Minnesota Sports Briefs: Liriano throwing in bullpen sessions

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(Fort Myers, FL) -- Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano threw his first official pitches of spring training yesterday with a bullpen session that consisted of about 50 pitches.

Liriano says he threw at about 80-to-85-percent full strength and felt good after the outing. He threw an assortment of all three of his pitches - including a fastball, changeup, and slider. The lefty says he was working mostly on mechanics, including what he described as "staying tall." Day three of pitchers and catchers working at spring training is set for today.

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Some athletes never recover from devastating knee injuries, but then there are others who have unworldly healing capabilities Prayer, hyperbaric chambers and old-fashioned extensive rehabilitation come to mind when reflecting on ways to regain top form. Visiting a holistic healer wouldn't be an ideal way to mend an injury, however. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson isn't one to take the easy road in strengthening his anatomy (see NFL.com Fantasy ad) and alternative medicine just doesn't fit with Peterson's personality. Peterson, of course, is undergoing extensive rehab on a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee suffered during a 33-26 win over Washington on December 24. Still a young player and in the prime of his career, Peterson said last week the rehabilitation process is "coming around" and he is continuing workouts in Houston -- his offseason home.

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When the Golden Gophers men's basketball team hosts Big Ten Conference leader Michigan State on Wednesday night at Williams Arena, they will also be welcoming the reigning Player of the Week in the league. Spartan senior forward Draymond Green of Saginaw, Michigan was named the Big Ten's honoree this week after averaging 20-points-per-game in two big wins for MSU. The Spartans are now in sole possession of first-place in the conference. Tomorrow's game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.

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The NSIC has named its weekly award winners in men's and women's basketball. For the third time this season, Bemidji State senior James Ellisor of Glendale, Arizona is the men's Player of the Week. He averaged more than 23-points-per-game in two Beaver wins over the weekend. Bemidji State moved to 19-and-7 with the victories. And, Winona State senior Michelle McDonald of Johnsburg, Illinois is the women's honoree for the second time this season. She helped the Warriors to two wins over the weekend with a 19.5-points-per-game average.

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The MIAC's men's and women's basketball players of the week have been announced. Bethel junior forward Taylor Hall of Blaine is the men's Player of the Week after helping the Royals to two wins in three games last week. Concordia-Moorhead forward Tricia Sorensen of Bismark, Minnesota is the women's honoree. She has helped the Cobbers to wins in six of their last seven contests.

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