Minnesota Sports Talk

Minnesota Twins win some lose some

2006-05-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers, I have been very busy at work and I have been away from my Blog. The Minnesota Twins have won two series in a row and now the Chicago Whitesox come into town for four games.

Well I have to salute hitters Michael Cuddyer and Torri Hunter for having big hits in this crappy lineup. I don't know what to say Hunter has his off days and on days and he is a very streaky hitter. Cuddyer on the other hand must love the outfield because he looks like a professional hitter at the plate. Johan Santana is finally waking up from his WBC preseason, and has made hitters look very confused.

With all the good here comes the bad. Radke, Silva, and Loshe are on the edge of getting better or falling out of the rotation. Rondell White, Justin Morneau, Tony Batista, and Juan Castro have looked bad at the plate. Rondell White and Justin Morneau need to get there swing back and make pitchers pay for pitches pay for pitches in the zone. Tony Batista needs to hit his pitch lately he has been missing it and his homerun totals are way down, but his walks are way up. Juan Castro needs to be on the bench and they need to Free Jason Bartlett from AAA.

So where do the Twins go from here hopefully up and not down. They have three big series coming up: Chicago at home, the Tigers and Brewers away. The need to win all three series to keep this show moving. They need to have a big month to make up for a subpar April.

Minnesota Twins need to rebuild

2006-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers, Happy Friday morning and TGIF. Well the Minnesota Twins my favorite Minnesota sports franchise lost last night 1-0 to the Kansas City Royals. This teams needs to rebuild and this is how I would do it.

Carlos Silva or Kyle Loshe needs to be traded to a contender if the team seems to be falling. We could get a minor league prospect for them and I would be looking for pitching and outfielders. Teams that might be looking for pitching the Reds, Mets, Rangers, Angels and Dodgers.

Shannon Stewart needs to be traded to a contender if the teams seems to be falling. We need minor league prospect for Stewart, players in return should be shortstops, second-basemen and pitching. Teams that would like Stewart include the Dodgers, Astros, and Angels.

Players that go without a new stadium: Rondell White, and Torri Hunter for multi talent. Younger talent needs to be signed in the long-term like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. So lets look at next 3- year lineups without free agents.

2007 lineup

Denard Span OF
Luis Castillo 2B
Joe Mauer C
Justin Morneau 1B
Michael Cuddyer 3B
Jason Kubel OF
Lew Ford OF
Garrett Jones DH
Jason Bartlett SS

Reserves:
Luis Rodrigez IF
Luis Maza IF
Terry Tiffee 3B
Doug Deeds OF
Nick Punto IF

Pitching

Johan Santana SP
Scott Baker SP
Fransico Lirano SP
Boof Bonser SP
Matt Guerrier SP

Joe Nathan RP
Pat Neshek RP
Jesse Crain RP
Juan Rincon RP
Ricky Bartlett RP
Jason Miller RP

2008 lineup

Denard Span OF
Luis Rodrigez 2B
Joe Mauer C
Justin Morneau 1B
Matt Moses 3B
Jason Kubel OF
Lew Ford OF
Garrett Jones DH
Jason Bartlett SS

Reserves:

Luis Maza IF
Doug Deeds OF
Danny Matienzo 1B

Pitching

Johan Santana SP
Scott Baker SP
Fransico Lirano SP
Boof Bonser SP
Glen Perkins SP

Adam Harben RP
Pat Neshek RP
Jesse Crain RP
Juan Rincon RP
Ricky Bartlett RP
Jason Miller RP

It's going to be a couple of bad years but a stadium would help alot or be ready to see the Las Vegas Twins.

Minnesota Vikings draft thoughts

2006-05-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers, well the draft came and went and over the weekend I came and went to move out of my apartment. I have been catching up with work and have been staying away from my blog.

The Vikings drafted a wide spread of players and now I am going to do a evalution of what I think of them:

Chad Greenway OLB Iowa: He is the complete package fast, smart, knows when to attack and stay back. He is a character guy who wants to play for the Vikings and is from South Dakota. Personally I love this pick and on many of my early draft boards I had the Vikings picking him. His numbers in college included Senior totals included 156/10/1 with one interception and eight defenses. Junior numbers included 113/8/3, when he also intercepted three passes.

Cedric Griffin CB Texas: A younger taller version of Brian Williams he is 6-0 and knows how to hit people hard. He is not the fastest cornerback in the draft but works well in a cover 2 system. His numbers in college included Four-year starter used at both corner and safety. All-Conference selection as a senior after 86 tackles and 15 pass defenses. Junior numbers included 68/2/6. Outstanding special-teams player throughout college.

Ryan Cook C/OG/OT New Mexico: This is a puzzling pick I had Cook as the fifth best center in the draft. I had him going in the late third early second round of the draft. I think the Vikings picked him because they knew they were going to give up the two third round drafts for Jackson. Former walk-on awarded All-Conference honors every season since moving into the starting lineup as a sophomore. A solid-sized lineman with growth potential, Cook has made definite strides the past three seasons.

Tarvaris Jackson QB Alabama State: The mystery player of the draft I had him going in the fifth round and actually thought he might not be drafted. Vikings wanted Jackson so bad that they gave up there two-third round draft picks to get him. He has a giant arm he college coaches say he has the strongest arm that they have ever seen. A two or three year project but has all the skills to be a top quarterback. Second-team All-Conference selection who totaled 60.9%/2,941/29/5 as a senior.

Ray Edwards DE Purdue: Here is a guy who had character issues but the Vikings took him in the fourth round of the draft. I had Ray Edwards going in the third round. He is a monster on the field, Flashes quickness off the snap, plays with good pad level and makes plays laterally. Fast off the edge, has a closing burst and redirects to ball handlers. Tough to handle once he gets the first step on opponents. He was a top number one draftee in 2004, but fell off the wagon. I love this pick lots of potential.

Greg Blue S Georgia: This is a special teams selection and with the Vikings only having Darren Sharper, Tank Williams, Willie Offord, and Dustin Fox on the roster and all four have injury problems this was a safe pick. Explosive run-defending safety who is best between the hashes. Breaks down well, is fast in all directions and flashes on the scene. Strong at the point, goes for the knockout blow and wraps up tackling. Fine athlete who makes a lot of difficult plays. Two-year starter awarded All-Conference and All-American honors last season after career-best numbers of 88/2/5. Posted 80 tackles as a junior. I like this pick but one of these safeties isn't going to make this team or switched to a corner or linebacker.

