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Gophers basketball pregame: Illinois game is a must-win to break the losing streak

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 19:04:30 -0600

Saturday’s game against Illinois is a must-win for the Gophers for different reasons than it normally would be.

We’re not talking about a must-win game for NCAA tournament or any postseason implications. This is a must-win game to break Minnesota’s losing streak before it gets to be really, really long.

The Gophers’ eight straight losses could potentially stretch to 15 in a row if they lose Saturday night against the Illini at Williams Arena.

Why? Because after this game will be the toughest stretch of the Big Ten schedule for Minnesota with a six-game gauntlet that includes home games against Purdue, Michigan and Maryland, and also road games against Indiana, Northwestern and Iowa.

Players know what type of opportunity is right there in front of them. Illinois (9-10, 1-5) is the first Big Ten team the Gophers (6-13, 0-7) have played with a losing overall record. The next one will be Rutgers at home on Feb. 23.

“This is one we feel like we can really get,” freshman guard Dupree McBrayer said. “So we just have to go out and do it, and get this thing rolling. We talk about it every game. I think that’s why we’re getting closer and closer (to winning). We’re not just talking about it, we’re being about it. We’re actually showing some action on the court. Hopefully, this time we can play a perfect game and get our first win.”

I asked Gophers coach Richard Pitino how much it would mean for his team to finally win its first Big Ten game in front of the home crowd. Obviously, some fans have been highly critical of the way this season has gone so far, which I wrote about here.

“We could play in Spain, I wouldn’t care as long as we’re winning,” Pitino said. “I think it’s just important to find a way to get a win. I don’t think it’s rare for fans to be uneasy when you lose. That’s everywhere. So that’s kind of…we’ve always discussed that. That it shouldn’t be the reason why we’re out there playing. It doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate our fans. I think our fans are great. But it’s our fight. That’s something we talk about a lot.”

— Illinois welcomed back 6-foot-11 senior center Mike Thorne Jr. in its last game against Indiana. Thorne, who averages 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, finished with nine points and nine rebounds in only 16 minutes. He missed 11 games with a torn meniscus injury. But the Charlotte grad transfer was a beast inside at times in the nonconference season. He had two double-doubles and two 20-point games, including 25 points and 14 rebounds against North Florida.

Thorne might not be ready to be a major inside presence yet, but he’s a mismatch with the Gophers’ smaller lineup of either Joey King or Jordan Murphy at center.

“I think that when he’s in the game, they’re going to him,” Pitino said. “We’ve got to be ready for that. You could tell last game that’s what they were looking to do. He was a good get for them as a fifth-year senior. We know he’s got talent. Obviously he was hurt. The more time he gets back on the court will knock the rust off. We’ve got to be prepared for him obviously.”

— What type of game will we see from senior captains King and Carlos Morris? Morris had a bounce-back game with 14 points and nine rebounds in Wednesday’s 74-69 loss at Michigan. But he scored in double figures only once in five games before that. King had 18 points in his last home game last week against Indiana. But the Eagan native scored just three points for the second time in four games against Michigan. Morris and King haven’t played well in the same game since the loss at Penn State on Jan. 5.

They appeared to be accepting their new role coming off the bench. But it still hasn’t translated into more consistency. King will be back in the starting lineup Saturday for the first time in four games.

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LaVine coy about defending slam dunk title

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 13:01:20 -0600

Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine all but confirmed Saturday that he will defend his slam dunk contest title at all-star weekend Feb. 13.

“Oh, yeah, I don’t know,” LaVine said. “It’s a little bit of a surprise still. I don’t know. I’m going with maybe.”

LaVine burst onto the national spotlight with his 41-inch vertical leap in last year’s event. He became the youngest champion in the event’s 30 years, beating Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Orlando’s Victor Oladipo and Brooklyn’s Mason Plumlee.

A year ago, LaVine was officially announced as a participant in the slam dunk contest 18 days before the NBA all-star weekend event. Tuesday will mark the 18th day before this year’s event at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

LaVine, who has 23 dunks in games this season, said Saturday he hasn’t yet practiced any dunks for the event. “I will probably start practices soon, if it does happen,” he said. “I think I have enough dunks saved to where I know I can go out there and put on a good show.”

In preseason, LaVine said, “If Wiggins is in it, I’m for sure in it.”

LaVine said Saturday that there won’t be a teammate twosome in the event in Wiggins’ hometown.

“Yeah, he ain’t doing that,” LaVine said . “I just put that out there. He don’t want to, so … maybe he don’t want to lose, I don’t know. I mean Andrew has some stuff that we be just messing around, and I can’t do it. He can definitely go up there and win one, too.”

However, Wiggins, who has a team-high 35 dunks this year, and Karl-Anthony Towns will likely be a part of the Rising Star Challenge.

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Gophers basketball pregame: Have Big Ten teams figured out Jordan Murphy?

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:58:13 -0600

It had been more than a decade since a Gophers freshman post player dominated nonconference play like Jordan Murphy.

Murphy had five double-doubles in six games during one stretch, but he hasn’t reached double figures in rebounds in Big Ten play. He’s also not scored more than 12 points just once in six conference games. Conference opponents have him figured out so far.

There’s no question he’s one of the best freshmen in the Big Ten. But when will Murphy have a breakout game like he did earlier in the season? The Gophers (6-12, 0-6) could certainly use it Wednesday night at Michigan (13-5, 3-2) in Ann Arbor.

“It’s scouting,” Gophers coach Richard Pitino said. “He was getting trapped. He’s posting up too far out. He’s catching the ball in bad positions. Free throw shooting is certainly an issue. There’s points there that he can get. But I think it’s scouting more than anything.”

Murphy has the ability to carry the team offensively at times. He had a career-high 24 points in a win against Clemson. He had 16 of his 19 points in the first half in a loss to South Dakota State. He also had 13 of his 16 points in the fist half against Milwaukee with a three-pointer and three dunks.

Foul trouble caused him to sit for long periods in four Big Ten games. He finally had zero fouls in the last game for the first time this season, but Murphy didn’t put himself in the best spots to make plays.

Pitino said Murphy could post up closer to the basket and be quicker on his moves, basically just continue to develop his post presence. But Murphy thinks it’s also a confidence issue. He had a hard time at first trying to accept the fact that the Gophers needed him to be one of their go-to players despite being so young.

“He’s definitely told me that before,” Murphy said of Pitino. “And I’ve thought about it a lot. I guess I was a little intimidated by that at first just being a freshman on such a young team. Just having more responsibility is right. I should be taking on more responsibility and doing more than just my part.”

At 6-foot-6 and 230, Murphy is basically the only reliable inside scoring presence this team has. But opposing teams can use a “Hack-a-Murph” philosophy, because he’s been so terrible at the foul line shooting 46 percent (17-for-37) in last eight games. That has to improve for him to be an effective scorer for the Gophers.

— The Gophers have lost 11 of their last 12 games against Michigan since 2009. Their only win during in the series during that stretch was 69-64 when the Gophers were ranked 15th in the country in 2010-11.

— Minnesota is trying to keep from falling to 0-6 to open Big Ten play for the first time since 2005-06.

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Gophers basketball: Players learned a lot from Richard Coffey’s speech Monday

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 10:26:56 -0600

Richard Coffey, who played for the Gophers and in the NBA, makes a living traveling around the country as a motivational speaker, so he was more than willing to talk to Minnesota’s basketball team Monday about dealing with a rough season.

“I talked about using their courage to get to their next level,” Coffey said. “I asked them all to commit more of themselves and all of themselves to the team’s success. I told them it’s not your confidence that gets you through tough times, it’s your courage and your fight.”

The Gophers (6-12, 0-6), who travel to play Wednesday at Michigan (13-5, 3-2), have lost seven straight games and are still winless in the Big Ten this year.

But that pales in comparison to when Coffey’s team lost 21 straight Big Ten games in Clem Haskins’ first two years coaching the team. Minnesota finished just 9-19 and 2-16 in the Big Ten in 1986-87 and 10-18 and 4-14 in 1987-88. But Coffey with teammates like Willie Burton, Melvin Newbern, Kevin Lynch, Jim Shikenjanski and Walter Bond went to the Sweet 16 in 1989 and the Elite Eight in 1990.

“I see a lot in them what my team went through the combination of my freshman and sophomore years,” Coffey said. “It’s tough when you’re going through that. The fans are great, but they want to see the team be successful (now). And the players know that. Sometimes that pressure gets to be a lot for young kids.”

Senior Joey King said he and his teammates really took Coffey’s message to heart, because they respect what he went through in his life and not just his basketball career. The North Carolina native served three years in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Paratrooper before joining the Gophers.

“With the life he’s lived, he had a great message,” King said. “I think it really stuck with a lot of our players. We had a great practice yesterday. What he’s been through with his military career and then moving into basketball, he’s done all the types of things that a lot of us players aspire to do. He went through a little rut in his career losing some games, and he was able to pull himself out of it. So it’s something that we really need to take into account, listen to him and learn from him.”

Coffey was undersized in the post at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, but he still played power forward and center in the Big Ten. He also eventually played in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gophers freshman forward Jordan Murphy, also 6-6 and the team’s leading rebounder, can relate to Coffey as a player.

“I actually took a lot from it since he was basically in the same position I am,” Murphy said. “Specifically what I learned from it was to increase by little increments at a time. Like getting two more rebounds a game. Figure out how to defend better. Figure out how to offensive rebound better.”

Gophers coach Richard Pitino said he really hopes his players understand moving forward that they not only have to play with more courage, but they need to understand that “nobody’s coming to save you.” That was what Coffey told them.

“You’re waiting for somebody to come and save it; you got to fix it yourself,” Pitino said about Coffey’s message. “Coaches can only get you so far. It’s all of our faults. (But Coffey said), ‘You got to figure it out. You’ve got to do it. When your confidence is down, you’ve got to get back to work. And your courage will get you through.’ I thought all those things were really good. He was really helpful. The guy is 6-6 and he led the Big Ten in rebounding…It was all will. It was all heart. It was all desire.”

Coffey has three children who all followed in his footsteps to find success in basketball. His oldest daughter, Sydney, is a senior at Marist. Nia is a sophomore standout for Northwestern. She’ll lead the Wildcats against the Gophers on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

Of course, Gophers fans know of Coffey’s son, Amir, who is a leading Minnesota Mr. Basketball candidate and Pitino’s top recruit. The Hopkins senior standout hasn’t lost any confidence in how successful the Gophers could be next season when he arrives with more talent.

“Amir has a great outlook on it,” Richard Coffey said. “He sees the potential of some of the players there now and some of the players that will be added with him. He sees the potential and he’s excited about it. I think he realizes that they’re young. The Big Ten is tough. They’re playing a lot of young players. It’s a hard thing to say, but it happened with my team. You just have to be patient.”

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Mitchell bristles on whether Pekovic remains rusty

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 13:51:03 -0600

Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell said center Nikola Pekovic’s numbers show he still has to work himself into shape.

After missing 35 games due to right Achillies surgery to start the season, Pekovic has played five of the last six games within an 18-minute restriction per game.

