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Michael Rand
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Keep informed about sports news and trends in Minnesota, and laugh along the way, with Michael Rand and other Star Tribune writers and special guests each weekday morning.
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3 days ago
Did the Timberwolves win or lose the NBA Draft? + Twins escape with much-needed win
Introduction: Host Michael Rand, with the help of Star Tribune beat writer Chris Hine, takes an in-depth look at Thursday's NBA Draft. Did the Wolves and new personnel boss Tim Connelly, after a lot of wheeling and dealing, end up in a good spot with No. 22 pick Walker Kessler and No. 26 pick Wendell Moore? Time will tell, but they certainly addressed a need with Kessler's size and rebounding ability.
15:00: The Twins avoided a bullpen meltdown, albeit narrowly, in an important win over Cleveland. One day after the teams combined for 21 runs in a crushing Twins loss, Minnesota scored the only run in a 1-0 win.
20:00: The Lynx might be on the upswing again, while Loons fans are mad about the Adrian Heath contract extension. Plus putting a bow on the NBA and looking ahead to D'Angelo Russell and free agency for the Wolves.
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4 days ago
Voices from 50 years of Title IX; Another Target Field meltdown; Will Timberwolves trade No. 19 pick?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives some of his own thoughts on the impact of Title IX, the sweeping anti-discrimination legislation signed into law 50 years ago today. You'll also hear excellent perspectives from three highly successful women athletes: Paralympian Mallory Weggemann, hockey legend Natalie Darwitz and Olympic gold medal skier Jessie Diggins.
21:00: The Twins fell out of first place with a gut-punch loss to Cleveland, losing two big leads and allowing a four-run ninth inning in an 11-10 loss. Manager Rocco Baldelli called it "unsatisfying," which is a supreme understatement.
25:00: The NBA Draft is finally upon us Thursday. What will the Wolves do with the No. 19 pick? You'll hear from personnel boss Tim Connelly as he provides insights into the process.
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5 days ago
La Velle E. Neal III on Timberwolves draft needs and the next 10 years of Minnesota sports
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes no pleasure in reporting that the Twins have relinquished sole possession of first place in the American League Central for the first time in almost two months. They took over that top spot on April 24, but on Tuesday a late Cleveland rally for a 6-5 win in 11 innings pushed the Guardians into a tie with Minnesota atop the division standings.
7:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to express just how much he wants the Timberwolves to find a way to draft Duke center Mark Williams. Plus Rand and Neal debate the idea of which Minnesota athlete will be most loved by fans over the next 10 years.
32:00: A tough break for the Gophers men's basketball team and a much-needed win for the Lynx.
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6 days ago
A position switch for Karl-Anthony Towns? + U.S. legend Cobi Jones on the past and future of soccer
Introduction: Host Michael Rand is ready to get a better idea of how the AL Central stacks up when the Twins begin a series against Cleveland on Tuesday. The Guardians have made up 6.5 games in the last three weeks and trail Minnesota by just one game. These teams will play eight times before the All-Star break in a month, while the Twins and White Sox will play seven times.
5:00: A look at some interesting comments from new Wolves boss Tim Connelly that -- combined with success Denver had when he was there -- could mean some time at power forward for Karl-Anthony Towns in the future.
13:00: U.S. soccer legend Cobi Jones joins the show to promote the Major League Soccer All-Star Game at Allianz Field in August and to provide perspective on the past and future of soccer. He also answers several listener questions.
27:00: Never count out a champion.
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Jun 20, 2022
Patrick Reusse on Twins, golf, soccer and a word he wants to bring back
Introduction: If you came here to get hard-hitting analysis of the Twins' upcoming series against Cleveland and the excellent final round of the U.S. Open, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse provide that.
But if you also came for a digression into the good old days of pro indoor soccer and a word that Reusse is trying to work back into circulation, they have you covered there, too.
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Jun 17, 2022
Will Twins add at trade deadline? + Golden State rules, Lynx breakdown and Gophers optimism
Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes a recent ESPN article that suggests the White Sox are more likely to add players at the trade deadline than the Twins, even though the Twins are atop the AL Central at the moment. The sentiment makes some sense, but anyone who looks at the Twins' roster can see there are pieces they could add.
9:00: Star Tribune women's basketball writer Kent Youngblood joins the show to offer his perspectives on all the things that have gone wrong for the 3-12 Lynx this season. Plus he looks ahead to an optimistic season for Gophers women's basketball, which started summer workouts this week with four talented Minnesota freshman on the court.
26:00: Golden State took home another NBA title and the World Cup sites in 2026 were revealed.
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Jun 16, 2022
Options and intrigue for the Timberwolves + the difference a Sonny Gray makes
Introduction: Twins pitcher Sonny Gray returned from injury and looked he hadn't missed a step, throwing five shutout innings in a 5-0 Twins win over Seattle. The Twins did well to maintain their first place standing in the AL Central while Gray and other key pitchers were out, but now that they are getting healthy it might be time to do some real damage.
7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins host Michael Rand for a look ahead to the NBA Draft, which is one week from today. Who will the Wolves target at No. 19? What will they do with their three second-round picks? How will things be run differently now that Tim Connelly is in charge?
28:00: The NHL Finals caught up to the NBA Finals, giving you some great viewing options.
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Jun 15, 2022
A revolution in how we watch sports on TV; Chip Scoggins with an unusual recruiting tale
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the new agreement between Major League Soccer and Apple TV, which reportedly will pay the league a minimum of $250 million starting next year to stream all games to all markets. If we like to think of streaming and fragmenting as the future of sports on TV, that future is arriving quickly. This deal is an acceleration of that pace.
5:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about his interesting column on Jackson Carver, a former prep lacrosse standout who played one year of football and suddenly was inundated with college offers. Plus Rand and Scoggins get into the high level of play from former Wolves wing Andrew Wiggins in this year's NBA Finals.
27:00: The first-place Twins have been shut out more than any team in the majors this season, a total that grew with a 5-0 loss on Tuesday. ... And the Lynx fell to 3-12. Should our attention turn to the 2023 WNBA Draft and Paige Bueckers?
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Jun 14, 2022
Inside the Twins with Phil Miller; Andrew Wiggins delivers on the biggest stage
Introduction: The two biggest fair criticisms of Andrew Wiggins when he was with the Timberwolves were his inconsistency and his tendency to shrink from big moments. But he is having a terrific NBA Finals for Golden State, including a 26-point, 13-rebound performance in Monday's critical Game 5 win that put the Warriors one game away from another championship.
6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins the show with some insights into the first-place Twins and how they keep winning. He pointed to the series win over Toronto -- which had the potential to turn particularly bad with several unvaccinated players missing -- as a big key to their season so far, and he had good news for fans regarding two of the Twins' best pitchers.
28:00: Ryan Saunders is heading back to the NBA, reportedly as a Denver assistant.
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Jun 13, 2022
Patrick Reusse on being wrong about the Twins + the virtues of being a multi-sport athlete
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Twins' 5-4 stretch against top AL East teams, which was fueled by a strong offensive showing against some of MLB's top starting pitchers. After predicting the Twins would not win a game during the nine-game stretch, Reusse is happy to admit he was wrong -- though you will be shocked to learn that he still has some gripes about the process.
Plus Reusse and Rand get into the flat-out bad Lynx, golf's interesting weekend and a rare state baseball tournament appearance for St. Louis Park.
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Jun 10, 2022
Moral victory for Twins, real victory for Yankees; Huge weekend for Gophers football recruiting
Introduction: Just when you thought it was safe to think the Twins might beat the Yankees -- OK, let's be honest, nobody probably thought that, even with a 7-3 lead -- things fall apart. Even after battering ace Gerrit Cole for five home runs, continuing a trend of knocking out Yankees pitchers, the Twins lost 10-7 Thursday and lost the series two games to one. Manager Rocco Baldelli was inclined to look at the positives, but the end result was more of the same.
12:00: Star Tribune Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about a huge weekend of recruiting for coach P.J. Fleck and the program.
20:00: A curious decision by White Sox manager Tony La Russa -- at least to a lot of us, though not to him -- backfired in yet another Chicago loss.
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Jun 9, 2022
Twins hand Yankees worst loss of year; Willians Astudillo is back!; Saudi-backed golf tour; Jefferson's payday
Introduction: Host Michael Rand spent a lot of time fixated on the Twins' sad two-decade history against the Yankees on Wednesday's show, so it's only fair to lead off with Minnesota's 8-1 win Wednesday, which was the first time all year New York has trailed by six or more runs. The Twins are now 3-2 in their tough nine-game stretch and have a chance to win the series Thursday. Plus Rand champions the return of Willians Astudillo to the spotlight and thinks the Angels got what they deserved with Nickelback.
12:00: Star Tribune golf writer Jerry Zgoda joins the show to talk about new Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour, which begins play Thursday in London. Several notable golfers, including Phil Mickelson, have signed up for big paydays. But is it worth it?
24:00: Draymond Green's podcast was a big talker after Golden State's Game 3 loss to Boston, but Steph Curry's injury is bigger news; Cooper Kupp's big extension could foreshadow Justin Jefferson's next deal.
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Jun 8, 2022
Twins 38-110 vs. Yankees since 2002; Lindsay Whalen and Ben Johnson on recruiting in the transfer portal era
Introduction: The Twins became competitive in the early 2000s after a decade of misery and have played beyond the regularly scheduled season in half of the 20 years from 2002-2021. But that hasn't stopped them from being absolutely dominated by the Yankees, a trend that continued Tuesday at Target Field in a 10-4 loss. Minnesota is now 38-110 against the Yankees -- including 2-16 in the playoffs -- since the start of the 2002 season, an almost unfathomable run of .257 baseball against one team.
8:00: Gophers basketball coaches Lindsay Whalen and Ben Johnson join host Michael Rand for a look at the seasons ahead and trying to stay afloat in recruiting during the transfer portal era. Whalen notes that it's tough keeping up because she has to recruit the portal, re-recruit her own players and bring in high school talent, all while assessing her current team. But it's the way of the sport in 2022. Both coaches are gearing up for the start of summer workouts next week with an influx of new…
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Jun 7, 2022
Denver executive calls Wolves 'desperate'; Gophers AD Mark Coyle; Did Twins know what was coming?
Introduction: It's been a mixed bag over the last two weeks for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. The Avalanche are on a major upswing, having swept Edmonton to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. But the Nuggets, another Denver team owned by the group, lost executive Tim Connelly to the Timberwolves. And that led vice chairman Josh Kroenke to ramp up the rhetoric in a recent media session, calling the Wolves "desperate" for how they pursued Connelly. Is there a budding rivalry with the two Western Conference teams, host Michael Rand wonders.
12:00: Gophers Athletic Director Mark Coyle joins the show to talk about his philosophy for hiring coaches, the plan for the department as it hopefully emerges from the COVID era and the daily impact of name, image and likeness on all schools. Plus he deftly dodges one final question about athletic facilities.
24:00: Rand takes note of the Twins' success against Toronto pitcher Kevin Gausman on Sunday, which prompted an examination of whether M…
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Jun 6, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Twins miracle in Toronto, the rise of Arraez and yelling at the kicker
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the Twins taking two of three from Toronto after coming into the series ice-cold while the Blue Jays were red-hot. Part of what sparked the Twins was the continued production of Luis Arraez, who had four hits Sunday and is hitting .358 on the season.
Plus thoughts on Rafael Nadal, yelling at Vikings kickers and the NBA Finals.
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Jun 3, 2022
A new Timberwolves arena? + Twins vaccination status and Celtics stun Warriors
Introduction: The Twins head to Toronto in free-fall mode after losing seven of their last 10 against bottom-feeders Detroit and Kansas City. Will they get enough key players back -- and simply start playing/hitting better -- to compete with Toronto, New York and Tampa Bay in the next couple weeks? Or is this the start of a plummet out of first place?
6:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an extended look at the Twins and the prospect of a new Timberwolves arena on the horizon. We're already overbuilt. Can we really do this again? La Velle says we might have to given the ambitions of the Wolves' new owners.
24:00: The Celtics blitzed the Warriors with a 40-16 fourth quarter in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, while Rand takes issue with All-NBA processes.
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Jun 2, 2022
The tragic death of Marion Barber III; Josh Donaldson still doesn't get it
Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the latest punchless Twins effort -- two hits, no runs in a second consecutive shutout loss to the Tigers -- and notes that there is some urgency in Thursday's series finale against Detroit. A loss Thursday leading into a tough nine-game stretch could send the Twins into a spiral with so many key players out.
5:00: But as rough as things have been lately, the Twins are still in first place. And they have to be elated with their offseason trade of Josh Donaldson to the Yankees. Not only did Minnesota get two productive players -- Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela -- in return, but more importantly the Twins shed themselves of Donaldson's baggage. He proved again with comments Wednesday about the Tim Anderson "Jackie Robinson" situation that he still doesn't get it.
9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins the show to talk about Vikings offseason observations of note, including more autonomy for QB Kirk Cousins.
25:00: The tragic death of…
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Jun 1, 2022
The three biggest Timberwolves takeaways from Tim Connelly's introduction
Introduction: Host Michael Rand explores three paths the Wolves could go down this offseason as they look to improve on last year's 46-win team. Will they run it back? Will new President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly look to reshape the core of the team by trading D'Angelo Russell? Or is blowing up the roster something to consider?
10:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to dissect three key things Connelly said during his introductory news conference on Tuesday, which illuminated how Connelly thinks of the Wolves' roster and how he might approach this job.
24:00: The Twins are 3-5 in their last eight games, a rough end to a very good month ... Dustin Johnson had a golf surprise ... and a must-read Patrick Reusse column.
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May 31, 2022
Patrick Reusse on possible Twins June swoon + to-do list for Timberwolves
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse who -- you might not believe this -- is not optimistic about how the Twins are doing even though they are in first place. He sees a June swoon coming as their pitching comes back down to earth, players miss time for various reasons and the schedule gets tougher.
Plus Rand and Reusse talk through the Wolves' offseason to-do list for new President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, who will be introduced to the media on Tuesday. And they set up the NBA Finals, which begin this week.
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May 27, 2022
Twins due for a regression? + Chris Hine on big decisions for the new Wolves boss
Introduction: Host Michael Rand laments the Twins' missed chances in a bad 3-2 loss to the Royals on Thursday and takes note of how during their hot streak the Twins went 14-2 in games decided by one run or two runs. They have dropped two close games since then, and that might happen more as the year goes on. The Twins will hope that Byron Buxton is due for a progression, not more regression, after finally snapping his 0-for-30 skid.
10:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to talk about the significance of hiring Tim Connelly as the new President of Basketball Operations and all the big decisions ahead for Connelly this offseason.
26:00: Three big decisions in this market ... Aurora soccer starts with a tie ... Golden State is back in the NBA Finals.
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May 26, 2022
Buxton and Loons swoon + a much-anticipated women's soccer debut
Introduction: Minnesota United lost 2-1 at home in a U.S. Open Cup match to third division Union Omaha on Wednesday, a defeat Loons manager Adrian Heath called "embarrassing." It was another inconsistent performance from United this season, and it probably won't lead to more playing time for the Loons reserves who had a chance to play.
6:00: Minnesota Aurora President and co-founder Andrea Yoch joins the show to talk about the debut of the women's soccer club Thursday at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. The amateur club has sold out all 5,600 tickets for its debut, part of what Yoch terms a "magic carpet ride" or support so far.
20:00: Byron Buxton went hitless again on Wednesday, and it's time to wonder if his balky knee is at least partly to blame for his 0-for-26 slump. Plus a throwback NBA playoff game and a huge NHL comeback.
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May 25, 2022
Slumping Byron Buxton + taking pressure off Kirk Cousins
Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't help but notice that Byron Buxton is 1 for his last 24, with the slump coinciding with the Twins disclosing a little over a week ago their plan to rest him so he stays healthy enough to play 100 games this season. Buxton's batting average is all the way down to .211. But the Twins have continued to win even without Buxton contributing at the plate, in large part because of pitching outings like the one they got from Sonny Gray (seven innings, zero runs) on Tuesday.
9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show with observations from watching the new-look Vikings in their early offseason work. The defensive changes stand out, but so does the offensive philosophy -- including a big change that might take some pressure off Kirk Cousins.
26:00: The Warriors are on pace for a gentlemen's sweep of the Mavericks, while the Lynx got a big comeback win.
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May 24, 2022
Pros and cons of Wolves hiring Tim Connelly as President; Inside the Gophers volleyball team
Introduction: The Timberwolves hired executive Tim Connelly away from Denver to be their President of Basketball Operations for a reported 5 years and $40 million plus an ownership stake in the team. It's a big-time move, but it's not without risk. While Connelly has a track record of building a team primarily through the draft, the Nuggets haven't even played for a championship let alone won a title in recent years.
8:00: The Star Tribune's Jeff Day joins host Michael Rand for an examination of his story on the inner workings of the Gophers volleyball program.
32:00: The Twins won again, and the vibe in the clubhouse is positively giddy.
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May 23, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the surging Twins, Gophers baseball, Andrew Wiggins and the PGA
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included two stunning comebacks on Sunday: the Twins rallied from a 6-0 deficit in the eighth inning to defeat Kansas City 7-6, while Justin Thomas started the day seven shots off the lead but came back to win the PGA Championship in a playoff. Reusse still doesn't trust the Twins pitching, but he has to concede this is a pretty good team after a 25-16 start.
Plus a look at the struggles of the Gophers baseball team, which finished 16-36 this season, and the surge of Andrew Wiggins in the playoffs for Golden State.
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May 20, 2022
A conversation with Vikings legend Bud Grant on his 95th birthday
Bud Grant, the legendary Vikings coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, turned 95 on Friday and was a very special guest on today's show.
Host Michael Rand and Bud talk about the interesting progression of aging, the joy of living a good, long life, Grant's path into coaching and how he copes with surviving a near-death experience when he was 29.
Plus Rand's thoughts on the Lynx, Vikings and the Nick Saban vs. Jimbo Fisher feud at the end of the show.
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May 19, 2022
A lot of complaining about first-place Twins; Sarah McLellan on the Wild's important offseason
Introduction: We've spent the last few days debating two big decisions by the Twins: Limiting Byron Buxton's workload to 100 (or a few more) games this season and sending promising rookie shortstop Royce Lewis back to the minors. While these are good fodder for discussion, we also shouldn't let those narratives overtake the whole conversation. This is a first-place team on pace to win 94 games.
8:00: Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to help break down an interesting offseason for the Wild. Is there any chance of keeping Kevin Fiala? Is Marc-Andre Fleury really an option in goal next season? And how can the team hope to improve its special teams considering it doesn't have much payroll flexibility?
26:00: Minnesota United equalized late to salvage a tie against the LA Galaxy, but problems finishing chances persisted ... the Wolves might have a change at the top of their organizational structure.
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May 18, 2022
Red-hot Royce Lewis demoted; Kellen Mond speaks; Can the Loons score?; Lynx break through
Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that the NBA Draft lottery, normally a major event for Wolves fans, passed without as much as a whisper on Tuesday because Minnesota was a rare non-participant. Orlando ended up with the No. 1 pick, which could mean Chet Holmgren is reunited with former Minnehaha Academy teammate Jalen Suggs.
6:00: Star Tribune writer Jerry Zgoda joins the show to help break down Minnesota United's struggles to finish chances this season, part of the reason the Loons sit No. 10 in the Western Conference standings heading into an important home match on Wednesday.
18:00: The Lynx broke through with a big win over Los Angeles after an 0-4 start. Will they have a similar turnaround as they did last year? ... Bill Guerin says the Wild has a plan to deal with the impact of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts, but that plan might include re-signing goalie Marc-Andre Fleury? ... And Kellen Mond, the forgotten man, talks about his progress.
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May 17, 2022
Jim Souhan's take on Byron Buxton; Predicting every game of the Vikings' season
Introduction: Host Michael Rand catches up on the Vikings' schedule, which was released late last week in the midst of the Wild's playoff series against the Blues, and gives his thoughts on story lines and predictions for each game. Rand sees reason for optimism, but the Vikings had better take advantage of favorable stretches in their 17-game season.
10:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan joins the show to offer his take on Byron Buxton and the Twins' 100-game plan. He sees the wisdom in it, and he also has more optimism for the 0-4 Lynx than their record might indicate.
28:00: The best high school football recruit in Minnesota has the Gophers on his final list of schools.
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May 16, 2022
Patrick Reusse rips the Byron Buxton 100 game plan and expands on Minnesota playoff misery
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand after Sunday's revelation that the Twins have a plan to limit Byron Buxton's playing time in hopes of preserving his health. The magic number is getting him in at least 100 games, which would be more than Buxton has typically played but far fewer than fans might want. Reusse, as you might expect, is not a fan of the plan.
Plus a deeper look at Minnesota sports playoff misery and musing on the NBA playoffs and the Game 7 no-show by Phoenix on Sunday.
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May 13, 2022
Wild goes out with a whimper (again); ESPN's Malika Andrews on Wolves, NBA; Concerns for Twins, Lynx
Introduction: Different team, different expectations, same playoff results. That's the story of the Wild, which lost Game 6 to St. Louis 5-1 and dropped the series 4 games to 2. The Blues scored nine of the last 10 goals in the series. They had eight power play goals to just four for the Wild. And the Wild is now 32-58 all-time in postseason games. Those are sobering numbers for the organization to wake up to this morning as it tries to chart a path forward that includes a clogged up salary cap from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts.
8:00: ESPN's Malika Andrews joins the show to talk Timberwolves and hoops in general. The host of NBA Today had plenty of thoughts on Anthony Edwards and the Wolves' path forward while also dispensing some great career advice.
33:00: Trouble for the Lynx, a marquee Vikings opener and the one bit of good news from Thursday courtesy of Minnesota United.
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May 12, 2022
Wild's Game 6 checklist; Kent Youngblood on the Lynx; A Terry Tiffee Twins jersey in the wild
Introduction: Host Michael Rand puts together a checklist for the Wild heading into a must-win Game 6 against the Blues on Thursday night. At the top of that list: Someone aside from Kirill Kaprizov stepping up and scoring some goals and a goalie -- whether it's Marc-Andre Fleury or Cam Talbot -- making the sorts of saves that can steal a game. Otherwise, it's going to be a disappointing result and frankly a very disappointing end to the season.
10:00: Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood joins the show to take a look at the team's 0-3 start and the reasons behind it.
26:00: A Terry Tiffee Twins T-shirt jersey spotted in the wild and an NFL QB who only eats chicken.
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May 11, 2022
Wild needs to help Kaprizov -- and maybe switch goalies; Minnesota high school football recruiting
Introduction: Kirill Kaprizov had two more goals, giving him seven in just five playoff games. But the Wild still finds itself in a 3-2 hole after dropping Tuesday's Game 5 at home 5-2 to St. Louis. Sloppy play in the third period, preceded by a deflating goal late in the second, was the Wild's undoing. Now it faces elimination Thursday in St. Louis. Will anyone step up and join Kaprizov? And should coach Dean Evason consider a switch to Cam Talbot after an average performance from Marc-Andre Fleury?
12:00: Star Tribune high school sports reporter David La Vaque joins host Michael Rand for a discussion on the sophistication of football recruiting as well as some top lineman prospects in the state. Plus high school boys' volleyball came within a vote of gaining varsity status.
27:00: The Twins were no match for the stellar Astros on Tuesday. The Lynx were no match for the rebuilding Indiana Fever. We learned a lot about both teams.
