Opinion/Analysis

The Minnesota Wild lost 5-1 at Las Vegas against the Knights Wednesday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wild decision to make Zach Parise a healthy scratch was intended to send a message and will likely be a one-time thing.

The Twins play a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida today at 12:05, pregame on WJON at 12:00. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Kenta Maeda by virtue of his performance last season is the Twins' top starting pitcher.

The Twins defeated Tampa Bay 6-5 in spring training baseball Monday. Brent Rooker his a 2-run home run for Minnesota in the win. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan says if the Twins decide to wait to bring up prospect Alex Kiriloff to play left field the Twins could go with Brent Rooker.

The Gopher men's basketball team lost both games last week to the two worst teams in the Big Ten and talks of Richard Pitino being replaced after the season seems to be gaining momentum. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says one hurdle for the University is buying out the remaining portion of Pitino's contract while the University is hurting for money due to the pandemic.

The Gopher men's basketball team lost their 4th game in a row Thursday night 67-59 at home against Northwestern. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says this was a bad loss and now makes the NCAA tournament an unlikelihood for them.

The Minnesota Wild extended their winning streak to 4 games with a 6-2 win at Colorado Wednesday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist joined me on WJON today. He say rookie Kirill Kaprizov helped set up a pair of goals last night and has been very impressive during this stretch.

The Timberwolves lost 139-112 in Milwaukee Tuesday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says new head coach Chris Finch needs to get the Timberwolves to play better defense. He says they are still building around Karl-Anthony Towns but they need better defensive players around him.

The Timberwolves introduced Chris Finch as their new head coach at a news conference Monday. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. Jim says Finch worked with Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gerson Rosas in Houston.

Former Twins 2nd baseball Brian Dozier announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 33 Thursday. Dozier played 7 seasons for the Twins and hit 167 homeruns. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. Jim says Dozier came up as a short stop with some power and ability to hit for power and turned himself into a pull power hitter and gold glove 2nd baseman.

The Timberwolves lost 134-128 in overtime Wednesday night despite a 3-point shot at the end of regulation that rimmed out for rookie first overall pick Anthony Edwards that would have won the game. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today.