“How many games has he played? Do I really need to answer that,” Mitchell said to the media before Sunday’s matinee versus the Phoenix Suns at Target Center. “I mean you guys give me a hard time because you say I’m kind of prickly, but Pek has not played in a year. After (five) games and we don’t get to practice because we play every other day, you’ve ask me has Pek scraped off the rust? He is limited to 18 minutes a game, and I’m the person that’s prickly. Did that answer your question?”

Not directly.

“I don’t think in 18 minutes in four games he’s going to scrape it off,” Mitchell said.

After making his season debut Jan. 6, Pekovic rested his troublesome ankle Jan. 12 vs. Oklahoma City and played the next night at Houston. He has averaged 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 48 percent shooting across one start and five total games.

BRIEFLY

Guard Kevin Martin was expected to play the Suns on Sunday, Mitchell said. Martin was ill and missed Friday’s game at Oklahoma City.

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Gophers basketball: Rick Pitino shows up for Minnesota-Indiana game

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:46:11 -0600

Richard Pitino talked about getting a motivational speaker to help his team mentally get over losing six straight games, but there’s no reason to turn to someone else when your father is the right man for the job.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino showed up for the Gophers’ game against Indiana on Saturday — and suddenly they started to play better. Is that a coincidence? I think not.

Pitino spoke to the Gophers before they played in the Big Ten tournament in Chicago last year. They ended up beating Rutgers before falling in a tight game with Ohio State in the next round.

The elder Pitino also showed up to watch his son during Richard’s first season with the Gophers when they had a big win against Florida State at home.

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Gophers basketball pregame: Freshman Ahmad Gilbert Jr. is the new kid in starting lineup

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 11:21:20 -0600

Out all of the incoming freshmen this season, Ahmad “JR” Gilbert Jr. was probably the player least expected to get a lot of playing time.

Richard Pitino even said Gilbert was behind his fellow newcomers when he arrived, which made it seem like the 6-foot-6 forward was a redshirt candidate.

But Gilbert has impressed Pitino enough to give him a chance to start the last two games, including Saturday against Indiana.

“You know what I really like about him,” Pitino said. “He’s not a great player right now. I think he’s getting better. But I love his team enthusiasm. He’s talking in every huddle. He’s communicating. We’ve got a real problem with communication. That’s why I went with that lineup. That was the biggest thing. JR is a really good talker.”

Gilbert averages just 2.3 points in 7.8 minutes a game this season, but he had seven points and recorded a team-high four steals in the loss against the Cornhuskers. He’s played double figures in minutes in four of the five Big Ten games this year, including a season-high 18 minutes Tuesday.

The Philadelphia native said playing in only seven games and rarely seeing the court in the nonconference was difficult to swallow. But Gilbert said he needed that time to get used to college and start to mature physically and mentally.

“It was frustrating,” Gilbert said. “It wasn’t just basketball. It was school, too. I had to adjust to the whole college environment and basketball. Right now there’s nothing but basketball, so it’s easier. In practice, I’m trying to get better every day. The other freshmen picked me up and carried me. So I thank them a lot for what they did.”

Pitino likes the way Gilbert, Dupree McBrayer and Jordan Murphy communicate together on the court. Talking has been a big issue with senior captains Carlos Morris and Joey King, who are now coming off the bench.

“It’s not about us be freshmen anymore,” Gilbert said. “We’re here to play basketball the same way. I don’t want to say it’s a freshmen thing. We’re learning the game the same way as everybody else. But even the older guys help us, too. But we had to take the next step (as freshmen).”

McBrayer, who has started games before with Murphy, said most of the Gophers’ defensive struggles have come from a lack of communicating, so he hopes that they can show improvement with the freshmen-laden lineup.

“For the most part it’s communication,” he said. “We just have to get better. Everybody has to talk at all times. It just can’t be one or two people. Once we realize that our zone will be really good.”

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Twinsights: Two Eduardos avoid arbitration

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:15:13 -0600

After taking over as the starting shortstop during the past two seasons, Eduardo Escobar will enter 2016 with the most security he’s ever enjoyed.

According to a person with direct knowledge, Escobar, 27, agreed to a $2.15 million salary in his first year of arbitration eligibility after making $532,000 last season.

The switch-hitter, who received permission from the Twins to stay with Aragua through the Venezuelan Winter League round-robin, may have been helped by arbitration agreements with a pair of fellow shortstops with similar service time. Countryman Freddy Galvis settled at $2 million with the Philadelphia Phillies, while the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed at $2.075 million with Jordy Mercer.

Over the past two seasons, Escobar has accrued 3.1 Wins Above Replacement in 911 plate appearances, according to Baseball-Reference.com. Galvis logged negative 0.2 WAR and Mercer matched Escobar despite sagging to 0.3 in 2015, his so-called platform year.

When Escobar signed as a 17-year-old amateur with the Chicago White a decade ago this month, his signing bonus was just $25,000.

Utility infielder Eduardo Nunez agreed to accept a 44-percent raise to $1.475 million, according to a source. Nunez made $1.025 million last season, when he made 33 starts and slugged .431 in 204 plate appearances.

The Twins had yet to announce the outcomes with their three remaining arbitration candidates: third baseman Trevor Plouffe and relievers Kevin Jepsen and Casey Fien.

On Thursday evening the Twins agreed with left-hander Tommy Milone at $4.5 million. That pushed their total allotment for six projected starting pitchers to $40.25 million.

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Vikings sign cornerback Melvin White to futures contract

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:58:40 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

The Vikings on Friday signed cornerback Melvin White to a futures contract.

White, undrafted in 2013 out of Louisiana-Lafayette, got into 30 games with the Carolina Panthers from 2013-14, starting 17. He spent last season on the St. Louis Rams practice squad.

While with the Panthers in 2013, one of White’s teammates was cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who has spent the past two seasons with Minnesota.

White is expected to participate in Vikings spring drills.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson

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Gophers basketball: Pitino on Richard Coffey’s message after 0-5 start: “Tell those guys we believe in them”

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:15:06 -0600

When your top recruit’s father calls you after a sixth straight loss, you probably wouldn’t expect it to be an overly positive and encouraging conversation.

But Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino received a much needed boost after four-star 2016 recruit Amir Coffey’s dad, Richard, spoke to him this week following a second straight 25-point loss Tuesday at Nebraska.

The Gophers (6-11, 0-5 Big Ten), who host Indiana (14-3, 4-0) on Saturday at Williams Arena, have lost confidence and are searching for answers after nine losses in the last 10 games.

Richard Coffey, who played for Clem Haskins at Minnesota from 1987-1990, was able to relate to what Pitino’s current players are going through. But he had it much, much worse before things got better.

Coffey experienced 21 straight Big Ten losses during his first two seasons with the Gophers, including 16 straight to finish just 9-19 and 2-16 in the Big Ten during the 1987-88 season. The following year, Minnesota finally snapped the program’s worst ever losing streak with a 59-56 win at Michigan State. But the Gophers still finished 10-18 and 4-14 in 1987-88.

All that adversity, though, paved the way for two of the best back-to-back seasons in Gophers basketball history. Basically the core group of players with Coffey, Willie Burton, Melvin Newbern, Kevin Lynch and Jim Shikenjanski went to the Sweet 16 in 1989 and the Elite Eight in 1990.

“Richard Coffey called me the other day and put a smile on my face,” Pitino said. “He said, ‘Coach I went through this and the next year went to the Sweet 16. We lost 20-something league games in a row. Must have been from one year to the next is my assumption. Or he’s just trying to make me feel better. But he said, ‘I’ve dealt with it. We believe in what you’re doing. Tell those guys we believe in them.’ ”

As bad as this season could still get, the Gophers will have enough talent to be a potential NCAA tournament team the next two seasons. The 2016-17 team will have five newcomers with freshmen Amir Coffey, Michael Hurt and Eric Curry (making up a top-20 recruiting class) and junior transfers Reggie Lynch and Davonte Fitzgerald.

Pitino said he is open to having a sports psychologist or former players like Coffey speak to the team about overcoming adversity. Walter Bond and Coffey, who were Minnesota teammates on the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight teams, are both motivational speakers.

“I do think too that it’s young guys being able to grow up on the court,” Pitino said. “I think going through it makes you better as well.”

— Amir Coffey is off to a great start to his senior season. The 6-foot-7 Hopkins guard is averaging 20 points per game for an undefeated Royals team ranked among the top 25 teams nationally. He was also a McDonald’s All-American game nominee and featured in a column in the last issue of Slam Magazine.

— Pitino said Friday he would likely stick with the same starting lineup the Gophers played with in Tuesday’s loss against the Cornhusker. That lineup consisted of two sophomores (Nate Mason and Bakary Konate) and three freshmen (Dupree McBrayer, Ahmad Gilbert Jr. and Jordan Murphy).

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Vikings running back coach Kirby Wilson to become Browns running game coordinator if move approved

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:41:13 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

Minnesota running backs coach Kirby Wilson will join the Cleveland Browns as running game coordinator if the Vikings approve the move.

The Browns have contacted the Vikings, saying they want to hire Wilson under new coach Hue Jackson. Because Wilson is under contract and is not taking a job as a head coach, the Vikings would have to allow the move.

“Everything is set if they approve it,’’ John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which promotes minority hiring in the NFL, said Friday. ‘That’s the guy Cleveland wants. Kirby would coordinator their running game and it would put Kirby in a position to move up the line (in coaching).’’

Wooten had planned to talk to Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer later Friday to push for Wilson, 54, to be allowed to take the job.

“It’s not a lateral move,’’ Wooten said. “We hope the Vikings will give their blessing.’’

Wilson has been with the Vikings the past two seasons. Before that, he was Pittsburgh’s running backs coach for seven years.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson

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Gophers basketball: Pitino liked new three freshmen lineup despite second 25-point loss

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:24:04 -0600

The only bright spot from the Gophers’ 25-point loss at Nebraska on Tuesday was that Richard Pitino’s new starting lineup played well for the first four minutes.

Four minutes. Yeah, it’s not much of a sample size at all. But it’s about the only thing that Minnesota can feel good about after the ninth loss in the last 10 games and sixth straight, 84-59 in Lincoln.

Pitino saw some positives early from sophomore Nate Mason, freshman Dupree McBrayer, freshman Ahmad Gilbert Jr., freshman Jordan Murphy and sophomore Bakary Konate, who were up 8-4 before the Gophers were blitzed by a 28-4 Nebraska run in the first half.

“I like the lineup I put out there,” Pitino said. “I thought they had good energy, had good juice. Then we got in foul trouble and it kind of sucked the life out of us.”

After a foul on McBrayer at 15:43, Nebraska’s Shavon Shields made a layup and the rally started that blew the game wide open.

Gophers seniors Joey King and Carlos Morris came off the bench soon after and things got much worse. I’m not sure it was all their fault. But they clearly were not comfortable in their new roles.

“I think Carlos and Joey are not great communicators,” Pitino said. “And we’re having some issues with that. That’s why I wanted to go with those younger guys. I kept explaining to them that it’s not a punishment. Don’t take it as a punishment. You’re going to play. We’ve got to give it a different look. I thought the look was good. Then obviously those blunders in the middle of the first half of the game got away from us.”

