Recent content from Michael Rand
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.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on how the Bills blew it and surprising Gophers hoops
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with the AFC and NFC title games, focusing mostly on Kansas City's 32-29 win over the Bills. Reusse says Buffalo got everything it deserved in the loss.
RandBall: NFL draft is three months from today. Here are five things for Minnesota fans to know.
What are the Vikings' top needs and where do they pick? Will a Gophers player be drafted in the first round? A first look at those questions and more for the NFL draft in Green Bay, the closest the event's ever been to Minnesota.
Podcast: A Vikings question at running back; Chip Scoggins joins the show
Host Michael Rand starts with a 4-0 loss for the Wild to Utah. After finally getting two key players back (Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon), the Wild fell flat on home ice Thursday. Plus Rand gets to a listener question about what the Vikings might do at running back in 2025, and Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show.
RandBall: The NFL franchise tag is very odd when you think about it
What does putting the franchise tag on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold mean? Even if you follow the NFL closely, explaining the concept reveals gaps in knowledge while challenging assumptions about the very odd contractual mechanism.
Podcast: Debating the Vikings and Twins; explaining the NFL franchise tag
Introduction: Daily Delivery host Michael Rand isn't interested in style points. Did the Wolves win against a depleted Dallas squad? Yes. That's all you need to know, even if it did take uncharacteristically huge games from Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels. Plus explaining Sam Darnold and the franchise tag option.
RandBall: With extension for Kevin O'Connell, Vikings' path forward is clear
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell should be aligned contractually with the two offensive players who will most determine this franchise's future: J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson.
Podcast: How Kevin O'Connell's extension sets up the Vikings' offseason
Host Michael Rand starts with a second consecutive impressive victory for the Gophers men's basketball team, who won in Iowa for the first time in a decade. Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to break down Kevin O'Connell's contract extension, and Chris Hine joins later to talk Timberwolves.
RandBall: A simple template when every Timberwolves loss feels the same
Minnesota's loss to Memphis on Monday followed a familiar script, so we decided to create a formula of sorts to describe it.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Wolves' rut, Wild's grit and Vikings offense
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included another close but ultimately unsatisfying Timberwolves loss to Memphis. More questions about late-game personnel and offense turned a five-point lead into a two-point defeat. Will Minnesota even make the play-in? Reusse isn't convinced they will.
RandBall: How will we remember the 2024 Vikings?
There is another recent local sports team that had surprising success, flamed out early in the playoffs and still has our hearts. Will the 2024 Vikings be as fondly remembered as the 2019 Twins?
Podcast: The Vikings ended the season out of answers. Now the real questions begin.
Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show for a final film review after a disappointing 27-9 playoff loss to the Rams. How do we explain Sam Darnold getting sacked nine times? Plus a look ahead to what figures to be a very disruptive offseason.
RandBall: Once again, I ignored the evidence before a Vikings playoff loss
The Rams' strengths align with the Vikings' weaknesses. We all knew that going into Monday night's playoff game. Why did we expect a different result?
Podcast: Breaking down the Vikings' playoff debacle and end of season
Host Michael Rand starts with the other games Monday, including a more competitive Gophers men's basketball loss and a good enough Timberwolves win. Rand quickly gets to the Vikings, of course, and the ugly end to a great season. After losing 27-9 to the Rams on Monday, a season with great potential and accomplishment is suddenly over.
RandBall: The agonizing wait for a Monday night Vikings playoff game
Every other wild card game is over, every plot line has been analyzed, and you're still expected to work today when kickoff isn't until tonight?
Podcast: Patrick Reusse wants to know which version of Sam Darnold will show up
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand take a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to Monday's huge playoff game between the Vikings and Rams. The NFL playoffs so far have been a dud, with either lopsided results, mediocre action or both. The Vikings know going into Monday that they would face the Eagles if they advance to the next round.
RandBall: Can the Wolves carve out some space in the lonesome, crowded West
The Wolves have been cycling between a crisis and a modest winning streak for much of this season. Can they break out of that and find their place in another brutal incarnation of the Western Conference?
Podcast: Ben Goessling on Sam Darnold, Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores
Host Michael Rand starts with the implications of the Vikings vs. Rams game being moved to Arizona because of the fires in Los Angeles. Plus thoughts on the Timberwolves winning three games in a row and the injuries that caught up to the Wild in a blowout loss Thursday to Colorado.
RandBall: Darnold's clunker vs. the Lions has shaken prognosticators' faith in Vikings
A spin around the national media finds a lot of folks picking the Rams to beat the Vikings on Monday. But maybe that plays right into a season-long narrative of proving skeptics wrong.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on the Vikings' chances and Wild players stepping up
Host Michael Rand start with three teams that won Wednesday but don't often get headlines on the podcast. The Gophers women's basketball team is now 16-1 after a 26-point win over Rutgers. The St. Thomas men's basketball team is 3-0 in conference play after a nice win over South Dakota State. And the Frost won in overtime on a Taylor Heise goal, part of their strong start to this season.
