Having gone 3-13 last season, it might make sense that the Vikings would have a fairly easy schedule for 2012. Unfortunately, that might not be the case. Let's take a look at the 2012 schedule week by week - I'll make a (WAY TOO) early prediction for each game, and see where we come out at the end.

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville - W

The Vikings will start the season at home for the first time since 2007, and that bodes well right off the bat. Both the Jaguars and the Vikings will have 2nd-year QBs at the helm (Christian Ponder vs. Blaine Gabbert), and I give the nod to Ponder here. Both teams have n0where to go but up, and I will take the Vikings here at home.

Week 2: @ Indianapolis - W

The Vikings will be playing at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time ever, and they will also most likely be playing against QB Andrew Luck. The Colts were even worse than the Vikings last year, and they will be starting from scratch. Plus, this will be the Colts' first year as a head coach for Chuck Pagano, former Rams DC. The Vikings are going into their 2nd year + with Leslie Frazier. Vikings win here.

Week 3: vs. San Francisco - L

San Francisco exceeded everyone's expectations last year by going 13-3 and making the NFC Title game. With their defense, that was no fluke. I don't think the Vikings score more than 14 pts. on that defense. The 49'ers take this one at MOA Field.

Week 4: @ Detroit - L

The Vikings lost both games to the Lions last season, losing to them at MOA Field for the first time since 1997. And this game is the only Central Division game in the first nine weeks of the season. The Lions will win at home.

Week 5: vs. Tennessee - W

It'll be a match-up between two of the top three RBs in the league (Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson), providing Peterson is healthy by then. Tennessee is also rebuilding, and they have an aging starting QB (Matt Hasselbeck), although Jake Locker will be pushing him for playing time. Vikings win at home.

Week 6: @ Washington - W

Leslie Frazier is 2-0 at Washington as a head coach. The Redskins are rebuilding just like the Vikings. They most likely will have RGIII as their starting QB when Minnesota comes to town. Vikings will play them tough, and I see a win here in DC for the Purple.

Week 7: vs. Arizona - W

The Cardinals haven't won in Minnesota since 1977 - when Jimmy Carter was President. Plus their offense is a mess. A Vikings' victory here.

Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay - L

The Buccaneers will have a vastly improved defense when they come to Minnesota this season. And RB LeGarrette Blount ran roughshod over the Vikings last season. The Vikings will stumble at home here against Tampa Bay.

Week 9: @ Seattle - L

The Vikings always seem to play Seattle tough on the road. Vikings TE John Carlson will be stoked to be playing his former team. Seattle has a newcomer at QB, unproven Matt Flynn (formerly back up to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay), and a solid running game with Marshawn Lynch. I hate to say it but it's a loss in Seattle.

Week 10: vs. Detroit - W

This starts a stretch where 5 of the last 7 games are against Central Division opponents. The Vikings are 36-13 all-time at home against Detroit. 'Nuff said. Vikings win.

Week 11: Bye week

Week 12: @ Chicago - L

The Bears are always tough at home. Usually it's a close game, but recently the Bears have been tough to beat. Jay Cutler will be back at QB, and he always seems to hurt the Vikings. Bears win at home.

Week 13: @ Green Bay - L

At Lambeau Field. In December. Aaron Rodgers. The fans. Oh, and Green Bay is the better team. This one will be extra tough to win. Green Bay takes this one.

Week 14: vs. Chicago - W

In a fourth straight division game, the Vikings will break a two-game losing streak with a victory against the Monsters of the Midway.

Week 15: @ St. Louis - W

The Vikings are 23-16-2 all-time against the Rams, including 5-2 in the playoffs. The Rams have Sam Bradford, but no one for him to throw to (which may change by draft-day this year). Their defense isn't that good, either, PLUS they've lost DC Gregg Williams to the Bounty-Gate scandal. Vikings win easy here.

Week 17: @ Houston - L

The Vikings are 2-0-0 all-time against the Texans, but the Texans have a scary defense, and they'll have Matt Schaub back at QB. Vikings won't be able to stop the Texans' passing game, unless they shore up their secondary through the draft/free-agency. Houston wins this one at home.

Week 18: vs. Green Bay - L

This will be the first season ever that the Vikings will play both games against the Packers in December. Ending a stretch of five of seven games against division opponents, the Vikings limp through that stretch going 3-4, with a loss against their division rivals to end the season.

In closing...

The Vikings have a brutal stretch to end the season, but still finish better than most people expect. In other words, 8-8. Not bad, considering where we were last year.

The Vikings of the late 60's and early 70's were legendary teams, the Purple People Eaters years. Gradually, over time, the players on those teams who really stood out for their performances have gotten the recognition they deserve, and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. Fran Tarkenton was the first, then Alan Page, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Ron Yary, Carl Eller. All of them big names from Vikings history. There are two others from that era who also deserve induction. Mick Tinglehoff is one, and the other is Jim Marshall.

Mick Tingelhoff

Mick Tingelhoff is the epitome of what the Vikings of the 60's and 70's stood for: hard work, dedication, team-first attitude, everyone working together to accomplish a goal, whatever it happened to be.

40 for 60.

That was their motto back then, and Mick was a big part of it. He started at center from the first game of 1962 and played all the way through the 1978 season. Seventeen full seasons, 240 consecutive games, and never missed a game. THAT is the kind of longevity you just don't see anymore. Mick made 6 consecutive Pro Bowls and was a 5-time 1st Team All-Pro. He started and played in 19 career playoff games, fumbling only 4 times in his career. He is 51st in NFL history in games played (240) and 11th in games started (240).

All that from a guy who wasn't even drafted, but signed as a free agent by the Vikings out of the University of Nebraska before the 1962 season.

