Recent content from Michael Rand
RandBall: In a complicated Twins offseason, where does Correa stand?
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa is arguably their best player and easily their most expensive one. He's frequently injured and a payroll-strapped team is up for sale. It feels like the Twins can't afford to keep Correa, but the same is true of losing him.
Podcast: Who is winning the KAT trade? Should the Twins pursue a Correa trade?
Host Michael Rand starts with the shifting expectations for the Vikings and Sam Darnold. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery debate segment. In focus: Who is winning the Karl-Anthony Towns trade? Should the Twins think about trading Carlos Correa?
RandBall: Are the Vikings going to help get another coach fired Sunday?
Robert Saleh came back from a London loss to the Vikings and was fired. Bears coach Matt Eberflus is on an even hotter seat entering Sunday's game in Chicago.
Podcast: Parker Fox appreciation + Minnesota United, Gophers football analysis
Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers men's basketball team's win over Cleveland State, which was keyed by super-veteran Parker Fox and his 18 points. Plus it's a big playoff game Sunday for Minnesota United.
![]MARLIN LEVISON * mlevison@startribune.com October 9, 2010 - GENERAL INFORMATION: University of Minnesota vs. Wisconsin football. Wisconsin won 41-23.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KT2AHSI6ZOQU7MUEZ7MJRSNL6Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
RandBall: After so much was taken away, it's good to have Tim Brewster back
Several of my favorite subjects have left me recently, but the former Gophers football coach is blissfully back in the news.
Podcast: A Sam Darnold bounceback + a Tim Brewster comeback
Former Gophers football coach Tim Brewster is back in the news and back as a head coach for the first time since being let go in Minnesota in 2010. And Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film and Rand's hot takes.
RandBall: Officiating saved Vikings; game announcers helped nobody
A largely forgettable Vikings victory was notable for two reasons: Several borderline calls went the Vikings' way, and the CBS announcing crew was a disaster.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the charmed Vikings (and why he won't join Bluesky)
Star Tribune columnist joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which starts with another grind-it-out win for the Vikings over a bad AFC South opponent. Minnesota hasn't been playing its best lately, but it hasn't mattered.
![Incoming Twins President Derek Falvey speaks to the media Tuesday.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7A6MXGZLTNCPZPGZYU37NJ5TWM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins shakeup and Wolves' biggest problem
Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Michael Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment. They share opinions on the Twins' front office shakeup, disagree on the Vikings' most important player and try to identify the Wolves' No. 1 area of concern.
RandBall: Max Brosmer came a long way to get burritos whenever he wants
The Gophers quarterback believed in himself, and his transfer to the U has led to a winning record this season.
Podcast: After three straight bad losses, what's wrong with Timberwolves?
Host Michael Rand returns from a sick day to talk about not one but two Wolves losses to the Blazers. What exactly is going on with this team? Plus Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer joins the show to talk about his journey to the Big Ten, his belief in himself and what he has learned this season.
RandBall: A lot of NFL teams you don't like are doing quite poorly
Listen, you might not have noticed because the Vikings are 7-2. But a lot of teams you probably don't like are really not having good seasons.
Podcast: Vikings are confident in Sam Darnold. But what if J.J. McCarthy was healthy?
Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a film review and three hot takeaways, including this from Rand: Would the Vikings be pivoting right now to J.J. McCarthy if the rookie QB was healthy? It's a fascinating question in the wake of two consecutive three-turnover games for Sam Darnold.
RandBall: Cam Bynum's 'Raygun' and Jaguars mascot were memorable Sunday
Sunday's 12-7 Vikings win was a turn-the-page slog in most cases. But two celebrations after key fourth-quarter turnovers for the Vikings were memorable.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on ugly Minnesota losses (and one ugly win)
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the local teams playing down to the competition.
Podcast: The evolution of Anthony Edwards + How the Vikings stack up in 2025
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who keep overcoming slow starts (and overreactions to those slow starts from fans) to win games. And Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand for a midyear look ahead to 2025.
RandBall: Ranking the Vikings' 11 placekickers since Gary Anderson
The Vikings will have a new kicker this week, something that brings a visceral dread to a lot of fans because of the organization's history at the position.
Podcast: A promising start for Gophers + a lineup concern for Timberwolves?
Host Michael Rand looks at the 11 kickers the Vikings have used since Gary Anderson was last their primary kicker in 2002 and ranks them all from worst to best. And Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment.
