Opinion/Analysis

The Gopher men's basketball team lost 76-72 at Rutgers Thursday night to drop to 4-7 in the Big Ten and 11-7 overall. The loss is their 3rd straight and Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan says it puts them on the bubble for a NCAA Tournament spot. He says they had been sitting in a great position after their home win over Michigan in January.

The Twins signed right handed relief pitcher Alex Colome to a 1-year $2.5 Million contract with an option for a 2nd season. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Colome made sense for the Twins when the White Sox chose to go with Liam Hendricks as their closer this season.

The Twins agreed to sign 40-year old designated hitter Nelson Cruz to a 1-year $13 Million contract. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Twins know what to expect from Cruz. He says Cruz will give them professional at-bats, drive in runs, hit in the clutch and be a positive in the club house. Jim says Cruz' age is a concern but with Cruz' hard work he's optimistic he won't hit the wall this season.

The latest Vikings trade rumor has quarterback Kirk Cousins going to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and other considerations. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. Jim says that move is unlikely due to the salary cap hit the Vikings would have to endure by trading Cousins' contract.

The Timberwolves won at home against Cleveland 109-104 Sunday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says rookie 1st overall pick Anthony Edwards is quickly establishing himself as a NBA starter and could be a star. He says Edwards has proven to be a great dunker and has improved his shot making.

The Minnesota Wild improved to 5-3 with a 5-3 win over the L.A. Kings Thursday night. Marcus Johansson scored a goal and added an assist on the Kirill Kaprizov goal. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says it was good to see the contributions from Johansson and the early goals to give the Wild a 3-0 lead in the first period.

The Twins agreed to sign free agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to a 1-year contract worth an estimated worth $10.5 Million. Star Tribune Sports columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says this signing allows the Twins to improve their defense at shortstop and at 2nd base with Jorge Polanco moving to that position.

Gopher head football coach P.J. Fleck has reported as a candidate for the vacant head football coaching job at the University of Tennessee. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says it is possible that Fleck is a candidate there but he thinks Flecks wants to stay in the mid-west and may likes the idea of not having the pressure that would come with a job like Tennessee.

The Timberwolves won Saturday at home against New Orleans 120-110. They did so without top players Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell due to Covid-19 protocols for Towns and due to an injury for Russell. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today.

The Vikings are looking for a new Offensive Coordinator for the 6th time in 6 years after Gary Kubiak chose to retire from the position. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Kubiak's offense did what head coach Mike Zimmer wants it to.