If the Timberwolves are still set on acquiring Booker, do they have enough assets to make the Suns blink, even? Or has Booker officially priced him out of joining the Timberwolves, based on his performance inside the bubble?

Devin Booker’s season:

26.6 PPG
6.5 APG
4.2 RPG
49% FG
35% 3PT
92% FT

Bubble stats
30.5 PPG – 6.0 APG – 4.9 RPG

Only 23 years old…salute to Devin Booker on a great season ? pic.twitter.com/FVXWkvL51M

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) August 14, 2020

WHAT CAN THE WOLVES OFFER?

After trading for D’Angelo Russell, the Wolves find themselves a little short on assets. Thankfully, Brooklyn made the playoffs so the Wolves have TWO first round picks in the upcoming October draft. One of those picks will be in the lottery (because the Timberwolves sucked again last season). Post-bubble, those picks alone won’t be enough to get Phoenix to answer the phone.

Josh Okogie represents one potential trade chip for the Timberwolves. After some early struggles offensively, Okogie started to pick up his scoring before the season was halted due to COVID-19. In 11 games after the All-Star break, Okogie shot 50% from the field and 36% from 3. Josh already brings great defense, so the Suns could look at him as a project off the bench, with room to grow.

Jarrett Culver is another potential trade chip the Suns could find tantalizing. Culver is a similar player to Okogie, an athletic defensive wing with shooting upside. Culver has come along more quickly with his offense, than Okogie did. Culver shot a healthy 49% from the field and 42% from 3pt, in the final 11 games of the Timberwolves season. Even though the two of them being similar players, wing depth is a valuable commodity in today’s NBA.

SALARY MATCH AN ISSUE?

Because Booker signed a max extension with Phoenix in 2018, the Timberwolves would need to make the salaries match, in a trade. One veteran trade chip the Wolves could push to the middle of the table, is James Johnson. He is making $15 million on a player option. After that, the Wolves have cap hits of Jarrett Culver ($6.1 million), Jake Layman ($3.7 million), Josh Okogie ($2.7 million), and Jacob Evans ($2 million).

To get close to Booker’s $29.4 million salary for 2020-21, the Wolves could offer Johnson, Culver, Okogie, and their recent trade exceptions. Those exceptions include:

• Treveon Graham, expiring 1/16/21 — $228,505
• Jeff Teague, expiring 1/16/21 — $500,000
• Gorgui Dieng, expiring 2/6/21 — $879,813

Now those may not seem like much, but the Timberwolves do appear to have enough assets to make a deal happen. They could of course get another team involved to help further match salaries. There are always willing NBA teams, looking to offload or take on expiring contracts.

HOW HAVE THE WOLVES DONE IN RECENT TRADES?

Bulls agree in principle to trade Jimmy Butler, 16th pick to MIN for LaVine, Dunn, 7th pick, per @WojVerticalNBA. https://t.co/TVqw4JD8kr pic.twitter.com/tWSvpU44C2

— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) June 23, 2017

Obviously the Butler trade was the biggest the team has made since Kevin Garnett left for Boston. LaVine was beginning to show flashes of being a starting-caliber guard. The pick the Timberwolves traded ended up as Lauri Markkanen, who has been a promising young player for Chicago. Even Kris Dunn has showed flashes of success, since the trade, that he failed to show in Minnesota. The Wolves only got one season out of Butler, while the Bulls continue to get solid minutes from the former Wolves’ assets.

Golden State has agreed to trade D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota for a deal that includes Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick, league sources tell ESPN. Warriors will send Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to Timberwolves too.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020

Many Wolves fans were upset that Andrew Wiggins was kept rather than traded, in the Jimmy Butler deal. They got their wish when Wiggins was dealt for Russell. The Timberwolves were hoping to sign Russell in free agency, but he ultimately chose Golden State (despite questions about his fit on the team).

CAN THEY PULL IT OFF?

