Recent content from Michael Rand
RandBall: The Vikings made a good pick, but did they make the right choice?
The Vikings had an opportunity to trade down and accumulate more picks. Did they do the right thing in staying put and taking Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson?
Podcast: Wild seize the night; Can the Timberwolves do the same?
Introduction: host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' decision Thursday to take Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson No. 24 overall. The Wild, meanwhile, left no doubt.
RandBall: Wild, Wolves have stolen the home advantage. Can they finally use it?
Both teams have been far better on the road than at home in recent postseasons. If they are going to advance in the playoffs this season, that trend needs to change.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on confidence in Wolves, Wild
Host Michael Rand starts with the NFL Draft and the first round Thursday in Green Bay. Minnesota Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their "Daily Delivery" debate.
RandBall: The Vikings are drafting this week for 2026 and beyond
The Vikings don't have a lot of immediate holes to fill after another strong year in free agency. But they can't just spend big on their roster indefinitely.
Podcast: Wild gets even, Wolves blow chance, Byron Buxton calls game
Host Michael Rand tackles big subjects on today's episode, including a 5-2 victory in Game 2 at Vegas helped the Wild even their series at 1-1 heading back to St. Paul. Should we be optimistic about the series overall?
Podcast: Make-or-break week for Twins + Very different vibes for Wolves, Wild
Host Michael Rand starts with two listener questions about the NFL Draft, then Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a breakdown of a 7-15 team that is facing a big week.
RandBall: Byron Buxton is the Twins' main (and perhaps only) attraction
Byron Buxton is healthy and playing like the version of himself everyone wants to see. But that's about all that has gone right for the 7-15 Twins.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse rants about Twins, has faith in Wolves and Wild
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included Game 1 for both the Wolves and Wild. Plus Reusse unloads on the Twins.
RandBall: Aaron Rodgers talked about the Vikings, but mostly he talked about himself
In his first public comments since being released by the Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't exactly clarify his future.
Podcast: Wolves vs. Lakers preview; what will Vikings do in NFL draft?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts Part I of Friday's podcast with the Vikings. With less than a week to go before the draft, where are they at in their preparation?
RandBall: My long history of investing in bad baseball teams
The jury is still out on the 2025 Twins. It is not out on other teams that I have invested in over the years.
Podcast: A Timberwolves playoff preview from a Lakers perspective
Claire de Lune, a musician and writer who covers the Lakers for The Guardian, joins Daily Delivery host Michael Rand to help set up the playoff series between the Wolves and Lakers.
RandBall: After two dreadful decades, we are finally a proper winter sports market
The Timberwolves and Wild have been mediocre at best throughout their combined histories, so much so that their sudden surge of shared competence is worth noting.
![Minnesota Twins infielder Willi Castro (50) walks back to the bench after striking out Monday.
] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribu](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZPAAM3FRKZBG7AYH6QC6XIQNKA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
RandBall: Trying my best for some optimism with these Twins
By almost any measure, it has been a dreadful start to the season for the Twins. Here are some, um, attempts at making you feel more optimistic.
Podcast: Marcus Fuller on Niko Medved's work in the transfer portal
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who lost again and now sit at 5-12. Marcus Fuller joins Rand to break down Niko Medved's work in the transfer portal.
RandBall: Did the Wolves cost themselves a better seed with missed chances?
The Timberwolves won 17 of their last 21 games and avoided the play-in tournament. But there is a sense among fans that they could have done more.
Podcast: Wolves matchup, Wild's chances, Twins woes and Rory's wild ride
Chip Scoggins pinch hits for Patrick Reusse on Monday's episode with host Michael Rand. They start with the Wolves' win over Utah on Sunday, which set up a playoff matchup against the Lakers.
RandBall: After enough slander, it's time to appreciate Mike Conley again
The Wolves point guard is aging like a fine wine this season, proving he still belongs on a team with considerable aspirations.
Podcast: Faith in Wolves restored; Vikings draft, QB situation still in flux
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' big 141-125 win over Memphis on Thursday. Ben Goessling joins Rand to share Vikings insights on quarterbacks and the draft.
Randball: Jumping to conclusions on the Wild, Twins and Timberwolves
Are those quick opinions merited, or was it just a heat-of-the-moment reaction?
Podcast: The dazzling return of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who really couldn't have asked for much more on Wednesday. Plus La Velle E. Neal III on the Twins, Wolves and Wild.
RandBall: Wolves should have been more embarrassed Tuesday than they seemed
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins melted down in their own ways Tuesday night, with both providing some clarity about who they are.
RandBall: The Twins have transformed their local TV broadcasts. Are the Wolves next?
