Rant Sports.com: The Minnesota Timberwolves Sign F Lazar Hayward

My latest contribution at Rant Sports, looking at Monday's news that the Minnesota Timberwolves signed forward Lazar Hayward.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/31/the-minnesota-timberwolves-bring-back-lazar-hayward/

Rant Sports.com: Royce White vs. The Houston Rockets

My latest contribution at Rant Sports, looking at the continuing story surrounding Royce White and the Houston Rockets.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/31/royce-white-once-a-knucklehead-always-a-knucklehead/

Rant Sports.com: 2013 NFL Draft Prospect-Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib

My latest post at Rant Sports, taking a look at Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib as a 2013 NFL Draft prospect.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/30/2013-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-syracuse-qb-ryan-nassib/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twin Free Agent Target-OF Ryan Sweeney

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at outfielder Ryan Sweeney as a free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/28/mlb-rumors-are-the-minnesota-twins-looking-to-add-an-outfielder/

Rant Sports.com: 2013 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper-Chicago White Sox C Tyler Flowers

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers as a potential fantasy baseball sleeper for 2013.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/28/2013-fantasy-baseball-sleeper-tyler-flowers/

Rant Sports.com: NFL Week 17 Preview-Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

My latest post at Rant Sports, previewing the Minnesota Vikings Week 17 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/27/vikings-vs-packers-nfl-week-17-preview/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Vikings C John Sullivan Gets Snubbed In Pro Bowl Voting

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan case as a Pro Bowl snub.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/26/a-case-of-a-pro-bowl-snub-minnesota-vikings-c-john-sullivan/

Rant Sports.com: Fantasy Football Dynasty League Watch-Oakland Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor

One of my recent contributions at Rant Sports, taking a look at Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor's potential value in dynasty fantasy football leagues heading toward 2013.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/26/fantasy-football-dynasty-league-watch-terrelle-pryor-2/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Timberwolves Having James Anderson In For A Workout

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Wednesday morning's news that the Minnesota Timberwolves will have former San Antonio Spurs guard James Anderson in for a workout this week.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/26/minnesota-timberwolves-having-james-anderson-in-for-a-workout/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Vikings Week 17 Playoff Scenarios

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking the scenarios under which the Minnesota Vikings can earn a playoff spot.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/25/minnesota-vikings-week-17-playoff-scenarios/

Rant Sports.com: Could The Minnesota Timberwolves Trade A Point Guard Soon?

My latest contribution at Rant Sports, taking a look at the possibility the Minnesota Timberwolves could trade a point guard at some point soon.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/24/nba-rumors-could-the-minnesota-timberwolves-move-a-point-guard-soon/

Rant Sports.com: Would The Minnesota Vikings Be Better Off Without Percy Harvin?

My latest post at Rant Sports, taking a look at the possibility the Minnesota Vikings will look to trade wide receiver Percy Harvin this coming offseason.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/24/nfl-rumors-would-the-minnesota-vikings-be-better-off-without-their-best-wide-receiver/

"Puck This": An NHL Manifesto

With the official cancellation of games into mid-January now, the NHL has me thinking about it in ways it rarely does. Could one the four "major" sports in America lose a full season for the second time in less than a decade? Seems foolish to me.

Quite frankly, I largely grew up without an NHL team here in Minnesota. Our North Stars moved to Dallas in the early 1990's, depriving me of a local big league pro hockey team to take an interest in during my earliest years of fully understanding, paying attention to and aggressively analyzing sports in general.

But I was still able to keep tabs on the NHL at-large via ESPN's coverage, which provided games on both coasts and kept me (and I'm sure others in Minnesota) engaged in the most visible pro hockey league in the world. And of course we got the NHL back with the Minnesota Wild, who had their inaugural season in 2000-2001.

It seems to be the NHL as a whole, on both the management and players' side, has an inflated sense of where they are on the American sports' landscape. After that previous lost season, 2004-2005, the league needed to re-establish an audience beyond the "hard core" hockey fans they would not go away shy of the league being disbanded. They needed the ubiquitous presence of ESPN with the attention and coverage they provide, but instead a television contract was struck with the niche Outdoor Life Network, which later became Versus in the United States and is now known as NBC Sports Network.