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May 10, 2022
Are the first-place Twins for real? Plus Kevin Fiala holds the key for any Wild playoff run
Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks ahead to Tuesday's critical Game 5 between the Wild and Blues and finds himself wanting a lot more from Kevin Fiala. After registering just a goal and an assist in seven playoff games last year, Fiala has just one assist through four games against St. Louis. Whether he can get it going will tell the story of how far the Wild ultimately goes in this postseason and could determine his long-term future with the team.
5:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins the show to try to answer a big mystery: Are the first-place Twins, owners of an 18-11 record after a 14-3 burst, for real? Or will they fall back below the pack as the season goes on? Miller sees pitching as a reason for optimism, even if Emilio Pagan can't keep escaping the way he does.
25:00: The tragic death of former Wolves player Adreian Payne, the Grizzlies getting a taste of their own medicine and more good recruiting news for Ben Johnson.
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May 9, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Wild's missed opportunity, Twins with more to prove and the amazing Derby
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the Wild splitting Games 3 and 4 in St. Louis to set up a critical Game 5 back at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday. Based on the players the Blues are missing, this should be the Wild's series to take, Reusse said, even after missing an opportunity in Game 4.
Plus Reusse wants to see the Twins play better against good teams before getting too excited -- and he has seen all he cares to see of reliever Emilio Pagan.
Rich Strike's amazing Kentucky Derby run did come with one worry, while the Lynx look like they need a lot of help after an 0-2 start.
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May 6, 2022
Can a Minnesota horse with The Kentucky Derby?; Lynx preview; Dave Benz out; Twins adversity
Introduction: Host Michael Rand previews the Lynx season, which starts with a big test Friday in Seattle. Can a largely veteran roster extend the Lynx's streak to 12 straight postseason appearances and compete for a championship, or will a roster squeeze and health concerns derail the season? Head coach and GM Cheryl Reeve weighs in on the challenges of building a team in this era of the WNBA.
9:00: Adversity has hit the Twins, who lost star shortstop Carlos Correa to an apparent broken finger and lost for the second consecutive night to Baltimore -- the same day they learned manager Rocco Baldelli and two players are out with COVID. Will we get a look at 2017 No. 1 pick Royce Lewis in Correa's absence?
12:00: The Star Tribune's Rachel Blount joins the show to preview Saturday's Kentucky Derby, which features not one but two Minnesota horses in the field.
26:00: Keys to Game 3 for the Wild plus a curious decision by the Wolves to part ways with play-by-play voice Dave Benz.
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May 5, 2022
Wild turns tables with big win; $20 a month for Bally Sports North?; Loons goalie Dayne St. Clair
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the overwhelmingly positive 6-2 final result for the Wild on Wednesday as it evened its playoff series against St. Louis at 1-1. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, Marc-Andre Fleury showed why he is a battle-tested future Hall of Famer and the team in general cashed in on chances. But St. Louis also had more shots, more hits and arguably the better of the play. And the Wild still gave up five power plays (and one goal on the man advantage). Minnesota will need to tighten up its game going forward even after this result.
9:00: Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair joins the show to talk about his early-season success, his Canada pride and his surprising skill outside of soccer.
22:00: Would you pay $20 a month for Bally Sports North? That will be an option soon for standalone customers. Plus the secret Vikings edge this season and another rough start from Twins pitcher Dylan Bundy.
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May 4, 2022
Chip Scoggins on what to do about the Wild and D'Angelo Russell
Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to make sure the Twins get some proper attention after they won for the 11th time in 12 games Tuesday. Ryan Jeffers was the offensive hero in the win over Baltimore with a three-run homer. The Twins are now 15-9 and four games ahead of any other team in the American League Central.
5:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand in the aftermath of the Wild's 4-0 loss to St. Louis in Game 1 of their playoff series Monday. It was all-too-familiar based on past Wild teams; can Minnesota stay out of the penalty box and even the series Wednesday? Plus Scoggins weighs in on the Wolves' D'Angelo Russell conundrum and hopes for a trade.
26:00: Jared Spurgeon was lucky to avoid a suspension, the Lynx made some interesting roster moves and the Grizzlies/Warriors series looks every bit as compelling as Grizzlies/Wolves was.
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May 3, 2022
The same (bleeping) thing every time: Wild loses 4-0 in playoff opener
Host Michael Rand goes in deep on the Wild after Monday's damaging 4-0 loss to St. Louis in Game 1 of the playoffs.
Home ice advantage? Gone. Stupid penalties leading to the type of game the Blues wanted and directly leading to three of the four goals? Yes. Second-guessing of the goalie choice? Sure, but that wasn't the reason the Wild lost. It's going to be a day of soul-searching for Minnesota, as St. Louis is now 4-0 this year and 13-1-1 in its last 15 against the favored Wild.
Plus the Twins won for the 10th time in 11 games and a Minnesota horse is the Kentucky Derby favorite.
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May 2, 2022
Patrick Reusse on a Timberwolves regression, the best Wild team ever and great news for the Twins
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand as they tie a bow on the Wolves' season and look ahead to the Wild's playoff series starting Monday night against St. Louis.
Reusse and Rand agree: The Wolves' backcourt is a concern, and if there's a way to move off of D'Angelo Russell this offseason the organization should pursue a trade. After a 46-win season and competitive playoff series, this appears to be a team on the rise, but even getting back to that point next season will be difficult.
Reusse also calls this the best Wild team in franchise history and takes note of Max Kepler's resurgence with the Twins.
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Apr 30, 2022
Special Delivery! Wolves collapse; Vikings anger; Wild ascends
Host Michael Rand watched everything unfold Friday and decided there was too much going on to wait two more days to talk about it all.
First he dissects the ultimate Wolves' collapse, as Minnesota lost a double-digit fourth quarter lead for the third time in its series against Memphis in a season-ending loss Friday. The Wolves were outscored 114-58 in the fourth quarters of Games 3, 5 and 6. Now they must ask themselves how they can get better and tougher going forward -- which starts with daunting questions about big-salary players Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, who disappeared in Friday's fourth quarter.
14:00: The Wild earned home ice in its playoff series vs. St. Louis with a big 4-1 in over Colorado, but it might have lost Marcus Foligno to an injury after a dirty hit. Regardless, the Wild has the depth to make a deep playoff run. Is this the year it will happen?
18:00: The Vikings made another trade within the NFC North, this time helping the Packers get a talented wide…
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Apr 29, 2022
What were the Vikings thinking?! Plus Wolves Game 6 preview, big Wild win and Twins streak
Introduction: The Vikings moved back 20 spots in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, adding additional picks in the process. But was it really worth it to drop from No. 12 to No. 32, where they selected Georgia safety Lewis Cine? Time will tell, but at first blush it seems like the Vikings didn't get enough value. Fans largely felt the same way, though you'll hear enthusiasm from GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
12:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins host Michael Rand to help set up the critical Game 6 of the playoffs Friday at Target Center. Can Minnesota fend off elimination and send the series back to Memphis for a deciding Game 7? If they are going to do it, they will need to rebound and execute better.
25:00: The Wild moved closer to gaining home ice in the first round of the playoffs with a 3-2 overtime win over Calgary. All Minnesota needs tonight is one point -- or a regulation St. Louis loss -- to clinch that edge. And the Twins won their seventh straigh…
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Apr 28, 2022
Vikings draft WR intrigue; Joe Ryan dominates again; Sarah McLellan on the Wild
Introduction: Host Michael Rand digs in on the NFL Draft and finds himself increasingly intrigued by the idea of the Vikings taking a wide receiver at No. 12 overall. While they still might end up taking a corner with that pick, there are good arguments to be made for choosing a game-changing offensive skill position player instead.
8:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to set up the final two regular season games and what's at stake. Plus how will the Wild handle its goalie rotation in the postseason, and just how good has Kevin Fiala been in this "prove it" season?
24:00: Joe Ryan delivered another gem for the Twins on Wednesday in a 5-0 victory that took just 2 hours, 23 minutes. Starting pitching continues to be a strength for this team, a major surprise.
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Apr 27, 2022
Again and again: Wolves lose Game 5 heartbreaker; First-place Twins win on bonkers walk-off
Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes deep on the Wolves' Game 5 playoff loss, which again featured an alarming lack of execution on the part of Minnesota. After leading by double-digits in the fourth quarter, the Wolves allowed Memphis to rally thanks to a bevy of offensive rebounds and some poor shot selection of its own. But this one was more about what the Grizzlies did than what the Wolves didn't do, and it definitely wasn't about the officiating, Rand says. The bottom line: Ja Morant's game-winning layup put the Wolves in a 3-2 series hole, and they have to be feeling the sting of missed opportunities.
22:00: The Wild missed a chance to gain the upper hand in the battle for home ice with a 5-3 clunker of a loss to the lowly Coyotes. But St. Louis also lost, so the Wild still has a good chance to host a first-round series.
25:00: The Twins almost gave Tuesday's game away, but then Detroit one-upped them. A crazy final sequence on the bases led to a 5-4 walk-off win. Maybe that's ho…
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Apr 26, 2022
Vikings draft: Who will they pick and how will the approach be different? Plus keys for Wolves in Game 5
Introduction: Host Michael Rand dissects the back-and-forth series between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies heading into Game 5 on Tuesday in Memphis and finds some pretty simple keys. The Wolves need to keep the Grizzlies from getting too many offensive rebounds -- a two-fold mission that limits Memphis' second-chance points and helps the Wolves get transition baskets. And they need to stay out of foul trouble. If they do that, they will have a chance to come back to Target Center leading the series.
8:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to help preview the upcoming NFL Draft. While there is always intrigue this time of year, it is heightened this week with new General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah making the picks instead of Rick Spielman. How will the Vikings' approach change in terms of what and who they value? And will that yield any different results starting Thursday when Minnesota has the No. 12 overall pick?
28:00: Taking note of Kevin Fiala's excellent season…
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Apr 25, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the dramatic Timberwolves victory and the greatness of Byron Buxton
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at an overwhelmingly positive weekend in Minnesota sports.
The Timberwolves proved that momentum can be a myth sometimes in sports by coming back after a devastating Game 3 loss to even their series against Memphis with a 119-118 victory at Target Center. Rand came to the realization that the games we watch are different from the games players play, while Reusse wants to know if the national narrative now shifts to Ja Morant being a poor clutch player.
The Twins, meanwhile, swept all four games from the White Sox -- including Sunday's dramatic 6-4 win in 10 innings thanks to a three-run walk-off blast from Byron Buxton. After a sluggish start, the Twins have evened their record at 8-8.
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Apr 22, 2022
Meltdown at Target Center: Breaking down the Timberwolves' epic Game 3 collapse
Host Michael Rand goes all-in on the Timberwolves after their stunning Game 3 loss to Memphis at Target Center.
Up by 26 points in the first half and 25 points late in the third quarter, the Wolves fell 104-95 after being outscored 37-12 in the fourth quarter.
You'll hear from head coach Chris Finch, players Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, plus the Star Tribune's Chris Hine and Chip Scoggins as they try to explain what happened Thursday night.
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Apr 21, 2022
NFL QB Trey Lance joins the show; Time to panic about Twins? Keys to Wolves in Game 3
Introduction: Host Michael Rand previews the critical Game 3 showdown between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, noting that he considers the Wolves' emotional response to a Game 2 blowout loss to be of utmost importance. Can the Wolves navigate evolving matchups and ride the positive energy of what is sure to be an energized Target Center to take a series lead?
8:00: Former North Dakota State standout and Marshall native Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, joins the show to talk about his journey, his future and a recent opportunity he had to raise a lot of money for an organization in southwest Minnesota.
16:00: The Twins were shut out on Wednesday, prompting manager Rocco Baldelli to have some critical comments about their approach at the plate. At 4-8, is it time to panic -- or at least worry -- about the direction they are heading?
22:00: Rand rolls through some listener questions and takes note of some positive developments in Gophers basketball.
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Apr 20, 2022
An unwatchable Wolves loss in more ways than one; Marcus Fuller on Gophers recruiting, Dawson Garcia
Introduction: The Wolves' 124-96 loss to Memphis on Tuesday was predictable and unwatchable on multiple levels. Memphis had far more urgency than Minnesota after losing Game 1 at home, and the Grizzlies played to their strengths with depth, defensive tenacity and offensive rebounding. The Wolves, meanwhile, tried to generate too much offense in isolation and suffered through a night with Karl-Anthony Towns in foul trouble. It was a grinding game early, making it hard to watch -- if you could watch at all. Problems with blackouts and streaming services left many fans angry.
7:00: Marcus Fuller joins host Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Gophers men's basketball team's efforts in the transfer portal. After landing Dawson Garcia early in the week, Ben Johnson has turned his attention to bolstering the backcourt.
27:00: Kevin Fiala, Matt Boldy and Cam Talbot continued to shine for the Wild in an important 2-0 over Montreal, while the Twins bullpen blew another lead and misses Taylor Rog…
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Apr 19, 2022
Gophers land a huge recruit; La Velle E. Neal on Wolves, Wild and Twins
Introduction: 21 different ESPN experts predicted how the Wolves vs. Grizzlies series would turn out, and all 21 picked Memphis. The Wolves are surely using perceptions like that as fuel as they try to take a 2-0 series lead Tuesday in Memphis, host Michael Rand said.
7:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to give his take on the Wolves, Wild and Twins. The Wild will be without Marcus Foligno for a few games after the wing went into COVID protocols. The Twins, meanwhile, have had surprisingly good starting pitching so far -- No. 5 in the majors in starter ERA through 10 games.
25:00: The Loons busted out for three goals over the weekend, the Gophers landed a huge recruit (more on that during Wednesday's show) and a major college hockey story.
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Apr 18, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Game 1 Wolves win, punchless Twins and playoff-bound Wild
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the biggest stories of the weekend and a look ahead at what's to come.
It was a double dose of good news when it comes to the playoffs: The Wolves controlled Game 1 against Memphis for almost all of the 48 minutes in earning a 130-117 road victory, while the Wild earned three points over the weekend to secure a playoff berth. It's just the third time in their combined history that the Wild and Wolves have made the playoffs in the same year.
We should savor this postseason because the way the Twins look through nine games, there won't be any October baseball. They have just 51 hits in nine games and injuries are already mounting.
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Apr 17, 2022
Special Delivery! From Memphis after the Wolves' huge Game 1 playoff win
Host Michael Rand was joined by Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine, who was in Memphis for the Wolves' convincing 130-117 Game 1 victory in the Western Conference playoffs opener.
Rand and Hine talked about the big nights for Anthony Edwards (36 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (29) points and several supporting players.
Plus does one win change the perception of the series, and what should we expect in Game 2 on Tuesday night?
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Apr 15, 2022
Patrick Beverley vs. Ja Morant; the Memphis perspective; Ryan Hartman's Venmo
Introduction: Host Michael Rand identifies the single most important thing in the Wolves' upcoming playoff series against Memphis: Karl-Anthony Towns playing well and having control of his emotions. Towns talked about adversity on Thursday, but one gets the sense that he doesn't always understand that some of it is self-inflicted. Can he use Tuesday's win over the Clippers as motivation?
6:00: Drew Hill, who covers the Grizzlies in Memphis, joins Rand to help preview the series. What made Memphis so good this season? Why did Ja Morant struggle against the Wolves, contributing to a very even season series? They'll explore those ideas and more.
23:00: Patrick Beverley vs. Morant should be a matchup worth watching, and it could stoke the fire of an emotional series. ... Beverley and the Wild's Ryan Hartman were both fined for obscenities this week, and both found help from fans. ... Minnesota connections have been prevalent in the NCAA women's gymnastics meet.
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Apr 14, 2022
Wolves will need more from KAT; Kershaw's controversial exit vs. floundering Twins; WNBA must expand
Introduction: A generational argument played out again Wednesday when Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was pulled after 80 pitches and seven perfect innings at Target Field against the Twins. Should he have been allowed to try to finish the perfect game? It all depends on who you ask -- including Kershaw, who was fine with the move given the circumstances. Regardless, the Twins' offense is in rough shape with Miguel Sano starting the year 0-for-19, Alex Kirilloff going on the IL and their top minor league affiliate in St. Paul getting zero hits on Wednesday.
10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand as they spin forward to the Wolves' first-round playoff series starting Saturday in Memphis. The level of confidence in Anthony Edwards after his 30-point game against the Clippers is matched by the level of concern over Karl-Anthony Towns' growing portfolio of postseason struggles. Simply put, KAT needs to find his game and his composure.
26:00: The WNBA has fewer…
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Apr 13, 2022
All things Timberwolves: A play-in win, KAT's disappearance, the rally and more
Host Michael Rand ditches the usual format and goes all-in on the Timberwolves after Tuesday night's 109-104 victory over the Clippers in the NBA play-in game.
You'll hear plenty of thoughts from Rand as well as from beat writer Chris Hine, head coach Chris Finch and guards D'Angelo Russell and Patrick Beverley.
With the victory, the Wolves secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and will face Memphis in a seven-game series starting Saturday. But getting there was by no means easy.
The Wolves had to overcome their own early jitters and a dismal performance from star Karl-Anthony Towns, who fouled out after scoring just 11 points in 24 minutes. Down 93-86 with more than seven minutes left after Towns' exit, the Wolves outscored the Clippers 23-11 the rest of the way thanks in large part to Russell (29 points) and Anthony Edwards (30). Beverley was the heart and soul of the game, finishing with a game-high 11 rebounds before letting out plenty of emotion after beating his former…
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Apr 12, 2022
Biggest Wolves game in years; Kirk Cousins on his future; Twins have difference-makers
Introduction: Host Michael Rand still isn't sure what to make of this year's Twins roster, but he will feel a lot better about things if Jhoan Duran keeps throwing the way he did in the opening series against Seattle. Duran pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Monday's 4-0 win, helping the Twins split the four-game series. If Duran can be a difference-maker, adding to elite talent like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, the Twins have a chance to be a playoff team.
6:00: Star Tribune Wolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand to preview Tuesday's play-in game against the Clippers. How much stock should we put in the Clippers' three wins over the Wolves in early November? How will the Wolves' inexperienced players fare against the playoff-tested Clippers? How much will Minnesota lean on Patrick Beverley? And how much credit should we give to coach Chris Finch, who just got a four-year extension?
28:00: The Lynx made two picks in Monday's WNBA Draft, but both players will have a hard time crac…
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Apr 11, 2022
Patrick Reusse on Twins' problems + potential, Super Tuesday, The Masters and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand during a very busy time on the Minnesota sports calendar.
The Twins opened their season to mixed reviews, losing a pair of close games before exploding for six home runs in a 10-4 win over Seattle on Sunday. Reusse still likes the lineup a lot, but pitching questions will persist and were magnified by a blown lead in the ninth inning during Saturday's loss. Fans certainly seem to be in wait-and-see mode with the team (and the weather) judging by the weekend crowds.
It's Super Tuesday in Minnesota: Wolves vs. Clippers in an NBA play-in game, Wild vs. Oilers in an offensive showdown, Twins vs. Dodgers and Saints home opener, all in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night. Can the Wolves continue their strong season and defeat the Clippers?
Plus Reusse has thoughts on The Masters -- from Tiger to the tradition itself.
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Apr 8, 2022
Frozen Four, Wild playoff push + Wolves, Tiger and Twins (oh my)
Introduction: Randy Johnson joins host Michael Rand from Boston, where he covered the Gophers' season-ending 5-1 loss to Minnesota State-Mankato in Thursday's Frozen Four semifinals. It was a butt-kicking for most of the game, as Gophers coach Bob Motzko said, and it showed just how good these Mavericks are heading into Saturday's title game vs. Denver. For the Gophers, it was a season of overachieving to a degree. What comes next will be interesting.
8:00: Rand takes one more look at the Twins pitching staff, a highly volatile group considering there are numerous questions in both the rotation and the bullpen as the season begins Friday. Who is going to get the final nine outs of games with Taylor Rogers gone, let alone the first 18 in a rotation with a lot of candidates but few sure things? Plus the Wolves are locked into the play-in round now -- a fate that was a goal at the start of the year but now feels more like a punishment given how well they have played.
14:00: Star Tribune W…
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Apr 7, 2022
Twins trade + Season preview with Phil Miller; An intriguing Vikings draft prospect
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at a possible Twins-Padres trade that is reportedly nearing the finish line as of Thursday morning. The two key pieces: Twins reliever Taylor Rogers and Padres starting pitcher Chris Paddack. What's the appeal of Paddack and what would losing Rogers mean for the Twins? Rand breaks that down.
6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand for an overall preview of the Twins' season. After an offseason that can only be described as chaotic, what will happen as the dust settles? Miller talks about how much confidence the Twins seem to have after their additions -- most notably of shortstop Carlos Correa -- while conceding that pitching is still a big mystery.
24:00: LSU corner Derek Stingley, who has shown up in mock drafts as a possible Vikings target at No. 12 overall, had his pro day on Wednesday. ... The Vikings were good at taking leads but not holding them in 2021 ... Lindsay Whalen addresses the transfer portal.
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Apr 6, 2022
Damaging losses for Wolves and Wild; Will Gophers men's hockey win the natty?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Wolves' 132-114 loss to Washington on Tuesday and finds one word stands out: disappointing. Though getting the No. 6 seed and avoiding the play-in tournament was a long shot, a win coupled with what turned out to be a Denver loss to San Antonio on Tuesday would have given the Wolves a real chance. Instead, they are left to lament a defense that has been subpar lately and a focus that has been wandering in recent games.
6:00: The Wild has lost three lopsided games to Nashville this season, including Tuesday's fight-filled 6-2 defeat. If these teams end up facing each other in the playoffs, this specific tough matchup could become an issue.
9:00: The Gophers men's hockey team faces Minnesota State-Mankato in Thursday's Frozen Four semifinals. The pride of Minnesota is on the line in the game -- shown on ESPNU after being bumped because of MLB's schedule change -- and the Star Tribune's Randy Johnson helps break it all down.
20:00: Tiger Woods…
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Apr 5, 2022
Will Vikings, Twins, exceed mediocrity? Jim Souhan on Tiger Woods and The Masters
Introduction: Host Michael Rand attempts to tie together several subjects under one general theme -- that we don't know anything that is going to happen in sports, even if we can project what might happen. That is the case with the Vikings and Twins, both of whom are predicted in various circles to finish right around .500 in 2022. Do we really know how things will play out? Nope.
8:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan joins the show to talk about The Masters and the prospect of Tiger Woods making his comeback on Thursday. Who could have predicted what would become of Tiger's career a decade ago. And who knows what will happen if he does play this weekend.
24:00: An unpredictable NCAA men's basketball tournament ended with an unpredictable title game when Kansas rallied for a 72-69 win over North Carolina. And a listener wants to know: What's up with Kellen Mond?
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Apr 4, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Final Fours, Twins pitching, red-hot Wild and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand as they talk through a very busy time in the world of sports. Both of them were at the recently completed Women's Final Four in Minneapolis, where South Carolina's relentless defense and offensive rebounding were far too much for UConn in Sunday's title game.
If you consider retiring Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski more of a villain than a hero, there was no more fitting end to his career than Saturday's loss to rival North Carolina in the Final Four.
Plus Reusse gets going on Twins pitching, modern baseball, the Wild and the Wolves.
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Apr 2, 2022
Special Delivery! Breaking down the Women's Final Four and setting up championship Sunday
Host Michael Rand and Star Tribune intern John Volk take you behind the scenes at the Women's Final Four in Minneapolis and get you ready for Sunday's title game between UConn and South Carolina.