Other teams might have to get involved for money to work but, ultimately, it’s going to come down to Devan Booker’s desire to leave Phoenix. The Suns could look at their 8-0 stretch, inside the bubble, as a sign of the team coming together under Monty Williams. Even before that, they weren’t going to be in any big hurry to deal their 23-year-old superstar.

If Booker makes a request for a trade, Gersson Rosas should be ready to pull the trigger with his best offer (he will be). Whether or not it is enough will depend on what others are offering and how desperate Phoenix feels in that moment.

Seth Toupal | Minnesota Sports Fan

Don’t panic Wolves Fans. It looks like Wiggins still plans on signing his extension with the Timberwolves

Agents get fired all the time.  This situation seems to be different. According to Woj, NBA agents are able to take 4% of newly signed contract as commission money.

According to Duffy, Wiggins has been getting offers from other agencies for 0% commission off of his new contract. This is a very intriguing situation. Wiggins’ agent isn’t taking things as lightly as I am. To me, this is awesome. I am going to dig into EVERY corner of this. I can’t wait to read and watch EVERYTHING. Like my wife watching Real Housewives of whatever big city I don’t care about.

However, Duffy isn’t having as much fun. Here is what he has to say:

“Unfortunately, tampering is a common problem in our industry, and that’s part of the reason why I’ve already been in contact with the NBPA to discuss my rights in this matter. Obviously, whenever Andrew signs the max extension that we negotiated with Minnesota, we will work with the NBPA to make sure that our interests are protected.”

I love how he calls it tampering. I wonder what is built into those contracts. I know most businesses don’t have the luxury of making sure their employees don’t go off and have affairs with other companies.

Duffy will still get some of his money since he is the one who negotiating the deal that Wiggins is pretty much holding, with his uncapped pen in hand.

Duffy is one of the league’s most prominent agents.

You can read the whole Woj piece here:

After agent negotiates 5-year, $148M max extension with Wolves, Andrew Wiggins cut ties. Deal is on table. Story: https://t.co/tsZlUhbwBI

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 23, 2017

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan @RealMNSportsFan

Twins split Thursday’s double-header vs. Cleveland:

Game 1

Gibson struggled right out of the gate, in game 1. He gave up 2 runs in the first, off a Bruce hit. Then, he surrendered another in the 2nd off of a Kipnis hit.

Gibson was pulled after 90-some pitches in just 4 innings. To give him a little credit though, he threw that many pitches and only gave up 3 runs.

The Twins were still in it after 7 innings. Buxton went yard in the 3rd to make it 3-1 and then Polanco tripled Buxton home, after he walked, to make it 3-2 heading to the 8th.

Byron Buxton hits a solo home run for his 7th home run of the season!!! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/O1owcZyEMZ

— TheRenderMLB (@TheRenderMLB_) August 17, 2017

Jorge Polanco suelta triple hacia el jardín derecho, para empujar a Byron B.. ?https://t.co/NqOsI82lVg
Vía MLB pic.twitter.com/gTQ5ADRp6d

— Platano Power RD (@PlatanoPowerDO) August 17, 2017

Oh also, they left about 371 runners on base. They left the bases loaded (the were loaded with nobody out), without getting a run, in the 1st. That was tough after Gibson gave up 2 in the first half of that inning. Polanco was left on 3rd in the 7th with a chance to tie.

The Twins Bullpen would give up 6 more runs between the 8th and 9th. The final would be 9-3. Escobar doubled home Rosario in the 8th. It was already over at that point.

Glen Perkins Returns:

We got to see Glen Perkins back on the bump in the first game of Thursday’s double-header. It wasn’t pretty. He lasted 1/3 of an inning, giving up 2 runs, on 2 hits with a BB and a HBP…

Game 2

Aaron Slegers made his MLB debut on Thursday night for the back-half of the double-header. FINALLY the Twins brought a guy up who looked like he can pitch. Slegers gave up just 2 hits and 2 runs, in 6.1 innings.