Jim Marshall

When you think of a player like former Vikings DE Jim Marshall, these words come to mind: indestructible, Iron Man, dedicated, committed, energetic, feared. Those all describe Jim Marshall, but he was so much more. Until Brett Favre broke his streak a couple of years ago, Jim had started 282 consecutive games. 282!!!! Jim also holds the NFL record for fumble recoveries in a career with 30, had 130 sacks (according to Vikings official records, because the NFL didn't recognize the sack stat until after Jim had retired in 1979), and was an integral member of the Purple People Eaters defense of the era.

When I was a kid, I remember watching Jim rushing the quarterback. He was RELENTLESS. To see him coming around the right end, chasing the QB or RB (or whomever the ball carrier was) around and around, was a sight to see. He was so quick on his feet, could shed a blocker and had very strong hands. And of course he was ALWAYS around the loose balls. 

Like Mick Tingelhoff, Jim Marshall never missed an NFL game as a player. He played in 270 consecutive as a Viking (he played 12 games with the Browns, who drafted him in the 4th round out of Ohio State in 1960 before being traded to Minnesota), and was the NFL's first true Iron Man. He was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings (1968 and 1969), and is tied for the team record with Mick for having started and played in 19 career playoff games. Jim was also a finalist for the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004, but wasn't elected.

To help Jim get in, please visit the Jim Marshall HOF Campaign Facebook page HERE.

Wrap

The glory years for the Vikings were the late 1960's to mid/late 1970's, and both Mick Tingelhoff and Jim Marshall were both immeasurable as important players on those teams. The NFL Hall of Fame, in my opinion, has long held the fact that those Vikings lost 4 Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX and XI) against them when it comes to voting players from those teams into the Hall of Fame.

There are two left who absolutely deserve to be there. I implore each and every voter who is on the NFL Hall of Fame committee: put Mick Tingelhoff and Jim Marshall in.

They've waited long enough.

BountyGate

Well, it's been an eventful off-season for the NFL. Trades leading up to the draft, BountyGate, retirements. Drama, drama and more drama. Let's pick it apart.

Perhaps the biggest off-season story has been BountyGate. From 2009-2011 the New Orleans Saints defensive players have had "bounties" on specific players, mainly QBs, in which if the said player knocked the opponent with the bounty on them out of the game, the bounty money would go to that player. Basically, getting paid for hurting opposing players was what was happening.

The ringleader of this whole scandal is former Saints defensive coordinator (and current Rams DC) Gregg Williams. Also involved are Saints Head Coach Sean Payton, Saints GM Mickey Loomis and Saints Assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt. With the NFL under ever-increasing scrutiny about concussions, lawsuits from former players saying the NFL knew about the the dangers former players were facing, and a huge image hit all this was causing, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decided to put the hammer down on the Saints over BountyGate.

Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely (my opinion is he should never be allowed to work in the NFL again), Sean Payton has been suspended for a year (I believe that he also should never be allowed to work in the NFL again), Mickey Loomis is suspended for 8 games, and Joe Vitt for 6 games.

Two former Washington Redskins players have even said that Williams, who was Washington's DC in 2006, (allegedly) put $15,000 on a table in the locker room and said "Brad Johnson doesn't finish this game". This was on a Wednesday, before a game the following Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. At the time, Johnson was a QB for the Vikings.

All of the suspensions are without pay, and the Saints franchise will also have to pay a $500,00 fine and will relinquish its second-round picks in 2012 and 2013. The suspensions begin April 1st, 2012.

In a statement, Godell said "Beyond the clear and continuing violations of league rules, and lying to investigators, the bounty program is squarely contrary to the league's most important initiatives — enhancing player health and safety and protecting the integrity of the game. Let me be clear. There is no place in the NFL for deliberately seeking to injure another player, let alone offering a reward for doing so. Any form of bounty is incompatible with our commitment to create a culture of sportsmanship, fairness, and safety."

NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is coming up on April 26-28, and things have been heating up since the NFL Combine finished up. There has already been a big trade, with the Redskins trading up from the number 6 to the Rams' number 2 spot, while the Rams get the Redskins' 6th pick, along with the Redskins' first-round picks in 2013 and 2014, and a Redskins' 2nd-round pick this year. The word is that the Redskins covet QB Robert Griffin III, and this trade will have secured that pick.

The Vikings, at no.3 in the draft, have a few options. T Matt Kalil from USC, CB Morris Claiborne from LSU and WR Justin Blackmon are all on the Vikings' radar. Kalil seems the consensus choice for the Vikings, which makes total sense. They need some big protection for the left side of the offensive line, to protect Christian Ponder's blind side. There has been some speculation that they will pick Claiborne, the great cover CB from LSU, but I think they stay with Kalil - he's the surest bet for offensive lineman in this year's draft, and definitely a position of need.

Notes

WR Hines Ward from the Pittsburgh Steelers has retired. He ended his career with 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns, a pretty decent career. Hall-of Fame worthy? Maybe. 

The Vikings are holding their annual NFL Draft Party again this year, at the Metrodome/MOA Field...

Brief 2011 Recap

Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the 2011 Minnesota Twins.

Injuries more or less destroyed any semblance of continuity on a team that wasn't built to succeed in the first place. The Twins' stunning lack of depth showed when key players such as Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Denard Span were replaced by a pair of Double-A call-ups in Joe Benson and Chris Parmelee, as well as career minor leaguers like Brian Dinkelman, Steve Holm, and Rene Rivera.

Indeed, it was that kind of year in the Twin Cities, as the club was outscored by nearly 200 runs and just seemed ready for it to all be over at the season's end.

Many vets have departed, and there's plenty of new blood on what appears to be a better team in 2012.  

Brief 2012 Prediction

This isn't necessarily a team that is built to contend, but it's a much better balanced club that should be more prepared to absorb any time lost by any key player, at least more so than the 2011 incarnation.

Ryan Doumit should be a good insurance policy for both Mauer and Morneau, and Jamey Carroll was inked to a reasonable deal to be a steadying hand in the middle infield and adequate bridge from Span to Mauer in the batting order. He should be good for it.

