Recent content from Michael Rand
Why was it so important for Vikings to trade for another 1st-round pick?
The Vikings' swap with the Houston Texans for the No. 23 pick in next month's NFL draft seemed to come at a strange time last week. But really, the timing was vital.
Patrick Reusse on the Vikings: Rare praise after free agent moves
Dumping Kirk Cousins sat well with columnist Patrick Reusse. He talked about that with host Michael Rand, as well as the downward spiral of Gophers basketball that began 25 years ago.
Vikings work hard to show 'alignment'; Twins spring training news with Bobby Nightengale
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand took note of things said by Vikings decisionmakers and visited about the Twins with Star Tribune beat writer Bobby Nightengale.
In moving on, Cousins talks about what was missing in Minnesota
Yes, Cousins biggest ally in Minnesota was head coach Kevin O'Connell. But something was missing that sounds like one of the things that led him to Atlanta.
Takeaways from Kirk Cousins; inside the NIL revolution in college sports
Speaking to reporters in Atlanta on Wednesday evening, former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins brought closure to his time in Minnesota. Host Michael Rand has key quotes. Plus a long and interesting discussion about Name, Image and Likeness.
Turning back time, would Cousins and Vikings still pick each other?
Exactly six years ago, the Vikings reached an agreement to sign Kirk Cousins to a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million deal. Knowing how things played out, would they still make the same choice?
Chip Scoggins on Cousins; Wolves get huge comeback victory
Host Michael Rand was as surprised as many of you to see the Wolves pivot from a 22-point second-quarter deficit into an 18-point win over the Clippers. Plus, Scoggins on Kirk Cousins and the QBs ahead.
Five things to know about a whirlwind 24 hours for the Vikings
If the Vikings end up going 5-12 because Sam Darnold is bad and a rookie quarterback needs more seasoning, that won't be the worst thing. And what about if things go well?
So much drama with the Vikings. A look back and at what's to come.
It was a long day of drama Monday for the Vikings, and it started right up again Tuesday. What does it all mean? Plus Kent Youngblood on Big Ten women's basketball and the 2024 Lynx.
Kirk Cousins free agency news is all about leverage
Even before the "legal tampering" period opened Monday, there were small pieces of information that arguably benefitted or hurt certain teams -- or even Kirk Cousins himself.
Patrick Reusse on Kirk Cousins, Caitlin Clark and Lou Nanne
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand on Monday's Daily Delivery podcast ahead of big expected news on Kirk Cousins and after a big weekend of tournaments in the Twin Cities.
Caitlin Clark, Anthony Edwards and the power of our stars
We are naturally drawn toward the phenomenal, which is the easiest way of understanding the lure of players like Caitlin Clark and Anthony Edwards.
Can the end of this year raise U men's basketball to new heights?
College basketball writer Marcus Fuller joined host Michael Rand on Friday's Daily Delivery podcast to talk about Ben Johnson's team, what's left to play for this season and what lies ahead.
McDaniels has to step up for Wolves, with or without a healthy Towns
Jaden McDaniels needs to be more consistent on offense if the Timberwolves are going to fix their late game issues — which might be only more glaring with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined.
Karl-Anthony Towns injury adds to growing list of Timberwolves questions
Even before we knew that Wolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns would miss time with a knee injury, the Timberwolves' late-game offensive woes were a concern. Chris Hine and Michael Rand talked about that on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast.
Outcome of Cousins decision to determine who feels pressure with Vikings
In one week, we will know whether Kirk Cousins is staying with the Vikings or leaving in free agency. How that plays out will add pressure to either GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah or head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Who could be gone from the Wild at Friday's trade deadline?
With the Wild hanging onto the fringes of the playoff race but probably starting to look toward the future, which players are candidates to move before the week is over?
Donaldson retires, reminding us of good and bad times
When healthy, Josh Donaldson was productive with the Twins. But his brashness didn't sit well among members of the organization, some of whom were relieved when he was traded after two seasons.
What will Vikings do at quarterback? Two teams to watch for clues.