The freshmen are much better at communicating defensively, which was the main reason Pitino decided to start three of them together Tuesday.

“We’ve got a real problem with communication,” Pitino said. “That’s why I went with that lineup. That was the biggest thing.”

Murphy, who was plagued with foul trouble for the fourth time in five Big Ten games, thought the Gophers had their best start to the season.

“I think the first five minutes of the game I think we did play real good, we played better,” he said. “Best first five minutes of the season. I think we did talk well as a group. I think we have a lot of chemistry with that group. I know we’re trying different things right now. But I like what that group (did).”

So, will Pitino stick with the same starting lineup for Saturday’s game against Indiana? We’ll see. My guess is that you’ll see it again. But shouldn’t he keep making changes until Minnesota ends its losing streak?

My starting five for the Gophers would look like this:

G — Nate Mason
G — Carlos Morris
F — Charles Buggs
F — Joey King
F — Jordan Murphy

— I know this is a smaller lineup with Murphy or King at center, but I think this group played the best for the longest stretch in Big Ten play. They helped the Gophers go from a 17-point deficit to ahead by two points at Ohio State in the conference opener.

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Twinsights: Tommy Milone avoids arbitration with 62-percent raise

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:39:12 -0600

Twins left-hander Tommy Milone avoided arbitration Thursday night by agreeing to a $4.5 million salary for this season, according to a person with direct knowledge.

Milone, coming off a rebound season in which he went 9-5 with a 3.92 earned run average and his first career save, received a 62-percent raise from the $2.775 million he earned last season. Milone, 28, is projected to win the fifth spot in the Twins rotation again this spring.

With Milone under contract, the Twins have five more deals to hammer out in advance of Friday’s noon Central deadline for exchanging salary arbitration figures. Also eligible for arbitration are third baseman Trevor Plouffe, relievers Kevin Jepsen and Casey Fien, starting shortstop Eduardo Escobar and utility infielder Eduardo Nunez

Plouffe, already the highest-paid third baseman in club history, projects to make close to $8 million in his third year of eligibility after making $4.8 million last season. The Twins think so highly of Plouffe, they opted to move young slugger Miguel Sano, a natural third baseman, to the corner outfield rather than seek a trade match for Plouffe.

As of Thursday evening, there were no indications the Twins and Plouffe were entertaining multi-year contract possibilities.

Jepsen, acquired on July 31 from the Tampa Bay Rays, is coming off career bests of 15 saves and 75 appearances. He finished the year as the Twins closer after Glen Perkins was slowed by neck and back issues, but the Twins have already said Perkins will come to spring camp as their closer.

Jepsen, who made $3.025 million last season, is in his final year of arbitration eligibility before reaching potential free agency after 2016. As such, he is in line for a raise to $6 million or more; players with five-plus years of service time can compare their statistics against those of recent free agents as well via the arbitration process.

Free-agent setup man Ryan Madson received a three-year, $22 million deal from the Oakland A’s in December ($7.33 million average annual value) after posting three saves and a 2.13 ERA in 63 1/3 innings for the Kansas City Royals. Jepsen, 31, had a combined 2.33 ERA last season in 69 2/3 innings.

Fien, making his second pass through the arbitration system, is projected for a raise to $2.2 million from the $1.375 million he made last season. After an early-season stint on the disabled list, he rallied to post a 3.09 ERA in the second half.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Escobar could see his salary rise to $1.8 million after making $532,000 last season. Nunez, who made $1.025 million last year, is projected for a bump to $1.5 million.

In addition to Milone, the Twins have committed hefty sums to several starting pitchers for 2016: Ervin Santana ($13.5 million), Ricky Nolasco ($12 million) and Phil Hughes ($9.2 million). Nolasco, however, isn’t assured of a rotation spot with right-handers Kyle Gibson and Tyler Duffey, both making close to the big-league minimum, slotted ahead of him.

The Twins figure to spend about $40.25 million on their rotation (including Nolasco) in 2016.

Zack Greinke signed a six-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks last month that will pay him a record annual average of $34.42 million. That deal, however, is heavily deferred.

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Twinsights: Miguel Sano switches agencies

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:36:26 -0600

Seattle Mariners all-star Robinson Cano has served as a trusted mentor to Twins outfielder Miguel Sano since the latter was barely into his teenage years in the Dominican Republic.

Now they share the same agency as well.

Sano, 22, announced via his Twitter account on Thursday that he had retained the services of Roc Nation Sports, the high-profile agency formed by rap impresario Jay-Z.

“I am so happy to join @RocNation!” Sano tweeted along with a picture of himself wearing a T-shirt and cap bearing the agency’s logo.

Sano will be represented by Kyle Thousand, the agency’s head of baseball, along with fellow agent Juan Perez, a Roc Nation spokesman confirmed.

In addition to Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Mariners after the 2013 season, Roc Nation’s impressive client list includes C.C. Sabathia, Yoenis Cespedes, Rusney Castillo and Erick Aybar in the major leagues. Sano becomes the agency’s first Twins client since Roc Nation split off from CAA last February.

Outside of baseball, Roc Nation Sports represents the likes of Kevin Durant and Justise Winslow in the NBA; Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh and Todd Gurley in the NFL; Skylar Diggins in the WNBA; and boxing’s Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward.

Rob Plummer had represented Sano since he was 16, when he signed with the Twins for $3.15 million in October 2009 after a lengthy and drama-filled process. Plummer, who focused his work almost exclusively on Sano’s career, merged his agency in 2013 with Relativity Baseball, the same agency that represents current Twins Glen Perkins, Trevor May, Eduardo Nunez, John Ryan Murphy and Logan Darnell.

While the decision to leave Plummer had to be difficult for Sano, it was not one he apparently made quickly.

“I think that was brewing for a while,” said a person from a rival agency.

Voted the Twins’ 2015 MVP by the local chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, Sano likely won’t be eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2018 season. He is under team control through 2021, but a multiyear deal will likely be discussed at some point in the interim.

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Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen named to first Pro Bowl

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:00:26 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

One year after being perhaps the most notable Pro Bowl snub, Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on Thursday was named to the game for the first time.

The six-year veteran, who had been an alternate, was picked as an injury replacement for Houston’s J.J. Watt for the Jan. 31 game in Hawaii. His selection comes after he really had wanted to play in the game last year in his native Arizona, but got passed over.

Griffen was tied for 12th in the NFL with 10.5 sacks, although that’s a lower figure than the 12 he had in 2014. Griffen had two key sacks in a 20-13 win at Green Bay in the regular-season finale, including one that forced a fumble that cornerback Captain Munnerlyn returned 55 yards for a touchdown.

Griffen will join in the game Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who was among the original selections named last month. Griffen has emerged as one of Minnesota’s team leaders, having for the first time in his career be voted by his teammates as one of the captains.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said earlier this week that Griffen could have surgery on a shoulder that bothered him late in the season. However, any procedure would be put off until after the Pro Bowl.

Also Thursday, the San Diego Chargers hired Jeff Davidson as offensive line coach. Davidson recently was fired by Minnesota after five seasons.

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Vikings hire former Miami, Oakland coach Tony Sparano as offensive line coach

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 16:39:59 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

The Vikings have hired Tony Sparano as offensive line coach, a source said Wednesday.

Sparano takes over for Jeff Davidson, who was fired earlier in the week. Sparano was Miami’s coach from 2008-11 and Oakland’s interim coach in 2014. He most recently was San Francisco tight ends coach.

Sparano spent time with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer with Dallas from 2003-06. During that time, Zimmer was defensive coordinator and Sparano was tights ends coach and then offensive line coach.

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Guard David Yankey signs futures deal with Carolina Panthers after turning down Vikings

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:07:29 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

Guard David Yankey, who spent the season on the Vikings practice squad, signed a futures contract Tuesday with the Carolina Panthers.

A source said the Vikings offered to sign Yankey to a futures deal, but he instead chose to leave the team.

Yankey didn’t pan out after being taken by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. He didn’t get into a single game as a rookie and then failed to make the 53-man roster this season.

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Wolves on verge of NBA history; G on KG recent tip

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:19:34 -0600

The Timberwolves are on the verge of setting a new NBA record that has stood for seven seasons.

Minnesota has made fewer three-pointers than their opponent in 21 consecutive games, which matches the Philadelphia 76ers (2007-08) for the longest run since the long-range shot was introduced in 1979, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Wolves will try to stop the streak Tuesday night against Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center.

The Thunder are 26-12 but don't shoot a ton of threes. OKC makes an average of 7.6 thees per game, which is above the Wolves’ league-low mark of 4.9 per game.

DIENG ON KG TIPS

Wolves third-year center Gorgui Dieng said the latest lesson from 21-year veteran Kevin Garnett is creating space on offense.

“When you see our plays, the bigs handle the ball a lot on the elbow,” Dieng explained. “Most of the time you get people are going to be on you and you don’t have space. He just showed me how to create space and make sure people don’t lean on me. I did it four or five games, but last game I got a call. It is what is. I’m going to keep doing it.”

STRETCH

Losers of six straight games, the Wolves (12-26) are 0-5 in January, with six of their remaining 11 games this month against teams with winning records.

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Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn regrets going after ball on Seattle broken play

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:53:44 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn couldn’t sleep Sunday night, so he watched plenty of highlights from the playoff game earlier in the day against Seattle.

It wasn’t fun.

The Vikings lost 10-9 when Blair Walsh missed a field goal with 22 seconds left. But Munnerlyn wondered if Minnesota wouldn’t even have needed those points had he made a proper play early in the fourth quarter.

With the Seahawks at the Minnesota 39 and trailing 9-0, a snap sailed over the head of quarterback Russell Wilson’s head and went back to the Seattle 45. Wilson picked up the ball as Munnerlyn blitzed.

Munnerlyn, though, overran the play and Wilson got loose and hit Tyler Lockett across the middle. Lockett ran to the Vikings 4 to set up a Seattle touchdown that cut the deficit to 9-7.

“I was going for the ball,’’ Munnerlyn said Monday. “I'm all about the ball. That' s my M.O. since I've been in the NFL. I'm a turnover guy. He's a great quarterback. There ain't too many that can pick up the ball and move like that. He picked up the ball and got away from us fast.

“I do regret going for the ball. I should have gone up for the shoulder. To see all the guys inside, I was just sick about that. I live and die by the ball. I try to make turnovers. That's what I was going for.’’

Had Munnerlyn contained Wilson, he realized the outcome might have been different. Instead, Minnesota’s season soon was over.

“Last 24 hours, it was rough,’’ Munnerlyn said. “I couldn't sleep. I kept watching ESPN, NFL Network. Watched the game again on my iPad, just to see what I could have done differently to put my team in position to win this game. We fell short. Tough loss.’’

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Vikings fire offensive line coach Jeff Davidson

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:25:39 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

The Vikings have fired offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, coach Mike Zimmer said Tuesday.

Asked why he didn't renew his contract, Zimmer said "I didn't want to.''

A candidate to replace Davidson is Dan Campbell, who finished the season as interim Miami Dolphins coach. Zimmer wouldn't comment on Campbell.

