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
Sports
RandBall: Are the Packers suddenly the worst team in the NFC North?
Maybe this is too optimistic based on one victory over a bad team, but Michael Rand is putting the Vikings up to No. 2 in his NFC North power rankings while the Packers were last. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III has a much different order of teams.
September 13, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Twins minor leaguer released for tipping pitches + Fantasy football joy
In a bizarre story at the start of Friday’s Daily Delivery podcast, a recent sixth-round Twins draft pick was released by the organization for aiding an opponent by tipping pitches. Plus the joy of fantasy football and a unique high school offense.
September 13, 2024
Sports
RandBall: The zombie Pac-12 has a taste for Mountain West flesh
Oh, you expected the Pac-12 to just disappear after all but two teams left for other conferences? Washington State and Oregon State have other ideas.
September 12, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Should the Lynx want Caitlin Clark in the playoffs? + NFC North power rankings
On Thursday’s Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal debated three subjects during a new segment. Plus Rand broke down a mostly positive night for the Twins.
September 12, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Stats told the story for Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins. But so did their feet.
Breakdowns of what went right and wrong in Week 1 for the current and past Vikings quarterbacks revealed some encouraging signs for Sam Darnold and some concerns about Kirk Cousins.
September 12, 2024
Sports
Podcast: The Rally Sausage never should have left; Is Kirk Cousins still hurt?
On Wednesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand lamented the Twins’ on-again, off-again relationship with their spiced meat charm. He also talked with Star Tribune writers Randy Johnson and Chip Scoggins and wondered about Kirk Cousins.
September 12, 2024
Sports
RandBall: The Twins are three up on three teams with 18 to play. Will they make it?
The Twins have been in free-fall for the past three weeks as injuries and underperformance have collided. But they are still favored to make the postseason and they have a favorable schedule.
September 10, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Can Vikings’ Sam Darnold be a Top-15 QB? Can the Twins save their season?
On Tuesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for some big (and optimistic) views after Sunday’s 28-6 victory. Plus the return of Vikings poetry and the free-fall continues for the Twins.
September 10, 2024
Sports
RandBall: Stats told the story for Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins. But so did their feet.
Breakdowns of what went right and wrong in Week 1 for the current and past Vikings quarterbacks revealed some encouraging signs for Sam Darnold and some concerns about Kirk Cousins.
September 12, 2024
Sports
Podcast: The Rally Sausage never should have left; Is Kirk Cousins still hurt?
On Wednesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand lamented the Twins’ on-again, off-again relationship with their spiced meat charm. He also talked with Star Tribune writers Randy Johnson and Chip Scoggins and wondered about Kirk Cousins.
September 12, 2024
Sports
RandBall: The Twins are three up on three teams with 18 to play. Will they make it?
The Twins have been in free-fall for the past three weeks as injuries and underperformance have collided. But they are still favored to make the postseason and they have a favorable schedule.
September 10, 2024
Sports
Podcast: Can Vikings’ Sam Darnold be a Top-15 QB? Can the Twins save their season?
On Tuesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for some big (and optimistic) views after Sunday’s 28-6 victory. Plus the return of Vikings poetry and the free-fall continues for the Twins.
September 10, 2024