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Apr 1, 2022
The Wild's Nicolas Deslauriers on fighting, playoffs and more; Joe Ryan a surprise Twins opening day starter
Introduction: Host Michael Rand has liked Joe Ryan from the moment the Twins acquired him from Tampa Bay last season in the Nelson Cruz trade. But Rand looks at Ryan's body of work -- five MLB starts, all last September against teams out of contention -- and can't help but think the Twins' decision to name Ryan the 2022 Opening Day starter is one of desperation.
6:00: New Wild forward Nicolas Deslauriers, brought in to provide grit and muscle for the playoff run, joins the show to talk about his role, fitting in after a midyear trade and the opportunity to play in the NHL postseason for the first time in his career. He certainly looked the part, sporting a black eye and a stitches on his broken nose during the interview.
20:00: Hear from Paige Bueckers as the Women's Final Four arrives Friday at Target Center; Another blow to the Gophers women's basketball program; The "ghost runners" in extra innings are unfortunately back in MLB.
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Mar 31, 2022
D'Angelo Russell's slump, Patrick Peterson's return and the greatness of Paige Bueckers
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the Wolves' recent slide. With four losses in five games, all of them against quality opponents, Minnesota is slumping as it heads toward the postseason. Quite simply, the Wolves need more from their core players -- particularly D'Angelo Russell, who is in the midst of a bad shooting skid.
8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show after spending last weekend at the thrilling women's basketball regional in which former Hopkins standout Paige Bueckers shot UConn into the Final Four in Minneapolis that begins Friday. What makes Bueckers so great? Scoggins has several answers to that.
23:00: The U.S. qualified for the World Cup ... Patrick Peterson is back again with the Vikings ... and an oddly timed extension for the Wild's Alex Goligoski.
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Mar 30, 2022
Lindsey Vonn on retirement, fame and confronting the past; Vikings show more signs of running it back
Introduction: Another day, another few pieces of evidence that the Vikings are intent on trying to compete in 2022 -- and doing it largely with the same cast of characters from recent years. Head coach Kevin O'Connell offered ideas Tuesday for how to get more out of Kirk Cousins and Garrett Bradbury, two of the Vikings' most-discussed players. Owner Mark Wilf, meanwhile, reasserted his belief that the Vikings can compete for a division title and more.
7:00: Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion skier Lindsey Vonn joins the show ahead of Wednesday's induction into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. Vonn discusses retirement, how it's hard for her to slow down, the publication of her recent memoir and the one thing she always wants to do when she comes back to Minnesota.
23:00: The Wild won again, and we're getting to the point of the season where playoff opponents matter. Should Minnesota be worried about a potential series with Nashville? Plus P.J. Fleck blames himself for how 2…
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Mar 29, 2022
Evaluating Chris Archer; Paige Bueckers is coming home; La Velle E. Neal III on Twins, Vikings and more
Introduction: Host Michael Rand sees the upside in the Twins' move to sign Chris Archer, but it still feels underwhelming if this is the final rotation move. There are a lot of question marks for Archer, 33, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery. Will he be more like Carl Pavano, who revived his career in Minnesota a decade ago? Or is this more like the Mike Pelfrey move?
7:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the offseason moves for the Vikings and Twins as well as to answer a big question from Rand: How many combined playoff games will the Wild and Wolves win this year?
27:00: Paige Bueckers is coming home after UConn survived a double-overtime thriller to defeat North Carolina State and reach the Final Four. Plus the Vikings signed Jesse Davis to help bolster their offensive line, but how much he will help is a valid question.
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Mar 28, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Frozen Four Gophers, Twins pitching and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. At the jump, they rave about the Gophers men's hockey team, which shut out Western Michigan 3-0 on Sunday to advance to the Frozen Four. Reusse likes the way the Gophers are playing -- and he thinks they are going to win it all in two weeks.
They also bond over a shared distaste for Duke, even while acknowledging that a Duke/North Carolina meeting in the men's basketball Final Four should be fantastic.
Plus thoughts on the NCAA women's basketball tournament, the Wild's sudden winning streak and what we think of the Wolves heading down the stretch.
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Mar 25, 2022
Wild, Gophers hockey talk; Another ex-Packer to join Vikings?; Updated Minnesota championship rankings
Introduction: Host Michael Rand talks through a couple of notable Wild streaks: the team has won four games in a row while goalie Cam Talbot has won seven starts in a row. Minnesota has tightened up its game, in part as a response to its recent skid and in part because that's what is dictated this time of year.
6:00: Does the Wild have as good a chance as any Minnesota team to win a championship in the next five years? Rand takes a spin through his rankings of all the local teams.
11:00: Star Tribune college hockey writer Randy Johnson joins the show to set up the Gophers men's hockey team's NCAA regional game Friday vs. UMass. The Gophers have been on a roll, but playing the defending national champs in front of what should be a pro-UMass crowd will be a tough task.
22:00: Contract terms for new Vikings pass rusher Za'Darius Smith were released, making it clear this is more like a one-year deal than a three-year deal. His cap hit is just over $3 million this season, giving the Vikings…
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Mar 24, 2022
Vikings in danger of mediocrity; Hear from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Carlos Correa; Marcus Fuller on college hoops
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of two big news conferences Wednesday from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and new Twins shortstop Carlos Correa. Adofo-Mensah acknowledged the Vikings are in a "competitive rebuild" whereby they are trying to play for the present and future. It's a fine line to walk, and it often results in mediocrity. Correa, meanwhile, gave some details of how his stunning deal with the Twins came together so fast.
11:00: College basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to break down the men's and women's Sweet 16s and to give perspective on the first year of the Ben Johnson era with the Gophers.
27:00: An immature performance by the Wolves doomed them against Phoenix, but it could be a good lesson in the near future.
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Mar 23, 2022
Breaking down the Wild's deadline moves with Sarah McLellan; Za'Darius Smith is first bold Vikings move
Introduction: Host Michael Rand examines the Vikings' splash signing of Za'Darius Smith, giving them bookend pass rushers who -- if healthy -- could make their defense very formidable. More than that, this is the first real departure move of the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era. If you were waiting for them to make their mark on the roster, this was the first domino.
6:00: Star Tribune beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to break down the all of the trade deadline moves made by the Wild, with the signature move being the acquisition of goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Will these reinforcements be enough for the Wild to make a deep playoff run?
28:00: Ash Barty, tennis champion, is walking away at the top of her game and teaching us a lesson.
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Mar 22, 2022
No excuses for Wild after blockbuster deal for Fleury; Welcome to the land of 10,000 trades
Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to make sense of the flurry of moves among Minnesota teams lately -- no pun untended, since the biggest deal before Monday's NHL trade deadline involved the Wild dealing for goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. With all their additions, the Wild should be primed for the stretch run and the playoffs. There are no excuses for a lack of confidence, even if the results are subject to the whims of hockey.
7:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Megan Ryan joins the show to talk about all the moves the Twins have made since the lockout ended, including the signing of Carlos Correa over the weekend. While the Twins were expected to be active in building their roster, the magnitude of the moves has been unexpected. Ryan breaks it all down.
25:00: The Vikings, meanwhile, are pursuing former Packers edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, and the Wolves lost a close one in Dallas that underscored the intensity of the upcoming playoffs.
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Mar 21, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Carlos Correa signing, basketball upsets and the hot local teams
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with by far the biggest surprise of all: the Twins signed Carlos Correa to a lucrative free agent contract. Even if it only ends up being for one season, Correa is the type of impact player, at an impact price, that changes perceptions about the team. Plus plenty of talk about the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments and the red-hot local teams.
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Mar 18, 2022
Will the cap-strapped Vikings be able to make a big move? Plus the Wild and Wolves near a rare feat
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the Wild and Wolves both being strong contenders to make the playoffs -- a rarity in their combined history. Those teams have only made the playoffs in the same year twice: the 2002-03 season and the 2017-18 season. Both still have work to do, but let's enjoy the far-too-infrequent dual competence.
5:00: Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins the show to discuss the relatively quiet start to free agency for Minnesota. The reason is not complicated: They don't have any cap space. What they did clear with the one-year Kirk Cousins extension went quickly. But another decision looms by Sunday on Danielle Hunter. Plus Goessling says the Cousins deal, which includes a no-trade clause, doesn't necessarily mean a Cousins trade is out of the picture.
26:00: Davante Adams is headed out of Green Bay; the Gophers women's basketball team headed out of Green Bay with a win.
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Mar 17, 2022
Wolves swagger, Wild win, Danielle Hunter trade (?) and a Formula 1 racing preview
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the growing confidence of the Timberwolves, who clinched at least a berth in the play-in round after beating the Lakers 124-104 at Target Center on Wednesday. They have managed to walk a fine line of playing with swagger and not going overboard this year, and it's part of their identity. Speaking of identity, the Wild rediscovered theirs -- at least for one game -- in a much-needed 4-2 win over Boston.
7:00: Rand welcomes Jim Andrews and Kris Atteberry to the show for something totally new: a preview of this year's Formula 1 racing season. If you don't know much about F1 -- or even if you do -- you will learn plenty.
28:00: Are the Vikings going to trade Danielle Hunter? We don't know. But we do know the Loons are adding a key player via trade.
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Mar 16, 2022
A Wild trade -- and more to come? -- before Monday's deadline; Vikings sign LB; A reason for Twins optimism?
Introduction: The Wild made an interesting trade Tuesday, sending center Nico Sturm to division rival Colorado for center Tyson Jost. On one hand, it was a classic "change of scenery" move with both players seeking different roles on new teams. But it also comes as the Wild has lost 12 of its last 16 games and is in need of a jolt down the stretch. You'll hear plenty from GM Bill Guerin, who still has faith in his team but clearly isn't happy with the direction this season has taken recently.
11:00: Host Michael Rand is joined by a panel of women's college basketball experts to help break down the NCAA tournament and the Final Four that is headed to Minneapolis in a couple of weeks. What are the key story lines and themes to watch.
20:00: The Vikings agreed to terms with dependable veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks on Tuesday, which might signal the end of the Anthony Barr era. Aaron Rodgers is going to put the Packers in salary cap jail at some point. And Baseball Prospectus is higher o…
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Mar 15, 2022
Phil Miller on the three big Twins trades, whether they make sense and what's yet to come
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of Karl-Anthony Towns' 60-point game in the Wolves' 149-139 shootout win over San Antonio on Monday. KAT's comments after the game show how coach Chris Finch and his teammates are pushing the right buttons, leading Towns to play the best basketball of his career.
6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins the show to break down the three big trades over the weekend. If the Twins are really trying to compete in 2022, there is plenty of work to be done -- and there is money to spend after shedding a lot of payroll in the Josh Donaldson deal. What other chess pieces will move in the three weeks leading up to the season, and what other battles is Miller watching down in Florida as camp opens?
29:00: The Vikings are still searching for a suitable replacement for Linval Joseph. They took their third swing in three years on Monday.
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Mar 14, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the big Twins trades, Kirk Cousins contract extension and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand to break down the big stories over the weekend. Where to start?
Well, Rand and Reusse began with Kirk Cousins' contract extension with the Vikings, which added a year to his deal and guaranteed the QB another $35 million while lowering his cap hit for this season. The creative deal, which has a couple of void years tacked onto it, makes some sense. But Rand hates it from the standpoint of it representing a status quo that hasn't been working over the past four seasons.
Plus three big Twins trades over the weekend left Rand and Reusse mostly scratching their heads. If there aren't more moves to come, it feels even more puzzling.
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Mar 11, 2022
A preview of big Vikings moves ahead; the MLB lockout is over, but what comes next?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand runs through the highlights of the new collective bargaining agreement that ended the MLB lockout. It's going to be a fast and furious next few weeks as teams, particularly the Twins, scramble to fill out rosters and get ready for a season that starts April 7.
7:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show to set up the start of the new NFL league year next week. The Vikings haven't done much of anything yet, which means they will have plenty of significant moves in the next few days to get under the salary cap. Plus Krammer will take a look at players the Vikings might be targeting in terms of adding during free agency.
28:00: A wild Wild win ... and two years since the NBA shut down.
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Mar 10, 2022
What is Kirk Cousins' trade value? + State Rep. Pat Garofalo on legalizing sports betting in Minnesota
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the flurry of quarterback activity in the NFL this week, including trades of Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz, in an attempt to gauge what Kirk Cousins' trade value might be if the Vikings move on from him. Rand is becoming more convinced as time goes on that the Vikings will trade him, and he 100% believes they should.
7:00: Minnesota State Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) joins the show to talk about sports betting legislation that was introduced this week. What is the timeline from here? And if the bill passes, how long will it be until Minnesotans can place legal sports bets in the state?
27:00: Another lopsided win for the Wolves, another week lost for MLB and the end of the season for Minneapolis hockey.
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Mar 9, 2022
Aaron Rodgers staying, Russell Wilson trade give Vikings clarity: They should trade Kirk Cousins
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes stock of the massive Tuesday in the NFL that saw the Packers retain Aaron Rodgers (at least for 2022 if not longer) while Russell Wilson was traded from Seattle to Denver. Both of those events taken in tandem should make the Vikings' offseason priority clear: Trade Kirk Cousins. The Packers will be prohibitive favorites to win the NFC North again in 2022, and Cousins could be the best remaining QB available in a trade. The window to make a trade is right now.
7:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to talk about the red-hot Wolves, who are aiming for their first six-game winning streak since 2004 against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Karl-Anthony Towns is playing as well as he has ever played, the bench has provided much-needed depth ... and yet the Wolves can't make up much ground because the teams above them in the standings keep winning, too.
26:00: A much-needed Wild win and perhaps some good news in MLB negotiations.
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Mar 8, 2022
Sports betting expansion, Aaron Rodgers' decision, Wolves stay red-hot
Introduction: Host Michael Rand connects the dots on two of the biggest stories of the day -- one national and one local. First, Minnesota is getting closer to legalizing sports betting after new legislation was announced Monday that has the backing of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. It's part of a proliferation of sports wagering that has permeated the modern sports fan, perhaps influencing reaction to Calvin Ridley being suspended for a year on Monday by the NFL for wagering on games.
7:00: Gophers men's basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to examine further his recent piece on the 10 players who left the program after last season, what they are up to now and how their departures have influenced this year's last-place Minnesota team.
24:00: Aaron Rodgers maybe could possibly sort of make a decision soon ... the Wolves continued their recent strong play with a blowout win over Portland ... and the first Twins homestand of the year will be wiped out if there is no l…
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Mar 7, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the surging Wolves, stumbling Wild, bumbling baseball and the great Tony Oliva
Host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse take a look at the Wolves and Wild, two winter sports ships passing each other in the night. While the Wolves are surging and piling up wins, the Wild is getting booed off its home ice as losses pile up. Is this a trend that is likely to continue?
Plus Reusse gets fired up (again) about MLB's myriad problems, including its labor woes, and gives some great insights into his visit to Cooperstown with Tony Oliva.
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Mar 4, 2022
St. Paul Saints GM Derek Sharrer on "only show in town"; Wild gritty, not pretty; Wolves coaching rabbit hole
Introduction: The Wild needed a late rally to defeat a bad team on Thursday, but after coming in having lost six of its past seven games style points were not of the greatest importance. Head coach Dean Evason will take the grinding effort that produced a 5-4 win at Philadelphia and hope that the mistakes that made the game too-close-for-comfort will be erased in the future.
6:00: St. Paul Saints General Manager Derek Sharrer joins the show to talk about actual baseball. Spring training started for the Twins minor league teams. As the Twins' Class AAA affiliate, St. Paul could end up being the only show in town if MLB's labor stoppage continues. Their season opens in a month -- April 5 -- and while everyone with the team is rooting for a resolution to MLB's woes, they are also preparing to deliver baseball to fans.
19:00: An amazing stat about the Sacramento Kings leads host Michael Rand down a Timberwolves coaching rabbit hole.
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Mar 3, 2022
"Everything in play" with Kirk Cousins this offseason; Minneapolis makes hockey history
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of the Minneapolis boys' hockey team, a cooperative of all seven public high schools in the city, reaching the state tournament after a 3-1 section final victory over Delano. It's the first time any Minneapolis School has been in the boys' hockey state tournament since 1994. They will play Wednesday in the Class 1A state quarterfinals at Xcel Energy Center.
5:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand from Indianapolis with the latest from the NFL Scouting Combine. The big headline this week was GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledging that with QB Kirk Cousins this offseason everything is "in play" -- whether that means a trade, an extension or some other option.
25:00: Jamison Battle's 39-point effort in a Gophers loss on Wednesday was a "what-if" moment for this season ... if not now, then when for the Wild? ... A wonderful Patrick Reusse column on Tony Oliva.
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Mar 2, 2022
Rob Manfred, the worst commissioner; Feed the KAT; More offseason Kirk Cousins fuel
Introduction: Host Michael Rand lays out his case for why Rob Manfred is the worst commissioner of any sport during his lifetime. It's not just this year's labor dispute -- which has resulted in the first two series of the regular season being canceled -- but rather the cumulative effect of Manfred's seven years.
7:00: Star Tribune writer Randy Johnson joins the show to discuss three hot topics: The success of the Gophers men's hockey team, a big weekend for Gophers women's hockey and the outlook for Gophers football at the NFL Scouting Combine.
19:00: Speaking of the Scouting Combine, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had some interesting comments about Kirk Cousins on Tuesday.
24:00: A big Wolves win and a continued tailspin for the Wild.
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Mar 1, 2022
When lockout ends, will Twins be able to compete + Dramatic Wolves win and good NBA expansion news
Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that by virtue of a dramatic 127-122 win over Cleveland on Monday -- keyed by a Karl-Anthony Towns three-pointer in the final minute -- the Wolves have already passed their four-game post-All Star Break schedule test with one game to go. At 2-1 and set to face Golden State in a back-to-back on Tuesday, the Wolves now have a chance to be taken even more seriously.
6:00: MLB's labor negotiations intensified Monday and enough progress was made that the two sides extended the deadline to avoid missing the start of the regular season. But the whole process has left baseball fans frustrated, and Twins Daily founder Seth Stohs joins the podcast to give voice to some of that -- and to analyze how and if the Twins will be able to compete for a postseason berth in 2022.
25:00: The Wild is in the midst of a major funk ... the Packers left Aaron Rodgers out of an important photo ... and is the NBA expanding to Seattle and Las Vegas -- which would be good news…
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Feb 28, 2022
Patrick Reusse on Gophers hockey, MLB's mess and the end of moral victories
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a run through the weekend in sports, including:
*The Gophers men's hockey team shut out Wisconsin twice and claimed the Big Ten title. The Gophers have been on a huge and somewhat unlikely run lately, fueled by goalie Justen Close.
*MLB is headed for missed games if it can't resolve its labor situation today. Will there be any progress?
*The Gophers men's and women's basketball teams had opposite results over the weekend, with the women winning and the men losing. One thing is for sure: Moral victories will no longer apply to either team next season.
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Feb 25, 2022
A playoff-like Wolves win; Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath; a reason for Vikings optimism
Introduction: Whether it was the recognition of the post-break stretch run, the opponent or some combination of both, Thursday's Wolves game against Memphis had a playoff-like feel to it. The intensity was excellent, the game was entertaining and the result for the Wolves was earned in a 119-114 victory. Getting the No. 6 seed in the West will still be a long climb, but Thursday was an encouraging sign.
8:00: Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath joins the show ahead of Saturday's season opener in Philadelphia. He talks about the increased role for midfielder Hassani Dotson, expresses optimism about this year's roster and has a fresh perspective on the Michigan/Wisconsin altercation.
25:00: The Wild's recent mini-slide continued with a 3-1 loss in Toronto ... the Gophers women's basketball team celebrated Senior Day in style ... some encouraging words from new Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.
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Feb 24, 2022
Timberwolves closing stretch preview; Is it Cam Talbot's fault?; Border battle; Aaron Rodgers not promised anything
Introduction: Host Michael Rand liked a lot of what he saw in Wednesday's men's basketball game between the Gophers and rival Badgers, even if Minnesota came up just short in a 68-67 loss. Moral victories aren't a thing in the standings, but you can see the foundation being put in place by head coach Ben Johnson. Plus Rand takes a second-day look at the Wild's budding goalie dilemma, fresh with remarks from head coach Dean Evason shifting blame away from Cam Talbot.
9:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show as the Wolves prepare to play the final 23 games of their post-All Star schedule. It starts with four tough games, including Thursday against Memphis -- a possible playoff preview if things go well for the Wolves down the stretch. What are realistic expectations, and what does Hine want to see from this team as games become more meaningful?
29:00: A quick run through three interesting stories: Troy Aikman reportedly is going to join Monday Night Football; Aaron Rodger…
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Feb 23, 2022
Ben Goessling on Vikings coordinators, Cousins trade talk; A goalie controversy for the Wild?
Introduction: A third poor start in a row for Wild goalie Cam Talbot has host Michael Rand wondering about the team's short-term and long-term plans at the position. Kaapo Kahkonen has better numbers in fewer opportunities this season and could soon supplant Talbot as the Wild's go-to netminder. But are either of them of a caliber that could win a playoff series for the Wild? That's a question they will need to answer.
7:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to talk about Kevin O'Connell's picks for his coordinators and what they might tell us about the direction of the team in 2022. Plus Rand and Goessling talk about why a Kirk Cousins trade to Carolina doesn't make any sense.
27:00: Aaron Rodgers attempts to clarify himself, Part 17 ... Gophers vs. Badgers on Wednesday has plenty of intrigue ... A must-read Patrick Reusse column.
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Feb 22, 2022
Aaron Rodgers seeks more attention; Kirk Cousins and Carolina; Chip Scoggins on Vikings
Introduction: Host Michael Rand reads aloud from Aaron Rodgers' latest search for attention, a lengthy Instagram post in which he expresses gratitude and thanks several people -- including teammates -- for the past year. Is it an indication that he's happy where he is? Is it a farewell? Only Rodgers knows, and hopefully we will know soon what he is actually going to do in the future. Rand also takes note of a report Monday that suggests Carolina is interested in Kirk Cousins.
9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to give his thoughts on Cousins, new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Michigan/Wisconsin fight on Monday.
29:00: The local sports calendar hit a little lull, but it's coming back now.
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Feb 21, 2022
Patrick Reusse ranks the Vikings head coaches and gets Bud Grant's take on Kirk Cousins
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a spin through some of the biggest stories in sports. They start with the brawl between the Michigan and Wisconsin men's basketball teams on Sunday, which started with a confrontation between head coaches Juwan Howard and Greg Gard. Reusse's takeaway: Do away with handshakes.
Plus Reusse walks us through is ranking of the nine previous coaches in Vikings history, which includes a controversial pick at No. 3. And he gets Bud Grant's thoughts on Kirk Cousins.
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Feb 18, 2022
The five most important things Kevin O'Connell said; hear from O'Connell's college coach; La Velle from Beijing
Introduction: Host Michael Rand listened (and listened again) to new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's introductory news conference and picked out what he deems the five most important things from what was said. You'll hear audio clips from those five moments -- including O'Connell's thoughts on Kirk Cousins, his defensive philosophy and that ever-important "collaboration" -- along with why Rand thinks they are so important.
15:00: Rand caught up with Tom Craft, who recruited O'Connell and was his head coach at San Diego State in the mid-2000s. Craft gives perspectives on O'Connell's personality and why he thinks O'Connell will succeed as a head coach.
22:00: Jim Harbaugh shockingly got a contract extension and raise from Michigan after his flirtation with the Vikings ... the Gophers basketball teams had a pair of ugly losses, but the hockey team got a big recruit ... and La Velle E. Neal III checked in from Beijing with an Olympic dispatch.