Davidson was with the Vikings for five seasons, the last two under Zimmer. Zimmer inherited him from former coach Leslie Frazier.

Minnesota's offensive line had numerous problems during the year. Vikings quarterbacks were sacked 45 times, with starter Teddy Bridgewater going down in 44 of them.

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Wide receiver Isaac Fruechte among seven Vikings practice players signed to future contracts

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:47:42 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

Former University of Minnesota wide receiver Isaac Fruechte was among seven Vikings practice-squad players signed Monday to future contracts.

The moves mean those players are slated to be on the offseason roster, which has a limit of 90.

Also signing were safety John Lowdermilk, son of former Vikings center Kirk Lowdermilk, guard Isame Faciane, defensive tackle Toby Johnson, fullback Blake Renaud and linebackers Terrance Plummer and Alex Singleton.

Minnesota’s other three practice squad players to end the season were tight end Dominique Jones, running back Dominique Williams and offensive lineman David Yankey.

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Gophers basketball: Pitino doesn’t like Murphy at SF; Gilbert to get more minutes

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 11:43:43 -0600

After the Gophers’ worst loss all season by 25 points Saturday against Northwestern at home, Richard Pitino didn’t appear ready to make drastic changes to his rotation or starting lineup.

But Pitino said that he is looking at a few things to do differently heading into Tuesday’s game at Nebraska, especially when it comes to the small forward position.

Jordan Murphy has started on the wing for the last five games, but that will likely change. He’s better suited to play inside.

Fellow freshman Ahmad Gilbert Jr. and junior Charles Buggs could now fill that small forward role, which was the case earlier in the season.

“I think Ahmad Gilbert is starting to play better,” Pitino said. “So he can play more minutes, because he’s a natural small forward. I think that Charles hopefully can continue to practice hard and he can give us more minutes. And then it will allow Jordan to play his natural position, which is (power forward).”

Murphy playing power forward again seems like the right move. He averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and shot 46 percent in the last five games at small forward. He was averaging 11.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and shooting 52 percent at power forward in the six games before the switch.

I think Murphy has struggled a bit figuring out how to be effective offensively facing the basket and from the perimeter. But his dip in rebounding and shooting percentage is also probably because Minnesota is playing tougher competition in the Big Ten.

The biggest issue with Murphy starting at power forward is that means 6-foot-9 senior shooter Joey King would play center. Otherwise King would need to come off the bench with 6-11 sophomore Bakary Konate remaining in the frontcourt with Murphy.

“I think you’ve got to be open to all those things,” Pitino said. “I don’t think lineup changes are the answer. I think it’s everybody. I don’t think it’s one specific guy.”

— King said the players had a team meeting after losing to Milwaukee. The senior captains and sophomore point guard Nate Mason decided the players should get together and talk about the season so far. The Gophers played better even in losses to Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State (for the first 34 minutes). But they might need to get together again after Saturday’s embarrassing loss at home.

Vikings to pick No. 23 in first round of NFL draft

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:26:10 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

The Vikings learned Sunday they will pick No. 23 in the first round of next spring's NFL draft.

The order of the top 20 already had been determined among teams that didn't make the playoffs. Among the four teams that lost during wild-card weekend, the Vikings were then slotted in based upon their regular-season record of 11-5.

Minnesota lost 10-9 Sunday to Seattle at TCF Bank Stadium. The draft is April 28-30 in Chicago.

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Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway wants to return for an 11th season

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 16:54:05 -0600

By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

There’s no way linebacker Chad Greenway wants to retire after the way the Vikings lost Sunday.

Minnesota fell 10-9 to Seattle in a wild-card playoff game at TCF Bank Stadium when Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining. Greenway, who turns 33 Tuesday, then said he’s determined to come back for an 11th season.

“I’m going to play football,’’ said Greenway, who will be a free agent. “I got to play one more year. It just can’t seem to end like this. It’s a hard one right now.’’

The team’s longest-tenured player hopes to return to the Vikings. Greenway, who took a $3 million pay cut to $4 million to come back this season, didn’t want to go into specifics about how that could happen.

“I haven’t really thought that far,’’ Greenway said. “Who knows what’s going to happen? Obviously, there’s offseason decisions, but it just doesn’t seem like the immediacy of this ends right now. … This football team shouldn’t be going home right now, and that’s hard. … There’s enough football left in me to play another season and try to go out differently.’’

Greenway, who was taken in the first round of the 2006 draft and missed his first year because of injury, has been a starter since he first took the field in 2007. This season, though, he had a reduced role that included coming out on passing downs when the Vikings were at full strength.

Greenway had talked before the season as if it might be his last. He is Minnesota’s nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, based on community service.

Running back Adrian Peterson has been a good friend of Greenway’s since entering the NFL in 2007. He said it “feels good’’ to hear the news the linebacker wants to play another year.

“Him leaving out in this fashion is not what I would want for him,’’ Peterson said. “So he deserves more. He has brought a lot of leadership and just hard work and just that warrior mentality to this organization. That’s my brother and I love him. When I’m out there fighting, he’s one of the guys that I’m doing it for. … We need him around.’’

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Gophers women’s basketball pregame: Banham’s 10 threes made special B-day for Stollings

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 12:05:07 -0600

Gophers women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings didn’t enjoy the record-breaking three-point display on her birthday until late in the 106-75 win at Illinois on Thursday.

All Stollings could think about during most of the game was that other Big Ten teams had lost after being up 18 points and 20 points before. So she didn’t want that to happen to the Gophers (10-4, 2-1), who host Michigan (9-5, 1-2) on Sunday at Williams Arena.

But Stollings, who turned 40 Thursday, realized just how special it was for senior guard Rachel Banham to break a school record with 10 three-pointers and for the team to tie the Big Ten record with 19 threes.

“It was a fun game to be a part of,” she said. “Those are special moments in time, because conference play is so tough. You just can’t predict having a game like that. We know we have many capable shooters. There are nights when we are all on, and that can be dangerous. We were very excited it was on national television. The entire nation got to see us and what we’re about — our high-powered offense was on display.”

Banham’s career-high 39 points on 10-for-15 shooting from three-point range will be remembered for a long time, most likely when her jersey goes up in the Barn rafters for being the school’s all-time leading scorer. But WNBA scouts were reminded Thursday of Banham’s all-around game as well.

“Pro coaches are looking at her as being a combo guard at the next level,” Stollings said. “The more versatility can show, the higher her stock will be in the draft. She can go right or left, shoot the pull up and shoot the three. And she’s unselfish. She’s one of the best passers on the team.”

Stollings mentioned that the key to Minnesota’s three-point shooting is rebounding. Despite lacking consistency in the frontcourt, the Gophers rank second in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds per game (15.7) and rank seventh in the nation in three-pointers per game (9.6). Pretty interesting combination.

But a lot of Minnesota’s three-pointers come from offensive rebounds and kick out passes, Stollings said.

Gophers basketball postgame: Lack of effort embarrassing against Northwestern

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 23:11:30 -0600

The Gophers were down just 32-26 at halftime Saturday against Northwestern, but it turned ugly quickly and eventually into a 77-52 loss.

It was the worst second-half performance I've seen at Williams Arena.

Sure, the Wildcats were lights out shooting the ball at 65 percent from the field in the second half. But they also had little resistance after a certain point from the Gophers, who seemed to quit once the margin appeared insurmountable.

The body language was particularly poor for senior captains Joey King and Carlos Morris, who had just 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting combined.

"I don't think those two guys played great today, but you can't shelve them," Pitino said. "You've just got to keep looking to everybody. We just got to keep looking at all options. It's not like it's solely Carlos' fault. It's not Joey's fault solely. It's everybody's fault, starting with me. If guys are not competing every single possession, they're not getting rebounds, that's on me. So we got to just keep on looking to everybody available in the program. That's kind of the way I look at it."

Where do the Gophers go from here? If changes are made, then what will they be? Having the same starting lineup in the last five games you think would help build cohesiveness. But Minnesota is 0-5 with Nate Mason, Carlos Morris, Jordan Murphy, Joey King and Bakary Konate starting. That means something is wrong.

What happens if Pitino benches both of his seniors? What if he went with a starting lineup of Kevin Dorsey, Mason, Dupree McBrayer, Murphy and Konate? Will that make a difference? Maybe it's worth a try. The Gophers couldn't play worse than they did for stretches Saturday. Benching veterans worked in the past. Remember Austin Hollins a few years ago.

The blame is spread around, though, according to Pitino.

"It's not the seniors' fault," he said. "Buggs is our only junior in the program. It's not necessarily his fault. It's everybody. It's a collection of everybody. We understand that we're really, really young. We get it. But we got to do something about it. Being young doesn't excuse you from playing hard all the time, getting physical, rebounding. So those are things we've got to continue to be committed to doing."

-- When Pitino says he'll be looking at everyone in the program does that mean walk-ons, too? Former Hopkins guard Stephon Sharp hasn't played in the Big Ten, but Pitino said he was going to be in the rotation in conference play. Could we see more minutes for Sharp? The 6-foot-4 freshman played a career-high 10 minutes in Minnesota's last win against Chicago State. My guess is that fellow freshman Ahmad Gilbert Jr. could also be getting more minutes in place of Buggs, who supposedly hasn't practiced well lately.

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Muhammad rewarded with playing time and results

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 12:37:58 -0600

Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad scored a season-high 20 points in a season-most 34 minutes in Monday’s 109-99 loss to Philadelphia.

“I’ve been scoring the ball really well and putting extra work in on my jumpshot and my floater, stuff like that,” Muhammad said after Wednesday’s shoot around before the night game against Denver at Target Center. “It’s falling right now, and it’s really good.”

In his last three games, Muhammad has shot 62 percent from the field (18 of 29). He had 15 points against Detroit on New Year’s Eve and 12 points against Milwaukee on Saturday.

Scoring is one thing, but ball movement has been the overarching emphasis for the Wolves.

“I think we have to do a better job of swinging the ball on the weak side,” Muhammad said. “It’s so stagnant sometimes and we’ve struggled scoring the ball and that is something that coach has been talking to us with.

“(Interim coach Sam Mitchell) made a statement that we really need to start swinging the ball to the corners because I’m sitting there also for a wide open three,” Muhammad added.

The corners are one spot Muhammad resided in during an overtime shooting session at 11 p.m. Tuesday night at Mayo Clinic Square practice facility.

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Nine get Hall of Fame nod on my ballot this year

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:44:14 -0600

With the 2016 Hall of Fame voting results set to be announced Wednesday, I have a confession to make.

I am having flashbacks to 1998 and one of the most stacked Cy Young Award races in National League history.

Back then BBWAA voters could list only three names instead of the current five. As national baseball writer at the South Florida Sun Sentinel at the time, I spent hours sifting through all the pertinent numbers from the amazing seasons of a handful of starting pitchers (including the Big Three of the Atlanta Braves) and the most dominant closer in the league, Trevor Hoffman of the San Diego Padres.

This was back before WAR and xFIP and SIERA and BABIP, mind you, but the decision still left me with a major headache.