The starting pitching staff added Jason Marquis—Brian Duensing shifted to the bullpen—but that's likely a move with little net effect. The bullpen will be built on the cheap, as plenty of new, hard-throwing faces will get a chance as the Twins attempt to build a bullpen with little money.

The San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays have been successful by doing the same. It seems to be a good strategy. 

Projected Starting Lineup

C—Joe Mauer
1B—Justin Morneau
2B—Alexi Casilla
3B—Danny Valencia
SS—Jamey Carroll
LF—Ben Revere
CF—Denard Span
RF—Josh Willingham
DH—Ryan Doumit

Top Bench Options

C—Drew Butera
C—J.R. Towles
IF—Luke Hughes
IF—Tsuyoshi Nishioka
OF—Trevor Plouffe 

Projected Starting Pitching Rotation

Carl Pavano
Francisco Liriano
Scott Baker
Nick Blackburn
Jason Marquis

Projected Bullpen

Matt Capps
Glen Perkins
Brian Duensing
Alex Burnett
Lester Oliveros
Anthony Swarzak
Jared Burton

Top 101 Prospects (According to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus)

IF Miguel Sano (13th)
IF-OF Eddie Rosario (87th)
OF Joe Benson (90th)

Why the Twins Will Contend in 2012

Each and every one of the Span-Mauer-Morneau trio is healthy and as productive as they were two seasons ago, the bullpen reclamation project is a success and the starting rotation is adequate.

If these three things stay true, this Twins team has the makings of a 90-win ball club. Call me crazy, but this team is not that much different than the one that won 94 games in Target Field's inaugural season.

Why the Twins Will Not Contend in 2012

Injuries, inconsistency, and inability to make adjustments could very well plague the Twins for a second straight year.

Morneau isn't completely out of the woods from his injuries—and may never be. If he's not productive this year, Doumit isn't likely to be a great asset when placed in the context of the average American League first baseman.

A lot of things went right for the Twins in 2010, and a lot went went wrong for the club in 2011. I envision a middle ground in 2012. Close to 90 wins can be doable.

2012 Prediction:  84-78, 2nd in AL Central

After the Super Bowl hype machine has run out of gas, every NFL fan looks forward to the next significant date on the calendar: April, and the NFL Draft. Every fan spends the days leading up to it in high speculation mode, arguing the pros and cons of who might be available when their team drafts, what their teams biggest needs are, and who they should draft with their first-round draft pick. I am no exception.

The Vikings have entered the offseason with many holes to fill. After the disaster of 2011, the team has many needs: WR, DL, OL, LB, S, CB. Some even say QB. Some holes will be filled through free agency, some through the draft. There are a LOT of ways the Vikings can go in this year's draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have the no. 1 pick in the draft, and if they take anyone OTHER than Stanford QB Andrew Luck, I will eat a football.

The St. Louis Rams have the 2nd pick, and there are several options for them, all of which seem plausible. They could go with WR Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State. They need someone for their 3rd year QB Sam Bradford to throw to, since Danny Amendola went out with a season-ending injury last year. They have Brandon Lloyd as well, but not much else. Blackmon would make really good sense..  There has also been speculation that the Rams have an interest in picking RG3, Heisman Trophy-winning QB Robert Griffin III, from Baylor, or trading away their pick to a team who WOULD pick him.

The Vikings have the third pick in the first round, and a lot of speculation has been that the they will take T Matt Kalil from USC with that pick. That would certainly be a safe pick, and I would welcome it, no question. Ever since Bryant McKinnie was booted off the team last year in training camp, the Vikings have been looking to replace him with someone solid. Kalil has been rated by just about every team as a "can't-miss" player, someone who would join the team and become a starter and anchor on the OL for many years. Charlie Johnson was OK, but just wasn't the right fit. Blackmon could also be available, and the Vikings could certainly use a WR with his talent - he catches everything, fights for every yard after-the-catch, and would be a tremendous weapon for QB Christian Ponder to have. Defensively, there are several players who the Vikings would be willing to grab as well. CB Morris Claiborne from Louisiana State is probably this year's shutdown corner. Having Claiborne in the defensive backfield for the next dozen years would be a nice thought for the Vikings, who haven't had a shutdown corner since I can remember.

There is also speculation that the Vikings having the 3rd pick in the draft puts them in a very unique position of trading down and still getting someone who fills a need on the team. I have heard that the Vikings could trade down with Cleveland, who has the #4 and #22 picks in the first round. Speculation is that Matt Kalil would still be available to them at #4, and they could a take WR or CB at #22 as well, filling two needs in the first round. While that scenario seems possible, I'm not sure that the Vikings have the kind of money it would take to sign two 1st-round picks.

It really is a little bit TOO early to say with any certainty how the draft is going to go, at least past the no. 1 pick anyway. So many players are moving up and down the draft, their stock rising and falling by the hour. I think it would be safe to say, however, that the Vikings are going to have their pick from four players at the #3 pick: Matt Kalil, Robert Griffin III, Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne. To be honest, I would be ecstatic getting any one of them. Realistically, I see the Vikings taking either Kalil or Blackmon. Kalil would be my bet right now, if I were a betting man.

Back from a long hiatus, I think it’s probably best I should help bring readers up to speed with what’s going on with the local nine. After a long and eventful offseason, there are some new faces to get acquainted with. Today, I’ll list each of them and describe them to you in 15 words or less. Think of it as your offseason cheat sheet.

Hitters:

Jamey Carroll - Diminutive middle infielder, average glove, good OBP. No power.

Josh Willingham - Better hitter than Cuddyer. Lots of power. Well suited for Target Field (dead pull hitter).

Ryan Doumit - Pretty solid overall hitter. Could replace Kubel. Catcher by name only, should DH.

J.R. Towles - Former top prospect. Could chase Butera. Only 500 PA over 5 years for Astros.