I thought Molitor pulled him too early. Hildenberger gave up an RBI triple right after, that tied the game. Hildenberger didn’t give up another run, however.

Leading up to that moment, the Twins got their first 2 runs off of an Escobar single in the 3rd and an Adrianza SAC Fly in the 4th.

After the Indians tied the game in the 7th, Kepler came to the plate in the bottom of the same inning:

Max Kepler hits a solo home run for his 15th home run of the season!!! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/k98e2KI1yV

— TheRenderMLB (@TheRenderMLB_) August 18, 2017

That made it 3-2. In the bottom of the 8th, Escobar added another insurance run to make it 4-2. That is where the game would end.

It was big for the Twins to take the last game. It leaves them just 1 game out of the Wild Card race. Arizona comes to town Friday. After that, the competition falls off.

I wrote about that a few days ago. Some things have changed but the idea is the same:

Vikings @ Seahawks in Preseason Game 2 Friday:

The Vikings travel to Seattle on Friday and the main story will probably be Blair Walsh. Now playing for Seattle, the team he infamously missed wide left from 27 yards against, to crush hopes and dreams all over the state of Minnesota.

Most of the starters should get about a quarter before being replaced. All eyes will be on the offensive line again.

Here is more from the StarTribune’ Ben Goessling:

https://t.co/WiJ897Gxdm

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 18, 2017

Croft/Rhoda to split time vs. Buffalo in Gopher Football opener:

We have all been waiting, as PJ Fleck has said it was important for the Gophers’ Football Team to have chosen their starting QB ASAP. However, apparently it was more important to make a decision on something than it was to really choose one or the other.

Fleck came out today and said that Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft will both see the field for an extensive look in the opener, on August 31, vs Buffalo at TCF Bank Stadium.

Final story: #Gophers coach PJ Fleck wants game experience for assessments of quarterbacks Demry Croft, Conor Rhoda. https://t.co/SHlmE08nuN

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) August 18, 2017

New Guy, Crawford, tells Shabazz to stay with Timberwolves:

And we officially all love Jamal Crawford. Not only did he choose to sign with the Timberwolves over others, but he is now recruiting Shabazz Muhammad to stay in Minnesota and take the veteran’s minimum contract.

C’mon back home @shabazzmuhammad!

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 17, 2017

But what got even more attention than Crawford’s tweet? Shabazz’ response:

???

— shabazz muhammad (@ShabazzMuhammad) August 17, 2017

I would love to have Shabazz back in Minnesota.  It is a little crazy to think he might sign at the minimum.

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

The Wild Sign Matt Cullen:

The rumors have been out there and many have been recommending the signing, even before last year started. The Wild never offered and Cullen went to Pittsburgh where he was a big part of another Stanley Cup run.

The Wild wouldn’t let that happen again. They signed Cullen to a one-year deal today. Zak gives us the rundown… with some cool highlight videos and a story from Mark Parrish:

Twins vs. Indians Postponed; Double-header Thursday:

The Twins needed to win tonight as they try to keep up in the Wild Card Race and keep some sort of hope alive for a Division Crown.

But they didn’t get the chance. The game was postponed. It is probably a good thing since it has been pouring for the last hour here in the Twin Cities.

The two teams will play in a double-header Thursday. Game 1 will be at 12:10, feature Kyle Gibson vs. Carlos Carrasco, and Game 2 will be played at 6:10, featuring Jose Berrios Aaron Slegers vs. Ryan Merritt. Slegers will get his MLB debut. I’m not exactly sure on the reasoning yet, but Molitor wanted to move Berrios back to start this Saturday in the 2nd game of the Diamondbacks series. It will now shake out like this:

• Thursday Double-Header: Gibson / Slegers vs. Cleveland
• Friday: Santana vs. Arizona
• Saturday: Berrios vs. Arizona
• Sunday: Colon vs Arizona

Here is some knowledge from Mike Berardino, who is on the beat for the Pioneer Press:

Slegers, 24, went 13-4, 3.18 in 21 starts for @RocRedWings. At 6-10 he’s one inch shy of former #mntwins reliever Jon Rauch.