As much as I wanted to reward Hoffman for a season in which he converted 53 of 54 save chances with a 1.48 earned run average, I ultimately had to leave him off my three-man ballot in favor of Kevin Brown, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine -- in that order. While Hoffman had done all he could in his 73 regular-season innings, he couldn't possibly match the contributions of those three rotation workhorses, who turned in between 229 and 257 innings of similar excellence.

Hoffman wound up finishing second to Glavine by 11 points (99-88), and as I recall I was one of three to leave him off my ballot entirely. Even if I'd voted Hoffman first (giving him five additional points), he still would have fallen short of an award that has gone to an NL closer just three times since 1980 (Steve Bedrosian, Mark Davis and Eric Gagne).

Still, I felt pangs of guilt, especially after Hoffman staged an epic 30-minute press conference at his locker in San Diego that fall upon blowing World Series Game 3 on a three-run homer by Scott Brosius in the eighth inning. (In fact, Hoffman's calm dignity is what I remember most about covering that series.)

Hoffman never did win a World Series or a Cy Young, although he did finish a distant second to Arizona's Brandon Webb in 2006. Finishing up with two seasons in Milwaukee (2009-10), he concluded his outstanding 18-year career with 601 saves, an 88.8 percent conversion rate and a legitimate case for Cooperstown induction.

Those aforementioned flashbacks? I'm having those because, once again, I have left the esteemed Mr. Hoffman off my ballot (see photo), and it's not because I ran out of room this time.

After taking a ton of flak for my so-called "strategic ballot" last winter, in which I purposely left off overwhelming favorites Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson in favor of borderline (but deserving) candidates Alan Trammell and Larry Walker, I have used nine of my allotted 10 slots.

In alphabetical order, they went to: Jeff Bagwell, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Mike Piazza, Tim Raines, Curt Schilling, Trammell and Walker. The only addition is Griffey, who could challenge Tom Seaver's record for highest vote percentage, based on early public returns gathered by the indefatigable Ryan Thibs.

Hoffman, as of Monday afternoon, was polling at 62.3 percent, well below the 75 percent required for induction.

Fellow first-timer and all-world closer Billy Wagner, who by some key sabermetric measures has a stronger Cooperstown case than Hoffman, was polling at just 9.6 percent and in apparent danger of falling off the ballot (5 percent of the vote is required to stay).

That would be a shame as I'd very much like to have further opportunities to consider Wagner's place in baseball history along with that of Hoffman. Wagner's park-adjusted ERA, for instance, was 87 percent above league average, while Hoffman's was plus-41 percent.

Wagner's seven-year peak rWAR (as measured by Baseball-Reference.com) was better, too.

At worst, they should have two more cracks at induction before Mariano Rivera hits the ballot for the first time with the Class of 2019. Voting for Rivera and his 57.1 career rWAR -- better than double those of both Hoffman and Wagner -- shouldn't cause me much mental anguish at all.

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Towns got to know Cousins in summer pickup games

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 11:50:17 -0600

Friday night’s Timberwolves-Kings game at Target Center will be the first official meeting between centers Karl-Anthony Towns and DeMarcus Cousins.

But the two former Kentucky centers played a lot of pick-up games last summer in Lexington.

“We are both very competitive, so it’s just going to be another chance to compete against each other,” Towns said after shoot-around Friday morning.

Cousins, a six-year veteran, didn’t play in their first scheduled NBA matchup on Nov. 27, a 101-91 Timberwolves win. The rookie Towns had seven points and eight rebounds as the Wolves improved to 8-8.

Towns was impressed with Cousins from on their summer workouts on their old stomping grounds.

"He’s very talented," Towns said. "Just got to play physical with him and just got to use your speed against him. You are talking about one of the best centers in this league.”

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Twinsights: “Carol of the Twins” references four active players

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:43:22 -0600

I’ve always been a sucker for “Carol of the Bells,” especially at holiday time.

So give the local nine credit for choosing that goosebump-inducing song — with a huge assist from the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choir — in producing an unforgettable marketing video you might call “Carol of the Twins.”

Along with a guest turn by Twins manager Paul Molitor, the slickly produced video includes references to just four active players: Brian Dozier, Glen Perkins, Miguel Sano and and Kyle Gibson.

Not a Joe Mauer, Phil Hughes or Byung Ho Park in sight, even though it’s pretty easy to find rhymes for those names. Hmmm.

And while the World Series champs and the South Siders draw a trolling mention, the Tigers and Indians go unprovoked.

Anyway, here are the full lyrics. Enjoy — and happy holidays!

Cheer Dozier on, walk off the lawn

Perkins can throw, heaters like whoa

Sano is here, strikes disappear

Gibby can hurl, makes batters whirl

Ding, gone, ding, gone, cheer on and on!

Sweeping KC, Sox gone in 3

Sixteen is near, oh what a year

Hope in the air, AL beware

Quick! Get your seat. That’s worth a tweet

After a win, dance like a Twin

Cannon in air, shirts shot with flair

TC Bear smile, wide as a mile

Stand up and sing, wow at a swing

Ding, gone, ding, gone, cheer on and on!

Quick, get your seat

Summer’s the time, sunshine is prime

Air always fair, friends come in pairs

Food! All about brats with some kraut

Day games and night, it’s always bright

Target Field joy, bring girl and boy

Nine inning fun, family has won

Kiss on the cam, woman named Pam

Walk the concourse, might need a horse

Up in your seat, the team to beat

Root for your Twins, help with some wins

Gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna win Twins!

Ding, gone, ding, gone, cheer on and on!

Root for your Twins!

Twinsights: Breaking down Byung Ho Park’s contract details

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:19:17 -0600

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Korean slugger Byung Ho Park received a few extra perks in his four-year, $12 million contract with the Twins to help ease his transition.

According to a person with direct knowledge, Park will receive $25,000 per year for airline tickets between Korea and the U.S. He also will be paid $5,000 per year toward moving expenses.

The Twins also agreed to pay $50,000 per year for an interpreter that Park and his agency, Octagon, will select. A two-month transitional overlap is expected so Jae Woong Han, Octagon’s client manager, can help train Park’s full-time interpreter.

In addition to salaries of $2.75 million the next two seasons and $3 million in 2018-19, Park’s deal includes up to $750,000 in annual incentives, less than the $1 million that was previously reported.

The two-time Korea Baseball Organization MVP will earn $75,000 each year upon reaching 450 plate appearances, followed by $100,000 apiece for reaching 475, 500 and 525 plate appearances.

The figure escalates to $175,000 with his 550th plate appearance and then to $200,000 with his 600th plate appearance.

Park, 29, has averaged 577 plate appearances over the past four seasons with the Nexen Heroes, but that was in the 140-game KBO regular season.

Including a $6.5 million club option for 2020 ($500,000 buyout), the maximum value of Park’s contract is $21.75 million, not the previously reported $23 million.

The Twins have already wired the $12.85 million posting fee to the Nexen club, bringing their total maximum investment in Park to $34.6 million over five seasons. That’s an average annual cost of $6.92 million for a player coming off back-to-back 50-homer seasons in a hitter-friendly league.

In the Twins’ own accounting, the posting fee is spread out over four seasons, which pushes their projected 2016 payroll to roughly $108.7 million, including projections for six arbitration-eligible players. That’s slightly beyond their 2015 Opening Day payroll of $108.3 million.

Park’s bonus package is standard: $25,000 apiece for all-star and Gold Glove selection; $50,000 for league championship series MVP; $100,000 for World Series MVP and $100,000 for league MVP. Park also would receive $75,000 for finishing second in league MVP voting, $50,000 for finishing third and $25,000 for finishing fourth through sixth.

A seventh- through 10th-place finish in MVP voting would provide no bonus.

Twinsights: Path is clear for Byron Buxton

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:36:43 -0600

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- There are still no plans for center fielder Byron Buxton to play winter ball, Twins GM Terry Ryan said.

Buxton is spending his offseason in Georgia, working on his conditioning and girding himself for what he hopes will be his first full season in the majors.

“He’s a pleasure to coach and manage,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said this week. “I’ve been around him enough since he signed to see the type of personality and makeup and desire.”

After a disappointing rookie season that included another injury absence, this time due to a left thumb injury, Buxton has a clear path to the Opening Day job in center field. However, he must show he’s ready to hit at the big-league level after batting just .209 in 138 plate appearances last season.

“The transition for him, level to level, has always been how to deal with the next level of pitching,” Molitor said. “And we saw that somewhat in his at-bats at the major league level. We saw some improvement, particularly in September.”

With the trade of Aaron Hicks, it would likely require Eddie Rosario or Danny Santana to handle center field if the Twins determine Buxton needs more time at Triple-A. Still considered by many the game’s top prospect, Buxton turns 22 on Dec. 18.

“There will be a question about whether Triple-A at-bats are needed for him to start the season or will he make an impression that will be so favorable that we will lean to go with him right out of the chute,” Molitor said. “Either way, he’s going to be an impact player, I believe, for a long time. We’re just going to see when that clock starts ticking. That’s the only aspect.

“He’ll become a better base stealer with experience. His defense is already top end. It’s just going to be a matter of finding ways to utilize his offensive skills .. and most of that is going to come with pitch recognition and learning the strike zone and how to put the ball in play.”

Briefly

--As expected the Twins lost Double-A reliever Zack Jones in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft. The Milwaukee Brewers took him for the $50,000 draft fee and now must carry him on their big-league roster throughout 2016 or offer him back to the Twins for half the draft price. Jones, a fourth-round pick in 2012, has a high-90s fastball but an inconsistent slider. He also struggled at Chattanooga last season.

--The Twins made no selections in the Rule 5 draft, neither in the major league or minor-league phases. They also were fortunate not to lose anybody, which vice president of player personnel Mike Radcliff attributed to “the art of protection” when rosters are set.

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Twinsights: Miguel Sano decides to end his winter-ball season

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:02:37 -0600

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --Miguel Sano has unilaterally ended his season in the Dominican Winter League so he can focus on conditioning and the transition to corner outfield.

There are no injury concerns, Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Thursday as the winter meetings ended.

“He has not been shut down but I have heard that he has decided to not play,” Ryan said. “It’s not because of us or anything that I have expressed. I have not talked to him about that. It might have come from somebody else, but it didn’t come from me.”

Sano recently left the Estrellas club for 10 days due to a prior commitment in Chicago. Upon his return, he hit a mammoth home run that lit up the internet, but his final game was Saturday.

Overall, he played 15 games, splitting his time between third base and designated hitter. In 54 at-bats, he hit two homers and drove in six while hitting six doubles.

Sano, who finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting, struck out 15 times and drew eight walks while hitting .241 with a combined on-base/slugging percentage of .770.

Erik Beiser, minor league strength and conditioning coordinator for the Twins, recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with Sano.

“Just maintenance,” Ryan termed those sessions, which are expected to continue. “We want to keep an eye on him. Let’s take a look.”

After reaching 268 pounds by the end of the regular season, Sano has been given a weight target of 255-260 pounds. Ryan said he thought the 22-year-old slugger could reach that goal by the time spring training opens in February.

“He’s a man,” Ryan said. “He knows what he’s got to do.”

