Recent content from Michael Rand
RandBall: Gophers men's hockey has champagne problems compared to North Dakota
Every great program wants to win a championship every season. The Gophers are getting a lot closer these days than one of their all-time biggest rivals.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Niko Medved, Gophers hockey and the Twins
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in Minnesota sports. A buzzer-beater loss for Colorado State on Sunday means head coach Niko Medved is available. Will the Gophers hire him as soon as Monday?
Podcast: Ex-Gophers dominate tourney; A conversation with Minnesota United's Eric Ramsay
Host Michael Rand starts with the dominance of Pharrel Payne (Texas A&M) and Elijah Hawkins (Texas Tech) on the first day of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. Minnesota United soccer manager Eric Ramsay joins the show
RandBall: In doing the right thing with McCarthy, Vikings embrace uncertainty
After more than a week of Aaron Rodgers rumblings, the Vikings have charted a clear path with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Podcast: 'Unserious' Wolves, serious Wild and a QB debate with La Velle E. Neal
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who gave away another game. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: MLB and the wonderfully quirky Rule 5 draft
A quarter-century ago, the Rule 5 draft brought Johan Santana to the Twins.
Podcast: A commitment to J.J. McCarthy? + Gophers football outlook
Host Michael Rand looks at some fresh reports about Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings. Star Tribune writer Randy Johnson joins Rand on three Gophers subjects: football, men's hockey and wrestling.
RandBall: My favorite Vikings offseason move might be a surprise
The Vikings have achieved a lot in a little over a week, signing free agents and making trades, but one name stands out.
Podcast: Marcus Fuller on the Gophers coaching search; Bad Wolves habits
Host Michael Rand starts with two big games Monday, which saw the Wild and Wolves change course. Marcus Fuller joins Rand for a look at the Gophers men's basketball coaching search.
RandBall: It seems obvious Vikings should say no to Rodgers. Why hasn't it happened?
A lot of Vikings fans are living in a state somewhere between repulsion and denial as the Aaron Rodgers saga continues into another week.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Gophers' coaching search and Royce Lewis' injury
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at where the Gophers men's basketball coaching search is at the moment. Plus Reusse and Rand get into the Timberwolves' eight-game winning streak and another ill-timed injury for the Twins' Royce Lewis.
Pitino has thrived as Gophers have struggled
As the Gophers embark on another men's basketball coaching search, let's discuss the guy they fired four years ago.
Podcast: The Aaron Rodgers question; Richard Pitino and revisionist Gophers history
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a second-day thought on the Gophers men's basketball coaching situation. Then Star Tribune writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to break down the latest on the Vikings' free agency moves.
Randball: Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings is still a hot topic
It's a story that never ends, largely because neither side can pour cold water on it.
RandBall: Four more moves the Vikings can make to help J.J. McCarthy succeed
The Vikings are off to a good start in free agency, both with the players they have added and the plan they have activated. Now it's time to make it great with these moves.
Podcast: As QB room shrinks, J.J. McCarthy's opportunity with Vikings grows
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings, who are going for it in free agency. Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand to break down red-hot Minnesota. And Wayzata did it again, this time winning at Hopkins to take another boys basketball section final.
Podcast: Marcus Fuller on the Gophers, Ben Johnson + Vikings free agency breakdown
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings, who have been very busy in free agency in the first 24 hours of negotiations. Star Tribune Gophers basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to break down the state of the men's team heading into the Big Ten Tournament.
RandBall: Darnold was a near-perfect Vikings QB for one season
Sam Darnold isn't gone yet, but the expectation is that he will sign a lucrative multiyear deal with another team. That would be the right thing for the Vikings and Darnold, even if we acknowledge how good he was in 2024.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Wolves, Sam Darnold ... and his social media controversy
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Plenty of things happened on Sunday, but they had to start with the biggest one: Reusse joined the social media platform Bluesky after dumping Twitter/X following a dustup over a Beastie Boys song.
RandBall: It's no fun to be pessimistic about the Twins, but ...
Twins could rebound from terrible finish in 2024 and be playoff factor in 2025, but they still seem to be relying on "ifs" for success.
