Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Sign C Ryan Doumit To A Two-Year Contract Extension

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Friday's news that the Minnesota Twins have signed catcher/designated hitter Ryan Doumit to a two-year contract extension.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-twins/2012/06/29/minnesota-twins-sign-c-ryan-doumit-to-a-two-year-extension/

Rant Sports.com: NBA Rumors-The Minnesota Timberwolves Still Pursuing Pau Gasol

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, examining the Minnesota Vikings continued interest in Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol.

Link:   http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/29/nba-rumors-minnesota-timberwolves-pursuing-pau-gasol/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NBA Draft-Minnesota Timberwolves Select Purdue F Robbie Hummel

Here is my latest piece for Rant Sports, looking at the Minnesota Timberwolves selection of Purdue forward Robbie Hummel with the #58 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. 


Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/28/2012-nba-draft-minnesota-timberwolves-select-purdue-f-robbie-hummel-58th-overall/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 Fantasy Football-Potential Sleeper-St. Louis Rams TE Lance Kendricks

Here is my latest post for Rant Sports, looking at St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks as a potential fantasy football sleeper for 2012.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/06/28/2012-fantasy-football-potential-sleeper-st-louis-rams-te-lance-kendricks/

Rant Sports.com: NBA Rumors-Minnesota Timberwolves-Could Derrick Williams Be Traded?

Here is my most recent post for Rant Sports, looking at the possibility the Minnesota Timberwolves could look to trade forward Derrick Williams.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/28/nba-rumors-minnesota-timberwolves-is-derrick-williams-on-the-trade-block/

NFL Soup.com: 2012 Fantasy Football Team Outlook-Minnesota Vikings

Here is my most recent post at NFL Soup, taking a look at what the Minnesota Vikings have to offer fantasy football owners in 2012. 

Link: http://nflsoup.com/?p=27031

Football Nation.com: 2012 Fantasy Football-Kansas City Chiefs WR Jon Baldwin

Here is my latest post for Football Nation, looking at the fantasy potential of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jon Baldwin for 2012.

Link:  http://www.footballnation.com/content/2012-fantasy-football-deep-sleeper-kansas-city-chiefs-wr-jon-baldwin/15108/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Vikings-A Reunion With LB E.J. Henderson?

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports.com, speculating that the Minnesota Vikings may have to consider re-signing middle linebacker E.J. Henderson with current annoited starter Jasper Brinkley battling a groin injury.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/06/26/minnesota-vikings-jasper-brinkleys-injury-concerns-leading-to-an-e-j-henderson-reunion/

Fantasy Daddy.com: Fantasy Baseball "Buy And Sell"-Pitchers

Here is this week's edition of my fantasy baseball "Buy And Sell" for pitchers, featured at Fantasy Daddy.com

Link: http://www.fantasydaddy.com/baseball/buy-and-sell/857-fantasy-baseball-buy-and-sell-pitchers-62612.html

Rant Sports.com: The Minnesota Timberwolves Acquire F/G Chase Budinger From The Houston Rockets

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Tuesday morning's news that the Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired swingman Chase Budinger from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 18th overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/26/the-minnesota-timberwolves-acquire-chase-budinger-from-the-houston-rockets/

Rant Sports.com: NBA Rumors-Minnesota Timberwolves Interested In Brandon Roy?

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Monday's rumor that the Minnesota Timberwolves may have interest in signing retired former Portland Trailblazers guard Brandon Roy.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/25/nba-rumors-minnesota-timberwolves-to-sign-brandon-roy/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NBA Draft Prospect Profile-St. John's SF Moe Harkless

Here is my most recent post at Rant Sports, looking at St. John's forward Moe Harkless and an NBA prospect and a possible fit for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/25/2012-nba-draft-prospect-profile-st-johns-sf-moe-harkless/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 Fantasy Football-Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the fantasy value of Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for 2012. 

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/06/25/2012-fantasy-football-hype-machine-denver-broncos-wr-demaryius-thomas/?doing_wp_cron

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Vikings-RB Adrian Peterson To Start The Season As A Backup?

