Local geniuses scoffed at me when I recommended that the Twins take Joe Mauer in the 2001 baseball draft, bypassing Mark Prior. One needs only to look at the standings to see that the correct decision was made. The Twins are leading the AL Central while the Chicago Cubs are mired in a tie for first in the N.L. Central. Doubters will point out that Mauer isn't even with the club-- yet Prior has barely made a mark, going 7-2 with an ERA under 3. According to sources, the Twins' drafting a local athlete first has led to a groundswell of pride, which has led to increased performance.

Look for Mauer to become one of the greatest Twins ever, next to former Gophers Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, Denny Neagle and J.T. Bruett. If the team could find more local talent, they may be able to compete with the New York Yankees.

Gophers nearly the best team

Look for an announcement early next week that former Hopkins high school basketball standout Kris Humphries has signed with the Gophers. Humphries suffered through a delusional period last year when he temporarily signed with Duke, a small tobacco-based college in the south. With little prodding from father William, Kris backed out of his intent letter and will decide that the Gophers are the team to be with. A former Gopher himself, William Humphries originally received criticism for allowing his son to attend a school besides the University of Minnesota.

If you ask me, Minnesota residents who decide to attend college should not be given an option of not attending the University of Minnesota. I would have gone there if I had made it past fourth grade. Gophers coach Dan Monson could not be reached for comment, as he was on the phone with several NCAA Athletic Directors about open coaching jobs elsewhere.

Monson would do well to listen to Bobby Knight when dealing with stars like Humphries. Knight is a genius and a saint and would not harm a fly.

Timberwolves the greatest

Former Gopher and current Wolves GM Kevin McHale said this week that no progress has been made in re-signing Kevin Garnett to a long-term contract. Nay-sayers point to the Wolves' record six straight years of losing in the first round of the playoffs as a sign of weakness, but I'm certain fans of the Clippers or Wizards would be happy to make that claim. The fact that the Wolves played the L.A. Lakers (the team I orignally started in 1948) shows that the team is making progress.

Former Gopher and current Wolves coach Flip Saunders was seen last week scouting former Gopher and current NBA draft prospect Rick Rickert at the Target Center. If the Wolves could get Rickert, they could say goodbye to Garnett without worry. It would also be wise to make a deal for former Gopher and current Milwaukee Buck Joel Pryzbilla.

Jottings

Former Gopher and current wildlife enthusiast Bud Grant was spotted at a local grocery store this week. Grant continues to be the greatest coach of all time.

The Timberwolves are mourning this week as former Gopher and current broadcaster Mychal Thompson signed a three-year deal to do radio color commentary for the Lakers (the team I originally started in 1948.)

Like looks pretty nice for former Gopher and current Tdalikos Kabobs star Sam Jacobson, who is averagin 5.4 points per game in a Greek semi-pro league.

Former Gophers goalie and current financial advisor Brian Bonin was spotted this week at local entertainment mecca Block E. "I needed a burger," said Bonin, who was a part of the 1995-96 WCHA Champion Gopher squad. "Then I might be headed to Dreamgirls. Every once in a while someone recognizes me in there."