Recent content from Michael Rand
P.J. Fleck is trying to love the moment, but is that a tough sell for fans?
Speaking on Thursday at Big Ten media days, Gophers coach P.J. Fleck made a compelling pitch to "love where you're at" as the ground continues to move underneath college football. But he can't expect fans to love more of what they saw in 2023.
An emotional week for the Vikings; Gophers football in a time of transition
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joined host Michael Rand for a dissection of a newsy first week of camp. Rand also talked about the Gophers football team and the Twins at the trade deadline.
![Minnesota Gophers guard Cam Christie was a second-round pick in last month's NBA draft.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/N3GDJFZ76JDQTGDHXYCIM7CMJA.JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
When it comes to men's pro drafts, the Gophers were truly elite in 2024
Minnesota was one of just two schools to have players selected in the NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB drafts, the mark of a well-rounded program.
Twins back on Comcast soon? + Bad Vikings news and a great Gophers accomplishment
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand reacted to news that Bally Sports North could soon be back on Comcast, albeit at what will likely be a higher price. Plus a key Vikings injury and rare draft company for the Gophers.
Scoggins on a big opportunity for a Vikings QB (but which one?)
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins and host Michael Rand dissect the Vikings' reaction to Jordan Addison's offseason troubles and identify a big key to the team's success in 2024.
Sometimes in Minnesota sports, it's sure nice to play for the present
When teams are stuck in cycles of rebuilding or mediocrity, fans tend to dream about a better future. But if we're always looking far off in the distance, we lose sight of what's in front of us.
They played the Arena Football championship at a shopping mall (instead of Target Center)
ArenaBowl XXXIII was Friday, with Billings defeating Albany at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, N.J. It made for a surreal broadcast, one that could have been avoided.
Wanting more from Vikings; Good win for Twins; Jon Marthaler on Minnesota United
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand says he was underwhelmed by the Vikings' handling of Jordan Addison. He also talks about the Twins, Minnesota United and the Arena Bowl.
In the age of analytics, would Twins have asked Mauer for more power?
Let's imagine the newly inducted Hall of Famer had started his career 20 years later than he did. Would the team have tried to turn him into a home run hitter?
Patrick Reusse on a great weekend for Joe Mauer and a bad one for the Twins
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse checked in from Cooperstown, N.Y., to share his perspectives from Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame induction.
On a list of the greatest pro athletes since 2000, where do Minnesotans rank?
ESPN took on the task of sorting the top professional athletes since the turn of the century. The number and order of those with Minnesota connections might surprise you.
Bobby Nightengale on Twins TV, injuries and trade deadline possibilities
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joined host Michael Rand to set up the key story lines after the All-Star break.
How many Wolves Summer League players will be future contributors?
The team has a lot at stake in Las Vegas this season, as Michael Rand and Chris Hine talked about on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast. How many of them will be key figures for the main team in future seasons?
Big impact for young Wolves; Loons, Lynx headed in opposite directions
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine checked in on Summer League action and Anthony Edwards. Plus Rand looked at the Lynx, Minnesota United and the top 100 pro athletes since 2000.
MLB commissioner says TV path is up to teams. Is that really a choice?
Speaking at the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Rob Manfred addressed the thorny issue of baseball and local TV. If the league isn't able to make its own product financially viable, what's the upside?
La Velle E. Neal III on Joe Mauer; MLB TV situation is clear as mud
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joined host Michael Rand ahead of Joe Mauer's induction into Cooperstown. Plus Rand was alarmed by Rob Manfred's comments about baseball's TV plan.
NBA owner warns regional sports networks 'unviable' with new TV deal
In a scathing letter to the league's board of governors, Knicks owner James Dolan warned of several things. Among them: A fundamental change to the NBA's TV landscape.
Marcus Fuller on the future of the Gophers and college athletics
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune college sports writer Marcus Fuller joined host Michael Rand to talk about changes coming in the Gophers athletic department.
Three reasons the Twins could surge or struggle after the break
Minnesota is well ahead of last year's pace at the All-Star break but well behind where it was in the standings a year ago. Will the Twins turn it on once play resumes?
