A few items worth reading:

• According to a SurveyUSA poll, two-thirds of Minnesotans say they are opposed to public funding for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ lease with the Metrodome runs through 2011. The team says it will not renew the lease.
• Also from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Joe Mauer‘s agent, Ron Shapiro, is in Florida to talk to team officials. It’s being said that it’s his annual visit, though the sides are expected to hold face-to-face negotiations regarding a potential contract extension.
• John Sickels at Minorleagueball.com had a lengthy interview with Twins International Scouting Director Howard Norsetter. It’s pretty interesting.
• And finally,Yahoo has an update on Hasheem Thabeet‘s stay in Bismarck. He says he doesn’t mind the town, but there isn’t much to do.