Sean Burroughs - Amazing story. Former top prospect and son of former big leaguer. May push Valencia.

Steve Pearce - Former top prospect. First baseman. Health issues. Great power in the minors, nothing in bigs.

Darin Mastroianni - Backup OF. No power, good eye. Could end up long-term 4th OF.

Pedro Florimon Jr. - Flashy but erratic SS. Provides almost nothing with the bat. Future UTIL guy.

Wilkin Ramirez - All pop, no eye OF who has kicked around in minors for eight years.

Matt Carson - Outfielder. Good power, limited eye. Not likely to crack big league team in ‘12.

Pitchers:

Joel Zumaya - Million dollar arm, but saddled with bad wiring. Good gamble by Twins.

Luke French - Soft-tossing lefty with little in the way of stuff or projection. Rochester bound.

Casey Fien - Beat up in limited big league spots. Solid minor league track record.

Jason Marquis - Think Nick Blackburn w/o the control. Good vet presence, but possibly superfluous.

Aaron Thompson - Young, but K’s have tumbled each step up ladder. Rochester pen fodder.

Daryl Thompson - The better Thompson. Don’t read into that too much, though. Red Wing as well.

P.J. Walters - Rough go with the Cardinals. Better in the minors, but so is everyone else.

Daniel Turpen - Return in Kevin Slowey deal. Not likely to be a factor in big leagues soon, if ever.

Brendan Wise - Strikeouts almost match the walks in the minors. Not a good sign. Maybe New Britain?

Sam Deduno - Big strikeout numbers, but didn’t hang in San Diego. Could be a sleeper for ‘pen spot.

Luis Perdomo - Strikeouts, walks, and velocity. Scary and tantalizing all at once.

Esmerling Vasquez - See Perdomo. Off the 40-man as of past week.

Jason Bulger - Former Halos flamethrower. Control hasn’t been there of late, may not return.

Jared Burton - Former top setup guy beset by injuries. Good chance to make team if healthy.

Matt Maloney - Decent K rates, stingy on the free pass. Classic Twins type. 87.1 MPH average heater.

Jeff Gray - On 40-man. Throws hard but whiffs aren’t there. Don’t get it. Likely pen candidate.

SIMONSSAYS/ 2.16.2012

There was a feeling. You could just sense a turnaround was on track. There was a “can’t miss” upbeat mood at the Wolves shoot around prior to their game with Charlotte. It was a vibe that led you to believe they’d end this losing streak and get things turned around. In a lockout shortened season that is long on work and short on rest, the Wolves are youthful and showing a resilience that is going to play to their advantage.

Its funny, but I keep going back to it because it has everything to do with the new leadership this team has. And what a difference from the direction this team was headed a year ago.  Where resignation reigned, a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude now prevails. Inside Wolves HQ, all the support staff that works 24/7 behind the scenes is excited to get to work because they appreciate the product on the court. Just as the Wolves veer off, the coaches retool the collective team focus and the team gets its mojo back.

Coach Rick Adelman doesn’t have to veer far to get his message across to his Wolves. His list is much longer, for sure, but here’s a Clift note version of points that Adelman laid out after the loss to the Knicks (a game the Wolves should have won). Among many, Coach really had five points that he’s driving home to the players: 1.) Can’t have turnovers/protect the ball 2.) Winning is great but even after a win or two, we haven’t “arrived” yet. There is plenty to do 3.) Wolves are not patient enough in their half court offense 4.) Still not shooting well, must knock down open shots 5.) Team has to play as hard @ home as it does on the road.

Does the tune sound familiar? It all boils down to consistency. Adelman knows that building consistency needs time and patience. With the nice mix of players here, the Coaches preach that it’s a work in progress and something they are all striving towards. I see it at moments like the pre-game shoot around. A collective bunch of players who know they’re making something happen. They want to improve. They know they will. And best of all, we’re seeing it happen.

Location, Location, Location:

If you are still on the fence about the new vibe surrounding this basketball team, you need to take it in first hand. Case in point, the only visit, last Saturday, of the New York Knickerbockers.

We all know that 20, 232 fans packed the Target Center for the game. Also understood, it’s the largest crowd since 2004. But for a team and venue that supposedly takes a back seat to the pro ice team across the river in the newer building, this was a mismatch. Having been to both arenas this season, there’s no comparison. And fans were shouting it back to me via social media:

This place is NUTS! I won’t wait again to get tickets…sitting 2^nd deck, still fun and loving all the (Jeremy) Lin fans around me. SO much better effort that before. LOVE it! Mark SLP

Mark thanks for the note to [email protected]. I was there and our group was blown away by the atmosphere as well. Just to walk into Target Center and look up to see fans seated in the very top rows all around the building. It did have a serious playoff feel! The past few years make nights like this standout so much more vividly. And the game was solid even though the Wolves gave it back to the Knicks (they admitted mistakes in the post game locker room). All that, the Hoop Troop was raucous and just overall; the vibe downtown was great to see again.  We were out @ dinner prior to tip off and it was a zoo! Packed all around and fans having fun. That’s what it’s all about. It’s clear; there has been a seismic shift in fan attention and team play. You can just tell that the Wolves are the winter team with far more upside moving forward.

And one other note, when you are at the game, keep your eyes peeled for the scoreboard trivia time. It’s played out with the help of a very popular (and growing) Wolves center and a play off the “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” jingle/promotion used by the Today show. I mentioned it last week, with all the injuries suffered early in the season, the Wolves are getting all their players back and we are seeing the emergence of Nikola Pekovic.  Pek is playing huge and no wonder. He’s a force in the middle. As I mentioned before, Pek’s a load. Just a tick under 7-feet tall, legs like tree trunks and a fear of no one, Pek is leaving a trail of banged up believers from New Jersey to Houston, Sacramento to Charlotte and all points in between.