Patrick Reusse on Caitlin Clark, Jordan Addison and the Twins
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse shares a funny story about a close call with Caitlin Clark's cell phone, wonders what the Vikings (and NFL) will do after Jordan Addison's latest incident and breaks down the Twins' latest series.
When a marathon feels like 68 miles
A meandering mid-July conversation on Friday's Daily Delivery podcast led to host Michael Rand recalling how difficult it was to run a marathon in Canada.
Willi Castro appreciation, U.S. Soccer speculation and Minnesota United evaluation
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand started with an appreciation of new Twins All-Star Willi Castro. And he welcomed in soccer writer Jon Marthaler to talk about the big-picture vision for Minnesota United and the U.S. men's soccer coaching vacancy.
Budget crisis with Gophers sports? It's nothing new, even if it feels different.
There's always something new to worry about when trying to balance an athletic budget. The fallout from a lawsuit and the paying of athletes is just the latest chapter in the story, even if it is a particularly large and important one.
Gearing up for Caitlin Clark, Gophers sports changes and ... Twins vs. Yankees?
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand talked with Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood about Sunday's huge home game against the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark. Plus Rand looked ahead at Gophers sports and a possible Twins playoff matchup.
Are Wolves the most likely team in all of sports to win a first title?
A recent ranking of 36 teams without a championship in the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL put the Wolves No. 1 when it comes to which team is most likely to break through for a title next.
Chip Scoggins and Michael Rand on the ongoing Twins TV frustration
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand to talk about the absurdity of Twins games still not being on Comcast more than two months after they disappeared in a carriage dispute.
Imagining the Twins' future with Brooks Lee and a healthy Royce Lewis
The Twins appear to have an abundance of franchise shortstops, which is a great problem to have (and actually isn't a problem at all).
Another budding star for Twins? A huge offseason for youngest Timberwolves.
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand was joined by Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine for a look at a critical offseason. And Rand dared to dream about how good Brooks Lee could be.
When things go wrong in sports, it's easier than ever to blame the coach
Managing the egos and whims of increasingly empowered and enriched athletes cannot be easy. Combine that with an increasingly impatient public, and it's a tough time to be a coach.
Patrick Reusse on the Twins' mastery and a Timberwolves mystery
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand to talk through the big stories of the weekend, including another series win for the Twins, Anthony Edwards talking about Team USA and the tragic death of Vikings corner Khyree Jackson.
Timberwolves in a strong NBA position as dust settles in Western Conference
With limited resources going into the offseason, the Timberwolves have managed to improve their roster. Other major moves from their competitors have helped give definition to their place in the Western Conference.
Napheesa Collier's injury, Timberwolves flex in West, Paralympian Chuck Aoki
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand welcomed in Minneapolis native and Paralympic athlete Chuck Aoki, who is trying to lead the U.S. wheelchair rugby team to gold this summer. Plus thoughts on Napheesa Collier's injury and the Timberwolves' offseason.
The extreme highs and lows of budding Twins star Lewis
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis had to leave Tuesday's victory over Detroit with left groin tightness, the latest injury in a career already riddled with them. How do we reconcile his greatness and his fragility?
La Velle E. Neal III on five big things; farewell to Kyle Anderson
On the Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III to break down key issues with U.S. Soccer, the Wild, the Twins and more. Plus Rand looks at Kyle Anderson's departure, Royce Lewis's latest injury and adds an NFL mock draft rant.
Five unsung heroes this season for the suddenly very good Twins
Minnesota started the year 7-13 and struggled with consistency for much of the season's first half. But the Twins have settled into a groove and are 10 games over .500 thanks to several obvious contributors and five more subtle ones.
How the Twins turned their season around + Dissecting the Wild in free agency
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins host Michael Rand for a breakdown of a team on the upswing. Plus Rand looks at the Wild and Wolves in free agency as well as the U.S. Soccer disappointment.
Timberwolves, Wild are minor players in free agency for major reasons
Both the Timberwolves and Wild had to be thrilled with the way the first round of their respective drafts played out last week. Now they both enter free agency with very little money to spend for very different reasons.