NBC and NBC Sports Network are certainly solid partners for the NHL to have in their corner, but there's really no competing with the wide girth of ESPN on a national level. If ESPN forgets about your sport or is unwilling to offer much coverage across their various mediums, casual fans in the United States may well follow suit and forget as well.

I describe myself as a casual hockey fan, but that is not to say I won't watch the NHL when games are played again. The Wild made some big moves during the offseason, and I plan to be part of what will surely be record local ratings for their first game this season (assuming it happens). But I also feel like I'm not alone in having the league largely off my radar right now beyond the latest news (usually dismal) regarding the current labor situation, and that is too bad.

-BB

Rant Sports.com: 2013 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper Alert-Pittsburgh Pirates P Jason Grilli

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jason Grilli as a potential fantasy baseball sleeper for the 2013 season.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/23/2013-fantasy-baseball-sleeper-radar-jason-grilli/

Rant Sports.com: Should The Minnesota Timberwolves Sign Quentin Richardson?

My latest post at Rant Sports, speculating on Quentin Richardson as a potential fit for the injury-riddled Minnesota Timberwolves.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/21/nba-rumors-is-quentin-richardson-an-option-for-the-minnesota-timberwolves/

Rant Sports.com: The Minnesota Twins Sign Rich Harden To A Minor League Contract

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Friday morning's news that the Minnesota Twins have signed pitcher Rich Harden to a minor league deal.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/21/the-minnesota-twins-sign-rich-harden-to-a-minor-league-deal/

Rant Sports.com: Should The Minnesota Twins Have Interest In Manny Parra?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the potential interest the Minnesota Twins may have in free agent pitcher Manny Parra.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/20/mlb-rumors-are-the-minnesota-twins-interested-in-manny-parra/

Rant Sports.com: NFL Rumors-Should The Minnesota Vikings Have Interest In Tim Tebow or Mark Sanchez?

My latest post at Rant Sports, speculating on any interest the Minnesota Vikings may have in current New York Jets quarterbacks Tim Tebow or Mark Sanchez this offseason.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/20/nfl-rumors-could-the-minnesota-vikings-have-interest-in-tim-tebow-or-mark-sanchez/

Rant Sports.com: Fantasy Football Dynasty League Watch-San Francisco 49ers RB LaMichael James

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the fantasy value going forward for San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/19/fantasy-football-dynasty-league-watch-san-francisco-49ers-rb-lamichael-james/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Wild Forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard Putting Concussion Symptoms Behind Him

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the recent report that Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard is "pretty much symptom free" after battling concussion issues over basically the last three seasons.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/2012/12/19/minnesota-wild-forward-pierre-marc-bouchard-is-symptom-free-after-battling-concussions/

Rant Sports.com: Does Adrian Peterson Have A Chance To Break The NFL's Single Season Rushing Record?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's pursuit of Eric Dickerson's single-season NFL rushing yardage record (2,105 yards-1984).

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/17/nfl-record-watch-adrian-peterson-2012-vs-eric-dickerson-1984-2/

Rant Sports.com: Fantasy Football-Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

The Week 16 edition of my fantasy football "Waiver Wire Pickups", featured at Rant Sports

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/17/fantasy-football-week-16-waiver-wire-pickups/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins And Mike Pelfrey Agree To One-Year Deal

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Sunday night's news that the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with pitcher Mike Pelfrey.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/17/the-minnesota-twins-sign-mike-pelfrey-to-a-one-year-deal/

Rant Sports.com: Should The Minnesota Twins Seriously Consider Signing Brandon Webb?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the Minnesota Twins' reported interest in pitcher Brandon Webb.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/16/mlb-rumors-are-the-minnesota-twins-seriously-considering-signing-brandon-webb/

Rant Sports.com: Is Kevin Kolb's Time With The Arizona Cardinals Over?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Kevin Kolb's NFL future if he is released by the Arizona Cardinals prior to next season.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/14/nfl-rumors-is-kevin-kolb-done-in-arizona/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Trade Target-Peter Bourjos

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Los Angeles Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos as a potential trade target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/13/mlb-rumors-peter-bourjos-on-the-trading-block/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Trade Target-Bud Norris