Now that Sano is on the 40-man roster, the Twins cannot dictate to him where he should conduct his offseason workouts, which were split last winter between the Dominican and the Twins complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

“He can do it wherever he chooses,” Ryan said. “Wherever he wants to do it, I’m OK with it. I think the player should have that ability and freedom to make the decision to get his best interest in his mind. He doesn’t have to check in.”

After Sano was limited to two games the past two winters in the Dominican due to problems in his throwing elbow that eventually required Tommy John surgery, Ryan was just pleased to see him get a few more at-bats.

“I do appreciate him playing,” Ryan said. “I kind of like the fact he’s got some loyalty and got some at-bats. We’ve got some things here we’ve got to accomplish for him making the transition from infield to outfield. However he thinks it’s best for his interests, I’m in.”

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Twinsights: Lefty specialists might not meet Twins criteria

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 20:49:33 -0600

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As the Twins continue their search for left-handed relief help, either through trade or free agency, pure specialists will be lower down the list.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Wednesday he would prefer to find lefties that can handle right-handed batters as well. Ideally, they also should be able to work more than one inning at a time.

“I’ve never been one for that one-hitter stuff and I’ve never been one for just one inning,” Ryan said. “You’d like to have a guy that could at least compete against righties.”

Free agent Matt Thornton, 39, held lefties to a .198 average last season with the Washington Nationals while righties hit just .229 against him. However, righties reached base at a .333 clip compared to .205 for lefties.

Thornton, who struck out just 5.0 batters per nine innings, has no issue with working more than an inning at a time. He was asked to do so just three times in 60 outings last season.

Along with Neal Cotts, Thornton is a lefty reliever in whom the Twins continue to express interest, along with several others.

“Sometimes you have to end up going situational,” Ryan said. “That would (not) be my first priority, but sometimes it doesn’t go that way.”

Rookie left-hander Ryan O’Rourke, meanwhile, held same-sided batters to a .171 average and a .560 combined on-base/slugging percentage. Against righties, however, those numbers were .231 and .764.

O’Rourke has made three recent outings for Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League, where he is working on a split-change he learned from Twins bullpen coach Eddie Guardado. It’s essentially the same grip Guardado showed starter Mike Pelfrey, who enjoyed surprising success with it.

A changeup typically helps neutralize opposite-sided batters.

Briefly

--The Twins continue to show little interest in entertaining trade offers for third baseman Trevor Plouffe, even as he heads toward an arbitration raise projected at $8 million next season. “He fits on the club,” Ryan said. “I’ve said it publicly and I’m still saying it publicly.”

--Ricky Nolasco, even with $25 million and two years on his contract, will have to earn a spot in next year’s rotation. “He will come in to compete for a spot, and we’ll see how it sorts itself out,” Ryan said. “If he’s healthy, which he is, he’ll come in and compete.” The bullpen could be a fallback option, but Nolasco would have to earn a spot there as well.

--Triple-A infielder Buck Britton, 29, signed a minor-league deal with the Twins. Britton, who spent last season at Oklahoma City in the Los Angeles Dodgers system, hit .262 with a .311 on-base percentage and seven homers in 2015. He saw the bulk of his playing time at third base, but he also made 10 starts at second and seven more at corner outfield.

--Class A shortstop Engelb Vielma, whose defense alone makes him one of the Twins’ top 20 prospects, has been working in Fort Myers with minor league strength and conditioning coordinator Erik Beiser and his staff. Vielma, still just 160 pounds, is trying to add muscle in an effort to boost his offense. Vielma, 21, hit just .208 with a .269 on-base percentage in 18 games for Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League.

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Twinsights: Glen Perkins slated to return to closer role from the start

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:50:22 -0600

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Kevin Jepsen, acquired from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, stepped in ably to notch 10 saves in place of an ailing Glen Perkins down the stretch last season.

However, the Twins have already let Perkins, their three-time all-star closer, know the job will again be his once spring training opens.

“We’re going to go into it with Glen Perkins,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Wednesday. “That’s what Paul (Molitor) has told him, at the tail end of the season. I believe he has explained that to Jepsen. That seems to make some logic.”

After a perfect first half across 28 save chances, Perkins struggled in the second half and eventually required three cortisone shots: two to ease a bulging disk in his neck and one more in his lower back. Perkins’ velocity dropped several miles per hour, but the Twins are confident he will be his usual self once camp opens in February.

“He’s fine,” Ryan said. “He’s healthy. No issues.”

Perkins, who turns 33 in March, has two years and $12.8 million left on a below-market deal that includes a club option for 2018 at $6.5 million. That option converts to a player option should Perkins be traded.

According to a person with direct knowledge, a few teams looking for late-inning relief help have asked about Perkins’ availability at the winter meetings. Those conversations didn’t get very far.

“We’ve got a little bit of a luxury,” Ryan said. “We’ve got some guys with experience at the back end there.”

Ryan wouldn’t characterize how he responds to teams that express potential trade interest in either Perkins or Jepsen, the latter of whom is projected for a salary bump to $6 million next season.

Jepsen, 31, could become a free agent next winter.

“You know you’ve got to listen,” Ryan said. “It’s just part of the job description.”

The Twins, however, are looking to add to their bullpen, not subtract.

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Mitchell repeats how close the Wolves are to wins

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:31:49 -0600

For the third consecutive day, Timberwolves interim coach Sam Mitchell repeated that his team has been competitive in all but one game this season.

With close games, one play can be isolated as a catalyst for a loss. On Wednesday, Mitchell said one of those plays was Chris Paul’s three-pointer before halftime in the 110-106 loss Monday to the Los Angeles Clippers. The play and missed opportunities down the stretch — the turnover on the inbound pass to Andrew Wiggins in the last minute — put the Wolves at 8-12 and on a four-game losing streak.

“I don’t think there is anything that we have to put our finger in the dam, and that the dam is breaking,” Mitchell said Wednesday.

If the Wolves lose Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers, who have the worst record in the Western Conference at 3-1, there will likely be more than one thing to point blame.

But Mitchell said some of those isolated plays can be missing out on loose balls or careless turnovers.

“I look at the scores throughout the NBA and I look at some of the young teams getting beat and that’s to be expected from some of the young teams to take their lumps and get beat, but our guys thus far, knock on wood, they’ve been in every game I would say except for one,” Mitchell said.

The presumed one game Mitchell is referring is the 129-116 loss to still-undefeated Golden State on Nov. 12.

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Kobe offered pointers to Shabazz last year

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:43:56 -0600

After a game last season, Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant offered Timberwolves wing Shabazz Muhammad a few tips, including one about his go-to shot.

“He was just like, ‘I love the left hook. Next year get the counter because they are really biting on that left hook,’ ” Muhammad recalled after Wednesday’s shoot around. “I was like, ‘you’re right.’

“That is one of my childhood heroes, and for him to say something to me I thought that was pretty neat,” Muhammad added.

Muhammad hopes to offer Bryant some kind words after Wednesday’s game, Bryant's final visit to Target Center before retiring at season's end.

“Hopefully, I can say something to him tonight and just thank him for how he has carried himself throughout the league and has been one of the best players in this league.”

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Paul and Redick will play vs Wolves

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 17:55:58 -0600

Los Angeles Clippers guards Chris Paul and JJ Redick will play Monday night against the Timberwolves at Target Center, coach Doc Rivers said.

"Wow," a reporter said after Rivers' announcement.

"That's what I said," Rivers replied.

Paul (rib) had missed the previous two games, while Redick (ankle) missed the 103-101 win over Orlando on Saturday.

Paul was listed as out Monday afternoon, while Redick was questionable.

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Garnett reflects on milestones

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 11:44:45 -0600

Kevin Garnett is on the verge of another career milestone.

The 20-year veteran is on the cusp of becoming the NBA's all-time leading defensive rebounder. He has 11,399, which is seven behind Karl Malone (14,406). Tim Duncan is third (11,036).

In Saturday's 109-103 loss to Portland, Garnett scored five points and reached 26,000 career points, good for 15th on the NBA's all-time list.

Back to boards, Garnett is averaging 5.2 rebounds per game this season and could break the record in Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center.

"When I hear it, it's like holy — crap," Garnett said during Monday's shoot around. "I can’t believe that; it’s a lot. Up until then, when I’m in the game, I’m in the moment."

Garnett said his "dope milestones" will be fodder, for instance, when he's sitting at a summer BBQ with friend and former Boston and Brooklyn teammate, Paul Pierce.

"We talk a lot of trash to each other about dumb stuff, friends do, you know," Garnett said. "So it's cool.

"The impact in which you put on the league, leaving your stamp on the game and watching (Kobe Bryant) and watching everybody who’s considered elder, leave their mark on the game, Dirk (Nowitzki)," Garnett said. "I think it's dope to come into this league, to have aspirations to want to be something in this league and leave your mark in this league says a lot not only about your work ethic, but your talent and what you were able to become."

Garnett said he's been sharing this season's achievements with assistant coach Ryan Saunders, the son of late head coach Flip Saunders, who drafted Garnett in 1995.

"Me and Ryan are kind of sharing the moment because Flip obviously brought me in here and the situation is a little dear," Garnett said.

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Jones learning from Miller as possible D-League call awaits

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 12:29:33 -0600

Rookie Tyus Jones has played in two of the Timberwolves’ 18 games this season. In the meantime, he’s been trying to learn from veteran point guard Andre Miller and has been treating practices like games.

The Apple Valley native is also prepared for a possible assignment in the NBA Development League.

“If that (D-League) is what they felt was best for me, obviously like I said, it’s part of being a professional, and you got to do whatever you can do to help the team out,” Jones said.

The Wolves did not send a player to the D-League last season due to the team’s plethora of injuries in a 16-66 campaign. In January 2014, Shabazz Muhammad played four games with the Iowa Energy.

Jones credits Miller, a 17-year veteran, with helping him become a professional.

“Just kind of watching him and go through stuff with him on a day-to-day basis and talking with him a lot,” Jones said. “He’s just leading by example. Getting here early, working hard, especially if you are not playing, put in the time to workout and get up a lot of extra shots and try to better yourself each day and not take a day off.”

Jones, who was the Final Four MVP during Duke’s national title run last season, said it’s difficult to not start, much less not play, for the first time in his career.

“It’s something different, but that is a part of the process,” Jones said. “It’s a part of the league and it’s something that you sign up for.”

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Reaction from Minnesota Wild after 7-2 win over Tampa Bay Lightning

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 22:54:01 -0500

Naturally, Wild coach Mike Yeo roots for his players to break slumps. That's part of why he was delighted to see Mikko Koivu get his first point on a first period goal and part of why he was yelling, 'Shoot! Shoot!' from the bench as Thomas Vanek (0 goals with the Wild) entered the offensive zone on a 2-on-1.

But Vanek, a goal-scorer, dropped a perfect pass on Jared Spurgeon's stick for a goal.

"That's why you've got to be careful what you say sometimes," Yeo said with a laugh. "Obviously I want him to get a goal. I'm saying, 'Shoot! Shoot!' and then he makes that pass and I'm like, 'Good play.' Apparently we don't think the game the same way offensively and that's probably a good thing for him."