Patrick Reusse on the Twins, U.S. gymnastics and a few good rants
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse looked back at a strong road trip for the Twins, well-received drafts for the Wolves and Wild plus a big weekend of gymnastics at Target Center.
Sarah McLellan on the Wild's big offseason; Timberwolves won the NBA draft
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joined host Michael Rand to set up the NHL draft and the Wild's offseason. Rand also asserted that the Timberwolves were the big winners this week in the NBA.
Five things to know about a transformative night for the Timberwolves
Tim Connelly made a bold move to trade up to No. 8 and select Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham. The move helped set the tone for the franchise in the present and future.
A huge swing for the Timberwolves; Get ready for four days of big-time gymnastics
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand dissected Wednesday's big draft night trade by the Timberwolves and talked with Naila-Jean Meyers and Jeff Day of the Star Tribune about the U.S. gymnastics trials at Target Center.
Can the Timberwolves draft their point guard of the future?
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine talked about the team's biggest needs heading into Wednesday's NBA draft. Finding an eventual successor for Mike Conley Jr. is a top priority.
Chris Finch is rapidly ascending an easily climbable list of all-time Timberwolves coaches
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch agreed to a well-deserved contract extension Monday that will keep him with the Wolves until 2028. A combination of competence and longevity is a rarity with the franchise.
Big payroll questions dominate talk with Timberwolves, Wild and Twins
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins looked at big offseason questions for the Timberwolves and Wild as well as a looming decision for the Twins.
The double is dying in MLB, but it is alive and well in Minnesota
The Twins lead the majors in doubles during a year where fewer doubles are being hit in a full season in more than three decades.
Patrick Reusse on the Twins, flooded ballparks and a unique Williams Arena solution
The Daily Delivery podcast is back, and clearly host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse had a lot to catch up on after a week off.
Cousins tampering penalty is mild, but Vikings still big QB winners
Vikings fans had hopes of gaining some draft capital, or at least having Atlanta take a more severe penalty than losing a fifth-round pick. But this week still showed that the Vikings are exactly where they want to be in the QB market.
Can the Gophers men's basketball team create chemistry this summer?
Star Tribune writer Marcus Fuller joins host Michael Rand on Friday's Daily Delivery podcast to talk about the roster turnover with the Gophers. They have several newcomers but also a lot of experience. Plus thoughts on new rules to pay players and the NBA draft.
Three things the Timberwolves might learn from the Celtics
Boston has taken a commanding 3-0 lead on Dallas in the NBA Finals, just as the Mavericks did over the Wolves. What can Minnesota learn from Boston?
As Twins strive for consistency, what areas of their roster need upgrades?
Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joined host Michael Rand on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast to break down the Twins' ups and downs and to discuss what they might be looking for later this summer at the trade deadline.
Rodgers isn't at Jets mandatory camp for a very flimsy reason
Is Aaron Rodgers having an "Office Space" moment? Reports out of Jets camp are that the quarterback "prefers to be somewhere else away from football."
Inside the PWHL Minnesota drama + Lynx look like true WNBA contenders
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joined host Michael Rand to talk about a whirlwind few weeks for PWHL Minnesota. Plus Rand opened with the Lynx looking like WNBA contenders after another impressive victory.
Three things to know about the Timberwolves as NBA draft looms
The NBA draft is two weeks away, and the Wolves can approach it in a much different way than the past. How they decide to proceed could have a big impact on their roster.
Big stretch for Gophers football recruiting + drama at the PWHL draft
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand was joined by Gophers football writer Randy Johnson to break down key recruiting news. Rand also talked about the Twins, the PWHL draft and the upcoming NBA draft.
How much does it matter if Vikings are winners in 2024?
One gets the sense that the Vikings hope to be competitive in 2024 but that if they are being honest, they are trying to open up a championship window in future years.
Patrick Reusse on when a Minnesota men's pro team might win a championship
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse talked through his recent piece on Minnesota's major men's pro team championship drought.
These are Justin Jefferson's Vikings now
It is rare for a wide receiver to be the leader of a team, but these are not ordinary circumstances for the Vikings.