RandBall: Will Max Brosmer's success influence P.J. Fleck's approach to quarterbacks?
Much will be made about the QB matchup when the Gophers face Rutgers on Saturday. A bigger question is how this year's success for Max Brosmer might influence P.J. Fleck's approach to quarterbacks in 2025 and beyond.
Podcast: Can Gophers football make it five straight? + A kicking concern for Vikings
Host Michael Rand starts with the juxtaposition of his social media timeline on Tuesday, which was a lot of election coverage interspersed with the NFL trade deadline in the afternoon and the Wild game at night. Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a breakdown of the red-hot Gophers.
RandBall: With Naz, Donte and NAW, Wolves have 6th, 7th, 8th Men of the Year
The Timberwolves' bench depth hasn't been tested this year, but their bench quality has been a huge asset. It was on display once again in a comfortable win over Charlotte on Monday.
Podcast: Does KOC prefer Sam Darnold? + A Wolves win to satisfy all fans
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who delivered three quarters of basketball that had to make everyone happy on Monday night. Plus Rand has some hot takes for Andrew Krammer before their film review, the first of which caught Krammer by surprise.
RandBall: As it turns out, Joe Flacco was perfect for the Vikings
Fans wanted the Vikings to get him last year. A lot of us worried he would carve up the Vikings this year. But it all worked out perfectly in the end.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on a Vikings rebound and a Gophers football renaissance
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand, starting of course with the Vikings' comeback win over the Colts. Plus they get into the Gophers football team's fourth straight victory, a surprisingly dominant Wild team, a Loons playoff victory and a middling start for the Timberwolves.
Podcast: Timberwolves and Wild analysis ahead of big games Friday
Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Michael Rand for a look at the Wolves' 2-2 start. They are about where they should be, but familiar problems like rebounding and transition defense need to be corrected. Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan also joins Rand to talk about one of the hottest teams in Minnesota sports.
RandBall: My favorite play from one of my least favorite World Series
The hustle of Mookie Betts altered the course of the World Series and helped the Dodgers win in five games over the Yankees. But the entire series was a reminder that baseball's financial structure is a farce.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on the fortunes of the Vikings and Gophers
Host Michael Rand starts with the World Series. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their debate segment. Can the Vikings turn their season back around? Does MLS need a different overtime format? And what if two games had gone differently for the Gophers football team?
RandBall: An alternate universe where the Gophers are College Football Playoff contenders
You don't have to squint that hard to see how the Gophers could have been in the picture for the playoff. More than anything, that idea reinforces how the expanded playoff changes things for teams like Minnesota.
Podcast: A Vikings trade, Gophers surge and a persistent Wolves nemesis
Host Michael Rand starts with a huge night of live sports. The Timberwolves still can't beat the Mavericks, the Wild won in Marc-Andre Fleury's farewell game in Pittsburgh and Minnesota United earned a shootout victory in its playoff opener.
RandBall: Vikings' Addison isn't producing. Why?
Jordan Addison had a breakout season as a rookie with 70 catches, including 10 for TDs. His production has stalled in his second year, leading to plenty of questions.
Podcast: Three troubling developments for Vikings; Minnesota United playoff preview
Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Michael Rand to break down some concerning film. What's up with Jordan Addison? Jon Marthaler helps set up Minnesota United's best-of-three MLS playoff series. It could very well come down to penalty kicks against Real Salt Lake.
RandBall: Aaron Rodgers, a heave and a Packers injury were big on Vikings-free Sunday
If you took the Sunday off from mandatory NFL viewing because the Vikings weren't playing, here are three big things that happened.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse has big opinions about the Timberwolves and NFC North
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand. The Wolves, Reusse contends, haven't been very impressive in starting with a 2-1 record. More troubling is head coach Chris Finch sticking with a tight rotation that doesn't include any young players
RandBall: How did they miss that?! Fans outraged over missed call in Vikings game
The Vikings' final desperation drive came to a sudden halt when Sam Darnold was dragged down in the end zone for a safety. His facemask was clearly yanked, but referees missed it -- leading to more frustration from fans.
Podcast: More Vikings frustration, two good wins and a Twins offseason primer
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' second loss in a row after a 5-0 start, this time 30-20 to the Rams. Phil Miller joins Rand for a breakdown of what should be a busy Twins offseason. The Wolves rallied for a nice win and the Wild kept rolling.
How to experience London, in 52,573 easy steps
The Vikings game in the U.K. was the impetus for a three-day whirlwind walking tour.