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) August 17, 2017

The Twins could really use both games Thursday, but will definitely need to get one.

You can dive more in-depth here with Lavelle Neal of the StarTribune.

New hints out on Timberwolves’ Jerseys:

Michael Rand sat down with Timberwolves/Lynx CEO Ethan Casson about the Wolves redesign and Casson gave some interesting nuggets:

“I will say that from what you’ve seen in the Association and Icon — the navy and the white — we’re going to take a hard turn into something much more unique. It will kind of complete the story. … It will be much more bold and a lot more playful.”

The “Statement” editions will be out in September while the final edition, “City”, will come later, according to the article.

Each Home Team will be able to pick which uniform they are wearing that night, leaving the Road Team to choose one of the options that will contrast the Home Team.

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Twins start series vs. Cleveland Tuesday with everyone watching:

Well, the Twins have gotten their wish. Everyone is paying attention. The Twins have won 7 of 8 games and gotten us all excited. If you have read my piece on the Twins’ remaining schedule, you may get even more excited.

But before the schedule eases up, they have 2 big series, at home, against 2 very good teams. First, a series against division rival, and reigning champ. Cleveland currently sits 4.5 games ahead of the Twins in the Central, but that will likely expand to 5 by the time I finish The Daily as they lead Boston 7-3 in the 8th inning Monday night.

Molitor will hand the ball to Bartolo Colon for game 1. Oddly enough… I’m not sure I would want anyone else… WTF is going on?

Colon will face off against Danny Salazar, who is 4-5 with a 4.15 ERA on the season.

Timberwolves season opener: Ricky Rubio and the Jazz, of course:

The NBA released the schedule today and we all should have known this was coming, since the NBA is better than any league on making sure drama is included in their games, where possible.

The Wolves will open the season against Ricky Rubio and I think Target Center is already packed, waiting. Ricky Rubio was a polarizing figure in Minnesota for so many reasons.

There may not be a fan/player relationship that has as many tentacles as the one between Wolves’ fans and Ricky Rubio. Most fans wanted someone else. That didn’t change when that someone else won an MVP and 2 NBA Titles. Rubio’s shooting never helped either.

Yet, the hard-working, honest nature that Rubio portrayed, made him likable. Almost too likable to dislike. All the passes you didn’t see coming would always make you forget his shooting deficiencies, if only for that moment.

Well NBA, you reeled me in. We won’t miss that one… but we probably won’t miss any..so..

Ricky Rubio weighed in:

#TheReturn

— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) August 14, 2017

Here is the entire schedule:

The 2017-18 schedule for @Timberwolves has been released. Home opener Oct. 20th vs. #Jazz, #GSW home on March 11th. 25 gms. on national TV pic.twitter.com/7FBrplTX27

— FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) August 14, 2017

Eddie Rosario named A.L. Player of the Week:

Your AL, NL Players of the Week:
@EddieRosario09: 12 H, 10 R, 9 RBIs, .444/.484/1.000@Giancarlo818: 9 H, 6 HR, 11 RBIs, .333/.379/1.037 pic.twitter.com/GRc8pCTOGe

— MLB (@MLB) August 14, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Timberwolves Jerseys officially released:

Well it took forever. We waited and waited and waited. BUT just like the logo reveal, we were disappointed. Now, just relax Timberwolves’ faithful. The jerseys aren’t terrible. They just aren’t really that great… I will wait to see what the alternates look like and hopefully they will make me feel better.

It’s interesting. Most agree that their favorite jerseys were the first two styles. The ’88-’89 uniforms are one of the greatest in sports history. “Old Shep” should have never left.