Podcast: A vote for Ben Johnson, a Twins disagreement and a Wild trade
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's second trade in the last week, this one for 6-6 Bruins forward Justin Brazeau. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment and a listener supports Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson.
RandBall: Let's take a moment to appreciate Jaden McDaniels
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has scored in double figures in 24 of his last 25 games, becoming a much more visible part of the team's offensive success.
Podcast: A Vikings free agency primer; Two Gophers teams await fate
Host Michael Rand starts with three basketball games from Wednesday. Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down everything he learned during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
RandBall: Three Wild players injured 'week to week' are wreaking havoc on trade deadline
The NHL trade deadline is Friday. The regular season ends in a little less than six weeks. Somewhere in between those two dates, the Wild might (or might not) get three very important players back.
Podcast: The Wild's complicated trade deadline; What's next for Vikings, Darnold?
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who produced a satisfying result Tuesday in a 126-112 win over Philadelphia. Plus Rand dissects the news that the Vikings didn't use the franchise tag on QB Sam Darnold and Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand.
RandBall: Wednesday is a big moment for two Gophers basketball programs
The Gophers women's basketball team has a chance to strengthen its case for the program's first NCAA tourney berth since 2018. The men's program is going for a signature win over a rival that could impact its future.
Podcast: The high school hockey landscape is changing as the boys state tourney begins
Host Michael Rand starts with the complex world of NFL finances. Then Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a further exploration of Scoggins' recent project on the changing landscape of high school sports. Demographic shifts have altered the landscape, particularly in hockey.
RandBall: Vikings fans are keenly aware of the economics with QB Sam Darnold
It's not just about who's good and who isn't good when it comes to building a roster.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the mercurial Anthony Edwards and a trade for the Wild
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included a much-needed victory for the Timberwolves on Sunday night in Phoenix. Reusse compares Anthony Edwards to Randy Moss, but not necessarily in a good way.
RandBall: So, would you trade Anthony Edwards for Luka Dončić?
A report said the Mavericks reached out to the Wolves before their blockbuster trade with the Lakers. Let's use that as a thought experiment.
Podcast: Kevin O'Connell's contract + the trouble with tagging Sam Darnold
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' loss to the Lakers on Thursday, which had a number of subplots. He was joined by Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling, who has all sorts of updates from the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
RandBall: Pistons are the NBA's hottest team, and Wolves fans couldn't be happier
Detroit's eight-game winning streak makes it increasingly likely the surprising Pistons will make the playoffs (and the Wolves will get a first-round draft pick in 2025).
Podcast: A damaging loss for Gophers women's hoops; La Velle E. Neal on Twins sale
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers women's basketball team's loss to Washington on Wednesday, a blow to their NCAA tourney hopes. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand on three subjects for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: With QB options, Vikings remain 27.5 million steps ahead of Falcons
The Vikings' QB dilemma is headed toward an outcome, but all options have merit. The Falcons and Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, are stuck.
Podcast: Who plays for Timberwolves when everyone is healthy? + Vikings QB decision
Host Michael Rand starts with comments from Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the scouting combine Tuesday. Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at where Minnesota stands after a thrilling comeback win over Oklahoma City.
RandBall: Even with their flaws, Timberwolves shouldn't be afraid of anyone in playoffs
Monday's stirring comeback win at Oklahoma City was just the latest example of Minnesota being able to compete against anyone.
Podcast: Girls' hockey and high school rivalries; a Wolves comeback for the ages
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' stunning comeback victory over West-leading Oklahoma City. Then Star Tribune high school writer Cassidy Hettesheimer joins Rand on several subjects.
RandBall: Plenty of billionaires in the sea for Twins; a Vikings-like Gophers game
Just when you thought it was safe to get excited about the Gophers men's basketball team, they lost again. And what is the Twins sale timeline now with Justin Ishbia reportedly out of the picture?
Podcast: Patrick Reusse encourages Twins fans to stay calm after ownership twist
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which unfortunately for Minnesota teams did not include a lot of successful basketball. We also learned that Justin Ishbia is no longer in the running to buy the Twins.
