone all they needed to know. The streak was done. Garnett makes the same entrance every night, and Tuesday was no different. He pounded his heart three times with his right fist then pounded the Houston Rockets. His Boston Celtics would leave with a 94-74 victory, again solidifying their standing as this season’s most dominant team, and when Garnett was asked whether it felt special to hand the Rockets their first loss after 22 games and 49 days, he had this to say: “No.” Garnett doesn’t need to use the NBA’s second-longest win streak as fuel. He carries the same slow-burning fire to the court...
More About: Wanted , Kirby

March Madness
2008-03-17 17:09:00
http://thegoldseat.mayhem.sportsline.com/   Group Name: thegoldseat Group Password: gophers Each user can fill out 2 brackets.  Once you fill out the first and save it, you’ll see a link in the top right above the orange bar that says add bracket. Scoring and Rules: The rounds are worth 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 plus the total of the seed, so if the 12 seed beats the 5 in the 1st rd, you would get 1 pt + 12 = 13 total points for picking that game correctly. The tie breaker is the final score of the championship game. Each user can fill out 2 brackets, so hedge your picks well.
More About: March Madness , March , Madness

Great Moments in Minnesota Twins History
2008-03-13 18:25:00
Following the 1960 season the Washington Senators moved to the Twin Cities and became the Minnesota Twins . Since becoming the Twins they have had their share of memorable moments. Here is a list of the ten greatest moments in Twins history.  April 11, 1961. The Minnesota Twins defeat the New York Yankees 6-0 in their first game as the Twins for their first win. Pedro Ramos pitches a complete game shut out for the win. Bobby Allison and Reno Bertoia hit home runs.  September 26, 1965. The Twins defeat the Washington Senators 2-1 to clinch the American League Pennant. Jim Kaat pitches a complete game shutout, striking out ten batters. September 22, 1969. The Minnesota Twins win the American League Western Division title when they defeat the Kansas City Royals 4-3. Bob Miller is the winning pitcher and Harmon Killerbrew hits his 47th home run. September 23, 1970. The Minnesota Twins win their second consecutive division title when they defeat the Oakland A’s 7-4. Tom Hall is ...
More About: History , Great

Lazy Wednesday
2008-03-13 04:31:00
Bored on a Wednesday night…might as well make your beer league basketball skills look silly. Look at Garnett’s expression…hilarious With Gerald Green gone and cut by Houston, are these the dunks we might have missed out on? If anyone could have done them it would have been Green. Had to throw in the Vince Carter High School Highlight Package.
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New Twins Ballpark
2008-03-12 21:29:00
Well, for those of you who are anxiously awaiting a new year of Twins baseball and longing for the sights and smells of outdoor baseball, here are some really interesting specs, pictures and comparisons between the new ballpark and our beloathed Metrodome.  Not sure if I just made up the word beloathed or not, but it seems to perfectly describe my sentiments. http://www.minnpost.com/galleries/twins_s tadium/
More About: Ballpark

If this doesn’t get you going…
2008-03-12 20:42:00
I don’t know what will…. check out the link. http://www.minnpost.com/galleries/twins_s tadium/

What could have been?
2008-03-11 23:13:00
It’s official. Larry will not be joining the Vikings anytime soon. Sorry to see it, especially when he told everyone who would listen he wanted to play in MN. I kind of always like the idea of getting a faster more athletic version of Cris Carter. Fitzgerald signed a 4 yr deal that including at $15M signing bonus and $30M in guarantees. Raising Zona broke the news.

How To Properly Build An NBA Team
2008-03-07 19:40:00
After watching a thorough beat down at the hands of the Utah Jazz, it made me wonder, how does a successful NBA front office compare to the Wolves GM? The Utah Jazz have made the playoffs 21 times in the last 28 years, this includes a Western Conference Finals appearance last year. They make a great example of how good a small market team can be, when properly run. Here’s how the Jazz break down. Seven of their players were acquired through the draft. Two of their three perennial All-Stars were signed in Free Agency. For the most part the Jazz continually build better and better teams through the draft with an occasional free agent signing. Based on playing time and points, 4 of the top 6 players this season are Jazz draft picks. The other two - Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur were both giving 6 yr deals back in 2004. Andrei Kirilenko - 1999 1st rounder. Jarron Collins - 2001 2nd rounder. Deron Williams - 2005 1st rounder. CJ Miles - 2005 2nd rounder. Ronnie Brewer - 2006 ...
More About: Team , Build

Nathan, He’s Good
2008-03-07 18:43:00
Along with discussing his impending free agency and how it relates to Jonathan Papelbon, a recent article in the Boston Herald noted that Joe Nathan “has the lowest ERA of any reliever with at least 200 innings since 2004.” That’s the year when Nathan joined the Twins and during that four-year span he’s gone 19-8 with a 1.94 ERA, 160 saves, and a 355-to-80 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 282.1 innings.   -from Aarongleeman.com
More About: Good

