Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
RandBall: U sports budget shortfall raises questions
The athletic department projects a nearly $9M budget deficit this season. How to close it remains to be seen.
July 11, 2025
RandBall: Is it time to think differently about Twins' Simeon Woods Richardson?
A lot of Twins observers have been focused on what pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson doesn’t do. In today’s 10 things to know, Michael Rand argues there needs to be a shift.
July 10, 2025
RandBall: Chet Holmgren’s amazing summer just got $250 million better
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, who starred at Minnehaha Academy, reportedly agreed to a max rookie contract extension. Michael Rand puts it in perspective in Wednesday’s 10 things to know.
July 9, 2025
RandBall: Cousins revisits 2024 free agency, reminds us it's all about him
Regrets? Kirk Cousins has a few (while the Vikings probably have none).
July 8, 2025
The supposedly mighty AL Central has fallen apart
The Tigers are elite. The Twins, Guardians and Royals have been in a tailspin.
July 7, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Twins, Lynx and a traffic nightmare
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Daily Delivery podcast host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included an entertaining three-game series at Target Field.
July 7, 2025
RandBall: Cousins is an all-time great (when it comes to getting paid)
Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins found his way onto a list of "Bag Hall of Famers"
July 3, 2025
RandBall: This is the week major college sports became professional sports
The University of Minnesota can start distributing $20.5 million to athlete bank accounts this week. What does that mean for the Gophers and other schools?
July 2, 2025
Randball: NHL free agency not Christmas in July for Wild
The Wild are flush with cap space. Unfortunately, a lot of other teams are, too.
July 1, 2025
NBA free agency might be over before it starts for the Timberwolves
With Naz Reid and Julius Randle signing new Wolves deals, snapping up players in free agency may not be worth the second apron restrictions.
June 30, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Wolves, Wild, Twins and Lynx
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which started with the Twins dropping the last two games of their series in Detroit. As the Twins tread water, Reusse wants to know when they are going to have a true phenom step up.
June 30, 2025
Randball: Wild trade of Gaudreau symbolizes the end of a forgettable era
The Wild have been in limbo for four years, capped in terms of both salary and ambition. Frederick Gaudreau defined that era, Michael Rand argues in today’s 10 things to know.
June 27, 2025