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the not very surprising news that the Minnesota Vikings will limit running back Adrian Peterson's workload, at least to start the season. 

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/06/25/minnesota-vikings-adrian-peterson-to-be-no-2-running-back-to-open-the-season/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Wild Not Making A Qualifying Offer To Guillaume Latendresse

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Saturday's news that the Minnesota Wild will not be making a qualifying offer to winger Guillaume Latendresse ahead of NHL free agency.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-wild/2012/06/23/minnesota-wild-will-not-make-a-qualifying-offer-to-guillaume-latendresse/

Football Nation.com: What Is The True Weight Of The Heisman Trophy?

Here is my latest post at Football Nation, taking a look at the true weight of the Heisman Trophy.

Link:  http://www.footballnation.com/content/true-weight-heisman-trophy/15076/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NHL Draft-The Minnesota Wild Select Defenseman Mathew Dumba

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at defenseman Mathew Dumba, the first round pick (7th overall) of the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 NHL Draft. 

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-wild/2012/06/22/2012-nhl-draft-minnesota-wild-select-defenseman-mathew-dumba-7th-overall/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Washington SG Terrence Ross

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Washington guard Terrence Ross as an NBA Draft prospect and a potential fit for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/22/2012-nba-draft-profile-washington-sg-terrence-ross/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NBA Draft Prospect-Kentucky G Doron Lamb

Here is my most recent piece for Rant Sports, taking a look at Kentucky guard Doron Lamb as a 2012 NBA Draft prospect and a possible choice for the Minnesota Timberwolves with their first round pick (18th overall).

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/21/2012-nba-draft-prospect-profile-kentucky-g-doron-lamb/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 NBA Draft Prospect Profile-Duke Guard Austin Rivers

Here is my latest article featured at Rant Sports, taking a look at Duke guard Austin Rivers as an NBA Draft prospect and as a possible choice for the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 18th overall pick.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/06/21/2012-nba-draft-prospect-profile-duke-g-austin-rivers/

Rant Sports.com: 2012 Fantasy Football-The Heightened Value Of Workhorse Running Backs

Here is my latest post for Rant Sports, taking a look at the increased value of "stud" running backs in fantasy football with the concept of one workhorse back on a team becoming more and more rare.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/06/20/2012-fantasy-football-the-heightened-value-of-workhorse-running-backs/

Rant Sports.com: Could The Minnesota Wild Look To Trade Goaltender Niklas Backstrom?

Here is my most recent post for Rant Sports, looking at the possibility the Minnesota Wild could trade goaltender Niklas Backstrom this summer.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-wild/2012/06/20/minnesota-wild-offseason-could-niklas-backstrom-be-traded/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Vikings-WR Percy Harvin Threatens To Holdout Of Training Camp

Here is my most recent post at Rant Sports, looking at Tuesday's news that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has threatened to holdout of training camp.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/06/19/minnesota-vikings-percy-harvin-to-miss-the-start-of-training-camp/

Rant Sports.com: MLB Trade Deadline-The Minnesota Twins Most Tradeable Players

Here is my debut article for Rant Sports, looking at some of the most tradeable players on the Minnesota Twins roster as July's non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/minnesota-twins/2012/06/19/mlb-trade-deadline-minnesota-twins-most-tradeable-players/

Fantasy Daddy.com: Fantasy Baseball "Buy And Sell"-6/19/12

Here is this week's edition of my fantasy baseball "Buy And Sell" for pitchers, featured at Fantasy Daddy.com.

Link: http://www.fantasydaddy.com/baseball/buy-and-sell/847-fantasy-baseball-buy-and-sell-pitchers-61912.html

Football Nation.com: 2012 Fantasy Football Bust Alert: Green Bay Packers WR Jordy Nelson

Here is my latest post at Football Nation, looking at Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson's fantasy value (or potential lack thereof?) in 2012.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/fantasy-football-2012-bust-alert-wr-jordy-nelson/15025/

Football Nation.com: Rookie Fantasy Preview-Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman

Here is my latest piece for Football Nation.com, taking a look at the fantasy football potential of Denver Broncos rookie running back Ronnie Hillman.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/rookie-fantasy-preview-denver-broncos-rb-ronnie-hillman/15011/

NFL Soup.com: 2012 Fantasy Fantasy Football-35+ Year Old Players Who Are Worth Owning

Here is my latest post at NFL Soup, looking at five players who are 35 years old or older who should be on the radar of fantasy football owners in 2012.