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Feb 17, 2022
Dane Moore on the Timberwolves at the break; Disappointing hockey; Tubby Smith calls it a career
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with a pair of disappointing Wednesday hockey results, with the U.S. women falling 3-2 to Canada in the gold medal game and the Wild losing for the second time in a week to a mediocre Winnipeg team. Wild coach Dean Evason didn't mince words after the game, and you'll hear from him.
6:00: Timberwolves writer and podcaster Dane Moore joins the show for an examination of the Wolves at the All-Star break. They're 31-28 after Wednesday's loss to Toronto in what has been a very eventful first 59 games. Moore and Rand will put it all into perspective, with thoughts on the Patrick Beverley extension, defensive adjustments and more.
30:00: What to listen for when Kevin O'Connell is introduced today; and former Gophers coach Tubby Smith has called it a career.
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Feb 16, 2022
Kent Hrbek and a 1987 Twins "season preview" + KAT rescues Wolves in big win
Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives baseball-starved fans a little treat with a "season preview" of the 1987 Twins. He analyzes the roster, looks at Bert Blyleven's bold prediction of World Series contention from the at the end of a 91-loss season in 1986 and concludes that such talk is wishful thinking. There's just not enough pitching and too much of a gap to overcome.
6:00: The 1987 Twins, of course, won the World Series. Rand welcomes one of the heroes of that team, Bloomington native and Twins legend Kent Hrbek, onto the show to talk about that team and the progression to winning it all. Plus Hrbek, whose career was bookended by labor stoppages, has thoughts on the current MLB negotiations.
23:00: The Wolves missed 42 three-pointers and 16 free throws but still managed to beat Charlotte on Tuesday. It wasn't a work of art, but wins like that are important in establishing yourself as a good team.
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Feb 15, 2022
Ben Goessling on the big decisions awaiting Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Introduction: Host Michael Rand sings the praises of Wild rookie Matt Boldy, who has given the team another dimension since his arrival. Minnesota is 11-1-1 when Boldy has played, and he has given Kevin Fiala new energy. Boldy's hat trick in Monday's 7-4 win was just part of the story, as head coach Dean Evason said after the game.
6:00: Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to talk through a number of different subjects. What can we expect new coach Kevin O'Connell to import from the Rams as he takes over this week? Does the Rams' success with Matthew Stafford influence the Vikings' decision on what to do with Kirk Cousins? Where is the money? And how closely should Minnesota monitor the Aaron Rodgers situation?
26:00: The Wolves secured Patrick Beverley for another season with a one-year extension on Monday, while MLB took another step back in negotiations.
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Feb 14, 2022
Patrick Reusse saves the Super Bowl, college hockey and the Vikings
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Super Bowl, which was close but sometimes forgettable. Rand raves about the halftime show, while Reusse complains about how long it was.
Plus a look at the resurgence of Anthony Edwards on the Wolves' win over the Pacers, a radical solution to fix college hockey (from Reusse) and talk of what the Vikings will do now that Kevin O'Connell will officially be taking over as head coach.
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Feb 11, 2022
A Ben Simmons blockbuster while the Wolves stand still; Super Bowl and new Vikings defensive coordinator
Introduction: After months of speculation, the 76ers traded Ben Simmons on Thursday right before the NBA's deadline. But it was not, of course, to the Wolves. Minnesota stood still at the deadline while Simmons went to the Nets in a blockbuster for James Harden. In the end, the Wolves and 76ers had the correct outcome through patience. The Wolves have improved internally this year without a trade, and Philadelphia got the core player they craved in a deal.
6:00: Mark Craig joins to talk about the Super Bowl and to offer his thoughts on new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. Plus the Vikings just agreed to hire a new defensive coordinator. What will veteran Ed Donatell bring to the team, and what does a potential shift to a 3-4 defense mean for some of the Vikings' highest-paid players?
26:00: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said he is an "optimist" and noted the disaster it would be if regular-season games are missed as a result of the ongoing work stoppage. Pardon me if I'm not as optim…
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Feb 10, 2022
The one thing every Minnesota team needs; Lynx guard Rachel Banham on hoops, engagement to Andre Hollins
Introduction: With the NBA trade deadline approaching Thursday, the Wolves saw their five-game win streak end with a 132-119 loss to the Kings. It was more defensive slippage for the Wolves, whose offense has been clicking. One game shouldn't determine what happens at the trade deadline, but someone like Marcus Smart could be a big pickup. Plus the Gophers lost in both men's and women's basketball.
6:00: Lynx guard and former Gophers guard Rachel Banham joins the show after re-signing with the team for another year. She talked about her legendary marathon breakfasts with Cheryl Reeve, her goals for the season and the viral moment caught on video recently during which she got engaged to former Gophers men's basketball player Andre Hollins.
17:00: Host Michael Rand takes a look at all six Minnesota major pro teams and determines what one thing each of them needs the most.
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Feb 9, 2022
Are the Timberwolves too good for a trade? Plus Rachel Blount from Beijing and Marcus Fuller on Gophers hoops
Introduction: The Timberwolves won again Tuesday, taking care of a depleted Sacramento team as the trade deadline approaches. Minnesota is 29-25 and has a roster that might make it less tempting to make a trade than it appeared a month ago. But the Wolves also need Anthony Edwards to get going down the stretch. You'll hear from head coach Chris Finch on that subject and Jordan McLaughlin on the strength of the bench.
9:00: Rachel Blount, the Star Tribune's Olympics writer, checks in from Beijing where she has been very busy already. She provides insights into Jessie Diggins' historic bronze medal and details other major events coming up.
15:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller has details on that team's recent struggles and its hopes of getting back on track against Nebraska on Wednesday.
27:00: The Wild might want to flush Tuesday's game away.
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Feb 8, 2022
Jim Souhan on Lindsay Whalen's future, the Vikings coaching hire and the Wolves at the trade deadline
Introduction: Afton's Jessie Diggins made history again early Tuesday, taking home the bronze medal in the women's individual freestyle sprint at the Beijing Games -- the first U.S. woman to win a medal in an individual cross-country skiing event.
5:00: Jim Souhan joins host Michael Rand as they discuss a variety of subjects, including: The Gophers women's basketball team is struggling this year in Lindsay Whalen's fourth season, but Souhan is urging patience as she continues to grow into the job and welcomes in a strong recruiting class next year. ... Plus thoughts on the Vikings' coaching hire and what the Wolves should do at the trade deadline.
25:00: It's important to remember as always when you hear trade rumors: Teams are often trying to create leverage, and they are doing it by filtering messages of varying degrees of truth through the national media.
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Feb 7, 2022
Patrick Reusse on being right (sort of) about Jim Harbaugh, messed up MLB and the surging Wolves
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at some of the biggest stories in sports. A week ago, Reusse declared he would be shocked if Jim Harbaugh got the job as Vikings head coach. On this week's show, Reusse says he was right ... but for all the wrong reasons. He noted that Harbaugh really wanted the job, but that for whatever reason it didn't work out. And now we will see if it was the correct choice for the Vikings to go with Kevin O'Connell. And Reusse isn't buying the O'Connell-Kirk Cousins connection.
Reusse also weighed in on the continued strong play of the Wolves and what they might do before the trade deadline this week, as well as the messed up negotiations in MLB and having a hard time getting into the Winter Games so far.
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Feb 4, 2022
Kevin O'Connell's offense; La Velle from Beijing; Wild mid-year report; big move for Lynx
Introduction: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal checks in from Beijing where he is in semi-quarantine after being a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID. How is he adapting and what has he been able to cover so far?
7:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins host Michael Rand for a midseason report. The Wild was red-hot going into the break thanks to a lot of balance up and down its lineup. Will that continue during a condensed second-half schedule, and what might the team do in March when the trade deadline arrives?
25:00: Hear from the newest member of the Lynx, five-time All-Star Angel McCoughtry.
28:00: Some key statistical markers from new Vikings head coach Kevin McConnell's offense with the Rams this year.
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Feb 3, 2022
A very Vikings coaching search ends in a ... letdown? Plus Chris Hine on Wolves, freezing soccer and hot Wild
Introduction: The Vikings are set to hire Kevin O'Connell, the Rams offensive coordinator, as their next head coach -- ending a whirlwind process that included the emergence and disappearance of Jim Harbaugh as a presumed frontrunner. O'Connell is the type of coach the Vikings figured to hire when the process began -- young, and on the offensive side of the ball -- but the decision feels somewhat like a letdown after all that transpired, says host Michael Rand.
9:00: Chris Hine joins the show to discuss the Wolves' recent strong play of late -- particularly from bench contributors -- and to assess what the team might do before next week's trade deadline.
24:00: They played a freezing soccer game in St. Paul on Wednesday. The U.S. Men's National Team emerged with three key points in a 3-0 win over Honduras in World Cup qualifying, but was the extreme game really necessary?
27:00: As cold as that game was, the Wild offered the other extreme in Chicago. Minnesota cruised into the All-Star…
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Feb 2, 2022
Jim Harbaugh a done deal? + Brian Flores' lawsuit, freezing cold soccer and a Wolves win
Introduction: The Vikings are scheduled to interview Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday, a stunning development based on where their coaching search presumably started. With one report suggesting Harbaugh's hiring is a done deal. It will be interesting to monitor Wednesday's developments -- particularly against the backdrop of a lawsuit filed Tuesday by Brian Flores.
9:00: Star Tribune soccer writer Jerry Zgoda joins the show to preview Wednesday's U.S. Men's National Team World Cup qualifier vs. Honduras at Allianz Field, which will be played in the extreme cold. Will that benefit a U.S. team that needs three points against a lesser opponent, or will that be an equalizing factor? Plus some notes from Zgoda on Minnesota United with the start of the regular season just a few weeks away.
24:00: The Wolves earned a nice win over Denver and are looking to be in good shape down the stretch of this season, while Tom Brady's official retirement prompted a tongue-in-cheek comparison to Kirk Cousins.
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Feb 1, 2022
Jim Harbaugh and Vikings coaching search intrigue with Ben Goessling
Introduction: The Wild signed wing Jordan Greenway to a three-year contract extension, signaling some stability to their core top nine players. Greenway has improved his two-way game in recent years and drew praise from GM Bill Guerin.
5:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins to talk through the team's expanding coaching search which now includes an interview with Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday. Enough happened between Monday afternoon and late Monday night that this segment had to be re-recorded -- a sign of the intrigue and drama likely ahead in this search.
26:00: Tom Brady says he hasn't decided yet if he's retiring, but nobody is buying it.
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Feb 1, 2022
Special Delivery! One year anniversary show with favorite interviews and a thank you to listeners
On a special edition of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand looks back at one year and more than 260 episodes of the podcast. He gives a shout-out to listeners and curates some of his favorite interview clips from the last year.
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Jan 31, 2022
Patrick Reusse on a Mahomes choke, Harbaugh to Vikings smoke and Zimmer's girlfriend ripping Spielman
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at a compelling weekend in football and the latest Vikings drama.
Kansas City seemed to be cruising to another Super Bowl appearance before everything fell apart in the second half against the Bengals in an eventual overtime loss. The second half performance by Patrick Mahomes is making Reusse reevaluate what he thinks of the star QB. The Rams, meanwhile, overcame their own miscues to outlast San Francisco, setting up a Super Bowl matchup few would have predicted.
Plus Reusse and Rand react to rumblings of Jim Harbaugh being a Vikings head coach candidate -- something Reusse attributes to nothing more than agent-driven speculation -- and Mike Zimmer's girlfriend recently going on Twitter to refute some of what former GM Rick Spielman has been saying in recent radio interviews.
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Jan 28, 2022
In praise of Gersson Rosas; impressions of new Vikings GM; Trade Kirk Cousins to ... Green Bay?
Introduction: On a night when the Gophers men's and women's basketball teams as well as the Timberwolves all lost, host Michael Rand answers a listener question about the Wolves roster assembled largely by former team president Gersson Rosas. How much credit does the since-fired Rosas deserve for the team's 24-24 record this season?
11:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment and offers initial impressions of new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
26:00: Bet you never thought of the Vikings trading Kirk Cousins to the ... Packers?
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Jan 27, 2022
Five questions about new Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah; Rachel Blount on the Olympics
Introduction: Ahead of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's introduction Thursday as the new GM of the Vikings, host Michael Rand takes a look at five big questions. Will this type of unconventional hire, made popular lately in MLB and the NBA, work in the NFL? How will Adofo-Mensah's fresh set of eyes evaluate the Vikings' roster, including Kirk Cousins? Plus other questions.
11:00: Star Tribune Olympics writer Rachel Blount joins the show ahead of the start of the Winter Games next week to discuss all the great Minnesota story lines -- and the logistical challenges that await in Beijing.
29:00: More fuel for Aaron Rodgers to Denver speculation? And two good basketball games Thursday night.
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Jan 26, 2022
Brad Childress on getting hired and fired by the Vikings; big Wolves win; Aaron Rodgers can't shut up
Introduction: Anthony Edwards had 40 points for the Wolves on Tuesday in an important 109-107 win over Portland. The Wolves overcame a sluggish first half, raised their record over .500 and set themselves up for a decent road trip with the victory over the Blazers.
5:00: Former Vikings head coach Brad Childress joins the show to discuss a number of subjects, including: What is it really like to interview for a big job with the Vikings? What happens after you get fired? What does he think of Kirk Cousins? And what has he liked in this year's playoffs now that he's retired and can just sit back to watch football?
26:00: The Vikings might be nearing the end of their general manager search ... Aaron Rodgers can't stop talking about how he is perceived, which is part of his problem. ... David Ortiz is headed to the Hall of Fame.
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Jan 25, 2022
Ben Goessling on Vikings GM search, cap issues; Bonus Patrick Reusse history lesson
Introduction: After crushing Montreal 8-2 on Monday, the Wild is tied for third in the NHL with 149 goals. The lineup continued to show balance and star power, with Kirill Kaprizov reaching 100 career points faster than any other player in team history. Combine that with a blistering January for the Wolves, who lead the NBA in offensive efficiency since the calendar turned to 2022, and it's a good time to watch Minnesota sports.
4:00: Ben Goessling joins host Michael Rand for a look at the ongoing Vikings search for a general manager and head coach. The Vikings will have second interviews with two GM candidates -- Browns Vice President of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Tuesday and Chiefs Executive Director of Player Personnel Ryan Poles on Wednesday -- and could name a successor to Rick Spielman within a few days. The new GM will inherit a lot of questions and salary cap hurdles, which Goessling addressed as well.
21:00: Some bonus Patrick Reusse with a history lesson. It wa…
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Jan 24, 2022
Patrick Reusse on a great NFL weekend, Vikings searches and Aaron Rodgers done in Green Bay?
Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse covered more ground on Monday's show than a lot of NFL defensive backs did in the closing minutes of playoff games over the weekend. Subjects of note:
*Great drama in all four NFL playoff games, with clutch plays and major gaffes telling the story. A lot of assistant coaches did themselves no favors in their bids to become head coaches. Quarterbacks, for the most part, told the story.
*Was Saturday's 13-10 loss to San Francisco the final game for Aaron Rodgers with the Packers? Reusse thinks so, and Rand agrees. That would possibly make Vikings fans even happier than they were when Green Bay lost.
*A big game for the Wolves, another 6 on 5 goal for the Wild and the Gophers men's basketball team keeps getting it done.
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Jan 21, 2022
Packers in danger of an upset? Five most likely Kirk Cousins trade destinations
Introduction: Prompted by a listener question, host Michael Rand digs into team needs and salary cap situations to determine who he thinks are the five most likely teams to be interested in Kirk Cousins if the Vikings decide to try to trade him. Bottom line: There should be a market if the Vikings go that route.
9:00: Mark Craig joins the show to talk through the weekend slate of NFL games. The top-seeded Packers are getting healthy at the right time, but they face some matchup problems against the 49ers. Meanwhile, Rams vs. Buccaneers and Bills vs. Chiefs should be very entertaining.
25:00: The Gophers women's basketball team suffered one of the worst losses in program history Thursday against Iowa, part of a disappointing year. Meanwhile, the Loons welcomed back star Emanuel Reynoso.
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Jan 20, 2022
An immature Wolves meltdown; Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen joins; Kirk Cousins trade likelihood
Introduction: It was a tale of two nights for the Timberwolves. After a resilient win over the Knicks in which Wolves players -- most notably Karl-Anthony Towns -- gushed about being able to come through in big moments and battle through adversity, the Wolves melted down in the third quarter of Thursday's back-to-back against Atlanta in an 134-122 loss. Anthony Edwards was ejected. Karl-Anthony Towns had a flagrant foul and constantly battled officials. And afterward, D'Angelo Russell talked about the need for Towns to walk the line with his emotions.
12:00: Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen joins the show to talk about his recent stretch of strong play in the absence of Cam Talbot. He also talks about his relationship with Talbot, the developmental curve for a young goalie and how he got his start in hockey.
22:00: An update on the Vikings' search for a new coach and GM, plus Rand gives his thoughts on how likely a Kirk Cousins trade is this offseason.
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Jan 19, 2022
Big Wolves win, big words from KAT; intriguing Vikings candidate; Gophers women's hoops update
Introduction: The Wolves pulled out a 112-110 win at the Knicks on Tuesday, a notable victory on several fronts. Karl-Anthony Towns made the biggest play of the game with a three-point play that put the Wolves ahead with about 30 seconds left. You'll hear a lot of interesting comments from him that show some of his growth and the team's growth this season. Plus the win came over Tom Thibodeau, who is not having the same level of success in Year 2 in New York.
12:00: Star Tribune writer Kent Youngblood joins the show to check in on the Gophers women's basketball team and the Lynx. The Gophers have had an up-and-down season. Better days are likely ahead with a strong recruiting class set to arrive next year, but more growth in Year 4 under Lindsay Whalen is needed. Plus free agency with the Lynx is set to start soon, and they have some interesting decisions to make.
22:00: An interesting name emerged in the Vikings' search for a coach: Raheem Morris. He has relative youth (45), previous…
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Jan 18, 2022
Kirill Kaprizov appreciation; Pam Borton on basketball, life after it; Vikings at a crossroads
Introduction: With a two-goal game Monday -- both of which tied the game for the Wild in an eventual 4-3 shootout loss to Colorado -- Kirill Kaprizov moved up to ninth in the NHL with 44 points in just 34 games this season. Perhaps it goes without saying, but the great ones sometimes get taken for granted so let's say it anyway: Kaprizov is absolutely living up to his rookie season, and then some.
5:00: Former Gophers women's basketball coach Pam Borton joins the show on the heels of publishing her second book, "The Crooked Rim." Borton has moved into the corporate coaching after leading the Gophers from 2002-2014 and taking them to six NCAA tournaments, two Sweet 16s and a Final Four.
20:00: The Vikings are at a bit of a crossroads in their history. While the franchise has frustrated fans with its inability to win a Super Bowl, the Vikings rarely have bottomed out. A wrong set of hires and decisions in the coming weeks, though, could change that.
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Jan 17, 2022
Patrick Reusse on youth hockey, dumping on Mike Zimmer and the Vikings coach/GM search
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the big stories in sports. But first Reusse regales us with some thoughts on traveling several hours in the middle of winter to watch youth hockey tournaments.
Reusse and Rand get into the Vikings coach/GM search and how the popular narrative in the last week has been to dump on fired Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.
Plus some thoughts on the NFL playoffs and the Timberwolves, who beat the Steph Curry-less Warriors quite handily on Sunday evening.
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Jan 14, 2022
The Wolves, trades and a "what-if" scenario; Mark Craig on the Vikings' GM/head coach search
Introduction: The Timberwolves' 116-108 loss to Memphis on Thursday was interesting on a number of fronts. It signaled (again) that Minnesota can compete with the league's best teams, given that Memphis is now 30-14. But it also showed what the Wolves are missing: The sort of consistent complementary veteran roster depth that the Grizzlies have. Will Minnesota be able to add to its roster before the trade deadline, as Sachin Gupta suggests? And could the Wolves have had their own version of Memphis' roster with a little more patience a few years ago?
12:00: Star Tribune Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins for his weekly picks segment -- playoff edition -- and to give his thoughts on the ongoing search for a new general manager and head coach.
28:00: Which free agents should the Vikings try to keep? And some good hockey news for a bunch of Minnesotans.
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Jan 13, 2022
Five questions for Mike Zimmer; Kirk Cousins vs. Brett Favre; MLB lockout's impact on Twins
Introduction: Host Michael Rand isn't into moral victories, but there were positive indicators in the Gophers men's basketball team's last-second 71-69 loss at Michigan State on Wednesday. It reaffirmed that this team should be competitive against most teams in the Big Ten -- assuming Minnesota is able to persevere for however long Eric Curry's ankle needs to heal. Plus the Gophers women's basketball team got a much-needed win at Wisconsin.
6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joined the show to give an update on MLB's labor situation. With the lockout dragging on, players and owners were set to resume talks on Thursday. What is the timetable? And what is the impact on the Twins if this drags out longer?
22:00: Five questions Rand would love to ask Mike Zimmer. And a statistical comparison between 2021 Kirk Cousins and 2009 Brett Favre that needs more context.
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Jan 12, 2022
The five most important things said about the Vikings; Did KAT really just say that?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a break for several minutes from Vikings talk to dive into the Timberwolves' 128-125 loss to the Pelicans on Tuesday. It ended a four-game winning streak and kept the Wolves from getting over .500 at the midpoint of the season (20-21), and in the aftermath Karl-Anthony Towns talked about how players can't let love from the media get to their heads. Um, what? The narrative around this team is one of improvement, for sure, but has anyone really said they have arrived? Hear audio clips from Towns, Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley.
8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to dissect what Rand deems the five most important things said about the Vikings in the last few days. Quotes from Eric Kendricks, Brian O'Neill, Mark Wilf, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman (the last two being official statements) shed light on individuals and the team going forward.
30:00: Scoggins thinks Kirk Cousins will be traded in the offseason, which is a good…
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Jan 11, 2022
Evaluating Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman -- and the jobs they left behind
Introduction: The Vikings aren't the only team looking for a new head coach. Several other teams are in the market, bringing about this question: Just how attractive is the Minnesota job relative to other openings? It seems to be in the eye of the beholder, given that NFL.com ranks it worst and an ESPN analysis ranks it the best. Cap space is an issue, but there is some upside for an offensive-minded coach. Comments from Eric Kendricks and Brian O'Neill made it sound like players will be receptive to a new voice.
8:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Michael Rand for an evaluation of the jobs done by both Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman. Again, it's a mixed bag with the last two seasons really sealing their fates. Problems and successes were familiar throughout their tenures.
24:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team explores the idea of whether the Vikings will -- and can -- trade Kirk Cousins given the rest of the shakeups.
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Jan 10, 2022
Special Delivery! Ben Goessling on the Vikings' coaching search -- and what's next for Kirk Cousins
Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins host Michael Rand for a breaking news edition of Daily Delivery after Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman were fired Monday morning.
The Zimmer news felt like a foregone conclusion while the Spielman news registers as somewhat of a surprise based on a narrative that had emerged in recent weeks. But starting over at both spots will create a seismic shift for the Vikings and impact their direction for years to come.
Goessling discusses which head coaching candidates might be the best fit in Minnesota, how he evaluates the tenures of both Zimmer and Spielman -- plus what might happen with QB Kirk Cousins in 2022 in the wake of the regime change.
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Jan 10, 2022
Patrick Reusse on big failures -- and necessary changes -- for the Vikings
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand in the aftermath of a disappointing 8-9 Vikings season that ended Sunday with a win over Chicago. Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman and Kirk Cousins all had missteps this year and in past seasons. Reusse weighs in on the aftermath of the year and how he divides the blame.