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Houston Astros pitcher Bud Norris as a trade target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/13/mlb-rumors-should-the-minnesota-twins-have-interest-in-bud-norris/

Rant Sports.com: Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates For 2013

My top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2013, featured at Rant Sports.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-football/2012/12/13/the-top-10-heisman-trophy-candidates-for-2013/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Timberwolves-Kevin Love Sounds Off Again

My latest post at Rant Sports, a open criticism of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, who made his thoughts about the organization clear in a recently published interview.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2012/12/12/kevin-love-needs-to-keep-his-mouth-shut/

Rant Sports.com: Should The Minnesota Vikings Trade For Larry Fitzgerald?

My latest post at Rant Sports, taking a look at Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald as an offseason trade target for the Minnesota Vikings.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/11/nfl-rumors-should-the-minnesota-vikings-trade-for-larry-fitzgerald/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins-Top 10 Prospects For 2013

My latest post at Rant Sports, a look at the top 10 prospects in the Minnesota Twins organization.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/11/minnesota-twins-top-10-prospects-for-2013/

Rant Sports.com: Fantasy Football-Week 15 Waiver Wire Pickups

The Week 15 edition of my fantasy football "Waiver Wire Pickups", featured at Rant Sports.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/10/fantasy-football-week-15-waiver-wire-pickups-2/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Free Agent Target-Kevin Correia

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Kevin Correia as a potential free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/10/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-free-agent-target-kevin-correia/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Golden Gophers Bowl Preview vs. Texas Tech

My latest post at Rant Sports, previewing the Meineke Car Care Bowl, which will feature the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 28.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-football/2012/12/08/minnesota-golden-gophers-bowl-preview-vs-texas-tech/

Rant Sports.com: Could The Minnesota Vikings Trade Toby Gerhart During The Offseason?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the possibility the Minnesota Vikings will trade running back Toby Gerhart after the season.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/07/nfl-rumors-is-toby-gerhart-headed-for-the-trading-block/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Trade Target-Skip Schumaker

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at St. Louis Cardinals utility man Skip Schumaker as a trade target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/07/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-trade-target-skip-schumaker/

Rant Sports.com: The Minnesota Twins Trade Ben Revere To The Philadelphia Phillies

Here is my latest post at Rant Sports, looking at the Minnesota Twins' trade of outfielder Ben Revere to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/06/mlb-news-the-minnesota-twins-trade-ben-revere-to-the-philadelphia-phillies/

Rant Sports.com: 2013 NFL Draft Prospect Profile-Cal WR Keenan Allen

One of my most recent posts at Rant Sports, looking at the NFL prospects for University of California wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/06/2013-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-california-wr-keenan-allen/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Trade Target-Derek Holland

One of my most recent posts at Rant Sports, looking at Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland as a trade target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/05/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-trade-target-derek-holland/

Rant Sports.com: NFL Rumors-Should The Minnesota Vikings Have Interest In Michael Vick If He's Available?

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking the possibility the Minnesota Vikings would show interest in Michael Vick if he is released by the Philadelphia Eagles after the season.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/05/nfl-rumors-should-the-minnesota-vikings-have-interest-in-michael-vick/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Free Agent Target-3B Jack Hannahan

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at third baseman Jack Hannahan as a free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/05/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-free-agent-target-jack-hannahan/

Rant Sports.com-Minnesota Twins Free Agent Target-Joe Blanton

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Joe Blanton as a free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/03/mlb-rumors-joe-blanton-getting-interest-from-the-minnesota-twins/

Rant Sports.com: Fantasy Football-Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here is the Week 14 edition of my fantasy football "Waiver Wire Pickups", featured at Rant Sports.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2012/12/03/fantasy-football-week-14-waiver-wire-pickups/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Free Agent Target-Shaun Marcum

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at Shaun Marcum as a possible free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link: http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/02/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-free-agent-target-shaun-marcum/

Rant Sports.com: Minnesota Twins Free Agent Target-John Lannan

My latest post at Rant Sports, looking at John Lannan as a free agent target for the Minnesota Twins.

Link:  http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2012/12/01/mlb-rumors-minnesota-twins-free-agent-target-john-lannan/