RandBall: 4 Nations Face-Off proves that if you're going to take a break, go all-out
Some of you might like to relax on a beach during your time off. The NHL would prefer that players are shot out of a cannon into a volcano during their break.
Podcast: Minnesota United preview + ESPN and MLB breakup + Ben Johnson counterpoint
On a wide-ranging edition of the podcast, host Michael Rand starts with Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over Team USA in the 4 Nations championship game. Plus Jon Marthaler joins Rand to preview the Minnesota United season and a listener has a perspective on Ben Johnson.
RandBall: Viral moment with Obama shows the beauty of Anthony Edwards' confidence
A clip from "Court of Gold" on Netflix finds the young Wolves star asserting his excellence to former President Barack Obama.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Ben Johnson, Wild vs. Wolves and Total Golf Live
Host Michael Rand starts with an important win for the Gophers women's basketball team, which knocked off Purdue 74-61 on Wednesday to solidify its NCAA tournament status. Plus a look at the confidence of Anthony Edwards and the shakiness of Luka's Lakers.
RandBall: The euphoria of Gophers men's basketball met its opposite in UCLA
We've seen Minnesota teams melt down while other teams rejoiced. On Tuesday, it was the Gophers' turn for euphoria while UCLA looked on in anguish and then blamed the crowd.
Podcast: A huge win for Gophers men; a must-win for Gophers women
Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers men's basketball team's stunning comeback at UCLA late Tuesday. Kent Youngblood joins the show to talk about the Gophers women's basketball team, which desperately needs a win over Purdue to bolster its NCAA tournament case.
RandBall: Will the Vikings win a Super Bowl before a giant asteroid hits Earth?
Believe it or not, the odds of an asteroid hitting the Earth in 2032 are currently similar to but slightly better than the odds of the Vikings winning the next Super Bowl.
Podcast: Will the Vikings use their franchise tag? + The ideal Minnesota sports owner
Host Michael Rand starts with the beginning of the period during which NFL teams can place the franchise tag on players. Much of the intrigue centers on quarterback Sam Darnold, but Rand thinks we should be paying attention to Byron Murphy Jr.
RandBall: Whoever is in charge of the pro sports calendar should be fired
There is no way that we should have a dead week of pro sports in the middle of what is the busiest times of the year.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Twins' outlook and Ben Johnson's job status
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The live viewing options were sparse because of the worst scheduling coordination in pro sports history.
RandBall: Watching Twins games will be different this year. Here's what you need to know.
Access to Twins games should be greatly improved this season as long as everything goes according to plan.
Podcast: Wolves youth is served; Listeners have Aaron Rodgers thoughts
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' bounceback win over Oklahoma City, which gave them some good vibes going into the break.
RandBall: Jets officially broke up with Rodgers. Let's not do this again, Vikings.
The path from the Packers to the Jets to the Vikings was paved by Brett Favre. But Aaron Rodgers following the same path just doesn't make the same amount of sense it did in 2009.
Podcast: A bad loss for Wolves; an apology for ex-Vikings coordinator Ed Donatell?
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' 103-101 loss to a Bucks team that was missing its two best players. Sure, Minnesota is also shorthanded. But this was a loss they couldn't afford, and it came on a night where Anthony Edwards shot a dreadful 10 for 33.
RandBall: New Twins first baseman Ty France shows fragility of success
An All-Star in 2022, Ty France is still just 30 years old. But after two relatively disappointing seasons, he's just trying to hang on and earn another chance.
Podcast: A listener wonders if Ben Johnson is getting a fair shake with Gophers
Host Michael Rand starts with a listener question about Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson and the challenges he has faced. Rand also notes a tough ending for the Frost and another signing for the Twins.
RandBall: Super Bowl showed again the talent gap the Vikings face
The Vikings had a terrific and unexpected 14-3 season. After watching the Eagles' 40-22 dismantling of the Chiefs, though, it was obvious the Purple has a ways to go to reach true contender status and it probably won't be achieved in only one offseason.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Super Bowl lessons and a big day for the Wolves
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with a Super Bowl blowout of epic proportions. From there, they took a tour of the downtrodden Gophers men's basketball program, talked through a good win for the Gophers women's basketball team and set up a big day where the Timberwolves.