Link:  http://nflsoup.com/?p=26712

Football Nation.com: 2012 Heisman Trophy Darkhorses From Non-BCS Conferences

Here is my latest post at Football Nation, looking at some players from Non-BCS conferences that could land on the radar of Heisman Trophy voters in 2012.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/2012-college-football-heisman-trophy-darkhorses-from-non-bcs-conferences/14998/

NFL Soup.com: Fantasy Football Inside The Numbers-Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin

Here is my latest post at NFL Soup, looking at the 2011 season for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and attempting to project his fantasy value for 2012.

Link:  http://nflsoup.com/?p=26691

Football Nation: Three Questions Facing The 2012 Minnesota Vikings

Here is my latest post at Football Nation.com, looking at three of the biggest questions facing the Minnesota Vikings when training camp starts.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/2012-minnesota-vikings-three-questions-heading-into-training-camp/14982/

Football Nation.com: Why Jay Cutler Will Become An Elite NFL QB In 2012

Here is my latest post for Football Nation, looking at the reasons why Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will become an elite signal caller in 2012.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/chicago-bears-jay-cutler-will-join-elite-class-2012/14962/

Football Nation.com: Five NFL Coordinators Who Will Become Head Coaches

Here is my most recent post for Football Nation, looking at five NFL coordinators who are likely to become head coaches.


Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/5-nfl-coordinators-who-will-eventually-be-head-coaches/14951/

NFL Soup.com: Chad Ochocinco Released By The New England Patriots-Where Could He Play In 2012?

Here is my latest post at NFL Soup, looking at Thursday's news that Chad Ochocinco was released by the New England Patriots and speculating on where he could land for 2012. 

Link: http://nflsoup.com/?p=26502

Tommy John: The Career Behind The Surgery

"Tommy John Surgery" has become part of the lexicon of baseball when a pitcher (most often) has elbow surgery, and right along with "Dr. James Andrews" strikes fear into fans if a player on your favorite team requires the surgery named for the former major league pitcher.

Some may wonder about John, the pitcher who underwent the revolutionary surgery in the mid 1970's and went on to win 164 more games post-surgery before retiring after the 1989 season.

Let's take a look at Tommy John's career:

John came to the big leagues in 1963 with the Cleveland Indians, but would win only two games in his first two seasons in 31 appearances (17 starts). A better opportunity would come when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox prior to the 1965 season and John would make at least 25 starts in each of his seven seasons with the White Sox, winning at least 10 games in six of those campaigns. His first career All-Star Game selection also came as a member of the White Sox in 1968.  Also of note is John's three seasons with 10 complete games while with the Pale Hose (1966, 1970, 1971).

John's career would continue an upward swing upon being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December of 1971, as he set a career-high for wins in a season (16) in 1973. But things would be derailed for a time during the 1974 season, when John suffered a severe elbow injury and it was feared he may not pitch again. What followed was the unprecedented surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in John's left (throwing, obviously) elbow, where a tendon was taken from his right forearm to repair the ligament.

John would miss the entire 1975 season while recovering from the surgery, but showed he could indeed pitch again by making 31 starts and topping 200 innings in 1976 for the Dodgers along with a 10-10 record and 3.09 ERA. Things would be even better in 1977, when John had his first career 20-win season (20-7 record) while pitching 220.1 innings with a 2.78 ERA as he finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He would start a run of three straight All-Star Game selections in 1978 (17-10, 3.30 ERA, 213 innings), including back-to-back 20 win seasons in 1979 (21) and 1980 (22) after being dealt to the New York Yankees, and finished in the top 10 of the Cy Young Award voting in all three of those campaigns.