Vikings Final Offseason Need: DE
2008-03-04 18:38:00
Entering this year’s off season the Vikings needed to fill major holes at DE. A total lack of the pass rush last year and unexpected health complications have left the Vikings scrambling. Last week the Vikings addressed needs in pass coverage and at WR by adding a deep threat in Bernard. It has been an extremely active offseason, one that included the hopes of signing Justin Smith from Cinci, but the 49ers jumped in and nixed that deal. This leaves the Vikings still searching for answers at DE in an offseason John Clayton from ESPN has deemed a Winner for the Vikes and 4 other teams (Browns, Jags, Eagles, Fins). Going into this years free agency period ESPN ranked 41 available DE’s with 4 of those clearly a cut above everyone else. Those four are: Jared Allen, Chris Canty, Antwan Odom and Justin Smith. Allen who rated out at 88 signed a franchise tag deal worth about $9 million. Smith rated out at 75 just signed a 6 yr deal worth about $7.5 million/yr. Smith was ...
More About: Final , Offseason

Twins Update March 1st
2008-03-01 17:54:00
With spring training starting here’s a Twins update. Twins ownership will throw in an additional $22 million in ballpark upgrades, bringing the ownerships share to $152 million of the $412 projected cost. The upgrades will include a high-def 103 ft x 57 ft screen.  I love the quote from Twins exec Kevin Smith, “Our feeling is we get one shot at this, let’s do it right”.  MLB Link Liriano continus his comeback but at less than 100 percent.  So far the Twins staff has cut back Liriano’s bullpen sessions.  While pitching this winter in the Dominican, Francisco was hitting 95-mph with his fastball.  As the only hope to replace Santana on this year’s staff let’s hope for consistant high 90’s.  MLB Link Twins closer Joe Nathan is still looking for a new contract.  Nathan prefers to get something done during spring training.  The self imposed deadline has been set for March 31st.  MLB Link Torii Hunter’s departure to LA has lef...
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Another Viking Signs, WR Rumors
2008-02-29 23:45:00
AD’s FB just got a lot younger.  Another Eagles Childress connection comes in the form of Thomas Tapeh.  Tapeh is a former Gopher who now returns to the Twin Cities to replace last years FB Richardson.  The deal was announced today.  LINK>> Could another signing be coming?  Rumors are still floating around Eden Prairie as WR Free Agent Bernard Berrian is still wondering the Viking s Campus friday afternoon.
More About: Signs

Vikings Pass Coverage Now in Safe Hands
2008-02-29 19:04:00
The Vikings announced today that they have agreed to terms with former Bengal safety Madieu Willams (www.madieuwilliams.org). The deal now makes Williams one of the highest paid safeties in the league. ESPN LINK >> What it all means? Well for starters we’ll be getting some serious nutrition via the SuperBun. But more importantly it means 6 years of better pass-coverage. I think it’s a solid move and I’m happy to see the front office making moves and paying top dollar to fix last years problem spots. UPDATE: According to ESPN.com there are 41 Free Agent safeties up for grabs this year.   Williams is the #2 ranked available Free Agent in this years class.  The only safety ranked higher is Gibril Wilson who is a run stopper which the Vikings did not need.  Wilson signed with the Raiders. Signing a safety through Free Agency frees up a potential draft pick.  Many people had been speculating the Vikings would take a safety in the draft.  They still might,...
More About: Hands , Pass , Safe , Coverage

Which is more impressive?
2008-01-03 19:09:00
I know its early, but I was surfing the net trying to get a feel for what is out there for draft picks. While doing so, I stumbled upon some video of Cal wideout/punt returner Desean Jackson. The return is impressive, as well as Jackson’s speed, but what may be more impressive (and rather funny) is the hit that #4 for Cal (Decoud) lays on UCLA’s # 55. In order to appreciate the severity of the hit, you have to watch till at least the 1:35 mark in the tape. See link for video, and by the way, the sound with the video is NSFW. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo9e2Jf7R0 o
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Delmon Young…we got him!
2007-11-29 23:02:00
To be fair, the pitch really should have been called a ball…  The ump undoubtedly learned his lesson. <object width=”425″ height=”355″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/wQk 0w2E0kf8&rel=1″></param&g t;<param name=”wmode” value=”transparent”></p aram><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/wQk0w 2E0kf8&rel=1” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash ” wmode=”transparent” width=”425″ height=”355″></embed> ;</object>