RandBall: O'Connell's award, Edwards' free throws and three other things to know today
The Vikings are in a place of stability with new NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell, while the Wolves are restoring confidence with Anthony Edwards in attack mode.
Podcast: Wild, Wolves and KOC were big winners on Thursday
Two home victories and an AP NFL Coach of the Year Award told the story of the day.
RandBall: Who do the Vikings want to be in 2025?
Vikings fans are already attuned to Minnesota's many offseason questions. But the biggest one covers a larger picture.
Podcast: Wolves win, but NBA rivals take big swings; Vikings offense in flux
Host Michael Rand starts with the NBA, which continues to offer intrigue leading up to the trade deadline. The Timberwolves got a much-needed win Wednesday over the Bulls, but bigger things swirl around them. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand on three topics, while the Vikings lost a valuable offensive coach and the Twins signed another free agent.
RandBall: Playoff projections like the Twins and Wolves more than some fans do
Grumbling about the Timberwolves' inconsistency and the Twins' lack of offseason activity can dominate the narratives. But both teams could be in better shape than some might think.
Podcast: Chris Hine on the Wolves, Julius Randle and the NBA trade deadline
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins signing relief pitcher Danny Coulombe to a modest one-year, $3 million deal. Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins the show to break down all the big story lines.
RandBall: Will we get Vikings quarterback clues during Super Bowl week?
The Super Bowl isn't about two NFL teams but rather all 32 of them, so Vikings fans should be prepared for a lot of speculation this week about the team's plans at QB and Sam Darnold's future.
Podcast: The Julius Randle factor; three biggest Vikings offseason questions
Host Michael Rand starts with a disappointing Wolves loss to Sacramento, which had just traded away point guard De'Aaron Fox. Do they miss Julius Randle that much? Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a look at the three biggest offseason questions facing the Vikings.
RandBall: Nothing else can be shocking in the NBA after Luka for AD trade
If you thought the last two big Timberwolves trades qualified as major surprises, they didn't even approach what happened over the weekend.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the blockbuster NBA trade, Gophers and St. Thomas
On a jam-packed and sometimes meandering edition of the Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand started with the bonkers NBA trade over the weekend that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to Dallas.
RandBall: End of Vikings' season reinforced need for more help from draft
The Vikings got embarrassingly little in 2024 from the first three draft classes of the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era. That has to change if they are going to keep winning.
Podcast: A special night for Marc-Andre Fleury; Wolves bench comes to life
Host Michael Rand starts with two big back-to-back wins for the Wild and Wolves. Marc-Andre Fleury got a tremendous sendoff in Montreal and posted a 19-save shutout in the Wild's 4-0 victory. The Wolves clobbered Utah thanks to their bench. Both teams won both games of road back-to-backs, which is no easy feat.
RandBall: You pay attention when a mild-mannered coach boils over
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has been cranky all week, culminating in his first career ejection on Wednesday. But the Wolves have continued winning, suggesting a method to the madness.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Kirill Kaprizov, Brian Flores and Twins pitching
Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Michael Rand for their debate segment. In focus this week: Can the Wild survive without Kirill Kaprizov (they did a good job Wednesday), will Brian Flores ever get another shot as a head coach and are the Twins right to be optimistic about their pitching?
RandBall: The Timberwolves have problems, but at least they aren't Jimmy Butler problems
Old friend Jimmy Butler is at it again (and again) with the Heat, where he is using familiar tactics in an attempt to get Miami to trade him.
Podcast: Chris Finch blasts winning Wolves; Marcus Fuller on the red-hot Gophers
Host Michael Rand was going to tease Wolves fans again for turning their noses up at victory, but then it turned out that head coach Chris Finch felt the same way about Minnesota's 100-92 victory over a short-handed Atlanta squad. How will the Wolves respond to his criticism?
RandBall: This Gophers men's basketball winning streak is shocking
You can be forgiven if you weren't sure Minnesota would win a Big Ten game this season, which means you are surely forgiven if you are flabbergasted by the Gophers' last three victories.