Kirk Cousins is set to be a free agent next week. If Atlanta goes all in on signing him, would the Vikings pivot to Russell Wilson, who is no longer wanted by Denver?
Falcons writer: Cousins is Atlanta's top quarterback target
A veteran writer who covers the Falcons came away from the NFL scouting combine convinced that the team will make Kirk Cousins its No. 1 QB option if he reaches free agency.
10 things Minnesota sports fans need to pay attention to this week
It's March. Things are getting busy. You might be overwhelmed as a sports fan. But if your attention feels all over the place, here are the things to zero in on right now.
Classic Reusse hits Wolves, Twins, Loons, the U . . . and rips some kids
Patrick Reusse had a lot on his mind during his weekly visit to the Daily Delivery. Some of it covers familiar subjects and some covers newer territory for the veteran columnist.
The Vikings' running game has been dismal, and they need to fix it
Regardless of who the team's quarterback is in 2024 — but especially if it's a rookie —- better production from running backs is a must-have.
Keep your eyes on this rookie QB if you're a Vikings fan
Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a long look at quarterbacks. Where does Kirk Cousins stand? And who are the Vikings really looking at during the NFL combine?
Clark's brilliance obscures harsh reality about U women's hoops
Yes, Caitlin Clark brought greatness to the Barn. But even with the Gophers missing two key players, there should be serious concern about a 48-point loss to Iowa in a season that has quickly spiraled downward.
The brilliance of Caitlin Clark; an urgent time for the Wild
Host Michael Rand marveled at Iowa' record-breaking women's basketball star Caitlin Clark and talked to Star Tribune writer Randy Johnson about several local hockey teams.
New Vikings QB coach painful reminder of most frustrating year
Josh McCown threw the pass that kept Minnesota out of the 2003 playoffs. Vikings fans have felt more heartbreak before and after that game. But never more frustration.
If the Vikings wanted Cousins, they've had many chances
Daily Delivery: The Vikings are saying they want Kirk Cousins back, which probably means a multi-year deal with guaranteed money. Something is different than it was a year ago. Also, baseball writer Phil Miller talks about Byron Buxton.
Low ceiling, high floor: How the Vikings have become the Wild
Kirk Cousins was supposed to be the final piece of a puzzle to finally win a Super Bowl for the Vikings. Instead his six years have been marked by consistent respectability, like the Wild of a few years back.
Three ways to see the Twins trade (and Chip Scoggins pays a visit)
Host Michael Rand unpacks Monday's Twins trade for Manuel Margot. Then he talks to columnist Chip Scoggins about a number of things -- including a big week for the Vikings and Caitlin Clark coming to town.
How is it possible that Wolves fans are still complaining?
One of the most moribund franchises in American sports history is suddenly playing phenomenal basketball. That doesn't mean Timberwolves fans are suddenly satisfied.
Patrick Reusse on Twins payroll — and ready for Caitlin Clark mania
Columnist Patrick Reusse is down in Florida for Twins spring training and remains concerned about the team's pitching staff. And he's also keeping watch on Clark's arrival in Minnesota.
Daily Delivery: On Max Exsted's global tennis pursuit
Jeff Day of the Star Tribune joins Michael Rand to discuss his story on Max Exsted, a 16-year-old from Savage who is one of the best junior tennis players in the world.
Hot seat to Coach of the Year? The case for honoring Ben Johnson.
The Gophers won just six Big Ten games in Ben Johnson's first two seasons, and his team was predicted to finish last this year. Instead, Minnesota's success is fueling talk that Johnson should be honored by the conference.
Hot hoops: Gophers improve NCAA chances, Wolves battle for No. 1 seed
Host Michael Rand welcomed NBA writer Chris Hine on the podcast to talk about the best team in the Western Conference as play resumes. The Gophers, meanwhile, earned a revenge win over Ohio State.
Speculation season: What national voices say about Cousins, Vikings
We're trapped between the end of the NFL season and the start of free agency. It's speculation season, and the Vikings are right in the middle of it all.
How big is that bubble? Are Gophers really an NCAA tournament team?
College basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins host Michael Rand for a check-in before tonight's Ohio State game. Also, Rand doesn't like a message the Twins are sending, or what could happen to baseball and softball at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Now the best Gophers teams can compete in College Football Playoff
Reasons to be down on the Gophers' place in college football abound. But let's look at one positive: a 12-team College Football Playoff leaves room for programs like Minnesota.
La Velle E. Neal III talks Twins, Vikings and Loons
What do we think of Minnesota United's pursuit of a head coach? How much should the Twins try to go after high-profile free agents who are still on the market? What can't the Vikings ignore?
Who's had a better second year with Wolves: Gobert or Connelly?
After a disastrous first season, it's been the complete opposite in year two for Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly.
10 goals for the Wild, welcome news on Buxton, Wolves settle an issue
Lots to chew on already this week, starting with the Wild's astonishing rally on Monday, as well as good news from the Twins, the Timberwolves and (it looks like) from Minnesota United. Featured is a visit from baseball writer Bobby Nightengale.
Draymond Green's humorous taunt yet another sign of Wolves' progress
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 50 points in a lopsided All-Star Game loss on Sunday. A lot of Timberwolves games used to follow a similar script.
Reusse on 50 years of training camp, 3 minutes of concern, 1 total farce
Columnist Patrick Reusse first covered spring training in 1974 — when it was very, very different — and is still around around to praise the Gophers and ridicule the NBA All-Star Game with host Michael Rand.
What are the odds? For one Gophers team (and some others), they're not good
How many games will P.J. Fleck's Gophers win next year? What are the chances the Wolves will win the NBA title or the Twins will win the AL Central? Let's take a look.
Big weekend of skiing: Crowds, fresh snow and a dream-come-true
Olympics writer Rachel Blount joins the podcast to talk about this weekend's World Cup cross-country ski races at Wirth Park. Also, Michael Rand sounds an alarm about Gophers football and a missed chance for U basketball.
'Team on the rise.' Wolves to be featured on ESPN All-Access Day
For a franchise that hasn't won a playoff series in 20 years, getting national recognition doesn't come easily. A day of Timberwolves-related programming, ending with a game at Target Center, will tell the story of their turnaround.
After heartbreak last year, can U deliver an NCAA title in St. Paul?
The Gophers men's hockey team was loaded with talent and came oh-so-close to winning a championship. This year's team, though, is rounding into shape — and has a home advantage if it can reach the Frozen Four.
An expert view on the P.J. Fleck-to-UCLA chatter. We have details.
College football writer Randy Johnson joins the podcast to discuss the rumblings about Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck being a candidate for the same job at UCLA. Also, Gophers men's hockey, Kevin O'Connell and the latest Timberwolves win.
One month from now, we should know the Vikings' plan at quarterback
It's a big offseason for the Vikings. The most significant question — and most complicated one — is at quarterback. We should know one month from now which direction the Vikings are headed with Kirk Cousins.
The Vikings offseason is about to get complicated
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joined host Michael Rand. We're a month away from the start of the new league year in the NFL, and the Vikings are on the clock with a lot of decisions to make
P.J. Fleck to UCLA? Truth is he's much better off with Gophers.
The Gophers football program has its challenges. But if the instinct was to think P.J. Fleck bolting for UCLA meant heading to greener pastures, further investigation showed that was far from true.
What did the Super Bowl teach us about Patrick Mahomes (and Kirk Cousins)?
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand on Monday's Daily Delivery podcast. What did they learn from the Super Bowl? What did they make of the P.J. Fleck-to-UCLA rumblings that quickly died down over the weekend?
Is ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. sports streaming deal destined to fail?
While questions remain about the details, the immediate question is this: What exactly is the audience for such a product?
Analyzing the Wolves trade for Morris; Zimmer is back, Allen is snubbed
Chris Hine joins the Daily Delivery podcast to examine how Monte Morris can impact the Timberwolves, plus Michael Rand on two former Vikings making news and the latest on the MLB streaming saga.
Addison on Vikings' up-and-down season, Cousins' future and more
Jordan Addison had 70 catches and 10 touchdowns in a successful rookie season. But he's clearly hungry for more — and certainly has an opinion about quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Talking the 'great' Kirk Cousins with Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, Michael Rand is joined by Jordan Addison to talk about his rookie season, Kirk Cousins and the Super Bowl. Plus, Rand has thoughts on the Monte Morris trade.