That was the sixth goal of the night in a 7-2 blowout win over the Wild over the Tampa Bay Lightning, who players admitted after had an off night.

Still, the Wild capitalized and scored seven times (tied for second most in franchise history) on 22 shots.

They won't practice tomorrow as they travel out east for a back-to-back with New York and Boston. I'll have more on that tomorrow. Defensemen Christian Folin and Keith Ballard won't be on the trip, Yeo said. He termed it as an illness, the same illness that made Folin and Ballard late scratches from Thursday's Arizona game. Both returned to practice Saturday, but underwent further testings after and will won't go on the trip for precautionary reasons.

Back to the game. It ended 7-2 and the amazing part was it felt like it could've been worse.

"It felt like it could’ve been," agreed Zach Parise. "I know we didn’t get that many shots, but it felt like the shots that we did get were pretty quality scoring chances."

A few more quotes:

Vanek: "Our 'D' is great. I've never seen a group that gap up as well as they do. Them doing that gives the forwards confidence."

Jason Zucker on his third period breakaway, shorthanded goal (which gave him the team-lead with 4 goals this season): "I was a bit nervous to be honest. I picked my head up a bit later than I meant to and I thought I was going to skate right into (Ben Bishop) to be honest."

Marco Scandella said it was probably the first Gordie Howe hat trick of his career. He took a late assist when his clear on the penalty kill led to Zucker's goal. "The last one I got a little bit lucky, but it felt good."

Yeo on whether opening the season without a point in five games weighed on Koivu: "It weighs on him, but in talking with him, he's handled it really well. We've really liked his game, he feels confident about his game and I think he's handled not being on the score sheet in a very responsible manor. He's doing a lot of really good things."

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Niklas Backstrom would have preferred a win, but had fun in net after long road back

Sun, 19 Oct 2014 19:18:32 -0500

After his first NHL game in nine months, Niklas Backstrom was more blunt about everything it's taken to get back on the ice in a regular season game. There were multiple surgeries, long rehabs, and lots of time spent sweating in goalie pads.

"I don't want to curse," Backstrom said, "but it's been a hell of a long road to get here."

After the Wild's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings Sunday, the team's second loss in a row, Backstrom said his return would've been much better had Minnesota won. But it was difficult not to notice how happy Backstrom was to have played in his first meaningful hockey game since Jan. 30.

"It's fun to play again," Backstrom said. "That's a big part you've been missing is to be with the guys and in the locker room and competing against other teams, so for sure you miss that."

The 36-year-old didn't have a lot of opportunities Sunday, seeing just 16 Los Angeles shots. The two goals he allowed would've required highlight reel saves.

"I was happy with his game," coach Mike Yeo said. "I don't think that he had a chance on either goal. The first one was a bad bounce, the second one was a bang-bang play that would've been difficult for anybody to stop."

Darcy Kuemper presumably took over the starting goalie reigns after opening the season by setting the franchise's shutout streak record.

But Sunday, Backstrom showed that he deserves another start in the coming games. If the Wild are at their best, Yeo has said, they'll have two healthy goalies pushing each other.

"It's been a pretty long time since I last played so for sure it was a little different," Backstrom said. "It sucks to lose, but it's fun to play, fun to get out there and compete again. But there's still work ahead."

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Thomas Vanek frustrated with the start to his Minnesota Wild career

Sun, 19 Oct 2014 18:58:20 -0500

There was no hesitation in Thomas Vanek when he answered a question about whether he's frustrated with the start to his Minnesota Wild career.

"Of course I am," Vanek said.

Brought in to score goals, Vanek has zero through the first four games. It's a problem that's plagued the entire Wild team, which has scored on a goalie four times in the last three games after scoring five times in the season opener.

"As a team and for myself, I think you just need that first one and hopefully it opens up," Vanek said. "I don't feel like I'm squeezing my stick (too tight) quite yet, we had some good looks they're just not going in right now."

Vanek has one assist and 13 shots on goal in the first four games.

He was given a three-year, $19.5 million contract over the summer because he's the type of pure goal scorer the Wild have lacked.

While he's had chances, it has yielded little more than frustration, especially after the Wild lost their second straight game Sunday, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the defending champion Kings.

"There's no question," coach Mike Yeo said as to whether Vanek is frustrated with his start. "First off, when you're trailing in a game and the goals aren't coming easily and you're putting a lot into it, there's going to be some extra frustration with that. But I think it's important we take what we need to out of this game and then we also get rid of what we need to from this game to make sure we're ready for the next one. That's the only thing that matters right now."

Asked about Vanek twice, Yeo didn't offer much about why Vanek, who has scored at least 20 goals in all nine of his NHL season, is off to a slow start.

Yeo lauded the chemistry Vanek built with Mikko Koivu in training camp, but through four games, Vanek has zero goals and one assist, while Koivu doesn't yet have a goal or an assist.

"There are a few guys that are snake bit right now, but I don't want to start putting too much pressure (on them)," Yeo said. "What we look at is are they creating chances. We'll look at (Sunday's) game closely and evaluate how many chances that line (of Vanek, Koivu and Justin Fontaine) had. They led our team in chances (Friday)."

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Minnesota Wild can’t finish off Anaheim Ducks

Sat, 18 Oct 2014 00:40:49 -0500

After five off days between games thanks to an odd schedule, most of the Wild’s game came right back to them Friday night in Anaheim.

But what didn’t return to the form of the first two games when the Wild beat Colorado twice? The finishing touch around the net.

The Wild left several goals on the ice when they weren’t able to capitalize on a flurry of chances in Friday’s 2-1 loss, the Wild’s first loss of the season.

“That, to me, is the big story of the game,” Wild coach Mike Yeo said. “It’s hard to be too upset right now. Obviously you want to win the game, but our guys put a lot into that game and for the most part we were playing a great game. We had a long layoff but there were so many other parts of our game that were really good that it was just the finnish and burying those chances (that were missing). We had empty nets right in the first period and the second period in particular. (We were) making great plays to make those plays happen, but you’ve just got to finnish.”

Darcy Kuemper broke the franchise’s shutout streak record, making it to the third period of the third game before finally allowing a goal.

“It would’ve bee nice to get the win,” Kuemper said. “That’s what we came here for, not for records or anything.”

The two Ducks goals came off two mistakes for the Wild.

On the first, the power play failed to get a puck deep, which led to Andrew Cogliano’s breakaway goal, the first Kuemper allowed this season. On the second, a Jason Zucker pass to Matt Dumba went right into Dumba’s skates and led to Corey Perry’s game-winner.

“Those things happen,” Yeo said. “Really, we put ourselves in a situation where a mistake like that ends up being the difference. The easy thing to do is just chip it out, chip it out, chip it out, but if we want to become a team that’s better than that, if we want to become a top team then you have to make plays and use the middle of the ice. You have to execute. It’s got to be on the tape. It’s easy to sit here and just point to a couple young kids but there’s other plays in the game that led to that moment.”

The power play hasn’t score din 11 chances and may be the biggest area of concern just three games in. Things will change plenty over 82 games, but right now the power play isn’t getting it done.

And after the Wild played well for the most part, it was a lack of scoring touch that kept them from their third win in three games.

“We had a few amount of chances, we just didn’t bury them,” Charlie Coyle said. “They buried theirs. They turned it on and got better as the game went on. We’ve just got to do a better job of weathering the storm.”

Minnesota Wild open the season 2-0-0 after big wins over Colorado

Sun, 12 Oct 2014 00:03:14 -0500

Phew. Hard to believe that was only Game 2. The Wild's 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche Saturday night felt like another playoff game between the two teams, a battle much more fitting of April than October.

But three days into the season, it's hard to envision it going much better for the Wild.

Darcy Kuemper has begun to prove last season was no fluke, recording shutouts in the first two game. In the first game, the Wild's 5-0 beatdown at home, Kuemper didn't have to do much. Saturday he was great, turning aside 30 shots.

Zach Parise is playing as well as I've seen in my year-and-a-half covering the Wild. Through the first two games, Parise has two goals, two assists and a plus-5 rating. He added an empty net goal Saturday night with three seconds left.

On the ensuing faceoff, Avs coach Patrick Roy initially sent his fourth line out to meet the Wild's fourth line at center ice. But, thankfully for all involved, the refs sent the fourth line back to the bench.

The game had that sort of intensity throughout, something Wild coach Mike Yeo said was good for his team to go through this early in the season.

"It was intense out there for sure," Yeo said. "That's a really good experience for us early in the season. It's one thing to have your focus and execute and do your thing when things are going well. … But how you respond (is important). That's what you need right now is to play in those types of games because that's the only way you can get that kind of composure."

A few quotes from the locker room after the game:

Kuemper: "I prepared all summer to hopefully earn the first few starts and prove myself. And I think the work in the summer has paid off but then again, playing behind these guys has been pretty easy so far."

Matt Cooke: "It was intense. They were a better team out there tonight. They pushed us hard and battled hard. ... They can act how they want. They felt they needed to be harder to play against and that's why they played the way they did."

Erik Haula on the hit he took from Erik Johnson, a fellow former Gopher that Haula said he sees from time to time over the summer: "I saw it coming. I just chipped it in and tried to get out of the way of the hit and he just caught me with his hand I think. That happens sometimes."

Jason Zucker on his goal, which put the Wild up 2-0: "It was good for us. We were playing well. They had a few momentum swings where they were coming hard, there defensemen were stepping up really hard. We wanted to make sure we got that second one."

Charlie Coyle on whether he knew why his second goal of the night was disallowed by the refs after Nino Niederreiter knocked over Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov (video replay makes it looks like Niederreiter was pushed into Varlamov): "I had no clue. I know Nino crashed the net like he always does. The puck went in and I don't know why they called It off."

Ryan Suter on playing a game-high 28 minutes, 19 seconds: "Really? I felt like I only played 22. So I'll have to talk to (the coaches)."

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Minnesota Wild react to dominating win over Colorado Avalanche

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:09:39 -0500

In my year and a half covering the Wild, I've seen them dominate some games. And I've seen them get dominated.

But I hadn't ever seen anything like Thursday night.

For three full periods, the Wild took it to their new rival, the Colorado Avalanche, the team the Wild knocked out of the playoffs this season.

The Wild throttled the Avs in a 5-0 victory on opening night. They set their franchise record for shots in a game, outshooting the Avs 48-16. They never let up. They had five different goal scorers.

Zach Parise played the kind of relentless game that makes you catch yourself just watching him in awe. He finished with nine shots on goal (remember, the Avs had 16 total) one goal, two assists and a plus-4 rating.

His line with Mikael Granlund and Jason Pominville was outstanding.

If Granlund can stay healthy, he's going to have a monster season. Every time he was on the ice with Parise, it felt like a goal was seconds away. It was incredibly fun to watch those two together.

After the game, the locker room and the message from coach Mike Yeo was subdued.

The Wild played well, sure. But they were very to quick to say the Avalanche didn't play well.

Of everything that happened Thursday night, that might've been what surprised me most.

The Avalanche had every reason to enter Thursday angry. They should've come in and set the tone early on the road.