First 3 rounds mock draft 4.0

2006-04-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =
New Orleans Saints Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
Tennessee Titans Matt Leinart, QB, USC =
New York Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =
San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland =
Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas =
Buffalo Bills Winston Justice, OT, USC =
Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas =
Arizona Cardinals Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt =
St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon =
Cleveland Browns Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
Baltimore Ravens Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =
Philadelphia Eagles Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =
Denver Broncos(from the Falcons) Jimmy Williams, CB, Va Tech =
Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson =
Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St. =
Dallas Cowboys Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.=
San Diego Chargers Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
Kansas City Chiefs Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina =
New England Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis=
SanFransisco 49ers (from the Broncos) Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn =
Cincinnati Bengals Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
New York Giants Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
Chicago Bears Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St.
Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Jacksonville Jaguars LenDale White, RB, USC
New York Jets(from the Broncos) Kamerion Wimbley DE Florida St.
Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU =
Seattle Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles OG, Georgia=
Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St. =
Houston TexansEric Winston, OT, Miami =
New Orleans Saints Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa
New York Jets Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP
Green Bay Packers Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
Denver Broncos (from 49ers) Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame
Oakland Raiders Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan =
Tennessee Titans Donte Whitner, S Ohio State
Detroit Lions Andrew Whitworth, OT L.S.U.
Arizona Cardinals Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Buffalo Bills Darnell Bing, S USC
Cleveland Browns D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
Baltimore Ravens Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Philadelphia Eagles DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
St. Louis Rams Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
Atlanta Falcons Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Va Tech =
Minnesota Vikings Charles Spencer, OG Pittsburgh
Dallas Cowboys Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
San Diego Chargers Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
Minnesota Vikings Charlie Whitehurst, QB Clemson
New England Patriots Richard Marshall, CB Fresno St.
Washington Redskins Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
Kansas City Chiefs Derek Hagan, WR Arizona St.
Cincinnati Bengals Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
New York Giants Rodrique Wright, DT Texas
Chicago Bears Anthony Fasno, TE, Notre Dame
Carolina Panthers Gerris Wilkinson, LB Georgia Tech
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mark Anderson , DE Alabama.
Jacksonville Jaguars Jon Alston, OLB Stanford
Denver Broncos Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
Indianapolis Colts Demetruis Williams, WR, Oregon
Seattle Seahawks Pat Watkins, S FSU
Pittsburgh Steelers Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi St.

Round 3

Houston Texans Deuce Lutui, OG, USC
Houston Texans (from the Saints) Ray Edwards, DE Purdue
Green Bay Packers Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
Denver Broncos (from the 49ers) Brian Calhoun, RB Wisconsin
Oakland Raiders Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise St.
Buffalo Bills (from the Titans) Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
New York Jets Omar Jacobs, QB Bowling Green
Arizona Cardinals Dominique Byrd, TE USC
Buffalo Bills Jonathan Scott, OT Texas
Detroit Lions Kai Parham, ILB | Virginia
New England Patriots (from the Ravens) Travis Wilson WR, Oklahoma.
Philadelphia Eagles Ryan O'Callaghan, OT California
St. Louis Rams Maurice Drew,RB UCLA
Cleveland Browns Jeremy Trueblood, OT Boston College
Atlanta Falcons Bernard Pollard S, Purdue
Dallas Cowboys Rocky Mclntosh, OLB Miami
San Diego Chargers Cedric Griffin, CB Texas
Miami Dolphins Brodie Croyle, QB Alabama
Minnesota Vikings Tim Dobbins, ILB Iowa State
San Francisco 49ers (from the Redskins) Devin Aromashodu, WR Auburn
Kansas City Chiefs Bruce Gradkowski, QB Toledo
New England Patriots Leon Williams, ILB Miami
New York Giants Jason Avant, WR Michigan
Chicago Bears Martin Nance, WR Miami
Carolina Panthers Tony Scheffler, TE Western Michigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Garret Mills, FB Tulsa
Cincinnati Bengals Babatunde Oshinowo, DT Stanford
Jacksonville Jaguars Stanley McClover, DE Auburn
Atlanta Falcons (from the Broncos) Kyle Williams, DT LSU
Indianapolis Colts Terna Nande, OLB Miami (OH)
Minnesota Vikings(from the Seahawks) Greg Eslinger C Minnesota
Pittsburgh Steelers Anthony Smith S, Syracuse
New York Jets Chris Chester C, Oklahoma

Twins starting pitching killing us

2006-04-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Readers, Sorry for not posting I have been busy trying to move and get things straighten out. The Twins have been struggling lately and you can blame two key factors the Twins starting pitching, and Shannon Stewart and Luis Castillo not being in the lineup.

The Twins are spiraling down this past week playing the Angels and White Sox. I do have to say one thing about the White Sox is that there the best team in baseball, hopefully nobody gets hurt on this team, because there a good team to watch. Santana, Radke, Silva, and Loshe need to step up there pitching and Rick Anderson please try to fix this pitching staff.

I like the way the Twins are hitting players are starting to hit the grooves and there almost out of the horrible schedule that MLB gave the Twins to start the season. So the Twins needs to fire back this week and below are what they need to do to get out of this horrible month.

The Twins need to go 12-12 to be fine going into May. So this is what the need to do:

Kansas City Royals Away
3 out 3 Record 10-11
Detroit Tigers Away
2 out 3 Record 12-12

I think the Twins will end up 11-13 in May, but to be truthful if they end up 10-14, it was a pretty average month. This division is tough and it looks like it will be a hard division to overcome so Twins play your heart outs.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

A three round mock draft will be posted tomorrow so look for that. Jay Cutler is falling on some draft boards so look for his name to pick up more in Minnesota Vikings news.

First 2 rounds mock draft 3.0

2006-04-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =
New Orleans Saints Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
Tennessee Titans Matt Leinart, QB, USC =
New York Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =
San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland =
Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas =
Buffalo Bills Winston Justice, OT, USC =
Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas =
Arizona Cardinals Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt =
St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon =
Cleveland Browns Kamerion Wimbley DE Florida St.=
Baltimore Ravens Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =
Philadelphia Eagles Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =
Denver Broncos(from Atlanta) Jimmy Williams, CB, Va Tech =
Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson =
Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St. =
Dallas Cowboys Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. =
San Diego Chargers Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
Kansas City Chiefs Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina =
New England Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis =
Denver Broncos(from Washington) Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn =
Cincinnati Bengals Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
New York Giants Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
Chicago Bears Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
Carolina Panthers LenDale White, RB, USC
Jacksonville Jaguars Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
New York Jets(from Denver) Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU =
Seattle Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles OG, Georgia =
Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St. =
Houston Texans Eric Winston, OT, Miami =
New Orleans Saints DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama =
New York Jets Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno St.
Green Bay Packers Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami =
San Francisco 49ers Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
Oakland Raiders Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan =
Tennessee Titans Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa
Detroit Lions Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise St.
Arizona Cardinals Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College =
Buffalo Bills Darnell Bing, S USC
Cleveland Browns D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
Baltimore Ravens Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Philadelphia Eagles Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP =
St. Louis Rams Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
Atlanta Falcons Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Va Tech =
Minnesota Vikings Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.
Dallas Cowboys Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
San Diego Chargers Demetruis Williams, WR, Oregon
Minnesota Vikings Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
New England Patriots Deuce Lutui, OG, USC
Washington Redskins Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Kansas City Chiefs Travis Wilson WR, Oklahoma.
Cincinnati Bengals Dominique Byrd, TE USC =
New York Giants Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Chicago Bears Anthony Fasno, TE, Notre Dame
Carolina Panthers Alan Zemaitis CB, Penn State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerris Wilkinson, LB Georgia Tech
Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
Denver Broncos Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
Indianapolis Colts Maurice Stowall, WR Notre Dame
Seattle Seahawks Mark Anderson , DE Alabama.
Pittsburgh Steelers Maurice Drew,RB UCLA

Twins win 2 out of 3 and it ain't bad

2006-04-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers, well summer is here in Minneapolis. We have 70-80 degree weather everyday, so I claim it is summer and not spring. I watched some sports this weekend including three Twins games and the Minnesota Wild season closer.

