Childs is much more of a wild-card pick, as he was hurt for most of 2011, after complications from a torn patella tendon in 2010.

Childs is a bigger receiver (6’3 & 213 lbs), who will line up on the outside. GM Rick Spielman calls him a guy who ”can go up and get the ball in the red zone.”

Check out Childs in action during his career at Arkansas:

Greg Childs ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and had a 41 1/2-inch vertical jump at this Pro Day.

“Overpowering the defender (is my strength),” Childs said. “Making plays on the ball, catching the ball at its highest point. “

Even though Childs is a bit riskier pick than Wright, I think he has more potential in the NFL. He’s bigger and stronger, and if healthy last year, would have probably been much higher up the draft board.

Given the draft strategy to take Matt Kalil in the first round, I like the value picks in the 4th round with Wright and Childs. Just one would not have been enough, the Vikings needed two receivers in the draft.

Both of these guys played in the SEC, and went up against talent like Morris Claiborne, so I’m confident they can be productive in the league. Neither one will have high expectations, so if one of them stands out, it’s great for the team.

If I had to bet on who will have the better career, I would bet on Childs, mainly because of his size. At this point he is overall better prospect, with the exception of the injury issue, which certainly can’t be taken lightly. Childs claims he’s 100%, and if so, he could prove to be a steal for the Vikings.

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Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf were in attendance with the Governor for the bill-signing ceremony at the Capital Rotunda.

The Minnesota Vikings new stadium will be downtown, near the current Metrodome, and is expected to be ready for the 2016 season.

With all the voting and speculation behind them, the focus now shifts to the actual construction, as well as opportunities presented by the new stadium.

The biggest and most obvious opportunity would be for stadium to host a Super Bowl. This of course would likely only happen if the stadium has a roof (read more here).

Assuming the Vikings don’t blow it and a roof is included, a Super Bowl in Minneapolis then becomes a must. If the team, city, and state are going to shell out $975 million to build a new stadium, they have to capitalize on the huge moneymaker that is the Super Bowl.

Owner Mark Wilf commented on the possibility of one coming to Minneapolis:

“I know the Super Bowl process typically happens in the spring, so potentially as soon as a year from now we could be a bidder,” said Wilf. “We haven’t talked to officials about it yet, but we see no reason why we wouldn’t be ripe to put in a bid for a Super Bowl, and we’re hopeful and we’ll do everything we can as owners to persuade our partners that it’s a great community, and have a Super Bowl here hopefully as early as 2017.”

It’s great to see the Vikings already pursing this, which implies that it’s been a part of the plan all along. With the new stadium, the team must think big, and capitalize on earning potential, while still maximizing the fan experience.

It would be great for the franchise to host a Super Bowl, in only the stadium’s second year of existence, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt towards paying off that tab a little bit early…

The Vikings have not hosted a Super Bowl since 1992.

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Half-way into May, it’s usually clear what’s working with any team. For the Cubs, starting pitching has been working, as well as the bats, from a few select players.

The middle of May is when, what’s not working, also starts to be apparent. Two names in particular come to mind in the not working department, Geovany Soto and Chris Volstad.

Soto is just not cutting the mustard, period. He’s hitting a measly .151, with 3 home runs, and 5 RBI. Not to mention only throwing out 7 of 31 runners attempting to steal on him. His 24 stolen bases allowed, give him the 2nd most in all of baseball.

Once back-up Steve Clevenger returns from the DL, I see no reason not to give him a shot. In limited action this season, Clevenger is 11/22 at the plate. It would be very hard for him to perform worse than Soto offensively.

I haven’t seen him enough behind the plate to make a determination there, but the guy made a big league roster as a catcher… I’m sure he’ll do just fine.

As for pitcher Chris Volstad, the team has said he will make his next start, but I have a feeling it could be his last for awhile. Volstad has had numerous chances (7 to be exact), to get a win, and has yet to succeed this season. He’s currently sporting a 6.92 ERA, and just can’t stay away from the big inning.

I’m not completely writing off Volstad yet, I’m just saying if he can’t get it going, let someone else have a chance. The top 4 spots in the Cubs rotation as basically locked in, so the last spot should be filled by whoever is performing the best out of Travis Wood, Randy Wells, or Volstad.

Volstad deserves his next start, but if he fails again, it’s time to let Travis Wood get a shot. He pitched well enough to win in his only start earlier this season. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but he threw 6 solid innings, and the Cubs eventually pulled out a win. Volstad has just not done that this season.

Regardless of who fills the final spot in the Cubs rotation, you certainly can’t expect too much from them, but someone can do a better job than Volstad currently is.

For both Soto and Volstad, it’s put up or shut up time. They’ve had their chances, and if they aren’t performing, the backups deserve a chance on this young Cubs team.

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Depending on who you ask, and when you ask them, the answers can vary greatly. The idea behind this list, is to recognize the best finishers in the business right now. In order to qualify, the wrestler must currently be appearing on WWE TV on a regular basis. So that means no Pedigrees or Tombstones.

