Minnesota State Sports Briefs: Twins looking to sign Willingham

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MINNEAPOLIS -- Various media outlets are reporting that the Twins are close to signing free agent outfielder Josh Willingham, who spent the last season with Oakland.

If Willingham does agree to terms with the Twins, then that likely means the end of the Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel in the Twin Cities. It is almost certain that the club will sign only one high-priced free agent outfielder this season. The remaining money in the budget will likely go toward pitching.

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The University of Minnesota women's basketball team is in Colorado for a game tonight against the University of Denver. Minnesota has won three straight games since a December 4th loss to No. 1 Baylor. The game tips off at 8 p.m.

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The Northern Sun and the MIAC have released the names of their weekly award winners in basketball. Winona State junior center Clayton Vette of Waverly, Iowa is the NSIC men's Player of the Week after averagig 20 points per game in a pair of Warrior wins over the weekend. Minnesota-Duluth sophomore guard Katrina Newman of Barnum is the women's Player of the Week in the NSIC after averaging almost 18 points per game in two wins. Saint Mary's junior forward Mike Burfeind of Lewiston is the MIAC men's Player of the Week, while Bethel senior guard Taylor Sheley of Backus is the MIAC women's honoree.

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The Minnesota Vikings will be on the practice field for the first time this week later today. The 2-11 Vikings will be preparing for Sunday's game at home against the New Orleans Saints, a team with five wins in a row. Kickoff is set for noon on Sunday.

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