Minnesota Vikings 2012 Draft Review

I went to the Minnesota Vikings draft party at the Metrodome on Thursday. Between the bags competition and the beers, I didn't see a whole lot of the draft. This review is as useful to me as it is to you.

1 - Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California (6-7, 306);
1 - Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame (6-2, 213);
3 - Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida (5-10, 199);
4 - Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas (5-10, 196);
4 - Rhett Ellison, TE, Southern California (6-5, 251);
4 - Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas (6-3, 219);
5 - Robert Blanton, DB, Notre Dame (6-1, 208);
6 - Blair Walsh, K, Georgia (5-9, 187);
7 - Audie Cole, OLB, North Carolina State (6-4, 246);
7 - Trevor Guyton, DT, California (6-3, 285)

Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings

USC left tackle Matt Kalil will offer the Minnesota Vikings a player capable of starting right away. The Vikings have always invested in the offensive line. The investment has typically paid off as the Vikings have always had strong offensive line plays.

Kalil is the undisputed top tackle in the draft and is seen as a foundation piece for an offensive line. He comes from a big school and has faced top competition and is equally adept at blocking in either the passing and running games. Picking Kalil would solidify Minnesota's offensive line in two spots, left tackle and left guard

2011--DeMarcus Love, Arkansas: sixth round (168th overall) -- still with the Vikings
2010--Chris DeGeare, Wake Forest: fifth round (161st overall) -- still with the Vikings
2009--Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma: second round (54th overall) -- still with the Vikings
2004--Nat Dorsey, Georgia Tech: fourth round (115th overall) -- traded to Cleveland Browns, September 2005, out of the league
2002--Bryant McKinnie, Miami: first round (seventh overall) -- released, August 2011, signed with the Baltimore Ravens

Upcoming Minnesota Twins Games

Upcoming Twins Game

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY
Monday 4/16/2012
7:05 PM

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins @Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY
Tuesday 4/17/2012
7:05 PM

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY
Wednesday 4/18/2012
7:05 PM

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY
Thursday 4/19/2012
7:05 PM

Tampa Bay Rays Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Tropicana Field
Saint Petersburg, FL
Friday 4/20/2012
7:10 PM

Tampa Bay Rays Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Tropicana Field
Saint Petersburg, FL
Saturday 4/21/2012
7:10 PM

Tampa Bay Rays Vs. Minnesota Twins @ Tropicana Field
Saint Petersburg, FL
Sunday 4/22/2012
1:40 PM

M&M Boys Own the Night

Mauer started the rally last night, or in the words of Ryan Doumit, woke the sleeping dragon. Mauer hit his first homer at Target Field since August 18, 2010 when he yanked a 0-1 cut fastball 260 feet down the right field line.

Then Morneau put the Twins up 8-7 with a two-run shot into the upper deck in right center.

Before the M&M Boys came up clutch... they were opposite of clutch. The crowd of over 30,000 was full of grumbles when the boys failed twice to bring in runners from third when the Twins were down by 5.

The home runs hit by the M&M Boys were the kinds of home runs the Twins never got last season. The Twins hit the third fewest HRs in the majors with only 103.

The Twins are two games under .500 and have a team earned-run average of 5.65. However, the lineup boasted by the hometown team should prove to be deep and powerful.

Here's to hoping the Twins pull out a win over Texas today... then we will really have something to write home about.

Twins on Winning Streak

Hey! What do you know? The Twins are on their first win streak - 2 w's in a row at Target Field!

If you watched the game last night, you probably almost had a heart attack given the thrills of the game. The Twins started out with four uninspiring losses, but have come alive the past two days at Target Field.

The Twins took a three-game series from the LA Angels (2-for-3) this past week. Recall that the Angels were one of the most active teams in the off season, picking up highly desired free agents.

I love a nail biter when we come out on top. However, there is something to be said about a straight-up win. Twins fans might not be able to take this kind of fun for 156 more games...

Let's pound Texas... and let Twins fans sigh with relief.

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events:

Minnesota Wild
4/5 v Chicago Blackhawks
4/7 v Phoenix Coyotes

Barry Manilow
4/13 @ 730pm

Minnesota Swarm
4/14 v Washington Stealth
4/21 v Philadelphia Wings
4/28 v Colorado Mammoths

Check out these great Xcel Energy Events! They will be here before you know it!

Opening Twins Series at Target Field

Yikes! I can't wait any longer! Here is a mini-preview of the first games at Target Field.

4/9- Twins v Angels @ 3:10
4/11 - Twins v Angels @ 7:10
4/12 - Twins v Angels @ 12:10
4/13 - Twins v Rangers @ 7:10
4/14 - Twins v Rangers @ 12:10

I LOVE BASEBALL SEASON!!