RandBall: Even a debunked Matthew Stafford to Vikings trade rumor can create intrigue
Connecting the dots from Matthew Stafford to Kevin O'Connell doesn't take long. Even though a source told the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling there is "zero truth" to the idea that the Vikings are trying to trade for him, it remains a subplot for tonight's Vikings vs. Rams game.
Podcast: Diving into Vikings trade rumors and three big debate topics
As rumors spread that the Vikings were hoping to trade for Rams QB Matthew Stafford, the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling dug into both the viability and the likelihood of such a move. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: Sam Darnold is at the top of five biggest Minnesota sports questions
The narrative on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's season is shifting, and Thursday is a big moment for him. Questions about the Wild, Timberwolves and others aren't far behind.
Podcast: Grading the Wolves after a poor opener; Count on the Wild and Vikings?
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand started with a rough first game for the Timberwolves. Gophers football, the Vikings and Wild were also on the menu.
RandBall: Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson recreate epic photo, talk trash
Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson are taking the Minnesota sports scene by storm — and the only thing left to do is bring a championship home
Podcast: Can the Wolves do it again? + Can the Vikings regroup?
Host Michael Rand has one wish for Minnesota basketball fans: That they are able to enjoy a grievance-free Timberwolves season. Plus Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film after the Vikings' first loss of the season.
RandBall: As championship dreams faded Sunday, the blame game took over
The Lynx lost Game 5 of the WNBA Finals in controversial fashion. The Vikings lost for the first time and had flaws exposed in the process. The blame in both cases was in the eye of the beholder.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the real reasons the Lynx and Vikings lost
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse doesn't sugarcoat things. The Lynx lost because they didn't make enough plays, not as a result of some vast officiating conspiracy. The Vikings, too, came up short when it mattered most.
RandBall: Lions game is chance for Vikings to silence remaining doubters
When a team has surprising success, it takes a while for the narrative to catch up to the results. The 5-0 Vikings can take a big step in both areas with a win Sunday over the Lions.
Podcast: Lions are biggest test yet for Vikings; Can Lynx force Game 5?
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings vs. Lions game Sunday, viewing it through the lens of ESPN's Football Power Index. Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood joins Rand to set up Friday's critical Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at Target Center.
RandBall: Experience is fueling Minnesota sports greatness. Will Gophers women's basketball be next?
The Vikings, Timberwolves, Lynx and Gophers football team are among those who are ascending thanks to veteran steadiness. Dawn Plitzuweit's squad, with an influx of transfers and a year of internal maturation, could be next.
Podcast: A heartbreaking Lynx finish and a troubling Vikings injury report
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand opens with the dramatic Lynx loss and moves onto a debate with La Velle E. Neal III and some thoughts on the latest Vikings injuries.
Podcast: Max Brosmer and the importance of experience for the Gophers
Introduction: On a jam-packed edition of the show, host Michael Rand starts with an encouraging game from the Wild punctuated by their first-ever goalie goal by Filip Gustavsson. Randy Johnson follows with a look at Gophers football led by veteran Max Brosmer.
RandBall: Selling the Twins makes a lot more sense than buying them
If you examine the economics and trajectory of baseball, this seems like the perfect time for the Pohlad family to sell the Twins. What is less clear is the incentive to buy them.
Podcast: Vikings players trending up (and down) coming out of bye week
Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand to dissect players trending up and down at the bye. Plus a boost for the Vikings offensive line and more of the same for the Jets.
Timberwolves and Knicks drama, with DiVincenzo in the middle
Karl-Anthony Towns was the headliner in the blockbuster trade between the Timberwolves and Knicks. But Donte DiVincenzo produced the most intrigue when the teams met this weekend in a preseason game.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Twins ownership and a Lynx opportunity
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look back at a busy few days in Minnesota sports, starting with Reusse's take on the Twins being for sale. He finds a mediocre fan base in the middle of it all.
RandBall: Did the Lynx just pull off the greatest playoff comeback in Minnesota sports history?
There is stiff competition. There is also compelling evidence to suggest what the Lynx did Thursday night in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals qualifies as the greatest comeback victory in Minnesota sports history.
Podcast: A Lynx win for the ages; La Velle E. Neal on Twins sale and Sam Darnold
Host Michael Rand starts with the Minnesota Lynx, who rallied from 15 points down midway through the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Liberty 95-93 in overtime of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday. They had just a 0.8% chance to win the game at one point.
