Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Scoggins: Don't blink, or the Twins' situation will change again
Based on their words and actions, Twins bosses Derek Falvey and Thad Levine can't decide whether to buy, sell or put both options on a dart board and fire away.
Gophers athletes make significant strides in academics
A recommitment to academics is playing big dividends in the U athletic department, particularly football.
Scoggins: Vikings now paying for that elite defense
The bill has come due for Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman in constructing a top-five defense mostly with homegrown, ascending talent.
Scoggins: Birdies, fun were aplenty Saturday at 3MChampionship
Virtually no wind combined with soft greens from Thursday's rain rendered the TPC Twin Cities defenseless against the best senior golfers.
Scoggins: Big Ten forecast calls for three powerful teams, chance for others
Fall camps open this week, and the Big Ten has three teams — Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin — that look capable of crashing the College Football Playoff.
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Scoggins: Fleck says Gophers fans will see change, but when?
The question is not whether P.J. Fleck can coach. The real question is whether Fleck can succeed at Minnesota. That we won't know for some time.
Fleck puts Minnesota on Michigan-like level at Big Ten media days
Jim Harbaugh who? Hurricane Fleck took a back seat to no one in Chicago. "He's very good for the Big Ten," Sports Illustrated's Bruce Feldman said.
Ohio State's 'awful' final game of 2016 football season still stings
The lone shutout in Urban Meyer's Hall of Fame career came in his most recent game, a 31-0 trouncing by Clemson in the College Football Playoffs semifinals last season.
Scoggins: Should Twins buy or sell? Wins are driving the answer
After years of dreadful baseball, the Twins have played themselves into playoff contention, flaws and all. Selling while in contention would send a horrible message.
Fired U wrestling coach Robinson: 'Nobody was interested in facts'
A year removed from coaching at the University of Minnesota has not diminished J Robinson's frustration and disappointment over the way his 30-year Hall of Fame career as the school's wrestling coach ended.
17-year-old scores victory for Muslims by boxing in her hijab
After absorbing hits for making her hijab non-negotiable, Amaiya Zafar pushes ahead with her boxing career.
From Rochester with flair: Skateboard star Majerus goes from the mall to world stage
Sometimes when he's at the mall, Alec Majerus will stop and stare at a staircase. He will look at the angles, study the handrail, his mind racing with ideas for tricks, which is how skateboarders are judged in competition.
Scoggins: Target Field fences too distant? Not anymore
The Twins' home field suddenly has become a launching pad. Target Field had produced 127 home runs this season, a rate of 3.02 per game, third-highest in Major League Baseball.
Aiming for the flower pots: Home runs at Target Field
The Twins and their opponents are on pace to hit a record number of home runs at Target Field this season.
Scoggins: Deals put Wolves closer to Thibodeau's older, tougher vision
The Wolves boss put his cards on the table the past week, reshaping the roster in his vision and thus accelerating the organization's timeline for building a winner.
Scoggins: Ex-Hopkins star in NFL hosts camp with focus on leadership
Marcus Williams envisioned something more useful than a few hours on the field and a picture with a pro football player. Here's how his idea came to life at a Minneapolis park.
Butler's journey: Small-town Texas to NBA All-Star
The three-time All-Star is widely regarded as a top-15 player who excels as a two-way talent and is entering the prime of his career at age 27.
Scoggins: Adding Butler? Keeping Wiggins? This deal is a steal
The Wolves were big winners Thursday night, and acquiring Jimmy Butler now raises the ante for Tom Thibodeau in Year 2.
Scoggins: Twins' Gimenez takes 'much-traveled' status in stride
He's been good enough to play for five organizations but expendable enough as a backup catcher to never feel completely settled.
Scoggins: Tennessee is hockey-mad for Predators (did I just say that?)
As a kid raised in Tennessee, we observed two seasons: college football season and spring practice. Now Nashville is on fire with hockey mania.
Scoggins: For Fleck, technology is key to connecting with recruits
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck treats recruiting like a favorite toy. He never ignores it, constantly searching for new ways to connect. This aggressive focus gives Fleck fuel to compete against programs of more prestige.
Scoggins: Spurning fresh arms leads to bullpen fiasco by Twins
The Twins bullpen's stat line Monday looked like something out of youth in-house baseball: 14 runs, 13 hits, two home runs, three walks, a hit batter and a partridge in a pear tree.
Scoggins: Bridgewater video is subtle message of optimism
The Vikings wouldn't have released that Teddy Bridgewater video if they didn't feel reasonably optimistic about his progress.
Scoggins: Equipment man 'Matty' ensured Gophers stayed stocked with laughs, essentials
As Gophers equipment manager for nearly five decades, Dick Mattson became a beloved character who provided colleagues a vault of tales, some too colorful for print.
Minnesota is turning into a youth basketball hotbed
An explosion of year-round basketball for all ages has made Minnesota a prime source of top talent
Jim Petersen: From St. Louis Park to NBA, back when MSHSL banned summer AAU ball
That scenario wouldn't happen today, of course, because premier players attend national showcases all summer. Athletic secrets don't exist in the internet age.