The Twins are rolling and they took 3 out of 3 from the Athletics and 2 out of 3 from the New York Yankees. This team just needs to keep playing competitive baseball and it will be in good shape when they hit the end of the season. Well players like Hunter, Morneau, Nathan, and Rincon have looked good. But players like Santana, White, Silva, and Crain have looked bad.

The Twins need to go 12-12 to be fine going into May. So this is what the need to do:

Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim Home
2 out 3 Record 8-7
Chicago White Sox Away
1 out 3 Record 9-9
Kansas City Royals Away
2 out 3 Record 11-10
Detroit Tigers Away
1 out 3 Record 12-12

I like how this division is looking also. Nobody is going way in front the division is staying close and our pitchers are going to come through in the end. I think the World Baseball Classic really screwed up the conditioning of Carlos Silva, Johan Santana, and Jesse Crain. But I think with a couple more starts Silva will get his sinker going and Santana will fill more comfortable with his pitches. And Jesse Crain needs to relax and not try to hard and press. Rondell White is pressing and I say Gardy keep him in the four hole and he will play dividends because this lineup is perfect.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild season is over and we missed the playoffs. The Wild need to sign Gaborik to a long term contract and get key scorers next to him. They also need to get rid of the bad defensemen and get 6 soild ones. I would keep

Schultz
Tjarnquist
Burns
either Zyzuin or Skoula
either Foster or Kuba

The Minnesota Timberwolves are finally getting it lose and lose some more to keep that draft pick. They have one more game againest Memphis, and Coach Casey please lose and Kevin McHale start cleaning house. Players who should stay:

C Eddie Griffin
PF: Kevin Garnett
SF: Ricky Davis
SG: Rashad McCants
PG: Marcus Banks

Bench:
C: Mark Blount
PF: Mark Madsen
SF: Justin Reed
SG: Trenton Hassell
PG: ????

Get Rid of:
Marko Jaric
Troy Hudson
Anthony Carter
Ronald Dupree
Richie Frahm

Twins win Two in a row

2006-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers well it's like May in the Twin Cities and the temparture is rising into the 70's. With the temparture rising the Minnesota Twins are starting to win.

Homeruns are fun and last season this team didn't hit many homeruns. But the last two home games the Minnesota Twins have won on homeruns by Torri Hunter, Justin Morneau, and Tony Batista. I really like this lineup except for the right fielder, some days I wish we had Jacque Jones back but I see he is slipping for the Chicago Cubs. So I ask the question today who should be in right field and I think so people will be disapointed by my answer.

Players that can play right field include Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and Lew Ford. So who should be there I think they should start Jason Kubel and then trade either Lew Ford or Michael Cuddyer for a prospect or a draft pick. I think the Minnesota Twins should have gone after a right fielder in the off season. If Jason Kubel doesn't pan out and probably all three guys will pickup after awhile then the Twins need to figure out another plan.

And that other plan might include trading Kyle Loshe for a prospect outfielder. Kyle Loshe starts againest Joe Blanton today at 12:10 as the Minnesota Twins go for the swip over the Oakland Athletics.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild play the Nashville Predators tonight. It is going to be a very intresting offseason for the Wild. The Wild GM Doug Risenbourgh says the Wild are going to go after a big time defensivemen in free agency and a proven offensive scoring forward.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won last night againest the Houston Rockets. The T-puppies needed to loss to keep there draft pick now there in danger to lose that pick to the Los Angelos Clippers if they don't get a top 10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. All I can say to Casey and the Timberwolves is lose.

The Minnesota Vikings are bringing more rookies for looks. This includes Charlie Whitehurst. The agent for Texas quarterback Vince Young said last week that his client was on the Vikings' visit list.

Minnesota Twins Home Opener

2006-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Readers it is warm like a summer day in Minneapolis. Woke up this morning and it was 60 degrees outside with the prediction of 72 for this afternoon and it is only April 11.

Well I wish the Twins had a outdoor stadium because baseball is back in Minnesota, and the Minnesota Twins take on the Oakland Athletics at 7:05 tonight. Brad Radke takes the mound againest Danny Haren both have a 6.00 ERA.

The Twins are 1-5 and need to get back to .500 at the end of the month. And this Oakland series could be a key factor take a look at the schedule after this:

Oakland Athletics April 11-13 Home
New York Yankees April 14-16 Home
Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim April 18-20 Home
Chicago White Sox April 21-23 Away
Kansas City Royals April 25-27 Away
Detroit Tigers April 28-30 Away

The Twins need to go 12-12 to be fine going into May. So this is what the need to do:

Oakland Athletics Home
2 out 3 Record 3-6
New York Yankees Home
1 out 3 Record 4-8
Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim Home
2 out 3 Record 6-9
Chicago White Sox Away
1 out 3 Record 7-11
Kansas City Royals Away
3 out 3 Record 10-11
Detroit Tigers Away
2 out 3 Record 12-12

So really think about it the Twins will be fine if they go .500 this month. This is the hardest month on the schedule and it always takes some time to get rolling into the season. Plus the Twins went 1-5 on the road and the Twins play way better at home. So tonight cheer for the Twins because there going to be fine as the season goes on.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild play there last home game againest the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. Look for the Wild to keep playing soild hockey even though the Wild are out of the playoffs they have had a very soild season.

The Minnesota Vikings have some rookies visting Winterpark this includes Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. They took a look at Minnesota Gophers runningback Lawrence Maroney yesterday.