Plus more heroics for the kicker the Vikings cut in 2018 (Daniel Carlson), a Wolves winning streak, Wild back on the right track despite missing several players and the Gophers men's basketball team starting to slide.
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Jan 7, 2022
Cheap hit injures Kaprizov in Wild win; Marcus Fuller on Gophers hoops + NFL picks
Introduction: The Wild got a much-needed 3-2 win in Boston on Thursday, highlighted by Matt Boldy's first career goal in his first career game (all of it in front of family in his home state). Those good feelings, though, were dampened by what looks to be a significant upper body injury to Kirill Kaprizov after he was sent sprawling into the boards by the Bruins' Trent Frederic. Wild coach Dean Evason called it a "predatorial hit," and it will add to the adversity the short-handed Wild is facing.
6:00: Star Tribune basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about the Gophers men's basketball team and the debut of his new Basketball Across Minnesota feature. Plus a much-needed road win for the Gophers women's basketball team, which played without head coach Lindsay Whalen as she recovers from an emergency appendectomy.
27:00: Star Tribune football writer Mark Craig joins with the picks segment off of the final NFL weekend of the season. It figures to be unpredictable.
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Jan 6, 2022
Left wanting more from Kirk Cousins (again); Sarah McLellan on the Wild's youth movement
Introduction: Host Michael Rand listens back and shares a few clips from Kirk Cousins' session with reporters on Wednesday -- his first comments since he landed on the COVID list late last week and had to miss the Vikings' pivotal game at Green Bay. Cousins didn't seem very contrite or forthcoming, leaving Rand wanting more -- perhaps a fitting theme for the 2021 Vikings.
8:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to talk about the team's frustrating stretch, which includes a five-game losing streak spread out almost nearly a calendar month because of COVID interruptions. Will the injection of Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi into the lineup Thursday at Boston jump-start the Wild, or will this slide continue?
20:00: Rand takes a look at the Wolves' 98-90 win over Oklahoma City and finds Aaron Rodgers firing back at the MVP voter who called him a "jerk."
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Jan 5, 2022
Pick one: Cousins, Zimmer or Spielman; No MVP vote for "jerk" Rodgers; Big moves for Wild, Gophers
Introduction: Host Michael Rand queries listeners/readers on this topic: If they were the Wilf family and had to/could only pick one of these three -- Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman or Kirk Cousins -- to keep in 2022, which would they pick? Rand reveals the surprising results and also takes a spin through the NFL MVP voter who won't pick "jerk" Aaron Rodgers.
8:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for an update on that team after a tumultuous last month. Is there a reason to be optimistic even after several December losses and a COVID-wrecked last two weeks? Rand says there is, and Hine agrees.
28:00: The Gophers men's basketball team ran into a size problem Tuesday that could be a recurring theme in Big Ten play, while the Gophers football team and Wild added key players on Tuesday.
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Jan 4, 2022
Mike Zimmer's insistence on running the ball + Five Vikings who emerged this season
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Wolves' win over the Clippers on Monday within the context of several local teams dealing with adversity. It appears as though the Wolves made it through a tough December and early January stretch -- in terms of the schedule and COVID absences -- in reasonable shape and might be in good position going forward.
5:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show for a look back at the film on the Vikings' 37-10 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. Did they really abandon the run too soon, as Mike Zimmer familiarly lamented? Plus Krammer looks at five young players this season who showed they are ready for consistent roles.
15:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team takes a big-picture look at this Vikings season and the ones that came before it and comes to a conclusion that the ceiling for 2022 is no higher than it was in 2021 -- signaling that it's time for a change.
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Jan 3, 2022
Patrick Reusse on the Vikings debacle at Lambeau Field -- and the firing(s) likely to follow
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for the first episode of 2022, which so far feels a lot like 2021 and every other year in Minnesota sports: Plenty of drama and not a lot of success.
The Vikings lost 37-10 at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, a defeat that dashed any playoff hopes and came with a lot of baggage. QB Kirk Cousins missed the game because of COVID protocols; backup Sean Mannion didn't produce much of anything; and third string rookie Kellen Mond hardly got a vote of confidence. Head coach Mike Zimmer sounded exhausted and exasperated postgame -- the tone of a man who sounds like he knows his job is ending soon. Reusse builds the case for blowing it all up, which would also mean dumping GM Rick Spielman. Rand and Reusse disagree about whether Kirk Cousins is tradeable.
Plus thoughts on the Winter Classic, the Wolves' stumbles and one thing Reusse is looking forward to in 2022.
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Dec 31, 2021
Special Delivery! The best of Minnesota sports in 2021 -- and a look ahead to 2022
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III for a look back at what they liked in 2021 and what they hope to see in 2022.
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Dec 24, 2021
Breaking down the big Vikings news: Dalvin Cook on the COVID list, Kirk Cousins has a cracked rib
Introduction: Another day, more Minnesota athletes sidelined by COVID. This time, it was two of the biggest names: Karl-Anthony Towns and Dalvin Cook. Towns joins six other Wolves teammates on the COVID list, a growing number that was too much for the Wolves to overcome in a 128-116 loss at Utah on Thursday.
4:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to break down the Cook news and his reporting that quarterback Kirk Cousins has a cracked rib that landed him on the injury report for the first time in eight years. While the injury to Cousins doesn't sound like it will keep him out of Sunday's game, it is fair to wonder if it will limit his effectiveness against a stout Rams defense. Even a fully healthy Cousins might have his hands full if the Vikings' slumping offensive line can't perform better in a crucial game against Aaron Donald and co.
19:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment with a slate of games that might be as good as any all year. There are huge p…
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Dec 23, 2021
Gophers WR Chris Autman-Bell joins the show; A pair of left-handers keying Minnesota basketball
Introduction: Jamison Battle had 23 points for the Gophers on Wednesday, helping them overcome a sluggish start to defeat Wisconsin-Green Bay 72-56. Meanwhile, Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell has been such an important part of his team's success that the statistical evidence bears repeating. Those two left-handed shooters will play a large role in determining just how far their teams go this year.
8:00: Gophers football wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell joins the show, fresh off his decision to return for a sixth season along with several other teammates on offense. What went into that decision? What is head coach P.J. Fleck really like every day?
16:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to help preview Tuesday's bowl game against West Virginia. It's been a year of peaks and valleys. Can Minnesota end on a high note?
25:00: More evidence that pizza is relatively young.
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Dec 22, 2021
Film review: Kirk Cousins was dismal under pressure again, but the Vikings won again
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at how U.S. pro sports leagues are adapting to another surge in COVID cases. The NFL has tweaked its testing strategy to seemingly try to detect fewer cases. The NBA has no plans to pause, Commissioner Adam Silver said recently, and instead wants to play through it and live with COVID. The NHL isn't sending players to the Olympics and is on an extended break now. With data changing every day, what will be the final outcomes in this season?
5:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for the weekly Vikings film review, which tells a story that is both strange and familiar. The Vikings' offensive line struggled to protect Kirk Cousins on Monday, holding him to less than 100 yards passing. And Cousins didn't complete a single pass when pressured, a staggering repeat of his 0-for-pressure against Pittsburgh. And yet Minnesota won both of those games. It's both a testament to good play in other areas and a warning for what lies ahead.
18:00: My Least F…
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Dec 21, 2021
Postgame breakdown of an ugly Vikings win; Marcus Fuller on Gophers men's hoops
Introduction: It never really felt like the Vikings were going to lose Monday against the Bears, but that was a function of Chicago's ineptitude more than anything else. That was the main thought from a 17-9 Vikings victory that at least temporarily moved Minnesota into the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff race. The Vikings offensive line gave up pressure all night -- one of Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling's three takeaways as he joined the show via a "voicemail" from Chicago. But as Mike Zimmer said, the defense played well and it was a much-needed victory in the big picture.
11:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about the surprising 9-1 Gophers, who are garnering some national attention and showing up in some early NCAA tournament projections.
29:00: The Wild lost its fourth consecutive game and the Wolves lost two more players to COVID protocols.
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Dec 20, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the sports TV nightmare, Vikings vs. Bears intrigue and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to Monday Night Football between the Vikings and Bears.
*Reusse was trying to watch the Wolves game Friday against the Lakers and was succeeding -- until his ESPN feed, along with the feeds of other YouTube TV subscribers, cut out over a dispute with Disney-owned channels. They returned a couple days later, but the latest streaming fiasco only serves to remind us of the sports TV nightmare that exists now, Reusse said.
*At least he will be able to watch the Vikings game Monday, which is on ESPN. But he won't see corner Bashaud Breeland, who was cut over the weekend after a verbal altercation at practice.
*Reusse and Rand also touch on the Wolves' four-game winning streak and the increasing rise in COVID cases across sports.
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Dec 17, 2021
Dean Evason rips Wild after third straight loss; Not-so-fond memories of Vikings vs. Bears
Introduction: There wasn't much to like from the Wild's performance Thursday vs. Buffalo, even if Minnesota was able to salvage one point in a shootout loss. It was the Wild's third consecutive defeat, something that had never happened in the regular season under head coach Dean Evason. And after the game, Evason talked about all the things he didn't like from the performance.
6:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks and some memories of Vikings vs. Bears. Typically when the Vikings have a playoff season they are able to handle Chicago. In a lot of other years, though, Soldier Field has been a nightmare destination.
21:00: The Wolves and Lakers are set to play at Target Center on Friday, but COVID protocols will limit the Lakers' roster. It's another example of the virus returning full force lately.
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Dec 16, 2021
Gophers football fills recruiting needs, but more moves to come + How to make the Wild even better
Introduction: The Gophers signed 18 freshmen and added a transfer to their incoming recruiting class. Hear from head coach P.J. Fleck on his appreciation for the lack of Wednesday surprises -- and what he might be looking to add in the transfer portal.
6:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to help break down what has gone right for a team that at one point recently had the best record in the NHL. A balanced roster, the continued excellence of Kirill Kaprizov and the ability to withstand absences are primary reasons. But if the Wild is going to be a true Stanley Cup contender, what else might it seek via trade to bolster the roster?
22:00: Sara Scalia hit nine three-pointers in a win for the Gophers women's basketball team, but that wasn't even the most by a Minnesota player on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards hit 10 threes for the Wolves, setting a record in the process in a win over Denver.
26:00: David Kahn addressed the Stephen Curry draft blunder ... speaking…
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Dec 15, 2021
Gophers football signing day breakdown + Trade Kirk Cousins and draft a QB?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at Todd McShay's mock draft and can't help but notice a theme. McShay has five quarterbacks being chosen in the first round -- four of them in the No. 12 through No. 19 spots where the Vikings are likely to pick in the 2022 draft. If the Vikings miss the playoffs this season and clean house, an offseason trade of Kirk Cousins makes sense -- and it makes even more sense if the Vikings can start over with a QB in the 2022 draft.
6:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show for a breakdown of this year's Gophers recruiting class in conjunction with Wednesday's signing day. Also up for discussion: The impact of the transfer portal and expectations for the Gophers next season.
19:00: Rand answers a few questions from listeners, including a big one -- Why has D'Angelo Russell had such an impact for the Wolves on defense this season?
25:00: The Gophers men's basketball team survived sloppy play and improved to 9-1 with a win over…
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Dec 14, 2021
Kirk Cousins' awful numbers under pressure; COVID wreaks havoc on sports again
Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't help but notice that it's looking a lot like 2020 again when it comes to COVID and sports. The NFL had 37 positive cases on Monday, including Vikings running back Alexander Mattison entering protocols. The NHL's Calgary Flames are going to miss three games while the NBA's Chicago Bulls had two postponed because of outbreaks.
6:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the podcast for his weekly film review segment, and the look back at the Vikings' 36-28 win over the Steelers revealed some cause for alarm. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins was 0-for-11 with two interceptions (per Pro Football Focus) when facing pressure. The Vikings will need to correct that against the Bears if they want to have any chance of keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.
19:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite team had no shortage of material this week.
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Dec 13, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the surprising Gophers men's basketball team and a very busy weekend
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at several big stories in Minnesota sports, including:
*The surprising Gophers men's basketball team, which improved to 8-1 with a win at Michigan -- its third consecutive road victory. Early returns on Ben Johnson are quite positive, Reusse says.
*The Gophers volleyball team's run in the NCAA tournament ended one match short of the Final Four with a loss Saturday at Wisconsin.
*Thursday's Vikings game and whether we would be talking about a coaching change right now if not for Minnesota hanging on to win.
*The Grey Cup, the FCS playoffs, the Wolves and the Wild all get bandied about as well. It is the most wonderful and busiest time of the year.
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Dec 10, 2021
Reaction from the Vikings' win (and near debacle); Chris Hine on the struggling Wolves; Wild is best in NHL
Introduction: Host Michael Rand made the silly mistake of thinking Thursday night's Vikings game was somehow under control when the team led 26-0 in the third quarter. He set the rest of the game to record and helped put his oldest daughters to bed after thinking to himself that this was one of those rare moments in franchise history that a game was truly over before it was over. And he was right! (Narrator: No, not really). Instead of being on cruise control, the Vikings needed a pass breakup in the end zone on the final play to escape with a 36-28 win. Hear postgame reaction from Rand -- along with Mike Zimmer, Kirk Cousins and Anthony Barr.
11:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to talk about another team that has been up and down all season. The Wolves have lost four straight games after winning seven of eight, and the latest twist is Anthony Edwards giving Karl-Anthony Towns advice on how to improve his game.
25:00: NFL writer Mark Craig jumps in with his weekly…
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Dec 9, 2021
Ant has words for KAT; La Velle E. Neal on Twins, Vikings; U volleyball player Melani Shaffmaster
Introduction: The Timberwolves and Gophers men's basketball team both lost home games Wednesday to quality opponents. The "what" wasn't surprising, but the "how" was interesting. After the Wolves were routed 136-104 by Utah, second-year Wolves wing Anthony Edwards described how seventh-year big man Karl-Anthony Towns needs to attack opponents more quickly instead of waiting for double-teams. The Gophers, meanwhile, showed a talent deficit against Michigan State that figures to resurface in the Big Ten.
7:00: Gophers volleyball setter Melani Shaffmaster joins Rand for a conversation about the team's big NCAA regional match against Baylor on Thursday and to discuss the nuances of the position. Shaffmaster is an anomaly at 6-foot-3 as a setter.
15:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to give his thoughts on some of the biggest recent stories, including Byron Buxton's contract extension, the MLB lockout and the future of the Vikings' most prominent decisionmakers.
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Dec 8, 2021
Eric Curry and Ben Johnson on Gophers basketball; Chip Scoggins on football shakeup; Wild best in the West
Introduction: Hear from Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan and head coach Dean Evason after Tuesday's latest impressive win, a 4-1 victory at Edmonton that was the Wild's seventh in a row. This time Minnesota did it primarily with defense and goaltending -- a good road recipe at a important point in the season.
8:00: Eric Curry from the Gophers men's basketball team joins the podcast to talk through the team's surprising 7-0 start entering Big Ten play Wednesday against Michigan State. You should read Marcus Fuller's longer feature on Curry as well. Plus hear from head coach Ben Johnson and Curry's teammate, Jamison Battle, on the Gophers' start.
15:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to give thoughts on a number of big subjects, including: the Gophers football team changing offensive coordinators, their bowl game destination, Tanner Morgan's return and the Vikings' shortcomings.
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Dec 7, 2021
On final failed Vikings defensive possession, who was to blame?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Timberwolves' latest loss to Atlanta in which Minnesota allowed 25 three-pointers in a 121-110 defeat. Three-point defense has been a big part of the Wolves' improved play this season, but it has been slipping lately -- a troubling sign for Chris Finch's team.
5:00: Andrew Krammer joins for the weekly Vikings film review, breaking down the big question in the aftermath of the Vikings' 29-27 loss to the Lions on Sunday: Who or what was to blame on the Lions' game-winning touchdown drive?
15:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team, with more analysis of the Vikings' loss -- and what's left to play for this season.
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Dec 6, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Mike Zimmer's coaching choke, Tony Oliva's HOF election and more
Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for an unforgettable look back at another wild weekend in Minnesota sports.
They start, of course, with the utterly predictable yet still unthinkable: The Vikings' 29-27 loss to the previously winless Lions, with the final blow coming on the final play of the game. Mike Zimmer's curious coaching decisions, including moves along the offensive line and a soft defense on the game-winning final drive, contributed mightily to the loss.
From there, Reusse waxes poetic on the election of Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Oliva is one of Reusse's favorite players -- and people -- of all-time.
Plus thoughts on the Gophers football team, the Wild's surge, the Gophers volleyball team in the Sweet 16 and the Gophers men's basketball team surprisingly sitting 7-0 after a big Sunday win Over Mississippi State.
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Dec 3, 2021
Wolves radio voice Alan Horton; Gophers coordinator intrigue; Could the Vikings ... lose?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of Thursday podcast guest Ryan Hartman's big night (three points, plus-4 for the game) in the Wild's 5-2 win over New Jersey and is intrigued by the Gophers' reported pursuit of former offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca.
5:00: Timberwolves radio voice Alan Horton, now in his 15th season calling Wolves games, joins the show for a look back at his history with the team and his optimism about this season. And yes, we had to talk about the Ed Malloy call from eight years ago.
28:00: Mark Craig joins for the weekly NFL picks segment. Did you think the Vikings might have an easy time this weekend against winless Detroit? Craig says think again. This one will be messy and will leave fans cringing until the final seconds.
42:00: Brian Kelly found himself a new accent.
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Dec 2, 2021
Byron Buxton joy then MLB pain; Wild leading scorer Ryan Hartman joins the show; Marcus Fuller on Gophers hoops
In a sprawling edition of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand starts with a day of extremes for Twins baseball fans. Wednesday started with the news conference to formally announce Byron Buxton's seven-year contract extension, a joyous occasion for Twins fans. But then the Twins showed they didn't learn anything from last year's pitching missteps by signing Dylan Bundy. And later in the day, MLB's lockout became official, meaning a work stoppage and no other chances to improve the roster for what figures to be at least a couple months.
8:00: Wild forward Ryan Hartman, off to a blistering start with a team-leading 12 goals for one of the NHL's highest-scoring teams, joins the show to talk about his hot start, his journey to the NHL from South Carolina, the importance of taking time off, and how he skipped a Spanish test to watch a Stanley Cup parade in Chicago.
24:00: Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about that team's 6-0 start. Though much of that…
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Dec 1, 2021
Three Gophers athletes join the show; winning Wild and Wolves; MLB's idiotic path
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a spin through three teams that have been hot lately. The Wild won its fourth game in a row and has scored the most goals (83) in the entire NHL. The Gophers men's basketball team is now 6-0 after a dramatic 54-53 win over Pittsburgh, which is more wins than Rand thought they might have all year. And the Wolves are 11-10 and sitting in good position in the Western Conference.
9:00: Three Gophers athletes join the show ahead of big games in the coming days. First up is Sara Scalia from the Gophers women's basketball team before Wednesday's game against North Carolina. Then Sammy Walker from the Gophers men's hockey team before they head to Michigan this weekend. And finally Abigail Boreen from the women's hockey team in advance of this weekend's showdown at No. 1 Wisconsin.
26:00: MLB is on a continued path of self-destruction with a work stoppage looming.
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Nov 30, 2021
Gophers football: Axe won, Tanner Morgan back, Mike Sanford Jr. out -- and Las Vegas Bowl next?
A trio of football guests helped Michael Rand make some sense of a busy week:
*Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joined Daily Delivery to discuss a whirlwind week for that program. Let's see: On Saturday the Gophers beat Wisconsin to reclaim Paul Bunyan's Axe and to change the narrative on their season; Not long after, we learned that Tanner Morgan is returning for a sixth season while much-criticized offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. is departing. And on Sunday, we should find out which bowl game the Gophers have earned this season.
*Andrew Krammer joined for a film review of the Vikings, which wasn't pretty after a 34-26 loss to San Francisco. The Vikings were gouged against the run in the loss, and it wasn't just an isolated problem explained away by injuries.
*My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite team with Keith Richotte, now with ... limericks?
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Nov 29, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the Buxton extension, Vikings loss and never doubting P.J. Fleck
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at a very busy weekend in sports. Topics covered:
*Byron Buxton's seven-year, $100 million extension with the Twins. While Reusse and Rand agreed it needed to happen, Reusse has a message for Buxton: Now you need to play.
*The Vikings were run over by the 49ers, though they made enough plays to keep the game close. Defensive shortcomings told the real story, though blaming Kirk Cousins is more fashionable.
*The Gophers beat Wisconsin for just the second time since 2003, and they would have had more than just a trophy (and big win) had Nebraska defeated Iowa. Still, it turned what would have been a disappointing season into a good one.
*The Wolves had a big win in Philadelphia. Ryan Hartman can't stop scoring, which is a good thing for the Wild. And Reusse witnessed perhaps the biggest win of all in Edina.
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Nov 26, 2021
Will the Twins spend enough money to win? And will they trade Byron Buxton?
Phil Miller joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Twins and an important offseason. They should have close to $50 million to spend on the open market. But a presumed labor stoppage will complicate any free agent pursuits, and their biggest question might be regarding a player already on their roster: Byron Buxton, and whether they extend or trade him.
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Nov 25, 2021
Did the Wolves turn a corner? + Gophers QB Tanner Morgan on criticism, opportunity + NFL picks
Introduction: It was a winning night for Minnesota teams, with the Wolves, Wild and Gophers men's basketball team all earning victories. The biggest of the three was the Wolves' 113-101 win over the Heat, their fifth win in a row and a triumph over Jimmy Butler. Is it enough to declare this team has turned a corner? Not yet, since consistency has long been a problem. But it was a big step forward.
6:00: Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan joins the show to help set up Saturday's big game against Wisconsin and to answer a big question: How has he dealt with criticism this season?
11:00: Mark Craig's NFL picks.
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Nov 24, 2021
Gophers DE Boye Mafe on the Badgers showdown; Wolves and Gophers winning with defense
Introduction: It's an all-defense edition of Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand notes the impact of Minnehaha product and current Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren in Tuesday's 83-63 win over UCLA in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown. And the Gophers men's basketball team is carving out a defensive identity early this season, starting 4-0 thanks to its ability to limit teams from the three-point line.
5:00: Gophers football defensive end Boye Mafe joins the show to help set up Saturday's huge rivalry game against Wisconsin that could determine the Big Ten West champion. Mafe explains how P.J. Fleck keeps the team focused on a single-game mentality and looks back on a career playing in his home state.
10:00: Wolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the team's recent four-game winning streak, which has been fueled by defense. The Wolves have the seventh-best defensive-rating in the NBA and the No. 1 defensive rating over the past five games, thanks in large part to being very good d…
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Nov 23, 2021
Will Cousins stay aggressive? + Hidden offensive line woes + Gophers vs. Badgers showdown
It's Tuesday Morning Nickelback time on Daily Delivery, as host Michael Rand welcomes in the usual trio of guests to break down all the big Vikings and Gophers story lines.
2:00: Andrew Krammer joins for Vikings film review, where he takes a look at Justin Jefferson continuing to make big plays -- and Kirk Cousins continuing to push the ball to him downfield. Rand points out that Cousins was pressured at the second-highest rate in the league this past week -- nearly 50% of his dropbacks -- but had by far the most passing yards under pressure. Will he continue to be aggressive even when facing pressure?
15:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team brings us five -- yes, one for every Vikings win -- haiku poems this week. Most of it seems to revel in the Packers losing.