Pek is one of the subjects we cover this Sunday on GameON! Assistant Coach (and Center position coach) Jack Sikma joins us and talks at length about the rise of the Wolves big men. And b-t-w, Pek will be joining us soon in a GameON! taping @ SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge just a block from Target Center.

All Star’s Ahead:

The Timberwolves will be represented well @ the upcoming All Star weekend in Orlando. Forward Kevin Love is on the 2012 Western Conference All-Star team after balloting by NBA head coaches. This was a no brainer. It’s the second All Star selection of Love's career and he’s the second player in franchise history to make more than one All-Star Game appearance, joining Kevin Garnett (10 appearances). Tom Gugliotta, Wally Szczerbiak and Sam Cassell all made one appearance as a Timberwolves player.

KLove will be joined by Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams who will both play in the Rising Stars Challenge to be held during All-Star Weekend. This should be a great game with All-Star Blake Griffin and rookie guard Kyrie Irving and 16 others scheduled to play. It’s a new format as rookies and second-year players will be mixed in the game on Friday, Feb. 24 in Orlando. Hoops analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal will serve as general managers and draft players for their teams. The 2012 NBA All-Star Game will be played at Amway Center in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Hey…Time to help cover up for Good Cause:

Even though it’s officially ending, there’s still time to help out and make a difference with  Kevin Love’s coat drive. There are many people in need this winter and it’s real. KLove tells me that fans can still drop coats at any of eight metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office and Comcast service centers and they will be picked up. All donations supporting The Salvation Army. "We've had a mild start to the winter, but it's pretty cold in Minnesota and many people are in need of new winter coats," Love said. "I want to help out again this year, and with the support of The Salvation Army, Comcast and Wolves fans, we can make a difference this winter for those in need."
More information can be found at Timberwolves.com

LOOK WHO'S BACK:

The Timberwolves have recalled rookie guard Malcolm Lee from the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. Lee appeared in three games for the Skyforce, averaging 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 25.3 minutes.

Big upside for this rookie. Lee underwent successful surgery on Dec. 30, 2011 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He has not appeared in any games for the Wolves this season.

A 6-5 guard from UCLA, Lee was drafted 43rd overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls and acquired by the Wolves in a draft-day trade. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists over his three-year collegiate career. Lee earned both First Team All-Pac-10 and Pac-10 All-Defensive Team honors in 2011.

See you on TV:

You don’t want to Miss GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 @ 10:30AM. Special guest is Wolves Assistant Coach and NBA Champion Jack Sikma. Big Jack looks good in High Definition and it plays out on TV, as well as on ITunes & online @ www.gameontvmn.com.

GameON! powered by SEVEN allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal, to meet your favorite players and fellow fans @ our weekly tapings next door to Target Center @ SEVEN (7^th and Hennepin).  GameON! is about in-depth interviews with the top players, great food, sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves).

It’s GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar. You can friend us on Facebook and drop me a note, [email protected].  We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com.

Keep your GameON! See you soon!

SIMONSSAYS/ 2.9.2012

Two things have been happening right before my eyes. This warmer than normal winter, the lack of snow and the Timberwolves turnaround has basketball fans all around us searching for their inner MJ. Just yesterday (with hopes of moving it back out in the open), two teenagers were jostling and tugging on their big basketball hoop that had been hibernated by their father. They could peer no more at it.  With a concrete court clear of snow and ice, it was time to play Rubio in the driveway. Period.

As we speak, the hoop is still hung up and hibernated under Father Law but you get the point. In this strange winter of  a Wolves rebirth (sans snow-blowers), Team Turnaround continues to turn heads and bring people back to the bus at a much faster rate than would have ever been thought earlier this year.

No one is foolish enough to say its mission accomplished, no, not even close. But talking to players and coaches, there’s a sense that ere is now no doubt about it. Coach Adelman talks to the media nearly every day and one thing that is a constant, when it comes to describing his young team, is consistency.

One bright spot that has developed out of a potential mess: with all the injuries suffered early in the season, the Wolves are getting all their players back and in the center of the scheme, is the emergence of Nikola Pekovic.  Since returning from injury, Pek has been gigantic. He’s a load. Just a tick under 7-feet tall, legs like tree trunks and a fear of no one, Pek has left believers in New Jersey, Houston and most recently, Sacramento.

Pek gave DeMarcus Cousins all he could handle and more.  Fans are only hoping it’s not a mirage. Pek actually gives the team both defense and scoring. One fan talking to me after the close win against the Kings described the Wolves center position like this, in a musical mention. Fan says to me, “Adelman has his options; he can go from the rougher side with Pekovic, and a Metallica styled game, to a Manilow flow with Darko.”   Bottom line, whatever wins gets the nod. The Wolves need help in the middle to allow Kevin Love to do his work. Pek has been fitting the bill of late. Well done.

A note to SimonsSays if we might.

For what it's worth my opinion is that K Love, R Rubio and hopefully D Williams are the only ones worth building around. All others are bench/role players. Maybe trades could provide draft picks to package current players to move up in the draft to fill one of the needs. I don't see much help in what going to be available for FA next year.

Keith M.

Keith thanks for the note. David Kahn has a good handle on what his shopping list looks like and the work has just started. Safe to say, at this point in the season with the nice start the Wolves are enjoying, it’s going to be easier to prepare that list. There’s more to build around, in my opinion.

You Go Rubio!

Congrats to Ricky Rubio as he has made it to GQ! Rubio is in GQ’S FEBRUARY ISSUE!
...and now NBA fans, even those outside Minnesota, who’ve long been awaiting Rubio’s debut, will get to see the 21-year-old Ricky off the court. As GQ describes it, GQ was eager to catch up with the floppy-banged prodigy and get a better sense of what he thinks of America’s love for the NBA and if the Minnesota Timberwolves are the right fit for him.
Ricky Rubio on America’s die-hard NBA fans: “Barcelona is very similar to Santa Monica. I was out there two years ago to watch the NBA Finals. I got a sense of the place – that the people were crazy for the Lakers.”
…on moving from coastal Spain to hardy Minneapolis: “…When you play in the NBA, the city, I think, is not the most important thing. The better place might be one that’s not at the top right now – a place that can use me, that can grant me experience.”

Hey…Time to help cover up for Good Cause:

Still time to help out and make a difference as Kevin Love’s coat drive is winding down to help those in need this winter. Just because it’s been milder doesn’t mean there isn’t a need.  Love is inviting all fans to bring new coats to any of eight metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office and Comcast service centers before February 17, with all donations supporting The Salvation Army. "We've had a mild start to the winter, but it's starting to get pretty cold in Minnesota and many people are in need of new winter coats," Love said. "I want to help out again this year, and with the support of The Salvation Army, Comcast and Wolves fans, we can make a difference this winter for those in need."
As a thank you to those who donate, Love has purchased lower-level tickets to the Timberwolves' Feb. 22 game vs. the Utah Jazz. Fans will receive a pair of tickets to this game for each new coat they donate (limit four tickets per family while supplies last).

Locations and specific information you might need can be found at Timberwolves.com

Throwback Time:

It didn’t go too well in its debut against Indiana but you catch any of the remaining five Wolves home games this season that link you to a bit of throwback history.  The Wolves will wear the 1967-68 Minnesota Muskies uni’s for this weekend’s upcoming home games against Dallas & the Knicks (back to back nights), the Clips and Lake show as well as the Celtics on March 30.

Lynx Update:

It’s still kinda’ early to be talking summer and the WNBA Champion Lynx (still has a nice erring to it) but we know who they’ll play now as the Lynx will tip off their 14^th season on Sunday, May 20 against Phoenix at Target Center. It’s one of four nationally televised games this year. In all, they play 34 regular-season contests (17 home/17 away) from May 20 through September 23. The WNBA will break from July 14 to August 15 to allow WNBA players compete for their respective countries in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

See you on TV:

You don’t want to Miss GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 @ 10:30AM. Special guest is #1 draft choice Derrick Williams. DWill looks good in High Definition and it plays out on TV as well as on ITunes & online @ www.gameontvmn.com.

GameON! powered by SEVEN allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal, to meet your favorite players and fellow fans @ our weekly tapings next door to Target Center @ SEVEN (7^th and Hennepin).  GameON! is about in-depth interviews with the top players, great food, sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves).

It’s GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar. You can friend us on Facebook and drop me a note, [email protected].  We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com.

Keep your GameON! See you soon!

SIMONSSAYS/ 2.2.2012

There is now no doubt about it. I spent the first part of our weekly visit last week talking about the social media meld with T’Wolves basketball and going back and forth with dozens of fans prior to the Indiana-MUSKIES game. Looking back, our expectations were very high for the Wolves/Muskies.

I got to tell ya’ and you just might be one of those people who has one foot on and one foot off the bandwagon. But we’re going to need to exercise some patience. Not the 5 year plan type. I don’t think so. But there will be growing pains for this rapidly improving basketball team. The type of pains that drive you crazy. The kind that has you jazzed after watching a decisive road win with a return to face a beatable team. The type of pains that have you comparing this year to the last few and saying “why not”?!

My buddy Danno (whose name is slightly changed from Gene to protect his identity) is a classic example of the overjoyed fan. “Danno” is mesmerized by the standings and is contemplating becoming a basketball lobbyist whose main goal is to get the Wolves into the Eastern Conference. Big D says, “You know, if the Wolves were in the East, they’d be a lock for the playoffs. THAT is improvement” he says. Checking the boxes with more than a cursory look, he’s right at this point in the season.  In the West, the Wolves are no longer the doormat but rather the 11^th seeded team. And Danno is right, in the East; Minnesota is the 8^th seeded team with a vastly improved 10-12 (.455) record through 22 games.

As I (David) sternly pointed, since that isn’t gonna’ happen, our focus has to be on patience as Team Adelman gets it’s groove together and continues it’s climb. I find myself elated when little nuggets of news underscore the team’s dramatic resurgence.

Case in point, playing winning basketball over the course of a month. For 15 straight months, the Wolves didn’t have a winning record until this January and if my math doesn’t fail me now, that’s more than 3 seasons and then some. January was very good to the Wolves with big victories and 10-wins in 18 games. That is a stat that makes sense to this coaching staff because it shows development, that the players are gaining consistency and it shows growth despite a rash of injuries to key players like J.J. Barea and Michael Beasley (among others). Much has been made of the Wolves attempt to get to 500 and I like their chances to doing that sooner than later.  A team turns that corner and good things can happen. Isn’t all about “Mo”, you know, momentum?! By the way, last time the Wolves were at that mystical 500 mark was back on January 30, 2007.

What’s becoming clearer with each game is that this team is in good shape for continued growth. And unfortunately for the Wolves, they are similar to many in the Western Conference, the OKC’s , Blazers, Clippers (can you believe that) and Nuggets.  It’s been enough to drive some GameON! talkers crazy. They’ve been in my ear (via email).

A few of their notes to SimonsSays if we might.

Roberta in Fridley is apparently a big basketball fan and also a Darko supporter: “I don’t quite understand why everyone is down on Darko.  Is his injury serious?” Roberta, thanks for the note and thanks for watching GameON! Appreciated. As for Darko, I don’t think it’s an “injury”, per se, but an illness of some sort. Just talking to team officials today and hearing from the big fella himself, it appears Darko’s going to try to play through it. Darko’s missed three games and seeing the progress of Nikola Pekovic and the return of Brad Miller, he is smart and doesn’t want to get off Coach Adelman’s radar.

J.K. in Bloomington wrote me: …”You were a huge fan of Luke Ridnour last season and haven’t said a word about him so far this year. What’s up with that? He’s a big part of this team”.  J.K., I couldn’t agree more and no, my feelings about Luke haven’t changed at all.  In fact, I remember watching him in High School out in Washington State then when he starred @ Oregon and began his NBA run with the hometown SuperSonics.  I’m a fan of Coach Adelman’s guard rotations but we haven’t seen the full effects yet because of Barea’s injury. He’s contributing nicely getting over 30 minutes a night, scoring just under 12 a game and dishing out 3 assists per. Shot selection and defense are still priorities but I do like when Luke and Ricky Rubio run together. Get J.J. back full time and we’re in business.

One more and this one from Bill of MPLS at our recent GameON! taping. “I’m as big a Wolves fan, if not bigger, than most but I still can’t allow myself to think playoffs this season. Why do you even entertain the conversation when it comes up? It won’t happen even though I want it to.” Bill, thanks for your animated chat with me and thank you for coming out to our tapings @ SEVEN Tuesday night’s. Here’s the deal. Few people thought the Wolves would be improving as quickly as they are right now. After seasons of struggle, fans are back and people are getting into it. All I know is that if this team can gain some consistency, if they can continue to be stingy on defense (especially in the 4^th quarter), if they can find the rotations that maximize this roster and continue to find ways to win games they’d grown accustomed to losing in years past, who says the Wolves can‘t get into the playoffs?!

You Go Rubio!

I don’t think there’s any doubt we’re going to see K-Love and Rubio in the upcoming NBA all star game. Good news for #9 too now that the NBA tells us Rubio is the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played from the start of the season (Dec. 25) through January. The honor is the first of Rubio's career and just the fourth Rookie of the Month Award in franchise history. Rubio is fifth among rookies in scoring (11.4 ppg) and first in assists (8.9 apg) and steals (2.24 spg).  And you know I’m partial because Rubio is the favorite of my little 6 year old daughter Annie. After all the games in which we’ve attended, Rubio has taken over the perch where Crunch resided. They grow up too fast.

Covering Up for Good Cause:

Let’s help out and make a difference as Kevin Love’s coat drive is on to help those in need this winter. Just because it’s been milder doesn’t mean there isn’t a need.  Love is inviting all fans to bring new coats to any of eight metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office and Comcast service centers before February 17, with all donations supporting The Salvation Army. "We've had a mild start to the winter, but it's starting to get pretty cold in Minnesota and many people are in need of new winter coats," Love said. "I want to help out again this year, and with the support of The Salvation Army, Comcast and Wolves fans, we can make a difference this winter for those in need."
As a thank you to those who donate, Love has purchased lower-level tickets to the Timberwolves' Feb. 22 game vs. the Utah Jazz. Fans will receive a pair of tickets to this game for each new coat they donate (limit four tickets per family while supplies last).

Locations and specific information you might need can be found at Timberwolves.com

Throwback Time:

It didn’t go too well in its debut against Indiana but you catch any of the remaining five Wolves home games this season that link you to a bit of throwback history.  The Wolves will wear the 1967-68 Minnesota Muskies uni’s for upcoming home games against Dallas & the Knicks (back to back nights), the Clips and Lake show as well as the Celtics on March 30.

Lynx Update:

The WNBA Champion’s know who they’ll play now as the Lynx will tip off their 14^th season on Sunday, May 20 against Phoenix at Target Center. It’s one of four nationally televised games this year. In all, 34 regular-season contests (17 home/17 away) from May 20 through September 23. The WNBA will break from July 14 to August 15 to allow WNBA players compete for their respective countries in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

See you on TV:

A special Super Bowl weekend show is ahead for GameON! We’ll see you with our growing TV show on Sunday February 5^th with GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar on Sunday mornings on FOX’s My29 @ 10:30AM in High Definition as well as on ITunes & online @ www.gameontvmn.com.

GameON! powered by SEVEN also allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal, to meet your favorite players and fellow fans @ our weekly tapings next door to Target Center @ SEVEN (7^th and Hennepin).  GameON! is about in-depth interviews with the top players, great food (heck, we’re coming to you from the best Steakhouse for Pete’s sake), sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves).

It’s GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar. You can friend us on Facebook and drop me a note, [email protected].  We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com.

Keep your GameON! See you soon!

I love social media. Since I’ve always been a basketball fan, I enjoy following my team and having access to all the inside information and data that a great site like timberwolves.com offers. I’m fortunate enough to get to cover the team and get a first hand, up close look. My hoopaholic buddies cling to the site and pour over it so they might mix numbers with, what is sometimes, sorry rationale.

They are one of the reasons that over the past month, it’s simply been amazing to watch, read and follow along as facebook/twitter has been blowing up. Many of those twitter and fb friends are sports fans and some of them (in fact, many of them and I remind them of their place in history) have been very outspoken about a basketball team that they left for dead just six months ago.

If you happen to be one of those still on the fence or living in denial about the resurgence of the Timberwolves, it’s time to reconsider your stance. It’s a little akin to owning an old typewriter in the days of the iPad. It’s been a remarkable start to the season and the past few days have done nothing to dampen the optimism that surrounds Team Adelman.

There’s no question that this is the best Wolves team we’ve watched in years. Great? Not close. Getting better with big steps, Yes. Quickly.

Certainly, games like Houston will eat at you and stick in the back of your mind. After that game, Wolves players knew it was one that got away. MUCH different from a year ago when a loss like that would have been expected.

What’s different?

For one, even after a short start to the lockout shortened season, these Wolves expect to win when they play. That’s right; the players have expectations where as in recent seasons past, even though they might have said one thing, escaping that losing mentality was nearly impossible. So when they took the Staple Center court days ago and even though they fought from behind, this team expected to beat the highly hyped Clippers.  When the NBA Champion Mavs rolled into Target Center and the Wolves made their recent trip to Dallas, they knew they could not only match up but beat the champs. Roughin’ up the Kings on the night they get their rings. That’s good stuff!!

