REMOTE PATROL

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy, Rory McIlroy and, yes, Rory McIlroy (12:30, Ch. 11).

Padres vs. Twins: Your TV doesn't even know who the Padres are (1 p.m., FSN).

NASCAR: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 is the race. Really (noon, TNT).

WNBA: Red-hot Lynx vs. Atlanta. Give it a shot (5 p.m., tape delayed, FSN).

THE BUZZ

CLICK PICK ESPN.com has its annual ultimate team rankings, judging pro teams in the four major U.S. sports on a number of criteria, including fan relations and affordability. The Twins (39th) are the top Minnesota team.

STAR GAZING Joe Mauer was a second-half hitter in 2010, batting .373 (with a .974 OPS) after the All-Star break. His line was only .293/.792 before the break.

FAST FACT The high school baseball state championship games are slated for Tuesday at Target Field (noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

THE WEEK AHEAD

Just your average week in late June, with major local and national events dominating the calendar.

NHL draft: Live from the X, the new center of the NHL universe.

Women's World Cup: Starts Sunday. Read all about it a day early.

NBA draft: Party at Target Center. What will Wolves do at No. 2?

Ricky Rubio: Introduced (finally) Tuesday. Get your coverage fix.

Tyus Jones: Read about the basketball phenom in the Star Trib.

Wimbledon: Opening day. Set your alarm for 6 a.m. if you love tennis.

LETTERS FROM READERS
Huh? Yeo?! When did the Wild decide to consult with Joel Maturi in looking for their new coach? — Mauri Mickelson, New Hope

I would like to thank Ron Gardenhire for being a much smarter manager in June than he was in April or May. His decision to have the starting pitching improve so much that it would take the pressure off both a depleted lineup and a shaky bullpen was brilliant. Why didn't Rick Anderson do this in the first two months of the season? Because that's what I would have done.— Steve Neuman, St. Cloud

For Minnesota Twins fans, it's time to believe. Entering Friday, the Twins still had the worst record in the American League, but they had gained 7 1/2 games in the span of two weeks with over a handful of regulars injured. Back in 2006, the Twins were 12 games back in the division as late as July 15 and needed 96 wins to take the division. They'll likely need fewer victories in 2011 to get the job done and have more than three months to work at their deficit. It won't be easy, but as history has shown Twins fans, anything can happen in baseball. — Alex Halsted, Mason City, Iowa