Opinion/Analysis

The Vikings cut veteran defensive lineman Shamar Stephen saving $3.75 Million in salary cap relief. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Vikings will likely save themselves even more by releasing Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo.

The University of Minnesota fired head men's basketball coach Richard Pitino after 8 seasons at the University yesterday. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says he understands the lack of patience from fans but says the Gophers won't be in a hurry to replace Pitino.

The Timberwolves have won 2 of their last 3 games coming out of the All Star break after a 114-112 win over Portland Sunday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says new Wolves head coach Chris Finch has now had a chance to make some changes to how the Wolves play on offense and defense.

The Timberwolves posted a 135-105 win at New Orleans Thursday night in their first game back after the All Star Break. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Timberwolves have talent they just haven't put it together yet. Souhan says they played hard for new head coach Chris Finch Thursday night.

The Vikings released left tackle Riley Reiff saving the team $11.5 Million on their salary cap. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Vikings wanted to restructure Reiff but that didn't appear to be possible. Jim says the Vikings could move either Brian O'Neill or Ezra Cleveland to left tackle or address the position in the draft or free agency.

The Twins beat the Orioles 1-0 in 7 innings in Fort Myers, Florida Tuesday to improve to 4-4 this spring. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says 1st baseman Miguel Sano, who hit a RBI double Tuesday, should remain in the field as long as possible. He says Sano is a guy who can benefit from seeing regular time in the field to help keep him engaged and in better shape.

The Minnesota Wild beat the Vegas Golden Knights 2-0 Monday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wild are looking like the 2nd best team in the West Division behind Vegas with lots of games to play. Souhan says rookie Kirill Kaprizov is well known nationally by NHL experts as an emerging talent.

The Twins posted a 8-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in spring training baseball Sunday in Fort Myers, Florida. Left hander Lewis Thorpe started the game for the Twins and threw 1 shutout inning. Thorpe is out of options which means he'll need to make the team out of camp or the Twins would have to expose him to waivers. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today.

Former Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett posted yesterday that he has ended his pursuit of buying the Timberwolves. He isn't happy about it either taking shots at Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today.

The Minnesota Wild lost 5-1 at Las Vegas against the Knights Wednesday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wild decision to make Zach Parise a healthy scratch was intended to send a message and will likely be a one-time thing.