Instead, they were soft on pucks. The Wild won seemingly every battle for a loose puck. They looked far, far from the team that finished with the third most points in the NHL last season.

"We caught them on an off night, let's be honest," Parise said.

Most of the Wild players echoed that statement, so I won't flood this blog post with quotes.

It'll be interesting to see how Colorado (and Minnesota for that matter) respond Saturday night when these teams meet in Denver for the Avs' home-opener.

A few things that stood out from tonight:

-- The Wild's PK, which ranked 27th in the league last season, was outstanding. They didn't allow a shot on four Colorado power plays.

-- Ryan Carter will quickly make friends on his new team the way he stuck up for teammates, including Jason Zucker, who returned the favor in the third period after Gabriel Landeskog boarded Carter. He had a very good game Thursday.

-- Darcy Kuemper's rise. It was less than a year ago that the Wild dominated the Maple Leafs in Toronto -- and lost because Kuemper couldn't stop the puck. It's no secret that it's a tall task for a goalie to stay focussed when all the action is on the other rend of the ice. But Kuemper did that recording the shutout in the season-opener.

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Colorado Avalanche moving on from Matt Cooke’s playoff suspension

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:24:11 -0500

Thursday’s season-opener with the Colorado Avalanche sparked plenty of talk in both locker rooms about a budding rivalry between the Wild and Avs, stemming largely from their thrilling seven game playoff series last spring.

But in the Avalanche locker room, it also brought up talk of Matt Cooke’s knee-to-knee hit on Tyson Barrie in Game 3 of that series, which drew Cooke his first suspension (seven games) in two years and ended Barrie’s postseason.

Barrie is back with the Avs and skated with teammates in St. Paul leading to Thursday night’s opener.

“That was, mentally, probably the toughest thing I’ve gone through,” Barrie said. “But you have to let it go. This is a new season, a new team and we’ve got a good, young exciting team and that’s not going to be our last time in the playoffs.”

Barrie said he’s put the hit behind him.

“This is a new team and I don’t want to take any of the attention of what we’re trying to do and that’s win the games, this one tonight and the one back home,” Barrie said. “I’m not going to do anything to take the attention away from that, we’ve addressed it and it’s behind us. It is what it is.”

Cooke, who I wrote about for Friday’s newspaper, said he studied video of his game and clips around the NHL as he typically does over the summer.

He said he’s noticed a difference in his game since doing more video work over the summer.

“Even in preseason games, I felt myself being really responsible and holding up and doing the right things,” Cooke said. “At the end of the day, I’m confident in the video work that I’ve put in in the past and that I put in in the not so far past. I did it this summer to re-instill it.”

Wild coach Mike Yeo supported Cooke and said he’s not worried about another incident.

Avalanche coach Patrick Roy said he spoke with Barrie Thursday morning and would like the Avs to put it behind them.

“The league did what they had to do,” Roy said. “On our side, we want to focus on playing the game tonight, not on any revenge about the playoffs last year or what happened with that incident.”

Power play, Matt Dumba lead Wild in preseason win

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:25:47 -0500

Alas, the Wild's preseason schedule is halfway over.

With a 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets, the Wild improved to 1-1-1 in the (meaningless) regular season.

The story from Saturday's victory at Xcel Energy Center (the first game in St. Paul since the Blackhawks eliminated the Wild in Game 6 last season) was the Wild's success on the power play.

They went 3-for-4 with the man advantage, recording 10 of their 24 shots during the power play, a noticeable difference from last season.

"You always want to shoot," Zach Parise said. "But tonight I just thought we had more of an attack the net mindset. When they tried to overload in the corner and we got it free, we took it right to the net."

Matt Dumba was great on the power play and made a strong move around a defenseman to set up Nino Niederreiter's power play goal.

"That’s a heck of a play right there," coach Mike Yeo said of Dumba's move. "What you like is the recognition that there's an opportunity there and you want that attack mentality. When you get a bit of a chance, that's when you have to be ready to attack and that was a strong move that we saw there."

Dumba also threw his body around and made a couple big hits.

"I think that's a sign that he's going out there with the mindset that he wants to show us what he can do and that's what you want," Yeo said. "It's not an easy situation. These guys know they're under the microscope and every mistake is being analyzed. So to play the game without any fear, I give him a lot of credit for. He's played two strong games in a row for us."

Michael Keranen stood out on the power play, but wasn't great early, especially even strength.

If he can't earn a spot on the power play -- and right now it's crowded there -- he may not have a spot on this team out of training camp.

"I thought his first two periods were OK, but the third period he showed me something," Yeo said. "He's been good on the power play. He's shown that he's capable of taking advantage of opportunities that are presented there. He's going to get in again."

Niklas Backstrom had a few lapses, allowing three goals on 17 shots, but Yeo said it's tough for goalies to read shots through traffic this early in training camp. That's how two Winnipeg goals beat Backstrom.

"But he got us a win, made some clutch saves and I thought he bounced back really well after that second goal," Yeo said.

The post Power play, Matt Dumba lead Wild in preseason win appeared first on Wild Now.

Postgame reactions from the Wild’s 3-2 OT preseason loss

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 22:32:39 -0500

The Wild lost their second preseason game in Pittsburgh 3-2 to the Penguins in overtime. But, hey, at least they got a point. Err, something like that.

It’s the preseason so, no, two losses in their first two games doesn’t mean the season is a train wreck.

Thursday, there were some positives and some things that need to be addressed – that’s how the preseason is.

Among the positives:

— The addition of Thomas Vanek isn’t more evident than on the power play. His deflection of Mikko Koivu’s feed on the man-advantage was pretty. As coach Mike Yeo said, “He’s got a knack for that.” It’ll be fun to watch Vanek in front of the net on the power play.

— Darcy Kuemper appears to have knocked off the rust. He misplayed the puck a few times behind the net and wasn’t as crisp as last season, but he’s settling in and stopped 14 of 15 shots, playing the first two periods.

— The top line of Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund, and Jason Pominville completed a pretty play off the cycle to put the Wild up 2-1 on Parise’s tally from Granlund. (The lead lasted 14 seconds, leading to overtime.) The second line of Vanek, Koivu and Justin Fontaine also looked good.

Considering the Wild haven’t been on the ice for a week in training camp, there are some areas for improvement, too.

Defensemen Matt Dumba and Christian Folin have both showed promise that they can contribute offensively from the blue line.

Dumba made a great pass to Koivu, which set up the play to Vanek. But just before that, he had an didn’t take an opportunity to step up and unleash a hard shot on net.

“These are things we’ll teach him and things we’ll work on just as far as scanning the ice and recognizing there was an opportunity,” coach Mike Yeo said. “He could’ve grabbed the puck and taken a couple strides toward the net and really let one rip. He’s got the quickness to jump backdoor and in the holes and he’s a threat to shoot back there.

As far as Folin, Yeo said:

“Both him and Dumba I kind of lump into the same category where it thought both of them showed some strong moments in the game and both of them showed some young moments in the game. These are guys that we’re going to give more than a couple games to see if we can try to get rid of the young moments and keep the strong moments.”

Jason Zucker had a decent game. He fought the much-bigger Simon Despres and didn’t fare too well. But he was relentless on the penalty kill, which he’ll need to excel at if he’s going to make the Wild out of camp.

“We’re trying to give him every chance,” Yeo said. “And he’s buying into it and doing a good job.”

Backstrom, Bickel, Zucker stand out in Wild’s first preseason game

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:36:44 -0500

Niklas Backstrom spent the final 30 minutes of the Wild’s first preseason game with a towel around his neck, watching the action from the visiting bench in Winnipeg.

It was a deserved break for the goalie, who stopped all 12 shots he faced in his first game since Jan. 30.

Ilya Bryzgalov, in a planned switch, took over halfway through the game and allowed both goals in the Wild’s 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the first of six Wild preseason games.

Tyler Graovac netted the lone Wild goal with 13 seconds remaining.

The story of the night, though, was Backstrom, whose performance was the perfect first step on his road back to back to action following two surgeries since January.

How much can you really read into 30 minutes of preseason action? Not much. But had Backstrom allowed a few goals, it probably wouldn’t have been viewed as just a small sample size.

Backstrom downplayed the success and said he still has rehab work ahead of him.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Backstrom said. “It’s early in camp. It’s fun to play and see where you are and what you need to work on, but there’s still a ways to go.”

Coach Mike Yeo called Backstrom’s game, “a great performance.”

The Wild didn’t score for 59 minutes and 47 seconds, but there a few players who stood out.

Defenseman Stu Bickel took a big step Monday night on his quest to make the team out of camp.

Bickel brings something the Wild lack and that Yeo desires – a fighting ability.

The enforcer fought twice Monday, but equally important played well on the back end.

“I was very happy with his game,” Yeo said. “He’s making a statement and saying I want to be here. He’s smart enough to realize that if there’s an opportunity to be on our team it might not be on the second power play unit, it might be by bringing something special to the equation and he was ready to show that tonight. On top of that, I thought his game was good too.”

Bickell acknowledged that his physical presence may be a way to make the team.

“I felt like we were on the receiving end of a few hits and they got running around a bit, so that’s something I’m perfectly willing to do,” Bickel said. “It’s obviously not the only side of my game but if we feel like we’re having liberties taken against us, we’re not going to step back.

“That’s a natural part of my game. It’s not really something that I put too much thought into. That’s the way I’ve always played and that the way I’m going to continue to play.”

On defense, Yeo was also pleased with Christian Folin and Gustav Olofsson, who both made their preseason debuts (though Folin has already played in regular season games).

Yeo said Folin’s first period was “very average,” but that the defenseman out of UMass-Lowell showed offensive upside after that.

“He showed me more on the offensive side than I realized he had,” Yeo said. “I knew he had a big shot but as far as his vision … he made heads up plays that I didn’t know he had in him.”

Up front, Yeo liked the way Jason Zucker and Nino Niederreiter played. Both played on the penalty kill and the power play.

Zucker was flying around the ice and continued to play after taking an awkward hit along the boards. He played the gritty, physical game he’ll need to if he’s going to make the team out of camp.

“I thought all game long he was competing hard, he was going to the hard areas, his speed was a factor generating some chances,” Yeo said. “We used him a lot.”

It was Zucker’s first game since February of last year.

“I think it was a start,” he said. “There were definitely some things I need to work on. I don’t want to say I was shying away, but I need to get back in battles some more in the corners helping line mates out more.”

Coyle, after playing all training camp on the wing, played at center. He’ll likely open the season on the wing and would probably only play center during the regular season if there was an injury to the team’s top three centermen – Mikko Koivu, Mikael Granlund and Erik Haula.

Last season, Coyle moved from the wing to center when Koivu was hurt, then back to the wing when Koivu returned.

Yeo said the power part of Coyle’s game is there, but that he was “thinking and not reacting” defensively, which is partly because he was played a new position.

“He wasn’t as quick and assertive as I’d like, but in fairness to him he hasn’t been practicing at center,” Yeo said.

The Wild players who played in Winnipeg Monday night have Tuesday off. The rest of the team practices at 10:30 a.m. and will have a special teams focus as they now prep for their second preseason game (Thursday in Pittsburgh) which will feature more NHL regulars.