First 2 rounds mock draft 2.0

2006-04-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =
New Orleans Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Tennessee Titans Matt Leinart, QB, USC
New York Jets Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St.
Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =
San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas =
Buffalo Bills Winston Justice, OT, USC
Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas =
Arizona Cardinals Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon =
Cleveland Browns Kamerion Wimbley DE Florida St.
Baltimore Ravens Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St.
Philadelphia Eagles Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
Denver Broncos(from Atlanta) Jimmy Williams, S, Va Tech =
Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson =
Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St. =
Dallas Cowboys Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
San Diego Chargers Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina =
Kansas City Chiefs Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
New England Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis =
Denver Broncos(from Washington) LenDale White, RB, USC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn =
Cincinnati Bengals Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan =
New York Giants Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa =
Chicago Bears Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota =
Jacksonville Jaguars Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
New York Jets(from Denver) Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU =
Seattle Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles OG, Georgia =
Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St. =
Houston Texans Eric Winston, OT, Miami =
New Orleans Saints DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama =
New York Jets Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St. =
Green Bay Packers Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
San Francisco 49ers Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
Oakland Raiders Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Tennessee Titans D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland =
Detroit Lions Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, Cal =
Arizona Cardinals Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
Buffalo Bills Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Cleveland Browns Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
Baltimore Ravens Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee =
Philadelphia Eagles Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP =
St. Louis Rams Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame =
Atlanta Falcons Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Va Tech =
Minnesota Vikings Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
Dallas Cowboys Darnell Bing, S USC =
San Diego Chargers Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona St. =
Minnesota Vikings Brodie Croyle QB, Alabama =
New England Patriots Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno St. =
Washington Redskins Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa =
Kansas City Chiefs Deuce Lutui, OG, USC
Cincinnati Bengals Dominique Byrd, TE USC =
New York Giants Anthony Fasno, TE, Notre Dame =
Chicago Bears Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.
Carolina Panthers Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise St.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
Denver Broncos Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota
Indianapolis Colts Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
Seattle Seahawks Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
Pittsburgh Steelers Martin Nance, WR Miami (OH)

Minnesota Twins get first win of the year!!

2006-04-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers it has been crazy at work and I haven't been able to post as much as I use too. Well your Minnesota Twins won it's first game of the year yesterday and it looks like they have some good bats in the offense.

Torri Hunter hit a Grand Slam yesterday to seal the deal as the Minnesota Twins win 13-6 againest the Toronto Blue Jays. After the Tuesday nights opener againest Roy Halladay the Twins bats waked up. The lineup is pretty strong and players like Shannon Stewart and Torri Hunter picking up the slack. Look for the Twins to put a good performance againest Chacin and the Jays as Carlos Silva takes the mound for the Twins.

Other Minnesota Sports News

The Minnesota Wild have signed Danny Irmen the Golden Gophers forward to a contract. He should be on the club pretty soon and look for him to get some games in before the season is over. Dwayne Roloson comes back into town as the Minnesota Wild take on the Edmonton Oilers tonight at the Excel Center.

The Minnesota Vikings schedule comes out today and look for the Vikings to play Daunte Culpepper and the Miami Dolphins in November or October. The Vikings play the AFC East this year so look for the Dolphins, Jets, Bill, and Patriots on the schedule.

The Minnesota Twins stadium deal could be on the agenda at the state capital today. It passed the first round, and will be competing with the Gophers and Vikings football stadium bills.

Minnesota Twins Making all the wrong moves

2006-04-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers, it has been a busy day but I finally had some time to post. I like to say the Minnesota Twins are going to the World Series but they are making all the wrong moves.

First of all the Minnesota Twins lost to the Rochester Redwings yesterday 12-3. Scott Baker had a terrible game pitching and the AAA minor league team wanted to win this game. Jason Bartlett had a homerun off Scott Baker and should be our starting day shortstop. This team keeps making bad moves and with not keeping Jason Bartlett on the roster Juan Castro is going to be your opening day shortstop and Nick Punto will back him up. I like Juan Castro as a player but I don't think he should be a starting shortstop.

The other player that don't make sense is Francisco Lirano being a left-hander out of the bullpen. This guy should be either a starter on the Minnesota Twins or the Rochester Redwings and he should be learning to control his pitches. The other move that boggles my mind is Jason Kubel staying on the big league roster with Michael Cuddyer both fighting for the right field position. I think the officials of this team are taking chances on some players but mortaging the future on Jason Bartlett's career.

Look for the Minnesota Twins to win 80-90 wins, and the Twins getting third in this division. One last question to leave with you Jim Thome hit a monster two run home run last night and he wanted to come here, why didn't we trade for him?

Vikings keeping the horn on the helmet

2006-03-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning readers I am sorry I haven't posted in a long time. I have been sick and have had a hard time looking at the computer for long periods of time. Well if your a Vikings fan you heard that the Vikings made some changes to there uniforms.

Well some big news came in from owner Ziggy Wilf the Vikings are keeping the horn on the helmet and not changing it to the Vikings head. Ziggy said that they weren't taking the horn off they were just going to add some yellow to the horn. Other changes with the uniform could include dark pants with the home uniform. Other changes might include a third alternative jersey.

I have gotten a lot of comments in my Mock Draft predictions and I will be making changes to it next week. People have been sending me emails about why certain teams take certain people I have my reasons and I do in depth studying of teams and see potential in some players. More Mock Draft predictions next week.

More Minnesota Sports News

The Minnesota Wild lost a heart breaker last night at the GM Place in Vancouver Canucks. With literally 6 seconds on the clock in the third period Anson Carter of the Canucks scored the game winning powerplay goal. This team needs two more scorers because Rolston and Gaborik can't score all the goals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won last night againest the Orlando Magic. Ricky Davis had a big game, but it looks like the Timberwolves will have a big lottery pick.

First 2 rounds mock draft 1.0

2006-03-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =
New York Jets(trade with Saints) Matt Leinart, QB, USC =
Tennessee Titans Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
New Orleans Saints(trade with Jets) A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =
Green Bay Packers Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St. =
San Francisco 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas
Buffalo Bills Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas =
Arizona Cardinals Winston Justice, OT, USC
St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Cleveland Browns Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
Baltimore Ravens LenDale White, RB, USC
Philadelphia Eagles Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.
Atlanta Falcons Jimmy Williams, S, Va Tech =
Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson =
Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
Dallas Cowboys Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =
San Diego Chargers Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
Kansas City Chiefs Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =
New England Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
Denver Broncos(from Washington) Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn =
Cincinnati Bengals Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
New York Giants Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Chicago Bears Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Jacksonville Jaguars Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.
Denver Broncos Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College =
Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
Seattle Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles OG, Georgia
Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston Texans Eric Winston, OT, Miami
New Orleans Saints DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
New York Jets Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.
Green Bay Packers Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.
San Francisco 49ers Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami =
Oakland Raiders Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
Tennessee Titans D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
Detroit Lions Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, Cal
Arizona Cardinals Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
Buffalo Bills Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
Cleveland Browns Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
Baltimore Ravens Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
Philadelphia Eagles Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP
St. Louis Rams Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
Atlanta Falcons Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Va Tech =
Minnesota Vikings Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Dallas Cowboys Darnell Bing, S USC
San Diego Chargers Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona St.
Minnesota Vikings Brodie Croyle QB, Alabama
New England Patriots Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno St.
Washington Redskins Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa =
Kansas City Chiefs Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
Cincinnati Bengals Dominique Byrd, TE USC
New York Giants Anthony Fasno, TE, Notre Dame
Chicago Bears Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise St.
Carolina Panthers Deuce Lutui, OG, USC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska
Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
Denver Broncos Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota
Indianapolis Colts Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma
Seattle Seahawks Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
Pittsburgh Steelers Martin Nance, WR Miami (OH)

Minnesota Vikings building with quality players

2006-03-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Readers I have been on vacation for a few days so I have been letting my blog slip a little bit. So today we are going to talk some Minnesota Vikings football. I like where this team is going.

