Thursday's tipsheet

KNOW THIS
Matt Gangl, who has directed countless Twins and Wild games for Fox Sports North in recent years, had the honor of directing Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game on Fox. "It's an event like no other," Gangl said Wednesday, adding that he was caught off guard and had to scramble a little (but loved it) when Nelson Cruz posed for a picture with umpire Joe West in the middle of the game.
WATCH THIS
The X Games are happening right here in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium — and also on your TV. Check out the BMX Vert finals at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
RANDOM FANDOM
"Coyle, Pitino and P.J. have a chance to turn around decades of major sports mediocrity at the U of M. And to do so, you need to compete at all levels, and very importantly with facilities. Until the Athletics Village opens in January, we're still catching up."
"dewarf" commenting on startribune.com.
TWEETED
"Huh an east coast writer had ballparks on the east coast ranked way too highly. I'm shocked. Yes, shocked."
@jmarthaler
about the writer
The Vikings are likely to be active in NFL free agency in March with more than $60 million in cap space to spend and 24 players set to become unrestricted or restricted free agents.