Twins at their worst vs. AL's best; a big name enters Timberwolves picture
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand looks at the Twins' 0-14 record against the three best teams in the American League. He also talks about a new twist in the Wolves' ownership battle and chats with Vikings writer Andrew Krammer about Justin Jefferson.
Sen. Smith takes aim at Comcast on behalf of 'furious' constituents
In a letter to Comcast's CEO this week, the Minnesota senator chided the cable company for dropping Bally Sports channels nationwide — a move that has left thousands of Twins fans without access to games. She spoke about the letter on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast.
Sen. Tina Smith goes to bat against Comcast for frustrated Twins fans
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, U.S. Senator Tina Smith talked about a letter she wrote this week to Comcast's top executive urging the cable giant to put Bally Sports channels back on the air.
Should Timberwolves 'run it back' with same roster next season?
The temptation after a breakthrough season is to try to build on that success with the same cast of characters. But the reality is that it doesn't always work because each season is unique.
A hot start for Lynx and a cool WNBA reception for Caitlin Clark
Minnesota started the season 6-2 with several big victories. On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand talked to Star Tribune writer Kent Youngblood about the reasons for the Lynx's success as well as the early WNBA chatter around rookie Caitlin Clark.
Justin Jefferson's record-breaking deal + Bally Sports North update
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand broke down Justin Jefferson's huge new contract and set up a key day in the TV future of local teams. Plus Chris Hine joined for a look at a big offseason for the Timberwolves.
The sophomore slump, a Twins trend, strikes once again
Edouard Julien is the latest member of the team to find difficulty in his second season, preceded recently by Matt Wallner and Royce Lewis.
Patrick Reusse on what comes next for Timberwolves plus the red-hot Twins and Lynx
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse looked ahead to an important offseason for the Timberwolves while giving praise to two teams on a roll.
Dissecting the end of the Wolves' run + Reynoso's departure
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand takes note of the joy of this season, the pain of how it ended for the Wolves and their fans and the big questions going forward. Plus he is joined by Jon Marthaler after a newsy day with Minnesota United.
Is momentum in sports overrated? Ask PWHL Minnesota.
At the lowest moments of its championship run, PWHL Minnesota looked like it had very little positive energy. Maybe we should listen when athletes tell us they have short memories, Randball writes.
PWHL Minnesota's excellence and the Timberwolves' opportunity
A dominant 3-0 victory in a decisive Game 5 gave PWHL Minnesota a championship in the first year of the league's existence. Can the Timberwolves deliver a similar performance in their own Game 5 on Thursday at Target Center? Michael Rand asks those questions on the Daily Delivery podcast.
Wolves fans get what they deserve: At least one more party at Target Center
Wolves diehards have backed their team and packed Target Center during a magical season and playoff run. It just wouldn't have felt right for such a season to end in a Western Conference finals sweep on the road.
Not done yet: After Game 4 win, can Timberwolves make history?
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins break down Minnesota's 105-100 win over Dallas in the Western Conference finals. Minnesota fought off elimination and now comes home for Game 5 on Thursday.
Reusse on the long odds facing the Wolves and if they can win Game 4
Patrick Reusse joins the Daily Delivery podcast for a look back at the long weekend in sports, which of course begins with the precarious position the Timberwolves now find themselves in.
Game 2 podcast: Luka's dagger, Ant's no-show, KAT benched and more
Chip Scoggins and Michael Rand went into all the gory details of the Wolves' 109-108 heartbreaking loss to Dallas in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Can Minnesota regain its edge in a must-win game Sunday on the road?
Chris Finch sends Timberwolves players a message; Bobby Nightengale on the Twins
You can't play the disappointment card too often, but Wolves coach Chris Finch deployed it after a critical Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between Minnesota and Dallas at Target Center.
Huge Friday: Can PWHL Minnesota take control, can Wolves get even?
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand visited with Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount about PWHL Minnesota's series with Boston and the massive success of the new women's hockey league overall.
The Wolves have passed a lot of playoff tests, but not this one
During their run to the Western Conference finals, the Wolves have been excellent in many cases, but often when they weren't facing the burden of expectations, like Game 1 vs. the Mavs.
