Birk will attend minicamp - Birk returns

**singersp** · 05-31-2008, 09:12 AM

[size=13pt]Birk's agent says center will attend minicamp[/size]

Last update: May 30, 2008 - 11:07 PM

JUDD ZULGAD
startribune.com

Matt Birk isn't attending the Vikings' voluntary workouts this offseason, but his agent said Friday the veteran center will be at the team's mandatory minicamp next weekend at Winter Park....

**singersp** · 05-31-2008, 09:18 AM

John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame in the April draft, has served as the primary replacement for Birk with the first-team offense during the OTAs. Dan Mozes also has gotten some work with the top unit.

Sounds like Mozes may not be heir apparent after all. Could be they are thinking he would better be suited as a G, which is what he is listed as on the Vikings roster.

It could also mean that they want to look more closely at Sullivan more because they had the opportunity to look at Mozes last year, being that the OTA's give the coaches the opportunity to look at the rookies to evaluate them for strengths & weaknesses.

**gregair13** · 05-31-2008, 09:22 AM

Birk is probably the most important player we have. i say if he doesnt want to show, and still shows up in shape and ready to block the crap out of people, i dont really care.

**marstc09** · 05-31-2008, 10:31 AM

This should give Birk every reason to play hard this year. End of contract and player in the works. Why would he want to leave a team on the rise. You know he wants a ring.

**singersp** · 05-31-2008, 11:43 AM

"marstc09" wrote:

This should give Birk every reason to play hard this year. End of contract and player in the works. Why would he want to leave a team on the rise. You know he wants a ring.

He doesn't. He probably reads PP.O & is just doing it to piss-off Marrdro.
:P

**mountainviking** · 05-31-2008, 12:03 PM

John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame in the April draft, has served as the primary replacement for Birk with the first-team offense during the OTAs. Dan Mozes also has gotten some work with the top unit.

Here's the BIG question:
How are those other Cs looking so far?

I don't think Birk wants to leave at all...obviously, hes got lots of ties here.
Probably why our FO thinks they can lowball him.
My guess, think I read it somewhere, is that he wants to be paid what he's worth.
Can't hardly blame a guy for that (I wish I made what I was worth!)

I know (and agree) that our OL issues could be our biggest problem, and would like to see us working on those.
However, it is also good to get these young guys the extra reps, to see how they handle it, and, as expected, Birk will be there for minicamp, so he will be getting reps too.

Next offseason could be tough.
We've got some vets coming due...Hopefully, we'll see some banner years from guys like Birk and Sharper and Winfield, And, we'll see some midseason extensions because of it!!

**gregair13** · 05-31-2008, 12:26 PM

"singersp" wrote:

"marstc09" wrote:

This should give Birk every reason to play hard this year. End of contract and player in the works. Why would he want to leave a team on the rise. You know he wants a ring.

He doesn't. He probably reads PP.O & is just doing it to piss-off Marrdro.
:P

he has nothing else to do if he isnt at camp

**Purple Floyd** · 05-31-2008, 12:31 PM

"singersp" wrote:

John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame in the April draft, has served as the primary replacement for Birk with the first-team offense during the OTAs. Dan Mozes also has gotten some work with the top unit.

Sounds like Mozes may not be heir apparent after all. Could be they are thinking he would better be suited as a G, which is what he is listed as on the Vikings roster.

It could also mean that they want to look more closely at Sullivan more because they had the opportunity to look at Mozes last year, being that the OTA's give the coaches the opportunity to look at the rookies to evaluate them for strengths & weaknesses.

I said as recently as yesterday that my feeling is Sullivan will be the one to replace Birk. I am excited to see what he brings to the field. Being a 3 time state wrestling champ he is sure to have the footwork and balance needed to get the leverage advantage on the defenders. This should be fun and I am glad Birk is gone for the OTA's so these young guys get to show what they have.

**singersp** · 05-31-2008, 12:42 PM

"gregair13" wrote:

"singersp" wrote:

"marstc09" wrote:

This should give Birk every reason to play hard this year. End of contract and player in the works. Why would he want to leave a team on the rise. You know he wants a ring.

He doesn't. He probably reads PP.O & is just doing it to piss-off Marrdro.
:P

he has nothing else to do if he isnt at camp

Birk will work out this offseason with former Vikings long snapper Mike Morris, who annually organizes a group of local athletes at his home gym. Birk and Morris worked together in a similar capacity last year

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/16970071.html

**dcboardr41** · 05-31-2008, 12:44 PM

"singersp" wrote:

"gregair13" wrote:

"singersp" wrote:

"marstc09" wrote:

This should give Birk every reason to play hard this year. End of contract and player in the works. Why would he want to leave a team on the rise. You know he wants a ring.

He doesn't. He probably reads PP.O & is just doing it to piss-off Marrdro.
:P

he has nothing else to do if he isnt at camp

Birk will work out this offseason with former Vikings long snapper Mike Morris, who annually organizes a group of local athletes at his home gym. Birk and Morris worked together in a similar capacity last year

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/16970071.html

so he works outs with his boy friend, let him alone lol