We are cutting the bad players out of our system and adding quality leaders and players. We cut Daunte Culpepper, Moe Williams, Brian Williams, and Michael Bennett. And we added players like Steve Hutchinson, Koren Robinson, Ryan Longwell, and Chester Taylor. I like what Childress is doing with this team building around a strong running game and a proven Superbowl Quarterback.

We have seven draft picks in the upcoming draft to get the following postions filled. These positions are in order of importance:

Backup Quarterback (future Quarterback)
Coverage Linebacker
Offensive Lineman Depth
Third Cornerback
Safety
Runningback Depth
Tight End Depth

Overall I do have to say if you were going to build a team to win with hard running and defense this is what the team would look like. Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss are all-star players but two players don't make a team.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild won last night againest the Calgary Flames last night. Erik Westrom played his first NHL game in a Wild uniform and he looked good. Marion Gaborik scored two goals and Brian Rolston added another. Look for the Wild to miss the playoffs but make a splash in the next offseason.

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat last night on the shoulders of Ricky Davis. This team is not going to make the playoffs and look for them to get a good draft pick and add more depth to this team.

The Minnesota Twins play at noon today againest the Reds. Look for MLB teams to start making cuts soon, or start making trades for needed postions and depth.

Full First Round Mock Draft

2006-03-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Readers well here it is my first full first round Mock Draft of the year. Notice the arrows meaning players are moving up and down on the Draft chart. Hope everybody enjoys it.

Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =
New York Jets (traded the Saints) Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Tennessee Titans Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
New Orleans Saints (traded the Jets) A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =
Green Bay Packers Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St. =
San Francisco 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas
Buffalo Bills Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas
Arizona Cardinals Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Cleveland Browns LenDale White, RB, USC
Baltimore Ravens DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
Philadelphia Eagles Winston Justice, OT, USC
Atlanta Falcons Jimmy Williams, S, Va Tech
Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.
Dallas Cowboys Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =
San Diego Chargers Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. =
Kansas City Chiefs Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =
New England Patriots Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Denver Broncos(from Washington) Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
Cincinnati Bengals Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
New York Giants Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.
Chicago Bears Darnell Bing, S, USC =
Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Jacksonville Jaguars Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
Denver Broncos Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.
Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU =
Seattle Seahawks DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Pittsburgh Steelers Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina

Good Ridance Daunte Culpepper

2006-03-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Readers, well you should all know by now that Daunte Culpepper has been traded to the Miami Dolphins for there 2nd Round Draft Pick. If you know me and have read past articles on Daunte Culpepper and this guy was a cry baby.

So where do we go now? Well we build a team around a strong defense and strong offensive run. That's what teams do to win in this league. Would you give up two allstar players to get a Superbowl and a new Stadium? The answer for me is yes. The Patriots lost Curtis Martin, Dree Bledsoe, and Terry Glenn and won three Superbowls and the key to this league is draft correctly and find players that can play your system and are all leaders.

The Draft is next month look for Brad Childress to find a new gem quarterback. I did a mockdraft and I think it is coming together nicely so far I have:

First Round

Chad Greenway Iowa LB: Not a true MLB but has the senses to play on all linebacker positions. Plays hard great tackler, great speed, and has a real sense for the game. Could be taken between 1st to 15th draft picks.
Winston Justice, OT USC: The Vikings could look to free agency to fill their needs on the offensive line, but if they don’t, they could address the position early in the draft..
Ernie Sims FSU LB: Also not a true MLB but has great speed, and is a great tackler, he does have some off the field issues. Could be taken between 15th and 45th.
Eric Winston, Miami (FL) OT: The Vikings need a lot of help on the offensive line, and Winston could step in and play immediately. He possesses great size and intelligence, and can play either on the left or right side.
Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt: Cutler has received a lot of hype since the Senior Bowl, and another team could be tempted to move up once he gets out of the top ten.

Second Round (2 picks)

D'Qwell Jackson Maryland LB: A true MLB with speed and good size. Typical Maryland linebacker came from the same system as E.J. Henderson. Could be taken between the 20th and early second round.
Adul Hodge Iowa LB: This guy is a monster he can play the run and pass. He is a machine smart and can smell out a play. He runs very well, but can be stopped if doesn't play with big linemen. Could be taken between the 10th and 45th picks.
Brodie Croyle Alabama QB: Croyle enters his senior year at Alabama coming off season-ending knee surgery a year ago. Despite an injury that plagued him in 2003, Croyle set the single-season record for pass attempts (341), was second in completions (182), 2nd in passing yards (2,303) and tied for the single-season passing touchdown mark (16).

Bernard Pollard Purdue S: A big time big ten safety was a cornerstone for that Purdue defense. Good size and speed and looks like a monster in the back field. Could be taken between 25th and 50th draft picks.

Taitusi Lutui USC OG: The offensive line was a big problem area and this guy could be the next David Dixon for them.

Jason Allen Tennessee S

: His size and speed makes him an intriguing prospect at corner, but he might be more suited for safety.

Max Jean-Gilles Georgia OG: A very experienced blocker, Max Jean-Gilles has blocked against the top defenses of the SEC his entire career. Jean-Gilles doesn’t have the best mobility because of his large stature. He needs to react quicker to the play and hold his blocks longer.

More Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild fell last night againest the Edmonton Oilers. I watched the game and the Refs cost the Wild a win last night. I think if they would have called that Walz goal a actual goal then we had some momentum to win. The Wild make there own destiny and they need to win to make the playoffs.

Vikings making SOME moves

2006-03-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Readers, it looks like the snow storm is over in the cities. Sorry I didn't post yesterday but it was a heck of a day in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Vikings have made some moves and look for them to make some more.

Well the Vikings signed Ben Leber and Ryan Longwell proving that they got a great young kicker and a proven run-stopping linebacker. After signing those two they went after the future power runningback of this organization Chester Taylor who has 4.1 yard average and proven stats to be a catching threat in the backfield.

One of the Vikings biggest signings is keeping Koren Robinson in Purple and giving him a big contract. It looked like the Vikings were rolling and then they signed Steve Hutchinson to the offer sheet. This deal is very interesting because it is the largest deal in the OG spot in NFL history. I like this deal in two ways and the Vikings are making Seattle squirm and maybe getting Steve Hutchinson in a power move.

So what else do they need a Safety, Middle Linebacker, Nickle Cornerback, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, and a third Quarterback. Players that are coming in to Winter Park are Will Demps S Baltimore Ravens, Craig Nalls QB Green Bay Packers, William Henderson FB Green Bay, and other just rumored players.