Another record breaking rookie
2007-11-06 03:15:00
The Thunderdome has seen its share of records broke in it. As Minnesota fans, we should be used to the fact that records have been, and will continue to be, broken on our clock. Often, its a washed up veteran breaking out of a 100 year slump,  or a young rookie busting out of his proverbial shell. This time it was Antonio Cromartie returning a missed Longwell field goal attempt for 109 yards, but this time we would not be left in despair. This time it was our turn to savor the juicy helping of Adrian Peterson. The rookie decided he would treat us to a healthy dose of 296 yards and three TDs,  breaking the single-game rushing record previously held by Jamal Lewis who ran for 295 yards only a few years ago. Ironically, it was once held by Walter Payton who ran for 275 yards against none other than our Vikes in 1977. As I watched, I was reminded of not too long ago when another rookie sensation was lighting up the Thunderdome and breaking down defenses like it was childs play....
More About: Record , Breaking , Breakin , Cord , Rookie

Al Jefferson - See what HE can do!
2007-11-02 19:42:00
  The Timberwolves start the post-KG era tonight at 7 p.m. at Target Center against the best team in the NorthWest division - the Denver Nuggets.  Although tonight is just one game in a season that almost definitively will result in another Timberwolf absence from the playoffs, it does serve as an early litmus test for the new centerpiece in our extremely young lineup - Al Jefferson.  Tonight will be a test for our new “star” as he bangs around with the likes of Nene, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin for 48 minutes.  Jefferson is likely to supply what we have been missing during the KG era - Low post scoring.  In other words, easy buckets.  We have been a jump-shooting team for 15 years, but now with Jefferson, Craig Smith and Chris Richard, we are a smashmounth team that will score in the paint and get a lot of easy baskets off offensive rebounds and breakdowns in defensive rotation; which is probably just what a young team needs.  Despite the new look, I t...

New Twins Ballpark Model Unveiled
2007-10-31 21:08:00
  Follow this link to see a 3-d animation of the new Twins ballpark.  Let us know what you think are the biggest positives and negatives of the future home of our favorite baseball team. http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/media/play er/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=607100&w=mms%3A//a 1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net /7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.c om/10869/2007/open/teams07/min/video/1030 07_min_stadium_400.wmv&pid=gen_video& amp;vid=7778&mid=200710302288859& cid=mlb&fid=gen_video400&v=2& mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=v_ free&_mp=1
More About: Model , Ballpark

Barry Bonds in Minnesota
2007-09-28 17:39:00
While this season comes to a close, there is much speculation regarding the future of several current Twins….  Will Santana be traded?  Will the Twins resign Hunter?  One question that is just starting to surface….  Will Barry Bonds land in Minnesota ? Barry has publically stated that he wants to play for 1 or 2 more years.  While everyone in baseball knows that Barry is past his prime playing days, the popular consensus is that he can still see and more importantly hit the ball.  Since his days in left field are likely over, it only make sense that he makes his way out of the friendly confines of AT&T ballpark and to the roster of an American League team in need. Usually a guy like Barry would likely be snapped up by one of the big market teams like the Yankees, Red Sox or White Sox.  This situation is somewhat different though.  All of those teams have their DH and are not looking to pay for a guy who will ride the bench.  After reviewing the current AL rosters it ...

10 Reasons Why I’m Rooting for the Yankees
2007-09-27 05:00:00
10. They started off the season poorly and no one thought they had a chance, this year’s version of the Twins from last year. 9.  Now that the Red Sox have won their championship, I’m tired of them. 8.  I will never favor a team from Anaheim.  Why?  Think Ducks and 2002 ALCS. 7.  They have a owner who wants to win. 6.  A-Rod may be the best player or our lifetime and he deserves a title, lets hope he doesn’t choke like usual. 5. I can’t cheer for Cleveland after taking our place atop the Central. 4. October baseball in New York is great! 3. “Drew Billy Beane”, or whatever his name is, won’t root for them. 2. This may sound crazy, but New York is due for a championship. 1. You know Turtle and the gang are cheering for the Yankees . 
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Big Time Defense With a Shot of Peterson
2007-09-10 05:01:00
The only thing missing from last year’s record setting Vikings defense was a pass rush. Without QB pressure the Patriots exposed the Vikings and provided the NFL with a blueprint for a poor season. That all changed in week one with new defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. After watching this defense dismantle the Falcons and pressure Harrington into multiple bad decisions, I’m thinking playoffs. With the Lions, the pathetic Chiefs and the offensiveless Packers on the schedule before a true test away at the Bears, the Vikings have a legitimate chance of being 4-1 or 5-0 before a tough stretch with the Cowboys, Eagles and Chargers to wrap up the first half. For the first time in a long time I’m excited to see what this defense can do, if Peterson will stay healthy and put up 1,300 yds with 12 TD’s and how Jackson and Rice will develop. It was fun to see how much fun the players where having on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. Everyone seems more com...
More About: Time , Defense , Shot