29:00: Randy Johnson joins for a Gophers football update ahead of Saturday's huge game against Wisconsin. Depending on what Iowa and Purdue do this weekend, the game could be for the Big Ten West title.
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Nov 22, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' luck, Gophers' opportunity, Loons' collapse and Wolves' surge
Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. It was a mostly positive set of results in Minnesota, including:
*The Vikings held off the Packers 34-31 thanks to some late-game heroics and some good fortune that included getting the benefit of a few critical officiating calls. Reusse says Vikings fans can't complain about the referees after that one. Rand notes how the narrative today would be totally different had a late Kirk Cousins interception not been overturned upon review. But the bottom line is Minnesota took a huge win and evened its record at 5-5.
*The Gophers gave themselves a chance at the Big Ten West title with a breezy 35-14 win over Indiana on Saturday. Now the path is clear: If Iowa loses to Nebraska, Purdue defeats Indiana and the Gophers beat Wisconsin next weekend, Minnesota will be the Big Ten West champion. Just don't ask Patrick what the name of the Gophers stadium is.
*Minnesota United started fast in its playoff game Sunday aga…
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Nov 19, 2021
Vikings vs. Packers: A view from Green Bay; NFL picks; Wild and Wolves get the message
Introduction: Chris Finch and Dean Evason delivered messages to their teams before both of them played Thursday. Finch and veteran guard Patrick Beverley implored the Wolves to be professional coming off a win Wednesday against the Kings and follow it with a good showing against San Antonio. Evason juggled his lines after a 4-1 Wild loss to San Jose. The verdict? Messages received loud and clear. Both teams delivered blowout victories and looked about as good as they have at any point this season.
5:00: Longtime Wisconsin-based NFL writer and radio host Jason Wilde joins the show to help set up Sunday's game between the Vikings and Packers. What does Wilde think of all the Aaron Rodgers drama and his future in Green Bay? How much will a recent lack of practice time for Rodgers hurt in Sunday's game? Those questions are answered and much more.
19:00: Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment and to offer more perspectives on Sunday's big game at U.S. Bank Stad…
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Nov 18, 2021
Trade Byron Buxton? No way; Ryan Suter's return; Chris Finch yells, Wolves respond
Introduction: A piece in The Athletic this week indicated there is an expectation within MLB that Byron Buxton will be traded by the Twins. Though there wasn't much news beyond what has already been reported -- the sides keep talking about a new contract but can't agree on terms; the Twins worry about his injury history but also the backlash for letting him go -- it was a reminder that we're into the baseball offseason with no resolution in sight. And it's also an opportunity to restate this: trading Buxton would be a giant mistake that the Twins would regret on multiple levels.
7:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to give an evaluation of the team after 15 games. Though there have been some rough edges, including sluggish starts from Kirill Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala and a certain lack of sharpness in keeping pucks out of the net, a 10-5 record bodes well for the rest of this season. And the new-look Wild blue line will greet an old friend Thursday when Ryan…
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Nov 17, 2021
Minnesota United's Adrian Heath + Bench Tanner Morgan? + Vikings a playoff team?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand watched most of Tuesday's Wild game with a level of concern, though clearly not alarm over the 4-1 loss to San Jose . Even with a 10-5 start to the season, there have been some cracks in the Wild's game that showed up again in the loss -- including a lack of production from Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov. Then again, if you have Dish Network you weren't able to watch the game anyway -- nor will you be able to see anything on Bally Sports North.
5:00: Minnesota United manager Adrian Heath joins the show in advance of Sunday's playoff game in Portland. The Loons started the year 0-4 and left themselves little margin for error, but they rallied and on the last day of the year secured a postseason berth for the third consecutive season. When fully healthy, Minnesota United can play with anyone. Will they be fit in the playoffs and offer further vindication for Heath over his doubters?
21:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show and debates th…
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Nov 16, 2021
The sequence that saved the Vikings' season; Vikings poetry!; Gophers miss an opportunity
Introduction: One show. Three football guests. That's what we do on Tuesday Morning Nickelback.
2:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins to break down film of the 27-20 win over the Chargers, including a key sequence in the third quarter in which the offense and defense were in sync about as well as they have been all season. Mike Zimmer dialed up key blitzes to help get the Vikings off the field, and the offense took those opportunities and turned a 17-13 deficit into a 27-17 lead.
12:00: What if you could get a recap of the Vikings game in haiku form? That is the latest wrinkle on this week's My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team.
24:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to look back at the Gophers' disappointing 27-22 loss at Iowa, and what it means in the context of their season. Familiar problems resurfaced even as Minnesota played the style it wanted to play.
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Nov 15, 2021
Guts and glory: Patrick Reusse on the Vikings win, Gophers loss and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at an important weekend in Minnesota sports.
They started with the Vikings, who played one of their most complete games of the season when they needed it the most -- and punctuated a 27-20 win over the Chargers with some fourth-quarter aggressiveness on offense. A touchdown extended their lead, and a few key plays let them run out the clock instead of relying on defense for a stop at the end.
The Gophers football team, meanwhile, displayed none of that aggressiveness. Though Minnesota outgained Iowa by more than 100 yards and held the ball for twice as long as the Hawkeyes, settling for field goals and failing to make enough big plays in the passing game doomed the Gophers to a 27-22 loss that almost closed the door on Big Ten title aspirations.
Reusse and Rand also talked about the Gophers men's basketball team's surprising 3-0 start, the Wolves falling flat after demolishing the Lakers and an epic Division III f…
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Nov 12, 2021
Who hates Iowa?; NFL picks; Powerless Wild power play; KAT needs to lead
Introduction: The Wild had a chance to make an early-season statement against Vegas, the team that knocked Minnesota out of the playoffs a year ago. Instead, the Wild fell behind and couldn't complete a furious rally, losing 3-2 and going 0-for-6 on the power play in the road loss. Beat writer Sarah McLellan checks in with a "voicemail" from Las Vegas to help break it down.
4:00: Host Michael Rand isn't buying Karl-Anthony Towns' frustration with losing and thinks KAT has to own it instead of suggesting that it is merely happening to him.
6:00: Iowa-based radio host and writer Andrew Downs joins the show to help set up Saturday's big game between the Gophers and Hawkeyes down in Iowa. Both teams have had setbacks lately, but both are still tied for the Big Ten West lead. Plenty is at stake, and Downs will help set it all up from an Iowa perspective.
20:00: NFL/Vikings writer Mark Craig joins the show for the weekly picks segment, and perhaps against his better judgment he likes the Vik…
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Nov 11, 2021
Opposite day for surging Wild, sinking Wolves; NFL agent Leigh Steinberg on Aaron Rodgers
Introduction: If you were excited about the Wild and the Timberwolves at the start of their seasons, you probably feel differently about one of those teams now. Wednesday was a microcosm of the starts to their years, with the Wild surging to a 9-3 record thanks to a lopsided win over Arizona while the Wolves fell to 3-7 with their sixth consecutive loss -- this one at Golden State. For the Wild, scoring balance and confidence seem to be key. For the Wolves, who lost despite 48 points from Anthony Edwards, confidence and execution is in short supply these days.
9:00: Longtime NFL agent Leigh Steinberg joins host Michael Rand on the show for a look at how Aaron Rodgers has handled the COVID vaccine controversy, the changes Steinberg has seen in four decades in the business and to answer once and for all whether he was the inspiration for Tom Cruise's character in "Jerry Maguire."
28:00: The Vikings have a tough task ahead of them this weekend.
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Nov 10, 2021
Jim Souhan on Vikings' tumble, vaccines, Wolves woes and more
Introduction: The Timberwolves have lost five games in a row, and a big culprit has been their play down the stretch of games. They have a net rating of minus-31 in the fourth quarter of games this season, and the mark is even worse during "clutch" situations. Can they figure that out and steer out of this skid? Perhaps, but an increasingly difficult schedule won't help.
6:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan joins host Michael Rand to break down some of what he has witnessed with the 3-5 Vikings so far this season. Souhan also dives into the issue of vaccinations, which played a role in the most recent Vikings loss (minus Harrison Smith) and Packers loss (minus Aaron Rodgers). And it sounds like Souhan isn't impressed with the Gophers football team and the timing of P.J. Fleck's contract extension.
25:00: The Gophers basketball teams opened Tuesday, with the men getting Ben Johnson's first win and the women losing a stunner to Jacksonville.
28:00: Troubling allegations against Viking…
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Nov 9, 2021
Fixing the broken Vikings passing game; Can Gophers rebound against Iowa?
On the Tuesday Morning Nickelback edition of Daily Delivery, Michael Rand welcomes in a trio of guests:
*Vikings writer Andrew Krammer breaks down the Vikings' broken passing game -- in particular their inability to get the ball to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen -- in his latest film review. The big problem is that it's not just one problem affecting the passing game.
*My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team finds Rand and Keith Richotte talking about an all-too-familiar narrative. The Vikings looked good early against Baltimore, then couldn't get any offense going again until desperation time. Meanwhile, their defense was worn down.
*Gophers football writer Randy Johnson tries to explain how Minnesota could lose to Illinois -- and whether the Gophers can rebound against Iowa.
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Nov 8, 2021
Patrick Reusse on a Vikings breakdown, a bad Gophers loss and the Wild saving the day
Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the key topics discussed:
*The Vikings were in position to beat Baltimore despite a huge disparity in several key categories. The Ravens held the ball for twice as long as the Vikings and had almost three times as many first downs (36 to 13) in an overtime win. Still, if the Vikings could have done more with a two-touchdown lead or an overtime turnover, they would have won. Instead, questions about their season are fresh again with their record at 3-5.
*The Gophers football team might have been caught looking ahead to Iowa. A 14-6 home loss to Illinois put them at 4-2 in the Big Ten, tied with three other teams in the West. Reusse wondered, and it's a good question: Why does a two-touchdown deficit against a bad team feel insurmountable?
*What happened to the Wolves and Karl-Anthony Towns? They went 0-4 on a recent homestand and were outscored by 97 points when KAT was on the floor. Reusse's answer: That'…
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Nov 5, 2021
Vikings lose another starter; NFL picks; KAT says he was hacked; Big MLS weekend
Introduction: Vikings fans have wondered in recent weeks whether the team might shake up the offensive line given the inconsistent play -- particularly on the interior of the line where Kirk Cousins often feels pressure. Out of necessity on Sunday, they will. Center Garrett Bradbury landed on the COVID list, meaning offseason acquisition Mason Cole will get a shot. Whether that's an upgrade or downgrade remains to be seen.
5:00: Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig tries to atone for last week's 5-10 record on picks with another shot at this week's slate. The reeling Vikings are nearly a touchdown underdog at Baltimore, and same goes for the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers at Green Bay.
18:00: Jerry Zgoda joins for a look at a big Sunday in Major League Soccer. For Minnesota United, the simplest route to the playoffs is this: Earn at least a tie against the L.A. Galaxy in their finale, and they are in. Lose and they will need some help.
25:00: Karl-Anthony Towns says he was hacked. The NFL is tryi…
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Nov 4, 2021
Aaron Rodgers' big vaccine lie; P.J. Fleck's big extension; Marcus Fuller on Gophers men's hoops
Introduction: Aaron Rodgers will miss Sunday's game against Kansas City after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 -- news that revealed that Rodgers is also apparently not vaccinated despite him saying in late August that he was "immunized" when asked about his status. Rodgers' attempt at misdirection is worse than a flat-out lie or being a vaccine denier because he is trying to have it both ways.
7:00: Marcus Fuller joins the show to help preview the Gophers men's basketball season, which starts Tuesday against Kansas City. Ben Johnson has a tall task ahead of him both in terms of the short-term and the long-term, but he is willing to meet it head on.
21:00: P.J. Fleck's new contract was well-earned, and Gophers fans should hope that he means it when he says he is here for the long haul.
25:00: The Wolves scored plenty of points against the Clippers on Wednesday, but their defense was bad in a 126-115 loss. Now they are 3-4 and in serious danger of squandering a good start and e…
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Nov 3, 2021
Kaprizov scores!; Why can't the Wolves score?; Does Atlanta give the Twins hope?
Introduction: The Wild at least temporarily halted one of those stretches for Minnesota sports teams with a 5-4 overtime win over Ottawa. Perhaps just as important in that game: Kirill Kaprizov scored for the first time this season on his 32nd shot of the year. Minnesota is 6-3 on the season with just two goals combined from Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala, which should mean better times area ahead when they get hot.
5:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show for an examination of the team's 3-3 start. The optimism that permeated the team after a win at Milwaukee has dissipated after home losses to Denver and Orlando. Minnesota's offense seems stuck in the mud, and the Wolves might not have D'Angelo Russell when they play the Clippers on Wednesday. That might actually improve the offense, though, based on how things have gone so far this year.
22:00: Atlanta won the World Series after being below .500 at the All-Star break. Should that give hope to the Twins that a turnaround is…
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Nov 2, 2021
Who is to blame for Vikings' offensive woes? + Can the Gophers have a special season?
Introduction: It's Tuesday Morning Nickelback time, with a deep dive into the Vikings and the Gophers football team.
2:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer tries to help answer the big question of the week during our film review segment. What went wrong with the Vikings' offense against Dallas on Sunday night, and who is to blame? Within the context of that question is another important one: Is there anything that can be done to fix it?
11:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team does not miss its mark this week. The Vikings let Dallas hang around and the defense had an opportunity to be the hero of the game. But like so many other times this season, that side of the ball couldn't get it done when it mattered most.
23:00: Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins the show for a happier subject. Minnesota has won four games in a row and controls its destiny in the Big Ten West. Showdowns with Iowa and Wisconsin loom later this month.
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Nov 1, 2021
Patrick Reusse on an unoforgivable Vikings loss that could get Mike Zimmer fired
Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand to rehash the fresh pain of the latest Vikings debacle, a 20-16 Sunday Night Football loss to Dallas and backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Minnesota had all the advantages in this game but still couldn't deliver a victory that it very much needed. Afterward, wide receiver Adam Thielen revealed frustration -- echoed by countless fans -- at how the Vikings seem to just let teams hang around in games.
15:00: In happier Minnesota sports news, the Gophers football team clobbered Northwestern 41-14 on Saturday, setting up a final four games in which they control their own destiny. They are 4-1, alone atop the Big Ten West standings, with big games against Iowa and Wisconsin (both 3-2) in their last four.
22:00: Houston extended the World Series with an improbable rally in Atlanta. The Timberwolves can stop teams but suddenly can't score. And a big win for Minnesota United.
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Oct 29, 2021
Will Dak Prescott play vs. Vikings? Comparing Ant to Kirby; Wild stumbles in Seattle
Introduction: The Wild's first visit to Seattle for an NHL game didn't quite go as planned. With multiple players sidelined by COVID and injuries, the short-handed Wild lost 4-1. Though two of the goals were empty-net tallies, Minnesota was outplayed badly in the middle part of the game and now has a negative goal differential on the season even with a 5-2 record.
4:00: Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins the show for his weekly NFL picks segment and to break down the big Sunday night showdown between the Vikings and the Cowboys. It started out as his upset special when the Vikings were 2.5-point underdogs. Now Minnesota is suddenly a 2.5-point favorite -- adding fuel to the idea that Dak Prescott will give his injured calf one more week to heal.
20:00: Green Bay escaped with another victory on Thursday in Arizona, another reminder of the thin margins in the NFL.
22:00: Reader queries on Anthony Edwards and the NHL scandal.
28:00: A new hitting coach for the Twins is a high-risk, high-…
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Oct 28, 2021
A huge Timberwolves win at Milwaukee; Glen Perkins on Eddie Rosario; Loons in danger
Introduction: Host Michael Rand dissects the Timberwolves' big 113-108 victory on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. You'll hear postgame comments from Anthony Edwards and head coach Chris Finch postgame as well as a "voicemail" from Star Tribune beat writer Chris Hine with all the key points of the game. The Wolves' Big Three came up big at various moments, and their defensive rebounding was much better with Jarred Vanderbilt in the starting lineup.
11:00: Former Twins pitcher Glen Perkins joins the show to talk about his old teammate Eddie Rosario and all the success he is having in the playoffs. It's a great perspective not only about what makes Rosario great but also about why the Twins weren't necessarily wrong to let him go.
23:00: Minnesota United lost precious ground in the MLS playoff race when it lost 2-1 in Vancouver on Wednesday, after which head coach Adrian Heath had pointed comments about the team's defense. With just two games left in the season, the Loons are on the outside…
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Oct 27, 2021
25 best Wolves players of all-time; Chip Scoggins on Gophers, Wild and Wolves
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a spin through his list of the 25 best Timberwolves players of all-time. Was it a difficult task? Yes. Were there some snubs? Maybe. Was there a surprise with the No. 1 player? Um, no.
9:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to provide insight into his latest Football Across Minnesota column and to share some opinions about the Gophers football team, the Wolves and the Wild. Scoggins and Rand talked about the Gophers' overpowering performance on both sides of the line of scrimmage on Saturday, Anthony Edwards' continuing evolution as a leader for the Wolves and the Wild's promising start thanks to much better team speed.
27:00: Rand takes note of two more Eddie Rosario hits in Game 1 of the World Series -- another win for Atlanta and another game that took four-plus hours. And a Gophers women's basketball recruiting nugget that should give you hope for the future.
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Oct 26, 2021
Anthony Edwards calls out Wolves after loss; Minnesota United + Gophers football talk
Introduction: In the most recent step in his evolution as the Wolves' leader -- even though he just turned 20 a couple months ago -- Anthony Edwards said after Minnesota's first loss of the season Monday that he and his top-scoring teammates must do a better job sharing the ball and getting other players involved on offense. "There's no 'I' in team. We can't beat five people with three people," Edwards said after a 107-98 loss to New Orleans. "We beat five people with five people."
7:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show after Minnesota's most recent impressive win, 34-16 over Maryland. With games coming up against Northwestern and Illinois, the path to a special season is there. But when the competition stiffens later in the year, the Gophers will also need to be able to diversify their offense and pass the ball.
16:00: Star Tribune soccer writer Jerry Zgoda joins the show to help advance two big matches this week. The U.S. Women's National Team plays Tuesday a…
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Oct 25, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Fleck's surging Gophers, MVP Eddie Rosario, volleyball, Wolves and Wild
Columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports as only they can provide.
3:00: Even without the Vikings playing, it was a busy weekend -- including another impressive win by P.J. Fleck's Gophers football team. Minnesota is now 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten, good enough for a tie atop the West standings. With two more winnable games on the horizon before a showdown with Iowa, it's Ok to think big.
11:00: Former Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario was named MVP of the National League Championship Series with Atlanta and will now play in the World Series for the first time. Reusse weighs in on all that makes Rosario great.
20:00: Reusse watched the Gophers volleyball team over the weekend and was concerned about a certain level of slippage from that program. Then the final three sets against Ohio State assuaged those fears.
28:00: The Wolves are 2-0 and playing defense (at least so far). The Wild is 4-1 even after a clunker on Sunday. There's ple…
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Oct 22, 2021
Case vs. Teddy vs. Kirk; NFL picks; Vikings trade?; Gophers hockey with Megan Ryan
Introduction: Host Michael Rand found himself irrationally intrigued by Thursday night's NFL matchup between the Browns and Broncos because it featured a couple of old friends: Case Keenum quarterbacked the Browns in the absence of the injured Baker Mayfield, while Teddy Bridgewater is the Broncos' starter. The Browns prevailed in a 17-14 win, but more than anything the game reinforced that the Vikings got the best quarterback in Kirk Cousins when they made their 2018 decision.
4:00: Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins the show for his weekly picks segment. It's not a marquee week in the NFL, but Craig found several upsets that he likes this week. He wouldn't go so far out on a limb, though, to pick any of the three double-digit underdogs to win outright.
18:00: Rand can't help himself. As the Ben Simmons situation continues to erupt in Philadelphia, he's still pining for a trade. Were you persuaded the Wolves should exit that chat by one good regular season performance? Also, with the…
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Oct 21, 2021
An impressive Wolves win; Wild goalie Cam Talbot joins; Could it be MN United soccer talk?
Introduction: A big question heading into this Timberwolves season was whether a team that has floundered on defense for several seasons could finally find its way and at least be average on that side of the ball. Their 124-106 victory in Wednesday's opener over Houston was a positive indicator, albeit against a really bad team. The Wolves had 18 steals and 13 blocked shots in the win, which helped fuel an offensive surge from Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D'Angelo Russell.
8:00: Wild goalie Cam Talbot joins the podcast and gives us an inside glimpse into the Wild's 6-5 comeback win over Winnipeg in Tuesday's home opener. Talbot also provides insight into why he signed with the Wild last season and shares the story of his journey to the NHL.
26:00: A new feature on Daily Delivery starts with a "voicemail" from Jon Marthaler and some Minnesota United soccer talk after the Loons rallied for a very important 3-2 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday.
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Oct 20, 2021
A big Wild comeback (that I missed) + Wolves preview with VP Sachin Gupta and Chris Hine
Introduction: Host Michael Rand is *usually* never one to give up on a game, but he did it on Tuesday night and regretted it. When the Wild gave up what looked like an empty-net goal with a little over a minute left in its home opener Tuesday vs. Winnipeg, Rand started channel surfing. It wasn't until more than an hour later, as he was scrolling social media, that he found out what happened: the goal was disallowed, the Wild tied it and then won in overtime on a pair of Joel Eriksson Ek goals. The Wild is undefeated and Rand is utterly defeated.
5:00: Wolves executive vice president Sachin Gupta joins the show to help preview the Timberwolves season as they begin play Wednesday night at Target Center against the Rockets. After the drama of the last month when Gersson Rosas was fired, can the Wolves stay drama-free and have a good direction on the court? And does Gupta, who helped invent ESPN's popular Trade Machine, still hop on it for a spin?
16:00: Continuing the Wolves theme, beat w…
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Oct 19, 2021
Vikings deep passing success; Trust the offense, Zimmer!; Gophers 'culture' win revisited
It's Tuesday Morning Nickelback on Daily Delivery with three distinct and flavorful football segments:
2:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins for his weekly film review, helping host Michael Rand dissect how the Vikings were able to get their deep passing game going against the Panthers in Sunday's win. It showed a willingness to adapt on the part of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as well as an improvement in pass protection from the offensive line.
10:00: But did the offense do enough, even on a day when they gained more than 500 yards? One could say the Vikings still don't have enough trust in that side of the ball until absolutely necessary, and that the lack of trust could be this team's downfall. That and more were central to the discussion on this week's "My Least Favorite Team Is My Favorite Team."
25:00: Whether it was culture, skill or some combination of both, the Gophers' 30-23 win over Nebraska on Saturday put Minnesota in great position for a successful season. They…
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Oct 18, 2021
Positive Patrick Reusse: Vikings are a playoff team, Wolves a play-in team, Gophers a contender
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at another memorable weekend in sports -- and one in which Minnesota teams pretty much couldn't lose. The Gophers won. The Vikings won. The Loons won. The Wild won twice. It had Reusse in a ... positive mood? Well, sort of.
After the Vikings' 34-28 overtime win over the Panthers, another harder-than-it-needed-to-be affair, Reusse declared the Vikings too talented to miss the playoffs. At 3-3 heading into the bye and with a stiff schedule test coming out of it, we will see if he is right. What's not in doubt: QB Kirk Cousins bailed out a defense that played well again for 55 minutes but couldn't close out another double-digit lead.
The Gophers' win over Nebraska was declared a triumph of culture by head coach P.J. Fleck, part of a budding (and lopsided) rivalry with Scott Frost's Huskers. Combined with a stunning Iowa loss, it put Minnesota in control of its own destiny in the Big Ten West.