Anyway, hopefully these grow on me. Here they are:

New take x Bold vibe. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

The new threads have dropped. Bring on the New Era. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 8:20am PDT

Twins (57-56) SWEEP Brewers for 5th straight win:

The Twins leave Wisconsin on fire. No, they haven’t lit themselves aflame to rid the Sconnie smell from their clothes.  Not even flame can fix that stench.

The Brewers didn’t stand a chance all series against this team. They came in with a point to prove: That they aren’t giving up on this season. They left Miller Park with a 7-2 parting gift and will now make their way further east to meet Detroit, for a 3 game set, before heading home to face the Indians.

Dietrich Enns went just 2.1 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. The bullpen was PHENOMENAL from there. That is not a typo.

Eddie and Dozier kept their hot bats going, during the series, while Buxton, Polanco, and Joe-Joe seemed to have figured something out. I am just hoping it continues.

Buxton gets an RBI on a solid base hit the other way! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/CJ7qcSwqd9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Buxton 2 more RBI and I think I died and went to heaven. It is better here.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

If Buxton and Polanco keep hitting….

…how much are World Series tickets?#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/OT21ZEgQ3o

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

When you are winning and having fun.. well.. baseball jokes:

Winning is fun #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/2UUxJPAFa9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Vikings WIN 17-10 @ Bills in first preseason game:

The Vikings were able to win again under Mike Zimmer in a preseason game. He is now 12-1 in preseason games.

However, things didn’t look as smooth for the first unit offense. The offensive line looked eerily similar to the one that ruined last season. The running game couldn’t get going behind it and the best offensive plays of the short night, for the 1st team, were screen plays…

Dalvin Cook looks shifty like we have heard but it was tough to get too much of a look with the space he had to run.

BUT, there IS a bright side! We won AND it’s only the first preseason game. Here is Adams from Heinicke on what would be the winner:

@Vikings at @buffalobills ? pic.twitter.com/IOvfLc01yF

— sjfreshgobomb (@DML_NE_Patriots) August 11, 2017

Here is Coach Zim’s reaction to the game:

? TUNE IN: Coach Zimmer takes the podium after first preseason win https://t.co/GAhdw5i7R8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

Tre Jones to announce commitment on Sunday:

The time has come. Tre Jones is announcing his commitment on Sunday. Minnesota is still on his list AND 3 of his best friends have already committed to the U of M. However, don’t get your hopes up Gopher Bball fans. Most people who are plugged in have him going to Duke just like his brother.

However, we will still be watching. You never know right? right?

I am blessed to be in this position. I appreciate all the schools that have recruited me. I will be making my college decision on Sunday. ??

— Tre Jones (@trejones03) August 10, 2017

Apple Valley point guard Tre Jones (@trejones03) to make college choice Sunday. @Marcus_R_Fuller writes: https://t.co/j9lc3e8LdC #Gophers pic.twitter.com/UItOYdOviE

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 10, 2017

Wolves get primetime spots on Christmas and Opening Week:

Our Minnesota Timberwolves are blowing up right before our eyes. Is this team really going to bring Minnesota into a trendy team to cover and to play for? Maybe… until they get here in the winter…

Anyway, the Wolves will be playing in the most primetime spots this year as the NBA wants to show off one of its up-and-coming, star-studded teams.

The #KiaTipOff17 Schedule! ?⛹?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT

The 2017 #NBAXmas Schedule! ?❄️?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Vikings @ Buffalo – PS Game 1 – Thursday: 6:00 PM

We get to watch REAL FOOTBALL tomorrow and there is SO MUCH to be watching for! Who will play Center? Dalvin Cook! Michael Floyd will see a lot of playing time. Taylor Heineke trying to take backup job from Keenum. How do the CBs fall? Who plays the 3rd LB spot?