John was traded to the California Angels in August of 1982, but was not particularly impressive (24-32 record, 4.40 ERA, 76 starts) there before being released in June 1985. The Oakland Athletics signed John in July of 1985, but he went just 2-6 with a 6.19 ERA over 11 starts with the team before becoming a free agent after that season.

John re-joined the New York Yankees for the 1986 season and would start 65 games for them during the 1987 and 1988 seasons combined, highlighted by going 13-6 with a 4.03 ERA over 32 starts (187.2 innings) in 1987. His final major league season came with the Yankees in 1989, as John went 2-7 with a 5.80 ERA in 10 starts.

John finished with a 288-231 record over 26 major league seasons, a win total that is good for 26th all-time right now, along with a 3.34 career ERA and 162 complete games. He made 760 appearances, including 700 starts (eighth all-time).

John has yet to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, as he failed to get enough votes in his final year of eligibility on the writer's ballot in 2009.


Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference

Football Nation.com: 2012 Philadelphia Eagles-Most Underrated And Overrated Players

Here is my latest post at Football Nation , looking at the most underrated and overrated players on the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles roster.

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/2012-philadelphia-eagles-most-overrated-and-underrated-players/14916/

NFL Soup.com: 2012 Fantasy Football-Tight Ends To Avoid

Here is my latest post for NFL Soup, looking at tight ends fantasy football owners will want to avoid in 2012.
Link: http://nflsoup.com/?p=26417

Fantasy Daddy.com: Fantasy Baseball "Buy And Sell"-Pitchers

Here is this week's edition of my fantasy baseball "Buy And Sell" for pitchers, featured at Fantasy Daddy.com.

Link: http://fantasydaddy.com/baseball/buy-and-sell/823-fantasy-baseball-buy-and-sell-pitchers-6512.html

NFL Soup.com: Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson "Locked In" To Returning For Week 1?

Here is my latest post at NFL Soup.com, looking at Monday's report that Minnesota Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson envisions being at full strength for Week 1 despite suffering a torn ACL late in the 2011 season.

Link: http://nflsoup.com/?p=26396

The 1987 Minnesota Twins: The Outfielders

In the third (and final?) edition of my series looking at the 1987 Minnesota Twins in recognition of the 25th anniversary of their World Series win, a look at the outfielders.

Note: Stats shown are from the regular season and courtesy of Baseball Reference.

The Starters

RF-Tom Brunansky (.259, 32 HR, 85 RBI, 11 SB, .352 OBP, .489 SLG)
CF-Kirby Puckett (.332, 28 HR, 99 RBI, 12 SB, .367 OBP, .534 SLG)
LF-Dan Gladden (.249, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 25 SB)

The Bench

Randy Bush (.253, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 10 SB)
Mark Davidson (.267, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 9 SB)
Billy Beane (.267, 1 RBI, 15 at-bats)

Notes

- Puckett was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, in his first year of eligibility after having his career shortened by glaucoma, and died on March 5, 2006 at the age of 45.

- Brunansky was later part of one of the more infamous trades in Twins history when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for 2B Tommy Herr in April of 1988, and is now the hitting coach for the Twins' Triple-A affiliate in Rochester, NY.

- Beane was not much of a big league player after being heralded in high school, but would later gain notoriety as general manager of the Oakland Athletics, a post he still holds.

- Gladden scored perhaps the most famous run in franchise history in game seven of the 1991 World Series, and currently works as an analyst and occasional play-by-play man for the Twins Radio Network.

- Bush was head baseball coach at the University of New Orleans, his alma mater, from 2000-2005 and is currently assistant general manager for the Chicago Cubs.

Football Nation.com: Minnesota Vikings-Most Underrated And Overrated Players

My latest contribution at Football Nation.com, looking at the most underrated and overrated players on the 2012 Minnesota Vikings roster. 

Link: http://www.footballnation.com/content/2012-minnesota-vikings-most-overrated-and-underrated-players/14894/

Also, a link to my writer bio on the site: http://www.footballnation.com/author/brad-berreman/