A report said the Wolves are likely to renew their FanDuel Sports North contract for next season. Beyond that, the NBA is eyeing a larger and more lucrative streaming deal.
Podcast: Twins can't throw, hit or catch; Chris Hine on the Wolves
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who fell to 3-7 with another sad loss to the Royals. Chris Hine joins Rand to break down the final four games of the Wolves season and the very crowded playoff race.
RandBall: Starting pitching and short outings are dooming the Twins again
The rotation looked to be a strength of the Twins. It's early but so far, it has been a major weakness.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on a bad Twins loss, great Wild win and Paige Bueckers
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look at the weekend in sports, starting with the Twins' loss. On a happier note, the Wild got a huge two points over Dallas and local superstar Paige Bueckers won an NCAA title.
RandBall: Williams Arena, old for a long time, will live long past 100
Two developments this week signal that Williams Arena, which opened in 1928, will be the home of Gophers basketball for many years to come.
![Goldy Gopher visits with a young fan at Williams Arena during a game in March.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3Z3PYPFXZ5HDHNOEL5CCTGQMZQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Podcast: The Williams Arena question + Phil Miller on the Twins' struggles
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with naming rights for Williams Arena, which the Gophers are pursuing as a revenue source. Phil Miller joins from Target Field after the Twins' loss to the Astros.
RandBall: How did Duke become elite again? Just follow the money.
An extensive look at their name, image and likeness collective shows the path Duke took to get back to the men's basketball Final Four.
Podcast: Sale of Wolves, Lynx getting closer; La Velle E. Neal on Twins and Vikings
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who won their second straight game after four losses to start the year. La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery Debate on the Vikings, Twins and Wolves.
RandBall: Lore and A-Rod can't let Lynx become afterthoughts
Wednesday's news that Glen Taylor won't appeal an arbitration ruling over ownership of the Timberwolves and Lynx clears the way for new ownership. That also will bring some unknowns.
Podcast: Wolves, Twins, Gophers and a story about taking down the Final Four banner
Host Michael Rand starts with two dramatic wins on Tuesday. Kent Youngblood joins the show to set up the Gophers women's basketball team playing Belmont in the WBIT championship game Wednesday.
RandBall: You can watch 10 local Twins games on over-the-air TV, but will you want to?
The Twins announce that 10 of their Tuesday night games this season will be shown on over-the-air TV via Fox9.
Podcast: A terrible start for Twins; a much better start for Minnesota United
Host Michael Rand starts with the 0-4 Twins, who have been outscored 28-6 to start the season. Jon Marthaler joins Rand to break down the good start by Minnesota United.
RandBall: Does the NCAA men's basketball tournament signal the death of Cinderella?
Four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four. Every team in the Sweet 16 was from a big conference. Is this the future of the NCAA tournament in the NIL era?
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the stumbling Twins and brawling Timberwolves
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with the Twins, who had about as bad an opening series as possible in getting swept by the Cardinals.
RandBall: Frustrated (and happy) Twins fans emerge from bumpy first day with MLB TV
Access to Twins games is going to be better in 2025, but that doesn't mean all is well.
Podcast: A Gophers hockey travesty; Twins opener; debate with La Velle E. Neal III
Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers men's hockey team, which neither made its own luck nor received any good fortune in a 5-4 NCAA tournament loss to UMass that ended their season Thursday.
It's a new era for watching the Twins on TV in 2025. Here's how to catch every game.
Watching the Twins on TV might be a bit more complicated this season, but fans will have multiple options.
Randball: Who is the Timberwolves' second most important player?
We know about Anthony Edwards, but who is this year's Karl-Anthony Towns?
Podcast: Twins TV resolved at last minute; Kwesi on QBs; Chris Hine on Wolves
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins TV situation, which frustratingly went down to the wire but was resolved Thursday morning.
RandBall: Gophers vs. St. Thomas needs to happen, and it seems like Niko Medved agrees
Maybe the timing wasn't right when the Tommies were in their infancy and the Gophers were struggling. But starting a yearly rivalry makes sense now.
Podcast: Twins preview, TV and sale update; Will the Gophers play St. Thomas?
Host Michael Rand starts with Niko Medved's opening news conference. He seems open to playing St. Thomas, which is a good thing. Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins to talk about the season ahead.
RandBall: The Gophers are going for it. That's always popular and often correct.
A look around major college sports and the crowded Twin Cities sports landscape tells you what you need to know about hiring new men's basketball Niko Medved.
Podcast: Niko Medved's to-do list with Gophers; Wolves, Wild in dangerous spots
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who lost for the third time in four games. Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a breakdown of why the Gophers hired Niko Medved.
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.