Plus two Wil…
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Oct 15, 2021
A defining season for the Wild starts Friday; NFL picks include a very interesting Vikings game
Introduction: Host Michael Rand stayed up relatively late to watch the end of the epic deciding game of Giants vs. Dodgers, which finished after a clutch hit by Cody Bellinger and a bad check swing call on the Giants. In the big picture of it all, this much was not a surprise: The team with the biggest payroll in baseball advanced in the playoffs, while the overachiever did not.
5:00: Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to preview a season that begins Friday in Anaheim. Can the Wild sustain last year's level of success -- this year against better competition and over 82 games? What does Year 2 of Kirill Kaprizov look like now that he won't take any teams by surprise? Can Kevin Fiala solidify his place in the team's long-term future? And what will this revamped defense look like? Those are some of the key story lines heading into an intriguing season.
20:00: Star Tribune NFL/Vikings writer Mark Craig joins the show for the weekly picks segment. The Vikings started out as a be…
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Oct 14, 2021
Wild and Wolves fans should brace for more TV frustration + How sports betting ties into it all
Introduction: Host Michael Rand watched the new-look NHL on TNT on Wednesday and came away with a positive outlook. There's something about the production quality on TNT that has always been high, and the channel has had massive success with its NBA studio show. If it can keep working to brand the NHL the same way -- having Charles Barkley playing goalie for Wayne Gretzky on Wednesday's debut was a good start -- the league will be in good hands.
5:00: Jason Gurwin from The Streamable joins the show for an update on where we stand with fans' ability -- and inability -- to watch Bally Sports North. Subscribers to Hulu and YouTube TV have been without BSN (formerly Fox Sports North) for about a year now, and there's no relief in sight. What we need now is a recalibration of our expectations. The problem is that for cord-cutters who don't want an expensive cable or satellite package, any sort of direct-to-consumer app offering a full package of in-market games they want doesn't seem to be…
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Oct 13, 2021
La Velle E. Neal on Jon Gruden; Marcus Fuller on Gophers hoops; Kyrie Irving is ridiculous
Introduction: Just when you thought the Kyrie Irving story couldn't get more bizarre or ridiculous, we read in The Athletic that the Nets guard -- who isn't vaccinated for COVID-19 and isn't going to be able to play this year as a result -- is taking a stand against mandates and wants to be a "voice for the voiceless." We learned all that, of course, from anonymous sources. The fact that Irving could have gotten the vaccine for several months before mandates were prevalent, and the irony of an anonymous source uttering that quote is almost too much to take.
4:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand to discuss Neal's column on Jon Gruden and the fallout from the e-mails that led to his resignation. Neal says nothing will change in the NFL until more women and minorities are hired to help change the culture. Rand wonders if Gruden's firing, while completely justified, is just a cover for the NFL to avoid having to dive deeper into the other 650,000 emails that were reviewed as p…
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Oct 12, 2021
Film review: Vikings run defense; Zimmer/Cousins tension; Trey Potts out for the year
It's Tuesday Morning Nickelback time on Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand welcomes in three guests to break down the biggest stories in Minnesota football.
2:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins for his film review segment looking at the Vikings' disappointing run defense. After spending a lot of money and energy trying to fix that part of their team, the Vikings have had poor results so far this season. What was Detroit doing to exploit them? And might it get better once Anthony Barr is fully back to being himself?
11:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team featuring Keith Richotte has a good back-and-forth between Rand and Richotte about the tension that exists between Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer following their postgame Alpha male shoving on Sunday. Just remember: The first time Cousins shouted "You like that!" in 2015 it was about vindication and proving doubters wrong.
26:00: Randy Johnson joins to talk about the latest Gophers football news that Trey Pot…
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Oct 11, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Vikings' near-disaster and awkward Cousins/Zimmer moment
Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend, which was dominated by a you-can't-make-this-up Vikings game. After being in control but failing to put away Detroit, the Vikings watched the Lions somehow grab a 17-16 lead with 37 seconds left, only to have Kirk Cousins and Greg Joseph rescue a win with some clutch throws and a clutch kick.
But the win doesn't mask the underlying issues: The Vikings only scored 19 points a week after putting up just seven against Cleveland. There seem to be trust issues or playcalling issues -- or both -- holding the Vikings back. And even in a moment of exuberance after the winning field goal, there was a strange exchange between Cousins and head coach Mike Zimmer that ended with Zimmer shoving Cousins. Maybe it was just the excitement of the moment?
Rand and Reusse also talk about the interminable MLB playoff games and two very disappointing soccer results.
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Oct 8, 2021
Mark Craig's NFL picks + MSU-Mankato men's hockey coach Mike Hastings
Introduction: Thursday night is why we watch sports. Two games. Two things you might never see again. A straight steal of home by Tampa Bay's Randy Arozarena in a playoff game against Boston, the first such postseason steal in 76 years. And a double punt -- yes, a double punt -- in the Seahawks vs. Rams game.
4:00: Mark Craig joins host Michael Rand for their NFL picks segment. Mark is basically taunting Vikings fans by saying there is no way they can lose to the Lions on Sunday. While Rand tends to agree, anything is possible. Plus a look at the Packers vs. Bengals and other big matchups this weekend.
17:00: Mike Hastings, head coach for the Minnesota State (Mankato) men's hockey team, joins the show to preview a big weekend series between the No. 1 Mavericks and No. 2 St. Cloud State. We also discuss the expanding State of Hockey with St. Thomas joining Division I and just how Hastings has been able to build such a successful program at Mankato.
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Oct 7, 2021
Failed Twins predictions with La Velle E. Neal III + Revisiting Parise and Suter
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of Wild owner Craig Leipold's comments Wednesday on Ryan Suter and Zach Parise plus the Kirill Kaprizov signing. On both fronts, it was a good dose of honesty from the Wild owner. Leipold said he would do the Parise and Suter signings again "in an absolute second" and said he was convinced Kaprizov would sign.
6:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about some interesting Twins news about reassigning their hitting coach and his plan to put Jorge Polanco back at shortstop in 2022 (which has Rand's support as well). Plus Neal and Rand revisit the predictions they made about individual performances for Twins players six months ago to see who fared better. Let's just say La Velle did better than Rand -- and the Twins.
21:00: Four things about Phil Miller's season-ending Twins roster breakdown caught Rand's eye.
25:00: Some love for the Wild Card format, something MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred actually got right. And…
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Oct 6, 2021
Yankees lose! + Can the Vikings be fixed? + Chip Scoggins has Wolves and Wild fever
Introduction: Michael Rand doesn't watch as much baseball as he used to, which at various points in his life has been A LOT of baseball. But Wednesday night's Wild Card game between the Yankees and Red Sox drew him in for a number of reasons and made him realize just how great the game can still be. Plus, the Yankees lost. So all was well with the night.
6:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about his latest Football Across Minnesota column, which leads with him partaking in film review with the Minnesota State (Mankato) football team -- an eye-opening experience that left Scoggins appreciating just how intricate football really is. Scoggins and Rand also tried to get to the heart of the Vikings' offensive line problems, and Scoggins confessed that he has Wolves and Wild fever already in early October.
24:00: Is Kyrie Irving really only going to play road games for the Nets this season? Andrew Wiggins was stubborn, but at least he got the COVID vaccine. Irvi…
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Oct 5, 2021
A familiar Vikings problem with Kirk Cousins and the offensive line + Trey Potts update
Introduction: On the first segment of Tuesday Morning Nickelback, Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a film review segment looking back at Sunday's 14-7 loss to the Browns. Familiar problems resurfaced quickly in that game. Namely: Any team with a stout front four that can get pressure without sending extra rushers is going to have success against most teams. But it's particularly problematic for the Vikings because of their offensive line deficiencies and Kirk Cousins' inability to improvise.
12:00: Keith Richotte joins for My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team, where he and Rand start talking about best possible outcomes for the 1-3 Vikings. Barring a level of consistency we haven't seen yet this year, and keeping in mind a tough remaining 13 games, it seems as though getting back into the playoff mix and maybe getting in as a low seed is the highest this team can aim. If you're a fan, you want to see victories. Intellectually, a complete teardown might ma…
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Oct 4, 2021
Patrick Reusse on a bad loss by the "good" Vikings, a Gophers rebound and Twins season wrap
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend. The Vikings continue to insist they are a good team, even after they scored just seven points in a home loss to the stout Browns. But are they really a team that "has a chance to be pretty darn good," as Mike Zimmer said afterward, or are they just trying to talk themselves into that to avoid sinking their confidence levels? An offense that didn't score a single point and had a hard time moving the ball (or protecting Kirk Cousins) after a nice opening drive makes all of that questionable.
Reusse also dissected what we know and don't know about the Twins as their season came to a quiet end. While Rand pointed out they were basically a .500 team after a disastrous 42 games and did manage to avoid a 90-loss season, Reusse was not in the mood for sugarcoating. The rotation is in shambles. Middle infield is a big question. And we still don't know which young position players will help them in 2022…
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Oct 1, 2021
Josh Donaldson trade? Kevin Stefanski's return; NFL picks; MN United at critical juncture
Introduction: A tweet from a reader helped host Michael Rand tie all his thoughts together like the rug in The Big Lebowski. The question was about just what went wrong with the Twins' evaluation of pitching in 2021. While the answer is unknown, the fact that Twins evaluators are probably stumped as well leads to an offseason path: If pitching is going to improve, money needs to be spent. If money is going to be spent, the Twins need to find a way to trade Josh Donaldson. It's just that simple, even if trading an expensive mid-30s third baseman entering an offseason where the collective bargaining agreement expires is very complicated.
6:00: Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins for his weekly picks segment and also gives listeners a sneak peek at his Sunday story on Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Craig is in Cleveland reporting the story on the former Vikings offensive coordinator.
18:00: Jon Marthaler breaks down an important stretch for Minnesota United, which is hanging onto the final…
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Sep 30, 2021
Is there hope for the Twins in 2022? Plus Carrie Tollefson joins to talk Twin Cities Marathon
Introduction: We have a new entry for injury of the year: Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams fractured his right (pitching) hand and is expected to miss the entire postseason. The culprit? He says that after having a few drinks while celebrating Milwaukee clinching the NL Central title on Sunday, he went home and punched a wall. Kids, that's definitely what not to do.
3:00: That said, the Twins might like to have that problem. Instead, they are playing out the final days of a lost season. Host Michael Rand welcomed Twins beat writer Phil Miller onto the show to talk through what bright spots they saw in 2021 and whether there is any way for a quick turnaround in 2022. Long story short: Probably not, unless Derek Falvey and Thad Levine absolutely nail a few pitching acquisitions in what Miller said is the most important offseason they have had here.
19:00: Local distance runner Carrie Tollefson joins the show to talk about Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon. She has a time goal of somewhe…
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Sep 29, 2021
As Timberwolves embark on important season, instability is all around them
Introduction: At the outset of the show, host Michael Rand gives a rundown of the convergence of sports seasons that is happening in this moment. Minnesota United plays Wednesday night and this weekend as it tries to make an MLS playoff push. The Vikings have a huge game Sunday against Cleveland, as do the Gophers against Purdue on Saturday. Would you believe that the Gophers men's hockey season starts this weekend? Gophers men's and women's basketball practice is underway, as is training camp for the Wolves and the preseason for the Wild. Meanwhile, the Lynx would still be playing if they hadn't lost Sunday. And the Twins still have five games left before this season is mercifully done. It ... is ... a lot.
7:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a deeper examination of the story lines -- and, let's face it, instability -- that will define this season. Incoming owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez met with reporters Monday and detailed their thoughts on the franchise a…
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Sep 28, 2021
Vikings OC Klint Kubiak's smart schemes; Gophers picking up the pieces after stunning loss
Introduction: It's Tuesday Morning Nickelback time, starting with Andrew Krammer's film review. Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the Vikings' 30-17 victory over Seattle and how new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's scheme is doing a good job at helping the team's offensive line and Kirk Cousins be comfortable. Getting the ball out quickly and keeping defenses guessing have been staples of their success so far, as have route combinations that clearly confused Seattle on Sunday.
10:00: Keith Richotte Jr. joins the show for My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team, which was suddenly positive for a change. It sure didn't look that way when the Vikings trailed Seattle 17-7, but 23 consecutive points on Sunday changed the narrative on the season quickly. While Richotte is still predicting nothing more than an up-and-down year, at least a win is a win.
23:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to try to explain to Rand just what happened at Hunti…
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Sep 27, 2021
Patrick Reusse on an all-time bad Gophers loss, big Vikings win and more
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at another unpredictable and packed weekend of Minnesota sports.
We didn't expect to lead the show with Gophers vs. Bowling Green, but when the home team loses 14-10 as a 30.5-point favorite things change. Minnesota was beyond flat on offense, made multiple special teams miscues and drew little inspiration from coach P.J. Fleck -- whose in-game decisions were questionable as well -- in the shocking defeat.
On the flip side, the Vikings won their first game of the season in impressive fashion, scoring the final 23 points against Seattle in a 30-17 victory. Good blocking. One of Kirk Cousins' best games. A defense that shut out Seattle after a shaky start. And solid special teams. Those are not things the Vikings have come to count on since the start of last season, but they were in full supply as the Vikings finally defeated Russell Wilson.
Plus: The Lynx were knocked out of the playoffs far more quickl…
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Sep 24, 2021
Inside the head of Vikings kicker Greg Joseph; NFL picks; Jalen Suggs and the Gophers
Introduction: Host Michael Rand talks about Jalen Suggs' revelation that he would have signed with the Gophers to play football and basketball if former basketball coach Richard Pitino had recruited him harder. What should we make of that? It's probably a moot point now, but it certainly doesn't speak well of Pitino's in-state recruiting when he was here.
3:00: Stefan Fatsis, co-host of Slate's "Hang Up And Listen" podcast and author of "A Few Seconds of Panic" joins the show to talk about his experiences as a would-be placekicker in Broncos training camp several years ago and how that gives him a window into the mind of Vikings kicker Greg Joseph.
21:00: NFL/Vikings writer Mark Craig joins Rand for their weekly picks segment. Craig had the Packers winning the Super Bowl before the season started. Now he doesn't even have them in the NFC title game? Wow!
35:00: The Lynx know their playoff opponent -- Chicago -- and Sunday's single elimination game won't be easy. Plus some good Vikings…
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Sep 23, 2021
Wild GM Bill Guerin goes inside the Kirill Kaprizov negotiations
Intro: Host Michael Rand examines one of the most interesting questions in the fallout of Timberwolves President Gersson Rosas being fired on Wednesday: What happens now in the Wolves' reported pursuit of Ben Simmons? Plus thoughts on Joe Ryan's latest strong outing for the Twins and an interesting Kyle Rudolph quote that sure seems like a shot at Mike Zimmer.
6:00: Wild general manager Bill Guerin joins the podcast after Tuesday's big news that budding star Kirill Kaprizov signed a five-year, $45 million contract. Guerin said he got the best night of sleep in a long time after it happened, and he also explained the process that eventually got the deal to the finish line right before training camp started.
15:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show for more discussion of the impact of Kaprizov's deal and what to watch for as training camp begins.
29:00: Former Wolves wing Andrew Wiggins -- the centerpiece of Rosas' biggest trade as Wolves President -- reportedly…
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Sep 22, 2021
Special Delivery! The stunning firing of Wolves President Gersson Rosas
Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine and columnist Chip Scoggins join host Michael Rand to break down the big Wednesday news that Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas has been fired less than a week before the start of training camp.
What led to the stunning decision? What are the immediate ramifications for a pursuit of Ben Simmons and the happiness of Karl-Anthony Towns? What should we expect from Sachin Gupta, who will be in charge of big decisions at least for now? And will this organization ever get it right?
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Sep 22, 2021
Kirill Kaprizov signs, Ben Simmons trade update and the St. Thomas Division I transition
Introduction: Host Michael Rand has two main thoughts about Tuesday's big news that the Wild signed Kirill Kaprizov to a new contract. 1) Obviously it's a good thing that they got it done. It took longer than expected, but not quite long enough to be a training camp distraction, and the five-year, $45 million term is right on what Rand projected a month ago. 2) If signing Kaprizov was difficult, now comes the even harder part: navigating future seasons with so much money tied up in Zach Parise and Ryan Suter's buyouts.
6:00: The Star Tribune's Jeff Day joins the show to talk about St. Thomas football and how the transition to Division I has been going so far. The Tommies are 1-1 in football and face Butler on Saturday in their Division I home opener. There are infinite unknowns within the UST athletic department regarding the transition, which is both intimidating and invigorating all at once, Day said.
20:00: Rand runs through a bunch of good listener questions, including one about Be…
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Sep 21, 2021
If losses continue to mount, how soon will Vikings decisionmakers lose jobs?
On this installment of Tuesday Morning Nickelback, Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a film review of the Vikings' heartbreaking 34-33 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday. The Vikings defense had a feast-or-famine type of day trying to contain Kyler Murray, with Danielle Hunter registering three sacks and Nick Vigil returning an interception for a touchdown but Murray throwing for 400 yards and putting up 34 points. What will the Vikings' approach tell us about how they might try to defend a similar QB, Russell Wilson, next week?
11:00: The Vikings are playing Whac-A-Mole with their problems through two weeks of the season. In Week 1, the offensive line was poor, but the kicking game was solid. In Week 2, it was the reverse. In the latest installment of My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team, Rand and Keith Richotte get into that idea and wonder what will be the next problem to emerge -- and how long Mike Zimmer can withstand losses, even close ones, before his…
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Sep 20, 2021
Patrick Reusse wanted a Vikings kicking meltdown, and he sure got one
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a head-shaking look back at Sunday's 34-33 Vikings loss in Arizona. Almost as though he spoke it into existence, Reusse has been chuckling at the idea for weeks of poor Mike Zimmer being saddled with kicking woes for yet another year, and it only took two games for it to materialize. Greg Joseph's missed 37-yard field goal -- and earlier missed extra point -- was the most glaring difference Sunday during a game in which the Vikings played quite well in a lot of facets.
Reusse and Rand also marvel at the Gophers' 30-0 win at Colorado, a statement victory that could portend good things for that program going forward.
And the Twins finally got pitcher Jose Berrios some run support. All they had to do was trade him to Toronto and try a bullpen game against the hot Blue Jays to do it.
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Sep 17, 2021
P.J. Fleck to USC? Not a chance + Mark Craig's NFL picks after Week 1 disaster
Introduction: Minnesota sports fans believe two things in the very fabric of their being. One: Referees are out to get their favorite team(s), to the point that questionable calls don't even out over time. Two: If the Gophers hire a competent coach, there is a need to worry immediately about that coach leaving for a better job. That second point brings us to rumblings this week that P.J. Fleck could be a candidate for the suddenly vacant USC job. Host Michael Rand reminds you that Fleck almost certainly isn't going anywhere, and that this is probably just a means to get another contract extension.
5:00: 60 years ago the Vikings played their first game. They won big, then lost a bunch of games the rest of the year, setting fans up for the rest of their history.
7:00: Star Tribune Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins the show for our weekly picks segment. A listener wrote to Mark after last week's picks thanking him for his Week 1 selections because he took the opposite of that advice and…
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Sep 16, 2021
Minnesota's most disappointing team? Plus hear from Patrick Beverley and Marco Rossi
Introduction: Host Michael Rand declares there is a new contender this summer for most disappointing Minnesota team, which is hard to fathom considering how bad the Twins have been. But consider: After a 4-0 drubbing at Sporting KC on Wednesday, Minnesota United's season record stands at 8 wins, 8 losses and 7 draws. It doesn't get much more mediocre than that, and there's one more particularly alarming eight: The Loons, who had championship aspirations at the start of the year, are now in eighth place in the Western Conference -- and only the top seven make the playoffs.
5:00: The Wolves introduced all of their offseason acquisitions to the media on Wednesday, with perhaps the most interesting voice coming from veteran guard Patrick Beverley. He has played in 59 career playoff games and he said accountability is the biggest thing the Wolves will need in order to succeed this season.
8:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joined Rand to talk about a number of subjects, inclu…
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Sep 15, 2021
Joe Ryan's injury scare, KAT on vaccines, Chip Scoggins' Football Across Minnesota
Intro: When Twins pitcher Joe Ryan was hit in the hand by a batted ball on Tuesday, fans -- and Ryan himself -- immediately feared the worst. But the rookie, who seems to have a flair for drama, sounds like he is actually OK even after he left the field and didn't return to the Twins' 3-1 loss to Cleveland.
5:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a look at his debut Football Across Minnesota column, a weekly feature highlighting moments from all levels of football in the state this fall. He shares his thoughts on the Vikings' offensive line, the Gophers' defensive line and a story from the northern part of the state that puts it all in perspective.
22:00: Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted on Tuesday about the silliness of vaccine skeptics, a nice contrast to the spotlight often put on athletes who are against getting the spotlight for their anti-vaccine stances.
25:00: The standings are tightening up for the Lynx and the Loons. Here are some…
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Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Morning Nickelback: Breeland's rough debut, Vikings O-line woes, Gophers get a W
Introduction: Anyone can be a Monday Morning Quarterback and come in hot with the next day’s takes. Not everyone can let the football stew for an extra day, then analyze it through a different lens – all while incorporating one of Canada’s pre-eminent rock bands.
That's what Tuesday Morning Nickelback, a new weekly feature on Daily Delivery during the football season, is all about. You'll get four standard components to the show every week. For example, this week:
2:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins to help break down one of the biggest moments in the Vikings' 27-24 loss to the Bengals on Sunday: Joe Burrow's 50-yard TD pass to Ja'Marr Chase late in the first half over Vikings corner Bashaud Breeland. How did Chase get so open? How rough was Breeland's debut? Krammer has all those answers.
11:00: Host Michael Rand's longtime friend Keith Richotte joins to break down the Vikings' loss from a more casual and visceral perspective in a segment we call My Least Favorite Team is…
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Sep 13, 2021
Patrick Reusse: Have the Vikings already tuned out Mike Zimmer after one game?
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a scathing dissection of the Vikings' 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals in Sunday's season-opener.
If you were worried about the Vikings' offensive line, their vibe, their continuity and their depth coming into the season, none of those fears were alleviated in a game marred by penalties, big plays allowed on defense and a late fumble by Dalvin Cook. About the best thing that happened was some solid work in the kicking game. After a dismal training camp, the Vikings couldn't just flip a switch. And it as Reusse wondering if the Vikings have simply tuned out their head coach -- or of Mike Zimmer's time has merely run its course.
20:00: The Gophers got their first win of the season, but they had to sweat a little in the end. After taking a 21-3 halftime lead against Miami (Ohio), Minnesota hung on for a 31-26 victory. If P.J. Fleck's team is going to compete in the Big Ten West, the defense must show improvement an…
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Sep 10, 2021
Crunch time for Ben Simmons, Kirill Kaprizov deals + NFL picks with Mark Craig
Introduction: Host Michael Rand woke up Friday morning, looked at the date and came to the realization that two huge issues that seemed to be in the distance are much closer to a needed resolution; Whether the 76ers are going to trade Ben Simmons (to the Timberwolves) and a contract extension for Wild wing Kirill Kaprizov. With the Wild's preseason opener 15 days away and NBA training camps opening in 18 days, these two looming stories that have occupied our thoughts for a lot of the summer are overlapping now with football season.
5:00: Rand welcomes Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig onto the show to talk about his season outlook and his Week 1 picks. He has the Packers winning the Super Bowl, so prepare yourselves accordingly. Rand, meanwhile, has the Vikings going 7-10.