Let’s take a look:

#5 – Brogue Kick – Sheamus

The Brogue Kick is a believable finisher that Sheamus now primarily uses to end matches. It’s a quick-strike move that looks great at times, depending on who’s selling it. It’s No. 5, because let’s face it, it’s a glorified big boot, but it’s cool none the less.

#4 – YES Lock – Daniel Bryan

The hold formerly known as the LeBell Lock, is now more popular than ever, thanks to the YES craze. Why wouldn’t Daniel Bryan capitalize on his trademark catch phrase, by also using it in the name of his submission hold? The YES Lock looks like it legitimately hurts, and perfectly fits Bryan as a wrestler.

#3 – Attitude Adjustment – John Cena

Yes the AA, maybe not the most popular choice among internet wrestling fans, but it’s without question the No. 3 finisher in the company. Cena shows off his ridiculous strength, time after time, with this move. The thing I like most about it it, is that everyone can take this move well, and it’s easy to throw people into and through things, as witnessed below.

#2 – F5 – Brock Lesnar

The F5 is back after an 8 year absence, and it’s still as good as ever. The F5 beats out the AA, because it flat out requires more strength. The moves are similar, and it should be noted that Cena’s AA used to be called the FU, which was created as a shot at Lesnar’s F5.

#1 – RKO – Randy Orton

Orton certainly isn’t on one of the better runs in his career right now. He hasn’t been in a captivating storyline in months, and is over-due for some character adjustments. The good news for him, is that he still has the best finisher in the business. The RKO is best because it’s a move that can come out of anywhere, anyone can take it, and it almost always looks great.

Honorable Mentions:

GTS – CM Punk – This move just doesn’t connect half of the time, and often looks sloppy. At this point I almost prefer the Anaconda Vise instead of the GTS.

Air Bourne – Evan Bourne – If Bourne wasn’t currently on the shelf with leg injury, this move would definitely be on the list. Without question, it has been the best top-rope finisher for several years.

So that’s it, the top 5 finishers in the business right now today. Would any of these crack the all-time top 5? I don’t think so, and that’s certainly a reflection of the current state of the business. All of these moves are solid, but just not legendary.

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It’s been a long time coming for a new stadium in Minnesota, so the team needs to get this right. Arguably the biggest piece of the new stadium that needs addressed, is the roof.

The new stadium must have a retractable roof. I thought it went without saying one would be included with the Vikings stadium, but apparently that’s not the case.

When asked about a retractable roof, owner Zygi Wilf said he wasn’t sure yet.

His brother also made few comments:

“We’re going to try to get the maximum number of features within the budgets that we can make this a facility that is going to be exciting to the fans,” Mark Wilf said Friday. “We know it’s a competitive landscape to attract our fans to the facility, and we’re going to want to make it something special. To the extent that (a retractable roof) can get there, we’re going to try to do it.”

“Public spaces to us seem a very exciting place to gather,” Wilf said. “Whether it’s the plaza outside, you hear about the Lucas Oil Stadium, the way they have the large areas where people can gather, wide concourses, clubs. We want to really enhance the ability for people to come together.”

Obviously a retractable roof is more expensive, and that money will have to be paid by the Vikings (the Wilfs). The early estimates have it costing anywhere from $25-$100 million dollars.

Even though they will have to pay more up front, in the end, they will make so much more money. It’s being speculated that if a roof, of any type, is installed, that a MLS soccer franchise could find a home in Minnesota as well.

From the artist sketches of the new stadium, it does look similar to Lucas Oil Stadium, something I’m completely fine with. As long as it has all the latest and greatest gadgets and features, I’m going to be okay with it.

The Vikings have a great opportunity to turn their new home, into one of the best fan experiences in the NFL. They’ve been playing inside a dome for the last 30 seasons, it’s time for a change. Sure, they could go in a completely opposite direction and build an open stadium, but it’s just not the right call for business.

The Vikings need to get with the times, and commit to a retractable roof, which will get them the best of both worlds.

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The show consists of putting 12 “blue-collar” contestants on a tropical island, and having them compete for $100,000. Austin will serve as the classic host, who oversees the mayhem throughout redneck themed challenges.

The series is set to begin next month.

Austin has also signed a developmental deal with CMT, where he will help create other new series on the network.

An Austin/CMT partnership makes sense, as most people would classify the Rattlesnake as a redneck. I just think of him as a guy that lives on a ranch in Texas, who likes to drink beer. Regardless, he fits the part.

After viewing several of Stone Cold’s movies, and then watching him last year on the series Tough Enough, it’s clear that television is a better fit for him. The strengths that he brings to the table, are most on display in the laid back setting of TV. Not saying the Stone Cold is a bad actor, but acting takes the realness out of him. His realness is what made him successful on the microphone in WWE.

Austin’s wrestling career never took off until he was allowed to be himself. After he was fired from WCW in the mid 90′s, Paul Heyman invited him to do some promos with ECW. The promos proved to be ground-breaking, and eventually got Austin noticed by WWE. Of course, the rest is history…

Check out the promos, and if you haven’t watched the new Stone Cold documentary, it’s now on instant Netflix.

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The answer to that question is, YES.