Aaron Rodgers the 'most popular NFL player in Minnesota'? What's up with that?
Sometimes a case is made that something is truth based on data that's far from truth-telling. It even happens in sports once in a while.
A huge win, a historic loss and offseason chaos in St. Paul
Host Michael Rand does some lauding of the Gophers, lamenting of the Timberwolves and you can pretty much hear his head-shaking when he interviews soccer writer Jerry Zgoda about what's going on with Minnesota United.
Trade up to draft a quarterback? Vikings don't need to do it.
There's a clear divide between the top QBs available in the NFL draft and the others. The Vikings would do well to go after one of the others.
Rethinking Vikings' draft options; Miller on Twins TV, ownership
Are we looking at the right thing when looking at Vikings' draft options? Daily Delivery host Michael Rand also welcomes in Twins beat writer Phil Miller on a number of important subjects
Questions remain after Twins strike deal with Bally Sports North
We learned late last week that the Twins will stay on Bally Sports North for the 2024 season. We need to know two things for sure before we know exactly what to think about that.
Too bold to predict: Finch coaching All-Stars, Reusse becoming a Swiftie
From the swirl of weekend sports headlines, those are things not even host Michael Rand could have predicted. Also, an angry coach and a contract extension.
Excellence and resilience: The rebirth of Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns has been through a lot in recent years, particularly after the Rudy Gobert trade. So being picked by coaches to represent the Western Conference is a big moment.
KAT, Cam Christie and a Lions fan spews vitriol at the host
Lots of ground to cover heading into the weekend, ranging from the 'rehabilitation' of Karl-Anthony Towns in the eyes of Timberwolves fans to a visit from Marcus Fuller to chat about Gophers and St. Thomas basketball.
After the Polanco trade, what's next for Twins this offseason?
Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joined host Michael Rand on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast. They analyzed the Jorge Polanco trade, while Nightengale laid the groundwork for other moves the Twins might make soon.
Establishing Cousins' market — and solving the Vikings' draft problem
Three things are important when trying to discern what the Vikings might be best off doing as they approach next season, and they all combine to inform one ide
Wolves get themselves right even as NBA gets call wrong (again)
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joined Michael Rand to talk about the Timberwolves, who won Monday at Oklahoma City despite a seemingly obvious missed call on an Anthony Edwards dunk.
And just like that, the Wolves and their fans are back
Monday's win at Oklahoma City felt less like a late January test and more like a referendum on the team's midyear momentum. It was a good time for a great game.
A big Vikings question: Should they trade Justin Jefferson?
Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joined host Michael Rand for a dissection of an interesting January. Rand also tackled the Wolves' win at Oklahoma City and the Jorge Polanco trade.
Curse of Cousins was no match for the Curse of the Lions
A curious fact about quarterback Kirk Cousins: Until Sunday, no team that Cousins had ever defeated during the regular season had gone on to reach the Super Bowl.
Patrick Reusse says Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is an . . .
In his weekly visit with host Michael Rand, the columnist doesn't hold back about where blame should fall for the Lions losing a 17-point lead in the NFC title game. Also, Wolves, Wild and TwinsFest talk.
Hall of Famer, star quarterback ... table tennis whiz. That's Joe Mauer.
Former teammate Glen Perkins talks about one more sport that Mauer dominated, in case you didn't know.
Perkins spills things you probably don't know about Joe Mauer
Former teammate and longer-time friend Glen Perkins tells Michael Rand about their long history. Plus, the Timberwolves beat a bad team and the Wild shows their true colors.
Hindsight: Buck wishes he's never made 'disgusting act' comment about Moss
Joe Buck, the longtime NFL play-by-play voice, said it is the call in his career he wishes he could take back the most.
Next star up: 12 Minnesota athletes who could be Hall of Famers
Joe Mauer's secured his place in history. There's at least one more local player that's a lock to become a future Hall of Famer and plenty of others with potential.