One-on-one time often part of training for young basketball players
More kids, even before high school, are seeking private instruction from former college and professional basketball players to improve their skills.
Scoggins: Gophers' chance on Allister as young softball coach pays off
Jessica Allister proved that sometimes the fifth choice is the right choice, as evident by the transformation of Gophers softball under her leadership.
Scoggins: NCAA looks at Gophers' 54-3 softball record and just shrugs
How did a committee of softball experts look at the Gophers' historic season and decide they don't deserve to host a regional as a top 16 seed? Did they forget a secret handshake or something?
Scoggins: Gophers AD Coyle earns high marks in first year full of turmoil
Mark Coyle's first year in charge of Gophers athletics witnessed a staggering amount of crisis management, important decisions and change.
Scoggins: Former Gophers football star Barber getting degree at age 57
Marion Barber Jr. promised his mother as a teenager that he would graduate from the University of Minnesota. On Thursday, he will receive his diploma at age 57.
Scoggins: Sherels, Thielen offer Vikings tryout players some hope
Marcus Sherels and Adam Thielen began their NFL careers with no guarantees and no money. So they're telling new undrafted free agents there's a chance.
Scoggins: Gophers working on winning back trust from fans
Athletic director Mark Coyle has launched a series of initiatives designed to give Gophers fans more voice and better benefits. "It's not our fans' fault that they're not coming to games," he said.
'A lot of pacing.' Myrick's NFL draft wait lasted a little too long
Gophers cornerback Jalen Myrick is grateful for the chance after being drafted in the seventh round by Jacksonville but felt he would be earlier pick.
Scoggins: Top offensive draft picks should help Zimmer's defense
The Vikings were the worst rushing team in the NFL last season, and by fixing that with running back Dalvin Cook and lineman Pat Elflein the defense shouldn't be as taxed this season.
Scoggins: Lynx's competitive fire hasn't mellowed with age
The Lynx don't understand the concept of mediocrity. Not this core group, winners of three WNBA championships and five trips to the Finals in six seasons.
Scoggins: Molitor endures a difficult day at the office
Twins manager Paul Molitor made three intriguing moves before getting ejected from Thursday's game. Two worked out, one didn't.
Scoggins: Wild's cold scoring raises issues beyond the playoffs
This isn't a new problem, of course. It becomes a discussion topic every postseason. Hand-wringing over a lack of snipers and finishers and high-end scorers has become a default setting.
Scoggins: Coach Boudreau's got nothing on Chef Boudreau
Chip Scoggins writes: 'The idea was to determine which feat was more impressive: Bruce Boudreau's impact on the Wild or Chef Crystal Boudreau's ability to prevent me from burning down the kitchen at her workplace."
Scoggins: For starters, Santana's competence a good place to start
Starter Ervin Santana on Monday allowed only two hits to become the first Twins pitcher to win on Opening Day since Livan Hernandez in 2008.
Scoggins: Women leading NBA teams is next logical step
A female NBA coach is no longer alien talk. The only crazy idea would be for NBA teams to ignore qualified candidates just because of their chromosome structure.
Scoggins: 20 more years will not erase the stain that Clem Haskins oversaw
The coach who bears ultimate responsibility for one of the most painful episodes in Gophers athletic history sounded tone-deaf in practically begging for red-carpet treatment.
Scoggins: Big brother's shadow keeps shrinking for Tre Jones
Tre Jones continues to blaze his own path — a similar path of excellence — and managed to one-up his brother, Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones.
Scoggins: Promising season has turned into panic time for Wild
The Wild finally has settled into its comfort zone. Forget all that prosperity nonsense. Welcome back to Desperation Town.
Scoggins: Committee got Gophers, Middle Tennessee seeds backward
Middle Tennessee, the 12 seed Thursday, looked like a veteran team on both ends of the floor. The fifth-seed Gophers looked like a young team that has zero depth and was hanging by a thread.
Scoggins: Roadmap to victory? Gophers must get locked in
To avoid a one-and-done exit, the Gophers must follow a script that guided their historic turnaround. Here's a look at the blueprint.
Scoggins: Mason's education: how U point guard grew into bold leader
Junior Nate Mason emerged as the catalyst behind a historic turnaround that propelled the Gophers back to the NCAA tournament. He leads the team in scoring and several other offensive categories while providing bulldog tenacity as captain.
Nate Mason leads way for Gophers: by the numbers
Junior All-Big Ten point guard Nate Mason leads the Gophers in several statistical categories:
Scoggins: Bad weather, worse soccer, but United fans still enjoyed the day
United's defense has been abysmal, to put it kindly. The back line looked frozen stiff along with an announced crowd of 35,043, who braved the blowing snow.
Scoggins: If Mixon is available, Vikings should pass on running back
Drafting star Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon would fly in the face of Zygi and Mark Wilf's declaration that player conduct is a top priority.
Scoggins: Lucia has retirement plan, but don't expect to see it in action yet
Gophers hockey coach Don Lucia has a successor in mind, a cabin picked out, plenty of memories — and the drive for at least two more years.
