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.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 13, 2024 at 2:52PM
FILE - Baseballs sit in a basket during the baseball draft combine in 2023. (Matt York)

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a bizarre story about Twins minor league catcher Derek Bender, a sixth-round draft choice this past summer, who was released from the organization for tipping pitches to help an opponent. While his motivation is not 100% clear, ESPN reported that Bender had told teammates he was was ready for the season to be over.

6:00: Star Tribune high school sports writer Cassidy Hettesheimer joins Rand to discuss her story on Elk River’s unique offense that fools both defenses and camera operators.

14:00: The introduction of a fantasy football segment with Star Tribune sports editor Ryan Kostecka.

28:00: Another concussion for Tua Tagovailoa and a big weekend in Minnesota sports.

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The podcast archive is here.

Questions? Comments? Long-winded diatribes about nothing in particular? E-mail me at michael.rand@startribune.com.

Follow me on Twitter @RandBall and Star Tribune sports @StribSports

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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