So I would give the Vikings a B grade so far in free agency. And I think Daunte Culpepper is going to be traded before the end of the day.

Other Minnesota Sports Notes:

The Minnesota Wild play the Edmonton Oilers again tonight. Look for the Wild to try to get another win againest the last playoff team. If the Wild make a push to make the playoffs the Wild Moght have a chance to make the playoffs.

The Minnesota Twins play the Philadephia Phillies today at noon. Look for the Twins to keep on rolling in spring training.

The Minnesota Timberwolves keep on falling, but it isn't he worse thing in the world because the more they lose the better lottery pick they get in the draft.

Bye Bye Daunte Culpepper

2006-03-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Readers I hope you are enjoying the Minnesota Boys State Tournment speculation. Today I am going to talk to the Biggest Crybaby in Minnesota and I am not talking about former Timberwolves Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell, I am talking about former Minnesota Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper.

In an expressive email yesterday Daunte Culpepper made it plain and clear that he wants to be traded or released and have nothing to do with this team. And I say trade his butt to another team or just release him. I have been a Culpepper supporter for the last three seasons and have taken grief from my friends and family for supporting him. I supported through the Boat scandel and even last week but he has broken my spirit for him and needs to be traded or released.

Why does he need to be traded, one is he gives up and doesn't stick in there when the going gets tough. Once the Vikings picked Brad Childress for Head Coach Daunte didn't want to support him. In games where we needed a comeback he never gave us one. He is a money grubbing player who thinks one or two years make him a allstar player who should get super bonuses. he only thinks about himself and not his team or teammates. He had surgery on three of his ligaments in his knee and players with that injury take at least two years to come back to full strength. And lastly he is not our leader and has tough times controlling his emotions.

So who will want him the teams I hear in talks are the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders. But Culpepper has made such a debacle of this his trade value is almost zero and he needs the Minnesota Vikings to pull the trigger. I think if we can get anything for him lets just pull the trigger and do it. We can find new talent and build a team that wants to be a team. So Goodbye Daunte Culpepper and hopefully you enjoy your payoff with some other team.

Other Minnesota Sports Notes:

Doug Risebourgh pulled another big Minnesota Wild trade yesterday with the Dallas Stars to get 26 year old Martin Skoula and 24 year old Shawn Belle one of the Stars biggest prospects. And all we had to give up is 28 year old Willie Mitchell and a 2nd Round Draft pick.

Minnesota Highschool Boys Hockey team:

Blaine 7, Lakeville North 2

Cretin-Derham Hall 5, Eagan 2

Grand Rapids 7, Roseau 4

Hill-Murray 5 Minnetonka 4

So who is going to win the State AA Boys Highschool Hockey Tournament

2006-03-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

1AA: A very competitive division with most of the teams losing lots of there talent. Rochester Century is the narrow favorite with Marshall and Rochester Mayo coming from behind. This section is going to be a dog fight and sadly the winner is not going to make it to the second round of the State Tournment.
New Outlook: It is a dog fight between Rochester Century 9-10-1, Marshall 13-6-0, and Rochester Mayo 10-8-1. I going to stay with my prediction of Rochester Century to make it to state, but once there not making it out of the first round.

WHO WON: Lakeville North won the section and I was completly wrong on this one. 0-1

2AA: Tartan went to State last year and lost most of there talent in the off-season. Cretin-Derham Hall has a very soild team, but I like Hastings and Woodbury in this division they are returning the most talent and have come a long way in there programs. Watch out for St.Paul Johnson they have some talent and they have been to State before.
New Outlook: Well the overall dominate team of this division is Cretin-Durham Hall with a 17-3-1 record, there big competition is either Woodbury 13-6-2 or St. Paul Johnson with a 13-5-2 record. The under horse team is Hastings with a 10-8-2 record and was a pre-season favorite.

WHO WON: Cretin-Durham Hall won the section and my newoutlook was correct.1-1

3AA: I was superised that White Bear Lake took a early exit last year in the tournment. This is a two team race between White Bear Lake and the power house of Hill Murray, this is going to be a very interesting section and I think the winner between these two teams will be in the State Tournment Finals. Also watch out for that dang Centennial.
New Outlook: Hill Murray on all accounts are heading back to state with an impressive 17-1-1 record. There only competition looks like White Bear Lake 11-7-2, and Centinnial 10-8-2. If Hill Murray wins there section look for them to take state.

WHO WON: Hill Murray won the section and my original outlook was correct. 2-1

4AA: Wayzata is the big team to beat in this section with Blaine and Osseo a close 2nd and 3rd. This is another division where they have lost many of there seniors to graduation. This is going to be a beating with Wayzata getting ready for a tournment birth.
New Outlook: This section is another weak section and it is between Wayzata 12-8-0, and Blaine 15-4-0. I think Blaine is going to take this section, but there not going to make it to far up the state brackets.

WHO WON: Blaine won the section and my original outlook was correct. 3-1

5AA: Holy Angels wants to repeat and has a very good chance too. They are returning many juniors and seniors and both of there goalies. Apple Valley has a chance to beat them but it is probably not going to happen. Rosemount is another big team in this section but I think Holy Angels is too big and strong to loss out.
New Outlook: Like I said before Holy Angels is a bigger stronger team and should win this section easy with a 15-1-2 record so far. The other teams with a chance Rosemount 11-7-1 and Eagan 11-7-1. I am looking for a Holy Angels vs. Hill Murray final at state.

WHO WON: Eagen won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-2

6AA: Minnetonka looks like a pretty good team this year, but they will have to beat Bloomington Jefferson to get to State. I think Minnetonka has a very good chance returning most of there talent and goalies. But Bloomington Jefferson has the experience and the pristege of being to state many times. Watch out for Eden Prairie and Chaske in this section too.
New Outlook: This section is a three way dog fight between big dog Bloomington Jefferson 14-4-1, Minnetonka 11-8-0, and Eden Prairie 14-2-2. I think Bloomington Jefferson is going to win this section but Minnetonka could give them some problems.

WHO WON: Minnetonka won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-3

7AA: Duluth East is the top range team and should return to state. Elk River now joins there section and could make a run at state. This division is going to be a two team race since Cloquet and Grand Rapids lost lots of talent . East has two soild lines and seems to find talent around the range.
New Outlook: This section is very competitive section with four teams with great records having a chance to win the section. Duluth East has a 14-5-1 record and has played some hard teams. Elk River switched sections and has a 13-4-2 record, Cloquet a team that I have downplayed has a 16-3-1 record and has looked strong in the division. And finally Grand Rapids has a 12-7-0 record and has a chance to make the section finals.

