TIPSHEET
KNOW THIS
The NFL is implementing what looks to be roughly an 87-step process to ensure balls are inflated properly and not tampered with in NFL games. Since the league has no other problems, it can focus a lot of energy here.
WATCH THIS
The Pirates are now where the Twins might hope to be in a year or two: firmly entrenched as a contender after years of struggle. Check out two teams in different stages of development in the series opener at Target Field (7 p.m., FSN).
RANDOM FANDOM
"Bridgewater had a fine rookie season but has a LONG way to go to prove himself. He has potential, but he hasn't come near earning a spot in the top 10 or even top 15. Let's just take it easy and see how this plays out."
— mplsfrozen80 commenting on startribune.com.
Weigh in on what you're thinking about to mrand@startribune.com
TWEETED
"The Celtics have 17 players with guaranteed contracts and can only play 5 of them at a time."
@BillSimmons
Former GM Porter could be disciplined by MLB after firing for explicit texts
Rolling on: No. 1 Hopkins smashes fourth-ranked Wayzata 102-52
'I wasn't very good.' Younger Gardenhire knew baseball future wasn't playing
Hubbard's clutch three helps U women's basketball defeat Nebraska