Podcast: The Pohlad family is selling the Twins. What does that mean for fans?
On a true emergency breaking news edition of the podcast, Star Tribune columnist and former longtime Twins beat writer La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand to break down Thursday's stunning news that the Pohlad family is selling the Twins after 40 years of ownership.
Podcast: The Wild have hope as season starts, but is that a plan?
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan for a season preview. Plus Rand has thoughts on how the Lynx can beat the Liberty in the WNBA finals.
RandBall: As Twins embark on TV deal with MLB, a chance to win back fans
The Twins announced Tuesday that they are partnering with Major League Baseball to broadcast their games in 2025. It should be good news for frustrated fans, but how many can they win back?
Podcast: Lynx dominant on way to WNBA finals; Finally, good Twins TV news
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand started with the huge Lynx win over Connecticut. Rand also chats with Gophers football writer Randy Johnson and has thoughts on the Twins' TV deal with MLB as well as Aaron Jones' injury situation.
Podcast: Final Vikings thoughts from London + Twins TV resolution soon?
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand checks in from two different countries on three different Minnesota teams.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Vikings in London, Lynx and more
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand checks in from London and brings in guest Patrick Reusse for a full accounting of a big weekend in Minnesota sports.
RandBall: Vikings fans, you should be proud of your performance in London
Vikings fans were easily the dominant side during Sunday's victory in London, giving Minnesota a home field advantage far away from home.
RandBall: The Vikings have greatly exceeded expectations. Why were we so wrong about them?
I've been itching to ask Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell that question for a few weeks. Finally, after they went to 4-0, it felt appropriate to hear what he thinks about external expectations vs. what the Vikings have achieved.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins ownership, Lynx hopes and the KAT trade
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand starts with an examination of how so many of us were wrong about the Vikings. He is then joined by Minnesota Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: The Twins found people to blame for swoon, but were they the right ones?
Hitting coach David Popkins and two of the Twins' assistant hitting coaches have been let go by the team, giving us a strong hint at where those above them are placing blame for a 12-27 finish. But is it deserved?
Podcast: Huge Lynx win, too-soon Vikings playoff graphic and a Twins firing
Host Michael Rand welcomed in a trio of guests on a jam-packed episode of the Daily Delivery podcast. But he started with the big Lynx win in Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs and worked his way forward from there.
RandBall: Gophers the latest Minnesota team to endure a late-game bad call and spur rule change
The Gophers football team was on the wrong end of a botched call on an onside kick that could have led to an upset of Michigan on Saturday. The Big Ten quickly changed how it calls the play, but not in time to help Minnesota.
Podcast: Sam Darnold for MVP? + Big Ten admits big mistake that hurt Gophers
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand made a bold proclamation about Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold while also discussing the Gophers, Timberwolves and Pete Rose.
RandBall: Darnold, Keenum and the parallels to the 2017 Vikings
The 4-0 Vikings are thriving with a placeholder quarterback just as they have done before. The most recent example was 2017 with Case Keenum, and the vibes with Sam Darnold are similar even if the process is different.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the KAT trade, huge Vikings win and end of the Twins
On Monday's extremely newsy edition of the Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse rolled through the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster, the Vikings' win at Lambeau, the Twins' finish, the Lynx loss and Gophers controversy.
RandBall: Minnesota sports will be great Sunday, but it could have been better
The Vikings are preparing for a huge showdown with the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Lynx open the WNBA playoff semifinals against Connecticut. But this Sunday should have been an even more robust Minnesota sports feast.
Podcast: Free-falling Twins need a serious off-season shakeup
How far up the food chain do you go when talking about what needs to change for the Twins? Daily Delivery host Michael Rand and Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins dive into that subject on Friday's podcast.
RandBall: Brett Favre, Tommy Kramer and the uncomfortable price of football glory
Two former Vikings quarterbacks who played with a gunslinger's mentality and took countless hits announced this week that they are battling serious conditions. How to view the price paid for football glory is an uncomfortable conversation.
Podcast: Lynx move on, Twins holding on; Debating La Velle E. Neal III
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand started with the Lynx and their impressive first-round sweep of Phoenix. Plus a pulse for the Twins and the weekly debate.
RandBall: After loss to Iowa, when will the Gophers win again?
Optimism for the Gophers faded quickly in the second half of a loss to Iowa on Saturday, and a look ahead at the schedule reveals the daunting task Minnesota faces this year.