WHO WON: Grand Rapids won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-4

8AA: Moorhead lost alot of talent and will have to work really hard to make it back, they lost there starting goalie to another team and looks like they won't repeat. So enter Roseau who has been working hard to get back on top. They have lots of talent returning and should make it to state again. Buffalo switched sections and could have a chance to make it to state.
New Outlook: This is a two team race between Roseau 17-4-0 and just had a tough loss againest Warroad, and Moorhead who is 13-4-1 and has lost most of there big name players. I think Roseau will win this section but look for a dog fight againest Moorhead.

WHO WON: Roseau won the section and I was correct. 4-4

So the winners for Minnesota Boys Hockey section AA are:

Lakeville North
Cretin-Durham Hall
Hill Murray
Blaine
Eagen
Minnetonka
Grand Rapids
Roseau

So who plays who today:

First game 1A verus 4A: This should be a barn burner with Blaine coming up on top. Look for Lakeville North to fall to the consolation bracket. I like Blaine's schedule and the fact they have played some big teams helps in the season.

Second game 2A verus 5A: This is the game of the day Cretin-Durham Hall againest power house Eagen. Look for a high scoring game with the Eagan coming out with this one. Look for the winner of this won to play Blaine in a tough game.

Third game 3A verus 6A: Hill-Murray and Minnetonka look for Hill-Murray to take this one in a low scoring affair. Hill-Murray has been cruising and look for them to go far in this tournment.

Fourth game 7A and 8A: Roseau and Grand Rapids square off in a northwoods matchup tonight. Look for the Rams to win this one big.

Yesterday Winners:

• Little Falls 6, Man. East/Loyola 5

• Duluth Marshall 4, Blake 2

• St. Thomas Acad. 3, Orono 2, OT

• Hermantown 4, Thief River Falls 3

So who is going to win the State A Boys Highschool Hockey Tournament

2006-03-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

1A Original: I am going to say that one of the Mankato teams are going to win this section . With Mankato East getting the nod over Mankato West. Albert Lea was the section winner last year and there team was week verus a dominate Warroad team, but they looked good againest the range team.
New Outlook: The Mankato teams are not doing as well as planned and it looks like last years winner Albert Lea is going to make a soild run at the section. With a record of 9- 9-0 Albert Lea is not going to make a big splash in the tournament. Also look out for Marshall with a soild record of 13-4-0.

WHO WON: Mankato East won the section and my original outlook was correct. 0-1

2A Original: Duluth Marshall is going to repeat they only graduated a couple kids and there team was very soild in the tournament. Duluth Denfield might make a play at Duluth with returning there top line and a good goalie but I think Marshall will take this one.
New Outlook: Duluth Marshall is killing there opponents in the section they have to be the favorite in the section with a 15-1-1 record and they have played some tough games and some tough teams.

WHO WON: Duluth Marshall won the section and I was correct all the way. 1-1

3A Original: Rochester Lourdes has looked good in past years and has a soild chance this year of returning. St. Thomas was last years mystery team at state you might remember Jordan Schroeder that young freshman. Redwing is returning so good scorers and could come back to the tournament with soild scorers.
New Outlook: Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Red Wing 12-3-2, St. Thomas 11-4-1, and Rochester Lourdes 9-6-2. I think St. Thomas will return to state they have had the stronger schedule and conference.

WHO WON: St. Thomas won the section and my original outlook was correct. 2-1

4A: Little Falls and Fergus Falls have been coming to the tournament for many years this section is the worst section. Alexandria moved down from AA and looks like they might take a run at state. This section is horrible and these schools are going to battle it out for a first round exit.
New Outlook:Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Alexandria 9-10-0, Little Falls 13-3-1, and Fergus Falls 9-4-2. I think Alexandria will make it to state with a tougher schedule.

WHO WON: Little Falls won the section and I was completly wrong on this one. 2-2

5A: Blake is going to be the team to beat in this section. This section one of the competitive in the state with Breck and Grace right behind them. Grace went to state last year and lost to Warroad in the finals in overtime one of the best games in state history. St. Louis Park might be the darkhorse in this division and could have a chance to make it.
New Outlook: This is the most competitive section in the state with Blake 9-7-2, Breck 11-6-0, Totino Grace 11-6-0, and St. Louis Park 14-2-1. I like Breck in this section Blake has slowed down and looks like they have troubles this year.

WHO WON: Blake won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-3

6A: Another section where a AA school moved down and has the chance to go to state. Faribault moved down from AA and looks like the favorite in this section. Orono has been the state leader for many years and will give Faribault a run for his money. Mound went to state last year and they had a late run to make it to state.
New Outlook: It looks like Faribault is going to win this section they have a 12-5-1 record and still have played some big schools on the way. Orono 10-7-1 and Holy Family 10-8-2 might have a chance but look for Faribault to win this section.

WHO WON: Orono won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-4

7A: Another great three way battle to make it to state Virgina/Iron Mountain/Buhl the state winners last year only lost Niskaneen to UMD but returned most of there team. Hibbing is also a soild team and wants to go back to state. Hermantown is going fast and might have the best chance to upset the two big mining towns.
New Outlook: Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Virgina/Mountain Iron/Buhl 15-3-0, Hibbing 9-8-0, and Hermantown 15-2-0. I think Virgina/Mountain Iron/Buhl will return to state they have had the stronger team than the others.

WHO WON: Hermantown won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-5

8A: Warroad lost a lot of talent and is going to have to work hard to win again. They are returning Marvin but they have a new goalie, new defense, and new fowards. Thief River Falls is the favorite but they have a 25 year old curse to break. They have the most talent in the section and should go to state. Lake of the Woods is the dark horse they have Beller back and players that are smart and a good Fort Francis goalie.
New Outlook: Thief River Falls is the favorite to win state at a 12-4-0 and beating Warroad 9-6-2 and East Grand Forks 6-10-1 it looks like the Prowlers will make back to state after 40 years.

WHO WON: Thief River Falls won the section and I was correct all the way. 3-5

So the winners for the Minnesota Boy Hockey section single A are:

Mankato East
Duluth Marshall
St. Thomas Academy
Little Falls
Blake
Orono
Hermantown
Thief River Falls

So who plays who today:

First game 1A verus 4A: This should be a barn burner with Mankato East coming up on top. Look for Little Falls to fall to the consolation bracket. I like Mankato East schedule and the fact they have played some big teams helps.

Second game 2A verus 5A: This is the game of the day Duluth Marshall againest power house Blake. Look for a high scoring game with the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers coming out with this one. And the loser of this one is going to be the winner of the consolation bracket.

Third game 3A verus 6A: St. Thomas and Orono look for St. Thomas to take this one in a low scoring affair. St. Thomas has been cruising and look for them to go far in this tournment.

Fourth game 7A and 8A: Thief River Falls and Hermantown square off in a northwoods matchup tonight. Look for the Prowlers to beat the Hawks in a close matchup.

