Three observations ... • How will Joe Nathan be ranked among the best closers of this era? With two saves last week, his career save conversion rate of .8932 was the best of all time, better than Mariano Rivera's.
• Pittsburgh is headed in the right direction, thanks to a pretty solid pitching staff. Hello, Twins front office?
• The one thing I can't let go of after the Roger Clemens trial: His wife admitted to taking HGH, but we're supposed to believe Roger didn't?
... and two predictions • Is there any other choice? Mike Trout is the AL Rookie of the Year and might get MVP votes.
• Joel Peralta won't be the only pitcher caught with pine tar on the mound this season.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Sports
Star driver Josef Newgarden fights back tears, accepts blame for breaking rules in IndyCar scandal
Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden blinked back tears Friday as he accepted blame for manipulating the push-to-pass system in his season-opening IndyCar win that has since been stripped, calling it an embarrassment and acknowledging that he may have a long road ahead in winning back the respect of his peers.
Sports
Seth Lugo throws 7 scoreless innings, leads Royals past Tigers 8-0
Seth Lugo pitched seven scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth straight game, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-0 on Friday.
Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out of third game in Bucks-Pacers playoff series
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of Game 3 of the NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
Outdoors
Anderson: Building a new Waterville fish hatchery will help shorten the time between bites
With new funding, a long-dreamed-of facility will replace the 1954 Waterville, Minn., hatchery that began as a garage.
Sports
Oregon State and Washington State face player exodus amid realignment
Perhaps the biggest blow for Oregon State in recent weeks was the departure of running back Damien Martinez, who had previously pledged his loyalty to the Beavers.