Scoggins: Even with postponement, Aussie gets taste of being Wolves fan
Monique Quinn came all the way from Australia to attend her first Timberwolves game Monday night. She wore a Karl-Anthony Towns jersey and tennis shoes with Ricky Rubio's name on them. Imagine her reaction when she heard the game against the Portland Trail Blazers was being postponed because of condensation on the court.
Scoggins: MLS opener shows United has lots of ground to make up
The Loons had some nice stretches in the second half but a late meltdown resulted in a flurry of goals for the host Timbers.
Scoggins: Welcome, Loons. Join the crowds
How does Minnesota United find its footing in a crowded sports market with five other existing pro franchises and a major Division I athletic program? The Loons start with strength in fan support.
Scoggins: Vikings need to move on; he's just not the AP of old
Adrian Peterson's legacy as one of the Vikings' all-time greats is secure, but the fit no longer makes sense.
Scoggins: Lots of balance, lack of ego make Gophers a joy to watch
Many of the factors that have contributed to a 22-7 record will make Minnesota a tough match-up in the upcoming NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Scoggins: SMSU basketball coach finds strength from enduring 'tough times'
That Brad Bigler and his family can find comfort and happiness again after enduring unspeakable heartache makes this season extra inspiring.
Scoggins: As Pitino and Fletcher show, patience can be underrated
This time a year ago, a healthy percentage of the Twin Cities sporting public rooted for two outcomes: Richard Pitino to be fired and Chuck Fletcher to overhaul the Wild roster.
Scoggins: Fleck, Gophers banking on Sapp to regain form after ACL surgeries
Benny Sapp III committed to P.J. Fleck as the first member of the Gophers' 2018 recruiting class even though Sapp has not played football for two seasons after tearing the ACL in his knee twice.
Scoggins: Gophers' winning play fitting for game and team
Good teams scratch and claw and survive in games like the one the Gophers had with Indiana on Wednesday night. Aesthetics don't matter at this juncture, only results.
Scoggins: Gophers must catch up to recruit nationally
The arrival of Urban Meyer, Jim Harbaugh and now James Franklin put Big Ten brethren on notice. To avoid falling miles behind, you must be able to swim with the sharks in recruiting.
Scoggins: Goals have come in bunches, and that's new for Wild
With 160 goals exiting the All-Star break, the Wild leads the Western Conference in scoring and is on pace to obliterate the team's single-season record of 235 goals.
Scoggins: Trade Rubio only if Dunn takes over the starting job
If the Wolves trade point guard Ricky Rubio, they should do so because they want to see how Kris Dunn develops as the starter.
Scoggins: The Barn gets its soul back despite overtime loss
The Gophers on Saturday dropped an important basketball game that was winnable. But the atmosphere at Williams Arena was refreshingly enjoyable.
Scoggins: Boudreau in tune with Wild players' highs, lows
Bruce Boudreau's deft touch with in-game adjustments and willingness to ride a hot hand demonstrate just how much coaching matters. On his list of attributes is that he doesn't play favorites.
Scoggins: Fleck's poaching of W. Michigan recruits part of the deal
Hours after stepping off a private plane for his first day on the job for the Gophers, Fleck began salvaging a recruiting class by poaching recruits that had verbally committed to his previous employer, Western Michigan.
Scoggins: If Sherels isn't on Gophers coaching staff, it's Fleck's mistake
Every new coach deserves to bring in his own staff. They shouldn't feel obligated to keep anyone. But P.J. Fleck's decision to not retain linebackers coach Mike Sherels is a mistake
Scoggins: Philosophical shift is evident all over with Gophers
Big-ticket decisions by the University of Minnesota demonstrate an understanding that college sports have become cutthroat, competitive and expensive, and that failure to jump in will only widen the gap.
Scoggins: Gophers basketball turnaround began off the court
The Gophers men's basketball program suddenly appears on solid footing under Richard Pitino after a transformational offseason.
Scoggins: There's substance to go along with Fleck's shtick
P.J. Fleck undoubtedly will use quirky ploys to motivate his players, but here's a key point to remember: His résumé includes running a successful Division I program.
Scoggins: In firing Claeys, Coyle makes his landmark statement
We'll learn more about Coyle's leadership and ability to attract coaches with this critical hire. This coaching change will be both expensive and a big part of Coyle's legacy at Minnesota.
Scoggins: Keeping Claeys is reasonable option in Gophers' messy situation
As a decision nears, here's my vote: Retain Claeys and add one season to his contract with the same buyout provision ($250,000 per season), giving him three seasons remaining. I see enough positives in Claeys and his staff to maintain continuity.
Scoggins: Take the Bradford status questions off the table
There should be no suspense over looming Vikings organizational decisions on QB Sam Bradford.
Scoggins: After losing key defenders, Sawvel's adjusted game plan was master stroke for U
The suspensions from the sexual assault investigation left Sawvel without two defensive starters and four of his top six defensive backs — a tall order against any opponent. And Washington State's offense isn't just any offense.
Scoggins: Gophers' Claeys, bosses at a critical juncture
Playing a game will help provide some sense of normalcy and briefly take the focus off fallout from the university's sexual assault investigation. But it's not being melodramatic to suggest Gophers football has reached a critical crossroads that will shape its future.
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