We will miss you Kirby Puckett

2006-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's a sad day in the eyes of many Minnesota Twins fans as number 34 Kirby Puckett went to the field of dreams in the sky. He was a hero to many and was the best clutch player in Minnesota History. Stories to remember :

The Debut: Twins catcher Tim Laudner was in the clubhouse in Anaheim, Calif., to play the Angels when Puckett arrived for his first day in the big leagues.

"He came in and didn't have enough money to pay the cab fare," Laudner, 47, recalled Monday. "He said, 'If you guys want me in the lineup tonight, somebody had better go out and pay the cab.' It was something like $90. Puck had taken the cab from LAX (the airport) to Anaheim, and he had spent all his money on his minor league buddies the night before when he was told he was going to the big leagues."

The center fielder provided a sign of things to come when he went 4-for-5 in his major league debut on May 8, 1984, becoming the ninth player in history to collect four hits in his first game.

The Catch: First, he made a leaping catch against the Metrodome's outfield Plexiglas in the third inning and robbed Ron Gant of an extra-base hit, saving a run from scoring. Then, in the 11th inning, Puckett became the ninth player in major league history to win a World Series game with a home run, hitting a changeup from Charlie Leibrandt over the outfield wall and pumping his arms in celebration as he rounded the bases.

The homer: In the clubhouse before World Series Game 6, with the Twins down three games to two, Puckett told his teammates to "jump on my back. I'll carry you." He led off the bottom of the 11th with a home run to left, propelling his team into Game 7 and an eventual second World Series championship in five years.

The weekend: On Aug. 29-30, 1987, Puckett went 10-for-11 over two games at Milwaukee, setting an AL record and tying the modern-day major league record for hits in two consecutive games. In the Sunday game, he went 6-for-6 and stole a grand slam from Robin Yount.

And Finally he said:

"Kirby Puckett's going to be all right," he said in 1996. "Don't worry about me. I'll show up, and I'll have a smile on my face. The only thing I won't have is this uniform on. But you guys can have the memories of what I did when I did have it on."

God just needed a allstar center fielder for his baseball team and he got a good one.

Get Well Kirby Puckett

2006-03-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Readers, our prayers go out to Kirby Puckett, he suffered a stroke this weekend and is in critical condition in Scottsdale Arizona. I would like to say he was a sports idol in Minnesota and is the number one clutch player in Minnesota State history. So Kirby we know your tough and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

He always gave a clutch hit or catch he was a proven leader that players and fans looked up too. He is a Minnesota icon before players started making so much money. He loved Minnesota and had many opportunties to go to a bigger market and make some more money. I like to say he was a person that was down to earth and wanted to prove his worth. He was only 5' 9'' but he has a heart 100 times the size.

So get well Kirby Puckett and I know you will get through this. You are a tough athlete and person and I know you can get through this. So if you are reading this keep him in your mind and remember all the things he did for Minnesota Sports. So Kirby we know your tough and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild won yesterday 5-3 againest the Colorado Av's. Wes Walz scored a couple goals to win againest the Colorado Av's. It looks like the Wild are playing straight .500 hockey are going to miss the playoffs by 4-6 games. On other news the Minnesota Wild released Alexander Daigle. And picked up Mattias Weinhandl from the New York Islanders organization.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have seemed to figured out a rotation that works and they beat the Golden State Warriors. Look for the Timberwolves to miss the playoffs and to be in good shape for the playoffs.

The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready for the free agency but it looks like free agency won't start to Thursday. The Vikings signed Willie Offord to a 2 year contract and a backup center from the Jets. Look for the Vikings to make a big splash in the free agency market.

Minnesota Wild are falling fast

2006-03-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Loyal Readers it has been a rough week and I haven't been blogging much lately and now I am back on the wagon. I watched the Minnesota Twins in there first Grapefruit league game last night. Also with that I watched the Minnesota Wild fall off the playoff map.

I was thinking after the game this team should not make a trade if there 8 or more points back. They have a good situation going and don't need to trade players to competitors if they are out of the playoff race. I have been a big advacate for trading players but the more I think about it I don't think any trade could push this team in the playoffs.

The players I feel bad for is Marion Gaborik and Brian Rolston who are having giant seasons for the Wild. Look for the Wild to keep on falling as Manny is playing poorly and maybe they should play Dwayne Roloson a little more and get a little more competitive spirit in the clubhouse.

When you are playing Alex Henry as a forward it is going to be a losing season. Look for the Wild to revamp in the offseason. And with Alex Henry as a forward you might ask who isn't playing well that would be Alexander Daigle and Stephane Vellieux. So Jacque Lemaire why are you playing defensemen when you need scoring?

Other Minnesota Sports News:

I watched the Minnesota Twins beat up on the Boston Red Sox last night on FSN in Grapefruit league action. I liked the lineup I was impressed by Joe Mauer, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Jason Barlett, Torri Hunter, Darrell May, and Lew Ford. I wasn't impressed by Tony Batistia, Gabe White, Nick Punto, and Jason Pridle.

The Minnesota Timberwolves keep having issues on and off the field. Anthony Carter got arrested last night for drunk driving. This team needs to go into the offseason with a new plan and a high draft pick. It looks for Rashad McCants is coming along and they just need a plan to make it all work.

Minnesota Wild are back!!

2006-02-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Readers, so I took a little vacation from the blog since the Olympics were going on and I got caught up with that. The NHL starts back up tonight and look for the Minnesota Wild to play Colorado tonight.

The NHL trade deadline is coming up fast and it looks like the Wild are looking to trade. Players in the mix to be traded:

Manny G
Dwayne Roloson G
Willie Mitchell D
Flippe Kuba D
and other players that are free agents next year

The Wild need to keep on rolling they have three players that won medals in the olympics and most of them won't be playing tonight. Players include Flippe Kuba bronze medal, Mikko Koivo silver medal, and Daniel Tarnquist gold medal. The Wild need to make a trade for another forward who can score goals and is younger who can sign a long term contract.

Teams that are in the mix the Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lighting and every team in our division. Good luck Wild you need to win to be in the playoffs.

Other Minnesota Sports Notes:

The Minnesota Timberwolves play the Chicago Bulls tonight. Look for the Timberwolves to keep on falling backwards. Adam Morrison a scoring senior is looking like a great choice for the Timberwolves in the offseason. Kevin Garnett will play tonight following his weak ejection from the Memphis game where he threw a ball in the stands and hit a fan in the face.

Free agency in the NFL should start Friday look for the Minnesota Vikings to make a big splash in free agency. The NFL is waiting for a collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA.

The Minnesota Twins play there first spring training game on Sunday againest the Boston Red Sox. After a few games players will report to the WBC and that includes some of our big name pitchers, and Luis Castillo and Justin Morneau.

The Minnesota State Hockey tournament starts pretty soon and look for me to show results. Class A bracket results:
http://brackets.ahaphantoms.com/class_a.htm