Wobby and PA are on the scene as usual with Vikings.com:

“The big key for me is let’s have the first defense completely obliterate Buffalo’s offense.” – @PAOnTheMic

?: https://t.co/u7j9KkUqq0 pic.twitter.com/t9udni0vON

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 10, 2017

Timberwolves Jerseys release Thursday:

Finally. We FINALLY get to see the Timberwolves Jerseys on Thursday. It feels like forever since the logo was dropped. It is starting to seem like we already have a pretty good idea of what they will look like as hints have been dropped from everyone between NBA 2K to KAT to Wiggins. The only one not biting? Mr. TWolves Web Editor himself: Kyle Ratke.

Hey Timberwolves fans, stoked to be sharing our new uniforms for this season, hope to see each and every one of you there when we get started in October – thanks for all your support, see you at Target Center this fall!

A post shared by Karl-Anthony Towns (@karltowns) on Aug 9, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

A post shared by Andrew Wiggins (@22wiggins) on Aug 9, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

Are these the new #Twolves unis? #PowerOfThePack pic.twitter.com/nllnJu379M

— Howlin’ T-Wolf (@howlintwolf) August 8, 2017

I have never been to New Jersey. I think it’d be fun, though. https://t.co/rYV4J3M7s6

— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) August 9, 2017

Twins (56-56) WIN @ Brewers for 4 straight; Go for sweep Thursday:

The Minnesota Twins are on fire right now. They have gone across the border, been able to manage the TERRIBLE stench that fills your nostrils, which is a feat of epic proportions all in itself and beaten down the Brewers in the first 3 games of a 4 game set.

Tonight they won 4-0 behind BARTOLO. They have turned things around and put themselves just 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

Colon DOMINATED. He pitched 7 full innings and gave up 0 runs. That’s right. I can barely play softball at the age of 28 while Bartolo Colon is dominating the best hitters in the world at age 44.

He was helped out by a bevy of players including Polanco, Dozier, and Sano all picking up RBI. They are now back to .500 at 56-56.

.@BrianDozier prefers home runs. pic.twitter.com/NmeC2i31uj

— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2017

Being PJ Fleck: Episode 2 Aired Wednesday:

PJ Fleck is just an incredible human. Episode 2 dug a little deeper into the death of his son. What a sad story that is… and the reason for Row The Boat, a slogan that was created for Fleck’s son but is used throughout all aspects of his life.

Fleck just seems excited to be in Minnesota. He looks like a kid in a candy store.

However, when the kids get in front of him, and he says this multiple times, he is a teacher. He seems just as interested in making good humans as he does in winning football games. Hopefully those two will be synonymous.

Fleck hasn’t even hit the sidelines yet for the Gophers so things could really start to go south if winning doesn’t follow all the hype. I thought about this as I was watching the half-hour special: He talks about the need to row even harder when things go bad. About how many people, outside the Western Michigan locker room, pulled their oar out of the water when he went 1-11 in his first season with the Broncos. If Fleck does have a rough season, which I don’t believe he will, WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP ON THIS GUY?

He has been through more than most and yet you can’t slap the smile off his face.

He already sold me but I might be stalker status buy the time this 4th episode finishes… wait until he starts winning games..

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Matt Kalil Blames Everyone in MN, but himself:

MN is MEAN and it’s OUR fault Matt Kalil SUCKS. Just ask him: https://t.co/qzeNXES7nj

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2017

Twins (55-56) hitters stay HOT and BELT the Brewers; Sano is back:

Miguel Sano played in his first game back after being hit in the hand by a pitch a few games ago. The Twins hitters have been on fire lately and tonight was no exception. Max Kepler hit an early 2-run HR and the Twins led 2-1 before Mejia put 2 guys on and then left the game with an injury. Duffy came in and couldn’t save his injured starter, allowing both of Mejia’s runners to score, making it 4-2. But then, in the bottom of the 4th, Rosario started the inning with a HR of his own, making it a 4-3 game. Buxton would then get on and steal 2nd on a TERRIBLE pick-move pitcher in ex-Twin Matt Garza. Castro would end up walking anyway and Polanco would follow with the same result. That loaded the bases for Dozier who didn’t waste any time. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Dozier sat back on an outside fastball and smashed it the other way, over the flower pots in right field for the Twins’ first grand slam of the year! Max Kepler, not wanting to be outdone, would come up right after Dozier and hit his second HR of the night to make it an 8-4 game. The next inning, Rosario would hit HIS 2nd of the game… Are you kidding me?… 9-4 Good Guys. But, 4 RBI wasn’t enough for Dozier. He would single in Castro from 2nd base later in the 5th and they would head to the 6th inning leading 10-4. Polanco stayed hot and hit the ball well all game. He tripled home Rosario in the 7th to make it 11-4. Thats how the game would end. The Twins gained a game on 4 or 5 of the teams that are ahead of them in the wild card race. They now trail by just 1.5 games from the final WC spot.

Last day in Mankato for the Vikings:

Mankato has been home to the Minnesota Vikings training camp for 52 years. Today was the last day they will spend there. It was a bittersweet moment for many as the Vikings are set to open a state-of-the-art practice complex in Eagan next year. However, whenever you have spent that long doing something, there is always going to be that dread to leave. Here is the Star Tribune’s recap of this year’s events with a lot of pictures.

Final walkthru Mankato for @Vikings pic.twitter.com/foNvJsrwTU

— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) August 8, 2017

The Vikings break their huddle one last time in Mankato: pic.twitter.com/WHrDkhX7SD

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) August 8, 2017

USA Today picks Gophers Football to finish 4-8 this season:

I know PJ Fleck is trying to tamper down expectations. However, I have a hard time believing things will be this bad:

Not rowing the boat: USA Today predicts #gophers will go 4-8 (2-7 in the Big Ten) in P.J. Fleck’s first year. https://t.co/BuCSZSwZXk pic.twitter.com/PMNxRcqJmD

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 8, 2017

Darren Wolfson put this up from practice today. This team can’t be that bad:

Fleck & WR Eric Carter on Croft vs. Rhoda, plus a bevy of highlights from today’s open #Gophers practice. Video shot by @CharlieWeierke. pic.twitter.com/c9EKUQ48Om

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 9, 2017

New Timberwolves Jerseys leak?

Today a supposed leak of the new Timberwolves jerseys came from a CNet article… we think… I just looked at the article and I don’t see it anymore. Here is the picture but I find it interesting that @ConradBurry has been tagged in multiple pictures of the “supposed” leaked unifoms and hasn’t said anything about them all day. He was the one that leaked the Timberwolves Logo before it debuted. We will see.

New #Timberwolves Jerseys I think they look pretty nice certainly could’ve been a lot worse pic.twitter.com/N1yV5GBmdm

— Elijah Crawford (@El1jahCrawford) August 8, 2017

Kaprisov did NOT sign extension to remain in KHL?

Kirill Kaprisov is a russian hockey prospect who’s NHL rights are owned by the Wild. He is one of the best young prospects in the world but the Wild have NEVER met with him face-to-face and many are worried they never will. So, this was a topic of conversation today:

Kirill Kaprizov has denied that he had signed an extension in the KHL, says Minnesota is very much an option once his contract is up.

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) August 8, 2017

However, no other sources are reporting on this, including our beloved Michael Russo. MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Taylor doubles down on max-contract for Wiggins; wants defensive commitment from Wiggins first:

Monday, it was reported by Jon Krawczynski that Glen Taylor stated, again today, that the Timberwolves are committed to signing Andrew Wiggins to a max extension. It would keep Wiggins in Minnesota for the next 6 seasons. However, there was a stipulation. According to Krawczynski, Taylor wants to sit down with Wiggins and hear about his commitment to being a better 2-way player. Here is AP Guy’s full article.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor tells AP he is ready to give Wiggins max, but 1st wants meeting to hear from AW that he’s committed to improving

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

But this is vintage Taylor. Always wants to close a deal with a handshake and a frank conversation.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

Wiggins’ agent Bill Duffy is expected in town next week for face-to-face negotiations. Can’t imagine a deal is that far behind

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

This is a classic Taylor move. Twitter had interesting reactions to Taylor’s sentiment. Some love the old school approach he is taking while others are a little more critical. David Pan, over at HowlinTWolf.com (@HowlinTWolf) captured some of those reactions.