It’s certainly great for the NBA to see both the 76ers and Pacers winning a playoff series, but their runs will end in the semi-finals. Let’s be honest, if Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard would have been healthy, Philly and Indy probably wouldn’t be in round 2, and I certainly wouldn’t be predicting a Celtics/Heat showdown.

The question then becomes, do the Celtics have a chance of beating the Heat?

The only way I’ll give Boston a chance, is if they beat the 76ers in 5 games or less. If the series goes 6 or 7, the elderly Celtics just won’t have enough gas in the tank to get the job done against Miami. Even if they do finish it in 5 games, it will take a tremendous effort to knock off the front-running Heat.

One thing is for sure, this is the last run for this group of Celtics. Most people didn’t even think they would be together this year, and with Kevin Garnett retirement rumors flying, and Ray Allen in need of surgery, this almost certainly is the end of an era in Boston.

The Celtics will have to ‘out-will’ the Heat. Miami is clearly younger, faster, stronger, and more talented; but do they have the heart of the Boston Celtics? I don’t think they do, and that’s one advantage I’ll give to Boston.

As for the Heat, the pressure just got turned up a little, as Lebron James was announced the league’s MVP. James already has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and now he has to live up to being a 3-time MVP.

Regardless of who wins, I just hope to see competitive games that go down to the wire. With so many different storylines unfolding, I can’t wait to see what happens.

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TCF Bank Stadium was officially announced as the Vikings home turf, potentially as soon as 2013.

“The Minnesota Vikings are an important asset to the state and we were pleased to work with them on reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement to host them on our campus,” said University of Minnesota president Eric Kaler. “The Vikings will remain part of the Twin Cities region during construction of their new stadium, while the proceeds from this arrangement will be invested in our athletic department to enhance Gopher sports.”

The agreement states that the Vikings will pay the University of Minnesota $250,000 per game, plus another $50,000 per game for concessions and sponsorship income. In all, it will cost the Vikings $3 million dollars per season.

Of course some accommodations will need to be made to a stadium that holds only 50,720. Temporary bleacher seats will be added in the western end zone plaza.

One thing is for sure in a stadium of this size, it will be packed every Sunday. I’ve been to TCF Bank Stadium, and it’s one of those stadiums that sits on top of itself. There’s quite a bit packed into one area, which insures that Vikings games will be loud as hell.

TCF Bank Stadium is the best temporary option for the Vikings, because it starts a new chapter for them. It will signify the start of a new beginning in franchise history, and they can finally put the Metrodome behind them. Of course it’s just a small step on the way to the new stadium, but a step in the right direction none the less.

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Fast-forward a month though, and the only obstacle left to overcome, is getting Dayton’s signature on the bill.

The Minnesota state Senate approved the new Vikings stadium bill Thursday, by a vote of 36-30.

For everyone involved, it’s been a long time coming. Almost certainly now, plans will go in motion to construct a new home for the Vikings.

The total cost of the bill is set at $975 million. The Vikings will pay $477 million, the public cost is $348 million, with the city of Minneapolis paying the remaining $150 million.

This is the right thing for the Vikings, the city of Minneapolis, and the state of Minnesota. Everyone involved will benefit from the new stadium long-term.

Much of the credit for the deal getting done this year, has to go to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. I’m certainly not the biggest Goodell fan, but he clearly knows what’s best for the league, and the Vikings staying in Minnesota is good for business.

As soon as Governor Dayton suggested the stadium issue could wait another year, Goodell stepped in and said, no. Finally someone called called out Minnesota to get a deal done, thankfully.

Now we’ll never know what would have happened if the issue was put off another year. Would the Vikings have left town? I really doubt it, but would they have at least considered all of their options? Absolutely.

Luckily for the team’s fans, and the NFL, people finally realized it was time to take care of business.

More on the Minnesota Vikings new stadium as details emerge.

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Ever since the first press conference after the surgery, Peterson has maintained his intentions to be ready day one, but the team’s head trainer Eric Sugarman, isn’t quite sold on that yet.

“I’m not going to say with certainty that Adrian is going to play in our first game,” Sugarman said. That wouldn’t be fair to me to him or to this organization. That’s a long way off from now, and we certainly have a long road to get to that point.”

Peterson responded by saying,

“My whole life, I’ve been setting my goals and pushing forward. I’ve been successful with doing that. I’ve been smart. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been smart about the process,” Peterson said.

Sugarman acknowledged, “He realizes now that there’s too much to lose by doing something foolish.”

This is definitely a case where the athlete’s will to play, has to be held in check by advice from medical professionals. Clearly, if it was only AP’s call, he would be starting week one for the Vikings.

I’m in favor of siding with caution in this situation. AP is the backbone of the entire franchise, and it can’t afford to rush him back too soon. Even if he has to sit the first month of the season, it’s better than the alternative of re-injuring the knee.

Fans will have to be patient and keep their expectations low for AP in 2012. Now, I’m not saying he won’t put up normal AP numbers this season, but after major surgery, there are just too many unknowns.

I think he can easily be a 1000 yard rusher this season, but I’m going to hold back making predictions, until I see him back on the field. Until he completes a full game, and I see he’s got “it” back, I just won’t have any expectations.

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