“I never liked him, anyway,” Blyleven said, of Sweeney.
2007-09-02 19:10:00
An interesting take on Friday’s game from ESPN’s Buster Olney: As Scott Baker edged toward a perfect game Friday night, the tension seemed to reflect everywhere, from his face, to the Twins dugout (where his teammates kept a continent of space between themselves and Baker), to the club’s broadcast booth. Play-by-play man Dick Bremer and color analyst Bert Blyleven spoke openly about the possibility of a perfect game, as the middle innings rolled on. By coincidence, Bremer had been asked to sing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at the seventh-inning stretch, but he had forgotten about that, he admitted. When a production crew approached him after Baker got the 19th, 20th and 21st outs in the top of the seventh, he thought their presence was somehow related to the special event that Baker was generating. Bremer sang, as asked, and then quickly refocused on Baker and his work. Blyleven talked about his own no-hitter, how he had approached his catcher during ...
More About: Ween , Sweeney

The New Timberpups: Part IV (Ryan Gomes)
2007-08-24 17:39:00
By now even the deafest timberwolf fan should have heard the news that Kevin Garnett has been traded to Boston. It is a trade that I agree with in principle, but am sad about from a nostalgia standpoint. It’s the end of an era in Minnesota sports history that began with so much promise and ended with too many regrets. To avoid shedding a tear over the recent developments, I will focus on which players the Wolves got in return for sending KG to finally play with Ray Allen. Before I get started, here is a refresher on what the trade entailed: Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes , Theo Ratliff, the first round pick that we gave Boston in the Davis/Szczerbiak trade (likely a 2009 pick), and Boston’s 2009 pick. Ryan Gomes scored 12.1 ppg and grabbed 5.6 rpg in 73 games for Boston last year, and is generally acknowledged to be one of the classiest players in the league. Overlooked in the 2005 NBA Draft (50th overall) much like Craig Smith in th...
More About: Part , Timber , Pups

Santana K’s 17
2007-08-19 22:45:00
Johan Santana took the mound Sunday afternoon and helped pitch his way into what could be the biggest contract ever for a starting pitcher in 2009.  Santana went 8.0 innings giving up only 2 hits and striking out 17 in the best pitching performance by a starter since Ben Sheets struck out 18 in 2004. Already owning 2 Cy Young awards, Santana will make $12 Million this year and $13.125 in 2008.  With Zambrano signing a new extension this week with the Cubs for $18M/yr, Santana will likely demand $20M/yr when he becomes a free agent after 2008.  Because Santana finished in the top 3 for the Cy Young his contract now kicks in a no trade clause. As a Twins fan, it would be nice to see Ryan try to wrap Santana up with an extension before the season ends.  But as a small market team, it would be interesting to see how many pitchers/hitters/prospects the Twins could receive in a trade, assuming Santana approves.  Would a couple 30+ HR hitting outfielders for $8M/yr each give the team ...

The New Timberpups: Part III (Sebastian Telfair)
2007-08-16 18:27:00
By now even the deafest timberwolf fan should have heard the news that Kevin Garnett has been traded to Boston. It is a trade that I agree with in principle, but am sad about from a nostalgia standpoint. It’s the end of an era in Minnesota sports history that began with so much promise and ended with too many regrets. To avoid shedding a tear over the recent developments, I will focus on which players the Wolves got in return for sending KG to finally play with Ray Allen. Before I get started, here is a refresher on what the trade entailed: Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, the first round pick that we gave Boston in the Davis/Szczerbiak trade (likely a 2009 pick), and Boston’s 2009 pick. Certainly the most enigmatic piece of the trade is Sebastian Telfair.  Telfair began as a high school hoops legend, becomming the shortest high school to NBA player in league history.  After bursting on the scene as a high school fresh...
More About: Part , Timber , Pups

The New Timberpups: Part II (Gerald Green)
2007-08-14 17:53:00
By now even the deafest timberwolf fan should have heard the news that Kevin Garnett has been traded to Boston. It is a trade that I agree with in principle, but am sad about from a nostalgia standpoint. It’s the end of an era in Minnesota sports history that began with so much promise and ended with too many regrets. To avoid shedding a tear over the recent developments, I will focus on which players the Wolves got in return for sending KG to finally play with Ray Allen. Before I get started, here is a refresher on what the trade entailed: Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson, Gera ld Green , Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, the first round pick that we gave Boston in the Davis/Szczerbiak trade (likely a 2009 pick), and Boston’s 2009 pick. Potentially one of the most important pieces of the deal for us is Gerald Green.  I say “potentially” because that is all that Green is: Potential!  Gerald is a freak of nature from an athletic standpoint, but hasn’t a...
More About: Part , Timber , Pups