Bleacher Report lists Vikings #17 in Power Rankings:

The hype train for the Vikings is about dead, when you ask “experts” around the NFL. It is kind of interesting being they were picked to win the super bowl by a lot of people, last season with mostly the same team. Then, they crumbled our hopes and dreams in a slow, pain filled, agonizing death, from weeks 6-17.

Chris Simms even admits a desire to rank the Vikings as high as 12th, but couldn’t get himself to do it without seeing improvement from the offensive line first.

This is all a bunch of bullshit. I don’t see any reason why the Vikings can’t win the North. Middle fingers.

Latavius Murray activated off PUP List:

In a move that was anticipated, if not expected, Latavius Murray was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) on Monday. We are all hopeful to see him soon, if not on Thursday. However, it may take some time to bring him up to speed and get him in pads before putting him out there at full speed, getting hit by 1-3 year players, trying to make an impression, in hopes of landing a roster spot.

.@LataviusM has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List and will practice today.

?: https://t.co/uKSv8kmwls pic.twitter.com/HcUBLCz3pA

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 7, 2017

Twins (54-56) WIN in game 1 of 4 vs Brewers at Target Field:

It wasn’t the night defensively that Molitor hoped for. The Twins committed 4 errors, Buxton with 2 of them. But the Brewers would give it back in the 7th. The Brewers were playing a crazy shift, with Rosario on 3rd, allowing him way off the base. He faked home drawing the Brewers pitcher to flinch, which is a balk, bringing Rosario home. That was the winning run when all the dust settled. The Twins gained a game on the Royals and Rays for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Here is Rosario’s big 7th inning thanks to FS1 and Clippit.TV

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Twins lose 4-1 against the Rangers back at Target Field:

Mejia wasn’t able to battle out of trouble all night long. He did many times… but not enough. He was pulled after 4 innings. He gave up 4 runs on 7 hits. The worst was a 3 run HR by Joey Gallo in that fateful 4th inning.

The Twins continue to struggle at the plate. They were 3 hit tonight by a Rangers team that isn’t known for their shutdown pitching, especially something called A.J. Griffin as the starting pitcher.

Now trailing Kansas City by 4.5 games, Dozier better grab his teammates by the jockstraps and turn this ship in the right direction or his crying about selling players is going to look worse than his hair.

Kyrie Irving NOT willing to commit to extension when/if traded:

Today reports came out that Kyrie Irving won’t commit to an extension with any team that he is traded to. That would be a good reason as to why Wiggins is reportedly NOT on the table in discussions. We have all the latest news on that front in our always-updating Kyrie Irving Wants to be in Minnesota article.



New Wolves’ Jerseys will be released August 10th:

Randball is reporting that we will FINALLY get to see the new Timberwolves’ Uniforms in one week: Thursday, August 10th. We will be waiting ever-so-patiently… until there is a leak.

Looks from Mankato:

It was pretty quiet in the MN Sports World Thursday, including Vikings’ Camp. Nonetheless, we can always rely on some highlights from guys who can’t hit each other:

.@Vikings fans, @dalvincook is the real deal…

Catch our #VikingsCamp tour stop On Demand! pic.twitter.com/eSYMgu4D25

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 3, 2017

VIDEO: Highlights from #Vikings practice.

#14 Stefon Diggs
#33 Dalvin Cook (R)
#82 Kyle Rudolph
#12 Rodney Adams (R)
#19 Adam Thielen pic.twitter.com/PyzSwxkMTg

— PirateLife Football (@PirateLifeFF) August 3, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan