MN Gophers

The Twins continue with spring training in Fort Myers, Florida this week. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says results of spring training games aren't a strong indication of how the season will go. He says players are going up against competition and situations they won't see in the regular season.

The Twins optioned left field prospect Alex Kirilloff to their alternate training minor league site. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Kirilloff didn't have a great spring but has limited at-bats. He says the plan was likely to start him in the minors and bring him up early in the season.

The University of Minnesota has hired Ben Johnson to be its next men's basketball head coach. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says with Johnson's background as a Minneapolis native, former Gopher player and assistant coach and his connection with the local AAU scene he's well equipped to recruit and land top Minnesota talent.

The Wild bounced back for a win over Anaheim, the Wolves faded at home against Oklahoma City, the Gopher men's basketball team found a new coach and the NCAA Tournament rolled along. Here's a look at all things sports for Tuesday.

The Gopher men's basketball team is still searching for a replacement for Richard Pitino as head coach. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Porter Moser from Loyola-Chicago and Eric Musselman from Arkansas could both be candidates for the job but both are still coaching in the NCAA tournament sweet sixteen.

The Vikings agreed to sign 31-year old veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson to a 1-year $10 Million contract. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan says Peterson is a 6-time Pro Bowler but was doesn't possess the same speed he once did and was beaten off by receivers while playing with the Cardinals last season.

The Vikings cut veteran defensive lineman Shamar Stephen saving $3.75 Million in salary cap relief. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Vikings will likely save themselves even more by releasing Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo.

The University of Minnesota fired head men's basketball coach Richard Pitino after 8 seasons at the University yesterday. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says he understands the lack of patience from fans but says the Gophers won't be in a hurry to replace Pitino.

On the court it was a mixed bag for Pitino's Gophers, who finishes his tenure with a record of 141-123 overall but a mark of 48-82 in Big Ten Conference games.

The Timberwolves posted a 135-105 win at New Orleans Thursday night in their first game back after the All Star Break. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Timberwolves have talent they just haven't put it together yet. Souhan says they played hard for new head coach Chris Finch Thursday night.