RandBall: The Vikings coaching situation we should focus on is Brian Flores'
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has done a terrific job this season. But his future in Minnesota seems far more certain than that of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Podcast: In search of any Gophers men's basketball optimism
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another gritty Wild victory, during which they overcame an injury to Brock Faber, a two-goal deficit and a grueling end-of-game shift. Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about the struggling squad.
RandBall: Chris Finch finally listened. Maybe the Vikings and Twins will follow suit?
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch made a lineup change Monday, and he joked that he changed his mind because of pressure from the media. But if there is an element of truth to what he said, maybe other coaches will follow suit?
Podcast: Wolves finally shake things up; Vikings questions and concerns
On a jam-packed edition of the podcast, host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves. They won 108-106 on Monday after making a change to their starting lineup. Donte DiVincenzo replaced Mike Conley Jr. Plus, Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the 31-9 Vikings loss to the Lions.
RandBall: This week is a big test for the Vikings — and their fans
It's tempting to give into the gloom and doom of history after Sunday night's loss to the Lions.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' flop, Sam Darnold's future and Anthony Edwards
Host Michael Rand was joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the weekend in Minnesota sports, which of course started with the Vikings' disappointing 31-9 loss in Detroit.
RandBall: Timberwolves' biggest problem right now is Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is either not crafty enough to find his own offense through double teams or his ego makes him unwilling to play unselfishly even if it leads to team success.
Podcast: An uninspiring Twins offseason and a worrisome Anthony Edwards problem
Host Michael Rand starts with the NBA's biggest problem. Ratings are down for a number of reasons, but here is a big one: As teams like the Celtics have won with ruthless efficiency, as they did Thursday against the Wolves, the game has become less interesting to watch. Rand also touches on the uninspiring Twins offseason plus a win for the Wild and a loss for Gophers men's basketball.
RandBall: College Football Playoff: Terrible news, blowouts and one all-time classic
The extreme highs and lows of sports have been on display during the College Football Playoff games this season.
Podcast: The best Minnesota sports had to offer and hope for what is to come
Host Michael Rand starts with a moment of pure sports-watching joy Wednesday, which came from the late drama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Arizona State and Texas. Then Rand runs through his list of the 10 biggest story lines in Minnesota sports in 2024.
Podcast: Vikings vs. Lions will be culmination of a very serious sports week
Host Michael Rand starts with a big week in Minnesota sports as things get serious with the turn of the calendar. The Wolves play the Thunder and Celtics, perhaps the two biggest NBA title contenders this season. The Wild have a big week. The Gophers men's basketball team hosts Purdue. The Gophers football team can extend its bowl streak. And the Vikings cap it all off.
Year in review: The top 10 story lines of 2024 in Minnesota sports
From championships to near-misses to blockbuster roster moves, 2024 will go down as the year even the most jaded Minnesota sports fans could celebrate.
Randball: Fox analyst Tom Brady is too much of a game manager
As the former seven-time Super Bowl champion learns the ropes, he needs to be less boring.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on how the 14-2 Vikings keep surprising us
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look back at the weekend in Minnesota sports, which of course begins with the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers on Sunday. The Vikings are now 14-2 with a chance to earn home-field advantage in the NFC next week vs. Detroit.
Podcast: Two options for Julius Randle + Three big Vikings takeaways
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who look lost again after dropping their third game in a row. Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down film from Sunday's win over Seattle and to examine the NFC North.
RandBall: Sunday was a reunion of failed Jets QBs — and a reason to rethink the position
Sam Darnold and Geno Smith went toe-to-toe as the Vikings defeated the Seahawks 27-24. Mark Sanchez provided color commentary on the broadcast. All three were once thought of as the quarterback of the future for the Jets.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on belief in the Vikings + the Wolves' big problem
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included one of the best Vikings' wins of the season. In news that is, um, less good: The Wolves have lost two in a row and look just as lost as they did earlier in the season.
RandBall: Wolves' offense is broken, but same was true with KAT here
After a blowout loss to Knicks, Edwards bemoaned Wolves' lack of offensive identity. But Minnesota hasn't had a true offensive identity in years.
Podcast: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kirk Cousins and a tale of two comebacks
Host Michael Rand starts with the unsightly mess that happened at Target Center on Thursday in Karl-Anthony Towns' much-anticipated return after a trade just a few months ago. Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand as they dive into the benching of former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
RandBall: A difficult stretch and concerning underlying stat for the Wild
The Wild have lost three of their past four games, including two very lopsided results. How worried should we be that a longer slide is coming?
Podcast: Will the Vikings win the NFC North? + KAT's return to Minnesota
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who have lost three of their last four games, including another lopsided defeat (6-1) on Wednesday against Florida. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