It’s true, the front office can only help to get fans back and the basketball people can only help develop a roster. Coaches are expected to teach and groom their players. It’s refreshing to see a roster of young, talented players who enjoy playing together and accept the challenge of turning around this team’s fate. Early on, that’s one of the biggest changes I’ve seen with the Wolves. No longer does this team walk out on the court and before the tip-off, concede, in the back of their mind, that their five can’t beat the opposing five.

Secondly, this year there are just better players on the team. Those players get it and understand their roles. Players tell me that they appreciate the way this coaching staff works with them, respects them and puts them in positions to succeed.

On a recent edition of GameON! sharp shooter Wayne Ellington told me that the new coaching staff is one of his biggest reasons for the change of fortunes here. Ellington is a case in point too.  Look at the improvement he is enjoying on the court. He’s shooting better, running the floor and offense with improved and noticeable confidence. Ellington’s characterization of Coach Adelman and his assistants was sharp insisting it was their “blueprint” of success and an attention to detail that puts the players in a position to win. Better practices. Improved instruction. Coaches with success. Been there, done that. Remember too that #22 was a national champion at North Carolina under Roy Williams so he, like most of his Wolves teammates, arrived here winners from their respective schools. Players are responding.

Love is good!

No doubt when the talks went down to the last day, many fans got nervous and frustrated but at the end of the day, the deal that had to get done did.

The Wolves locked up one of the franchise’s foundation blocks by signing forward Kevin Love to a four-year contract extension.

President of Basketball Operations David Kahn was clear too. Love is important to the organization, saying "Kevin is now one of the top players in the NBA. In Kevin, we have a core player that we can build around as we continue to improve our team."

For Love, sure money played a role but commitment was too. “I like the direction our team is going, and I feel that big things are ahead of us. I look forward to being a part of this team as we continue to develop and grow.”

In the early afternoon, on my wife’s birthday, my Facebook blew up with fan excitement:

Scott from MPLS: another very fun game the other night but great news on an off day because the Wolves win by signing KLove !! Our crowd continues to grow & be so much fun, while helping our Wolves win!

Chris from MPLS: So stoked KLove will b a member of the TWolves for at least a few more yrs!!! Bt PF in the NBA!!! Griffin may b flashier but ill take KLove any day over Griffin. TWolves future is bright!!! Haven't said that since the KG / Marbury days.

Paul from Brooklyn Center: I can’t remember the last time I saw an NBA game, especially the Wolves, that had me as excited as the game vs. LAC. I’m back. This is happening. AMAZING game-winning shot from Love!!

Love is the most marketable player this team has ever had. And yes, his stats are numbing in the short time he’s played in the NBA. Taken with the 5th overall pick in 2008 out of UCLA, picked to the All Star game, named the NBA's Most Improved Player last season after averaging 20.2 points and a league-leading 15.2 rebounds per game. The first NBA player since Moses Malone 20 years ago to average 20+ points and 15+ rebounds. And so far this season, Love’s even better averaging 25 points and nearly 14 rebounds a night. For his career, the 23-year-old is averaging 15.8 ppg and 11.9 rpg.

For as good as he is on the court, no Wolves player has given on and off the court like Love. Those hard working Wolves staffers delight when teamed with the gracious and sincere Love as he gives back to the community time and time again.  This is a kid who (please allow me to say it again) get’s it. He is grateful for his place in the game and his ability to help others. People like being around him. He’s not cocky or pretentious, he’s a good guy. I talk to parents all the time at games and after meeting Love and his teammates, they say things we parents say (and it’s important). Just like Love, I know I want my little six year old to grow up achieving great things and, in turn, using that success to help others. Love walks the walk. Write it down. Because Kevin Love is the entire package, he will go down as this franchise’s greatest player ever.

Covering Up for Good Cause:

Love’s coat drive to help those in need this winter is back. The Kevin Love Coat Drive has started and Love is inviting all fans to bring new coats to any of eight metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office and Comcast service centers before February 17, with all donations supporting The Salvation Army. "We've had a mild start to the winter, but it's starting to get pretty cold in Minnesota and many people are in need of new winter coats," Love said. "I want to help out again this year, and with the support of The Salvation Army, Comcast and Wolves fans, we can make a difference this winter for those in need."
As a thank you to those who donate, Love has purchased lower-level tickets to the Timberwolves' Feb. 22 game vs. the Utah Jazz. Fans will receive a pair of tickets to this game for each new coat they donate (limit four tickets per family while supplies last).

Locations and specific information you might need can be found at Timberwolves.com

Throwback Time:

If you catch any of these six Wolves home games this season, you going to catch a bit of throwback history.  The Wolves will wear the 1967-68 Minnesota Muskies uni’s for home games against Indiana, Dallas, the Knicks, Clips and Lake show as well as the Celtics on March 30.

Lynx Update:

The WNBA Champion’s know who they’ll play now as the Lynx will tip off their 14^th season on Sunday, May 20 against Phoenix at Target Center. It’s one of four nationally televised games this year. In all, 34 regular-season contests (17 home/17 away) from May 20 through September 23. The WNBA will break from July 14 to August 15 to allow WNBA players compete for their respective countries in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

See you on TV:

A special weekend is ahead for GameON! We’ll have two airings of our growing TV show on Sunday 1/29.  GameON!  GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar is on Sunday mornings on FOX’s My29 @ 10:30AM in High Definition as well as on ITunes & online @ www.gameontvmn.com. This Sunday, an encore presentation will air on FOX9 @ 12N.

GameON! powered by SEVEN also allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal, to meet your favorite players and fellow fans @ our weekly tapings next door to Target Center @ SEVEN (7^th and Hennepin).  GameON! is about in-depth interviews with the top players, great food (heck, we’re coming to you from the best Steakhouse for Pete’s sake), sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves).

It’s GameON! powered by SEVEN Steakhouse/Sushi/Ultralounge/Skybar. You can friend us on Facebook and drop me a note, [email protected].  We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com.

See you soon!