Hartman: Mark Wilf feeling 'very optimistic' about Vikings' chances

The Vikings were 6-10 last season after coming within one victory of the Super Bowl in 2009. But team owner and president Mark Wilf looks for big things this year under new coach Leslie Frazier.

"We're happy we're back to football," said Wilf. "We know that the fans, obviously we're happy for the fans No. 1, that we get back to football. We know it was a very tough wait for the fans and for everybody concerned, but we feel from the players' standpoint and the ownerships' standpoint these are issues that have to be worked out. Not everyone got what everyone needed, but this is something that gives us peace for the next 10 years and gets the football back on the field for the fans."

Wilf said that Frazier and vice presidents Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski have been "preparing a long time throughout this lockout to be ready whenever the gun went off, so to speak, and we're ready to go. We've done some things already in a short time, and by the time we get to Mankato on Sunday, we'll have a new and exciting squad for the fans to enjoy.

"We did have a lot of injuries last year, but again each year you have to take on its own. We're going to have a lot of new faces this year. We're excited about our draft class. We think we're going to have some great additions, some veterans coming in. We feel very optimistic we're going to be able to compete again and get back on top of the NFC North like we did for '08 and '09."

Wilf is confident that quarterback Donovan McNabb will give the Vikings a similar lift to what Brett Favre did in 2009.

And Wilf said the ownership will do what is necessary to sign additional help.

Patient about stadium "We're very patient and respectful of the budget process, and we understand what happened," Wilf said when asked how disappointed he was that the Legislature didn't pass a stadium bill. "Saying that, we're respectful of that and we understand priorities but obviously we feel at this point now a Vikings stadium is a very important priority for the state, and while we are disappointed the stadium didn't get done, we understand what happened with the budget.

Wilf said he believes some progress has been made with the site being at Arden Hills, and while he didn't say anything about a special session being called this fall, the word is that Gov. Mark Dayton figures that could happen when things cool off politically at the Capitol.

"We've made progress, as they say in football: The goal line is in sight. Now we just have to work together with the leadership of the state and get this done," Wilf said. "A solution that is going to be great for our fans and great for the citizens and great for our franchise. We're looking forward to getting that done."

It's obvious that the Wilfs are sold on Arden Hills and that it's the only site that interests them now.

"The main framework for the structure of the deal is done," Wilf said. "Any minor issues we feel very confident will be resolved as quickly as the state feels we can get together and get it done.

"We're very excited about the site, No. 1 is the ability for people to have a full game-day experience. Tailgating, a lot of room for people to come, and the luxury where people can come, bring their families again to games, a place where it can be a true entertainment experience, not just for the game itself and also for all the other events that can happen, year-round.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the City Council still haven't given up on a stadium in Minneapolis.

Knight pushes for Woodson In a conversation with Wolves owner Glen Taylor, Bob Knight pointed out that Mike Woodson, a candidate for the Wolves job and one of his former players at Indiana, is the only coach in NBA history to improve a record of a team (the Atlanta Hawks) for five consecutive seasons. Knight also pointed out Woodson's ability to get Atlanta in the playoffs, that Woodson understands the game as well as anybody and is one of the best people he has ever been associated with.

Sid's Jottings

• The Twins, determined to cut their payroll, are likely to trade one of their high-salaried guys, likely today or in the near future.

• Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith conducts a great father-and-son basketball camp on Friday and Saturday. The fathers and sons room together in a dorm, and the fathers will scrimmage each other. For information go to www.tubby smithbasketball camps.com.

• Louis Gross was not only a great Gophers football players (1922-24), but he was one of the great post university graduates who was involved with many of the school presidents. Now his granddaughter Lisa Cohen is chairwoman of the Board of Regents.

• Former Gophers standout Matt Spaeth has signed with the Chicago Bears after playing four seasons with Pittsburgh. Former Eden Prairie standout and Wisconsin linebacker Blake Sorensen signed with Seattle.

• Leslie Frazier might be in his first full season leading the Vikings, but Ron Gardenhire is the only pro coach or manager in town who has more tenure. The Wild just hired Mike Yeo, and the Wolves still are searching for Kurt Rambis' replacement.