29:00: Mike McCarthy botched another game for Dallas in its 31-29 NFL opener loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday.
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Sep 9, 2021
State Rep. Pat Garofalo on the future of sports wagering in Minnesota
Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down Twins rookie Joe Ryan's second MLB start, which included 6 1/3 perfect innings -- and a much more consistent mix of his four pitches than he used at the outset of his debut last week. If he can continue to throw his fastball, slider, changeup and curveball for strikes and in various counts, Ryan has a very bright future.
5:00: The Lynx had a chance to move into prime playoff territory on Wednesday, but a blowout loss at Las Vegas dimmed those hopes. Still, the rest of Minnesota's schedule is forgiving and a top-four regular-season finish is well within reach.
7:00: State Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, joins the show to talk about the future of sports wagering in Minnesota. With Iowa already having legalized sports wagering and Wisconsin on deck, where do we stand in Minnesota? And how did we get here in the first place, with countless states legalizing sports wagering and the public sentiment toward it shifting almost by the minute?
29:00:…
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Sep 8, 2021
Gophers running back options; Kirk Cousins = Warren Moon?; Should the Vikings tank?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that Twins closer Alex Colome has rebounded from a disastrous start to this season and now -- somehow -- has his ERA for the year under 4 after another clean inning and save on Tuesday. It's too little, too late but if we're going to rip Colome for how he pitched early on we at least need to acknowledge that he has been much better since mid-June.
3:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to provide an update after a 45-31 season-opening loss to Ohio State in which star running back Mohamed Ibrahim was lost for the year with an injury. Where Minnesota goes from here largely will be determined by its running back depth and how well its defense adjusts to competition not as stiff as that offered by the Buckeyes.
12:00: My least favorite team is my favorite team with Keith Richotte -- the last preseason installment before the Vikings season begins finds us talking about three things: Will you be rooting for the Vikings' season to…
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Sep 7, 2021
Patrick Reusse with a Twins pitching rant, a failed Gophers prediction and more
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand and immediately gets going on one of his favorite gripes: That the Twins are doing a disservice to their young pitchers, particularly Bailey Ober, by limiting his innings in 2021. His point is a good one: Sometimes you have to look at situations case-by-case, and if Ober seems like he's strong enough to go deeper into games (and the season), let him. How else are you going to find out about what he can do in 2022?
Reusse and Rand then dive into the Gophers' 45-31 loss to Ohio State, the impact of the loss of Mohamed Ibrahim and P.J. Fleck's performance.
And a check-in on the state town ball tournament, which Reusse reports had its best attendance since 1959.
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Sep 6, 2021
Special Delivery: Chris Finch and Chris Hine talking Timberwolves at the State Fair
Wolves coach Chris Finch and beat writer Chris Hine joined host Michael Rand at the State Fair recently to talk about the offseason -- including the revelation that Anthony Edwards, according to Finch, has grown an inch or two since the Wolves drafted him. What should we expect this season, and did Finch ever go and get that beverage?
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Sep 4, 2021
Special Delivery: Lindsay Whalen and Kent Youngblood talking hoops at the State Fair
Gophers women's basketball coach Lindsay Whalen and beat writer Kent Youngblood joined host Michael Rand at the State Fair recently to talk about the upcoming season, how much Whalen misses playing and whether she could have capitalized on her name, image and likeness if the rule was in place back in her time with the Gophers.
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Sep 3, 2021
Chip Scoggins breaks down the Gophers; Ben Simmons to the Wolves heats up
Intro: Host Michael Rand gives his thoughts on the Gophers' season-opening 45-31 loss to Ohio State at Huntington Bank Stadium. In the end, it was about what most of us expected -- a competitive loss, but a loss nonetheless. Still, Rand couldn't help feel like an opportunity was missed based on how the game unfolded.
5:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand with more breakdown of the game. There was plenty to like, including the emergence of a receiving group and the play of the offensive line. But there was also plenty of concern -- first and foremost the health of star running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who left with a leg injury in the second half and did not return. The defense also showed its weak spots in allowing several long second-half touchdowns.
20:00: Rand is back on his obsession thanks to the 76ers' Ben Simmons reportedly saying earlier this week that he won't report to training camp as discord escalates between the two sides. Will that finally shake loose a trade? And could the Wolves…
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Sep 2, 2021
A dismal Kirk Cousins stat + New Vikings segment! + Can the Gophers win? + Joe Ryan's debut
Introduction: Host Michael Rand finds an interesting statistic that helps explain how perception matches reality with Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. In terms of expected points added in the final four minutes of the first half and end of game, Cousins lags near the bottom of NFL quarterbacks both in the last two years and 10 years. But so do several other former Vikings QBs. Is it an offensive line problem? A quarterback problem? A little of both? Regardless, not being able to make a play when it matters most is frustrating.
8:00: Can the Gophers beat Ohio State on Thursday? Rand thinks they can, and he will be disappointed if it at least isn't at least a one-score game deep into the second half.
10:00: A new weekly segment debuts with Rand's longtime friend Keith Richotte Jr. titled "My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team" -- an homage to a Vikings book Richotte wrote several years ago. This is the preseason edition, which delves into past pain and triumph, plus future pessimism and opt…
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Sep 1, 2021
Jenny Taft and Randy Johnson on the big Gophers vs. Ohio State game
Intro: Host Michael Rand walks through the Vikings' roster cuts on Tuesday, which didn't reveal a whole lot of surprises but did clarify their quarterback situation. It sure seems like rookie third round pick Kellen Mond is the backup to Kirk Cousins, and it's hard to imagine that changing this season.
4:00: Edina native Jenny Taft joins the show to talk about the upcoming college football season. Taft, who works for Fox Sports 1, will be doing sideline reporting from Thursday's Gophers vs. Ohio State game at Huntington Bank Stadium. She gives her thoughts on the game, the upcoming college football season, her increasing role at FS1 and a viral moment a few weeks ago with "Undisputed" co-host Skip Bayless.
22:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson checks in with updates on the Gophers on the eve of their season opener against Ohio State.
30:00: How does a 3-1 regulation baseball game last 3 hours, 34 minutes?
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Aug 31, 2021
Cheryl Reeve on Lynx success, lack of respect + high school football + Twins rotation help
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes note of another good pitching outing by Twins rookie Bailey Ober. If he has a solid September on top of a standout August, you can at least pencil his name into the 2022 rotation (even if the other four spots are TBA). Plus we should get a first look soon at Joe Ryan -- maybe as soon as Wednesday -- and another look at Randy Dobnak during the final month of the season.
3:00: Lynx head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve joins the show to talk about the turnaround this season from an 0-4 start to the team's current 15-9 record. Layshia Clarendon has played a big role as has Sylvia Fowles and better continuity after a tough training camp, according to Reeve. She also delves into what she deems an ongoing lack of respect from the league for Fowles' accomplishments and revisits a recent free throw disparity.
21:00: Star Tribune high school sports writer Jim Paulsen comes on to discuss his recent story on the configuration of the largest football teams in t…
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Aug 30, 2021
Patrick Reusse on 'rebuilding' Twins, Vikings injury woes + golf's biggest villain
Introduction: Host Michael Rand is joined by columnist Patrick Reusse for a look at the Twins. on Sunday, manager Rocco Baldelli said the quiet part out loud: the Twins are rebuilding, and their roster decisions the rest of this year and heading into the offseason will be focused on player development. Fellow columnist Jim Souhan wrote on Monday that the Twins can't afford to be in that position, while Reusse challenges the idea that they have to rebuild even as a mid-market team.
15:00: The latest "dings of concern" has Rand and Reusse talking about the injury to tight end Irv Smith Jr., which reportedly will keep him out for the start of the season. Not much has gone right for the Vikings since the start of training camp. The news was offset somewhat by a contract extension for safety Harrison Smith.
22:00: Patrick Cantlay's thrilling six-hole playoff win over Bryson DeChambeau was a reminder of golf's great theater -- and what an excellent villain DeChambeau has become.
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Aug 27, 2021
Get to know new Wolves owner Marc Lore + A newsy update from Gophers AD Mark Coyle
Intro: Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle is a man of few public words, but he recently sat down with several members of the Star Tribune sports staff for a question and answer session. Host Michael Rand found three things about the interview particularly enlightening: Where the department is with Gophers football season ticket sales, its policy on COVID and the final tally on the financial damage from the last year. Rand examines all three and notes that college football, like the NFL, will need to be nimble this fall.
7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to talk about new team owner Marc Lore. Hine spent time with Lore recently in Las Vegas for a long profile story that will be online Friday and in the Sunday Star Tribune. How did Lore make his fortune? What might that tell us about how he will eventually run the Wolves? Plus Hine and Rand discuss the Patrick Beverley trade and ponder any further offseason moves.
27:00: It was an immaculate inning i…
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Aug 26, 2021
The Miguel Sano conundrum; Kirk on Everson; Minnesota United's Ethan Finlay
Introduction: Enough happened in Wednesday's Twins game for host Michael Rand to make several notes and for columnist Patrick Reusse to urgently text late at night with the message "call me." Turns out he just wanted to cackle about Alex Colome, Hansel Robles and all that unfolded late in the game when Colome blew a save but Robles returned the favor. Other items of interest: The Twins are now 11-2 in extra inning games since starting 0-8. And Miguel Sano launched the longest home run in the majors this season (495 feet), leading Rand down a path of wondering what to do about the inconsistent slugger next season.
8:00: Vikings QB Kirk Cousins spoke for the first time since Everson Griffen was re-signed by the Vikings and had a pretty short -- but smile-filled -- answer when asked about Griffen's social media posts earlier this year. You can hear the audio for yourself.
10:00: Minnesota United's Ethan Finlay joins the show and discusses a number of subjects, including: the Loons' reboun…
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Aug 25, 2021
Drew Magary on the Vikings; Lynx center Sylvia Fowles is the GOAT
Intro: Lynx center Sylvia Fowles had one of the greatest games in WNBA history on Tuesday, scoring 29 points to go with 20 rebounds, four steals and three blocks -- without committing a foul or a turnover along the way. Her dominant performance helped Minnesota to a 76-70 win over Seattle and provided a platform for Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve to point out that Fowles is still one of the WNBA's best players -- and that she's underappreciated even after a storied career.
6:00: The Twins, on the other hand, are not among the greatest of all time. Their improved recent play was short-lived as they have now lost four in a row to the Yankees and Red Sox. In a lost season, there's only one thing host Michael Rand cares about: 2022 and the development of players.
8:00: Drew Magary of Defector Media joins the podcast to help Rand preview the Vikings season as only Magary can. Kirk Cousins, the coordinators and a lot of other people associated with the Vikings are on notice -- though Magary, a note…
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Aug 24, 2021
Everson Griffen's return + Youth sports and gambling + Good Bally Sports North news?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Vikings' decision to bring back defensive end Everson Griffen from a number of angles -- a couple of them unsurprising and one of them fairly surprising. He's the fourth former member of the defense to return in 2021, joining Mackensie Alexander, Sheldon Richardson and Stephen Weatherly. He's part of an overall defensive upgrade in the offseason that has seen the Vikings dole out more than 200 times as much guaranteed money to that side of the ball than to outside free agents on offense. And Griffen has the potential to be a disruption in the locker room after social media comments critical of Kirk Cousins.
8:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about his recent story on the big business of charitable gaming and how it funds a lot of youth sports initiatives in Minnesota. Youth sports organizations in the state generated more than $100 million in net receipts -- no, that's not a misprint -- in 2020, and the number could…
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Aug 23, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the most pressure Kirk Cousins has ever felt
Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look at where the Vikings stand with just one preseason game left before a critical 2021 season. The offense hasn't scored a touchdown in eight quarters of preseason football, which included three shaky drives (and five short completions) from starting QB Kirk Cousins in a 12-10 loss Saturday to the Colts. While the preseason doesn't technically matter, it is contributing to an overall negative vibe on the team, Reusse says. And he is of the belief that Cousins is under more pressure now than at any other point in his career.
15:00: A look at Twins prospect Jose Miranda, who has been written about by both Reusse and Rand in the last couple months. Miranda is hitting a combined .342 with 25 home runs between Class AA and Class AAA this season and should warrant a look with the Twins down the stretch. The problem is that he figures to be a third baseman in the majors. The Twins are paying Josh Donaldson a lot of m…
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Aug 20, 2021
Best and worst Timberwolves trades ever + Minnesota United talk with Jon Marthaler
Intro: A listener asked host Michael Rand to rank the three best and worst Timberwolves trades in that franchise's history, so he took a swing at it. The usual suspects are on the list, but did Rand put the trade to get Jimmy Butler on his best or worst list? You'll have to listen to find out.
7:00: Longtime Star Tribune soccer insider Jon Marthaler joins the show to talk about Minnesota United past and present. It's been five years since the franchise announced it was launching in St. Paul, and the trajectory has been mostly positive since then. But the historical marker gives a chance to look back at what might have been: What if the franchise had folded when it was a second-division club, something that was very possible? And what if the Vikings' ownership group had won the bid to get the MLS franchise instead of the current group? Plus Marthaler and Rand will look at the current team's identity heading into a big match vs. Kansas City and a big U.S. Women's match coming in October.…
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Aug 19, 2021
Spencer Hall on college football playoffs, paying players and P.J. Fleck as a superhero
Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives a near-daily appreciation of Jorge Polanco, who produced a walk-off run batted in for the third time in four games as the Twins won another series. It will be interesting to see if Polanco stays at second base in 2022, when the Twins don't have any other clear options at shortstop, or if he returns to that position.
4:00: College football podcaster and writer Spencer Hall joins the show for a whirlwind tour of several subjects. Rand and Hall dive into the new rule governing name, image and likeness -- agreeing that it's a good thing but not nearly enough as players look to gain their fair share of the revenue they generate. They also discuss the impact that an expanded 12-team college football playoff could have on a team like the Gophers and assign a superpower to P.J. Fleck.
29:00: Can Kirk Cousins learn to improvise? Is that the new "is this the year Adrian Peterson catches more passes?"
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Aug 18, 2021
Patrick Beverley trade breakdown + Phil Miller on Twins prospects + Everson Griffen drama?
Intro: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Timberwolves' trade for Patrick Beverley with three main points. First, the trade makes sense for the Wolves and Beverley's shooting plus defensive acumen will bolster their roster. Second, giving up Juancho Hernangomez and Jarrett Culver isn't a huge haul to send back, but it is an admission that the Wolves missed when they drafted Culver No. 6 overall just two years ago. Third, the Wolves still don't have a starting caliber power forward.
6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins the show to talk about the team's recent improved play and what it means in the context of this year and next year. Plus, what do we make of the Twins' young players -- those already here like Bailey Ober and the next wave that could include Joe Ryan and Jose Miranda.
27:00: Everson Griffen reportedly will work out for the Vikings on Wednesday, which is interesting on multiple fronts -- the primary one being that Griffen ripped QB Kirk Cousins on Twitter…
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Aug 17, 2021
Gophers coordinator Joe Rossi + Wolves over-unders + Bill Guerin on Fiala, Kaprizov
Intro: Host Michael Rand goes down a rabbit hole of numbers to determine that the Timberwolves have only reached their preseason Las Vegas victory total three times in 17 seasons since their trip to the Western Conference finals in 2003-04. Do with that information what you will, but it does speak to the disappointment, even relative to expectations, that the team has encountered. Will this season be any different?
7:00: Wild general manager Bill Guerin spoke with members of the media Monday to give his perspective on Kevin Fiala's one-year deal and ongoing negotiations with Kirill Kaprizov. You don't want to get into a poker game with Guerin.
11:00: Gophers football defensive coordinator Joe Rossi joins the show to talk about the upcoming season, key newcomers and his path from Division III football to the Big Ten.
25:00: The Twins had another walk-off win on Monday, this time over Cleveland, and reached a key milestone in the process: Since that dreadful 14-28 start, they have gone 3…
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Aug 16, 2021
Patrick Reusse on the genius of Tom Kelly and anger of Mike Zimmer
Columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at two of the more interesting figures who have led Minnesota teams: Tom Kelly and Mike Zimmer.
Reusse wrote a great longer piece on Kelly and the tragic loss of his son, humanizing the former Twins manager ahead of this past weekend's celebration of the 1991 Twins World Series team. On the podcast, Reusse went deeper on Kelly -- trying to drive at what made him a successful manager, who he is as a person and what made him walk away from the job at the relatively young age of 51.
Rand and Reusse also talked about Mike Zimmer, who was very unhappy about the way his team played in a 33-6 loss to Denver in Saturday's preseason opener. Zimmer seemed upbeat at the start of training camp, but that has given way to a more consistently sour mood as the team has dealt with issues on and off the field. The pressure of a win-now season and the still-looming threat of a COVID disruption have to be factors.
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Aug 13, 2021
Twins President Dave St. Peter + Vikings concerns + Top 5 sports movie ranking
Intro: Let's try a new segment called "Dings of Concern," where host Michael Rand runs down some things about this year's Vikings that have him concerned about their overall big picture. It even has sound effects. From two separate major COVID stories to injuries -- the latest being a second surgery for first-round offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw -- Rand is concerned, to say the least.
8:00: Twins President Dave St. Peter joins the show to talk about a number of subjects. Rand notes that Twins TV ratings have plummeted by almost 50% this season over last year and wonders how much of that is because of a losing record and how much is because of the ongoing impasse between Bally Sports North and several streaming services. St. Peter also addresses concerns about the uptick in COVID cases and notes some pleasant surprises in a tough season.
27:00: The Field of Dreams game in Iowa was a smashing success, and it provides a reason for a list that everyone can get upset about: Rand's top…
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Aug 12, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater what-ifs, Chip Scoggins on Kirill Kaprizov, listener questions answered
Intro: It's hard to believe that it's been nearly five years since that fateful day in practice when Teddy Bridgewater suffered a catastrophic injury that changed the course of his career and the Vikings' trajectory. With Bridgewater back in Minnesota and participating in joint practices as he battles for the starting QB job with the Broncos, memories of that day are still fresh. Hear from Bridgewater about his perspective on that journey, while host Michael Rand tries to sort out the still-lasting impact on the Vikings.
8:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about his latest piece on the Wild and negotiations with budding star Kirill Kaprizov. Scoggins tries to talk Wild fans down from whatever level of concern they have, laying out all the practical reasons why a compromise deal should get done relatively soon. But he and Rand also delve into the uncomfortable question: What if it doesn't work out?
24:00: Rand blazes through a bunch of good reader questions, with topics…
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Aug 11, 2021
NBA Math: Wolves player rankings + Griffin Jax emerges for Twins
Intro: Host Michael Rand wasn't a big believer in Griffin Jax, but he's starting to come around to the idea that the Twins pitcher at least deserves a longer look in the rotation after another strong start Tuesday against the White Sox. That's four in a row for Jax, the 26-year-old rookie who doesn't have overpowering stuff but has found a way to be effective when given the chance recently.
5:30: Adam Fromal, founder of the website NBA Math, joins the show to talk about the site's exhaustive recently released NBA player rankings. A panel of 15 NBA experts ranked every player who played at least one minute in the league last season -- an exercise that yields a pretty good aggregate indicator of where each player stands. It yielded some interesting results for the Wolves and could reframe how we think about their chances going forward.
27:00: The Vikings had just 69 punt return yards last season. Something needs to change this season, and the team is trying to address it.
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Aug 10, 2021
Patrick Reusse on MLB's desperation + Kirill Kaprizov tension escalates
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the latest reporting on Wild star Kirill Kaprizov and the possibility that he could play next season in Russia. A report says he has a one-year deal for more than $10 million on the table to play there next year, but it's likely just a negotiating ploy to get more favorable terms with the Wild on a long-term deal
5:00: Columnist Patrick Reusse joins the show to talk about MLB's desperation, as evidenced by a New York Post report that the league is considering a streaming partnership with Barstool Sports. Want to attract a younger audience? That's one way, though it would be at the detriment of a large share of existing fans who note Barstool's misogynistic principles. Reusse also weighs in on the Kaprizov situation.
25:00: Wolves Summer League highlights included more quips from an apparently healthy Anthony Edwards and some strong play from big man Nathan Knight.
29:00: Is the "all-important" NFL preseason game changing?
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Aug 9, 2021
Vikings kicking concern, Twins who could help, Olympic glory
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes a big-picture look back at the Tokyo Olympics, which will be remembered in Minnesota for a long time as quite possibly the most successful summer games in state history. Even just listing off all the medalists from this state takes a long time.
5:00: The Vikings kicking competition has flown under the radar with other big stories taking a lot of the spotlight. But the battle between two relative unknowns is fascinating. Rand explores that with the help of Mark Craig's recent story.
12:00: The Twins have pivoted to a season of prospects instead of contention. Which of the young pitchers could we see this year -- and who has the best chance to help?
18:00: Some pretty disappointing Twins TV rating numbers came out recently. Rand wants to dive into them in more detail, but he tries to provide some early context about what he is seeing.
21:00: Some good news? Minnesota United is on a roll.
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Aug 6, 2021
Gable Steveson's gold, Suni Lee and Grace McCallum come home, Kayla McBride of the Lynx joins the show
Intro: Guest host Christina Long talks Olympics, as Minnesota’s own gold medalist Suni Lee and gymnastics teammate Grace McCallum returned home Thursday to a welcoming committee of adoring fans. Lee became the newest American gymnast to be a household name, especially after her square-tip acrylic nails, which were designed locally, went viral after her big win. Plenty of other Minnesotans have continued to compete in Tokyo, including Gopher wrestling star Gable Steveson. The Apple Valley native won gold in heavyweight wrestling early Friday morning as he knocked off the three-time champion from Georgia. USA women’s basketball, which features Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Sylvia Fowles, will play for the gold Saturday night.
9:00 Lynx guard Kayla McBride joins the show to talk everything from baking to basketball. McBride and the Lynx are in the midst of the WNBA’s month-long Olympic break but will return to play Aug. 15. Minnesota entered the break on a seven-game win streak an…
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Aug 5, 2021
Paige Bueckers, millionaire? Plus Gophers football talk and a huge golf event
Intro: Guest host Christina Long talks name, image and likeness after news that local star Paige Bueckers has trademarked her nickname, “Paige Buckets.” Bueckers stands to make $1 million in the next year. With another Minnesota superstar heading to college in Suni Lee, it’s possible that two Twin Cities natives could be making a sizable amount from their name, image and likeness while in school -- a huge change for amateur athletes under this brand new rule. Big names like Bueckers and future Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers have made headlines for their potential earnings, but what might new NIL rules do for athletes without their star power and name recognition?
7:00: Former Gophers women’s golf coach Michele Redman joins the show to talk about the Land ‘O’ Lakes Legends Classic, which starts Thursday with a pro-am before the two-day tournament tees off Friday. The tournament is a brand-new event that Redman helped start in order to bring the LPGA’s senior tour…
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Aug 4, 2021
Vikings' league-worst vaccination rate + Jeff Gladney fallout
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes a look at Tuesday's big Vikings news, with 2020 first round pick Jeff Gladney indicted by a grand jury and later released by the team. We can acknowledge that the Vikings did the correct thing in quickly condemning and moving on from Gladney while also pointing out that their recent history with first-round picks -- outside of the fantastic Justin Jefferson -- has been pretty suspect. ... You'll also hear from Wild head coach Dean Evason in the opening segment as he comments on the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
6:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to provide his thoughts on the other big Vikings story of the week: the continued absence of Kirk Cousins from camp as he is sidelined due to COVID protocols. A report in the Washington Post says the Vikings have the lowest vaccination rate of any NFL team. Why is that, and how much of an impact will it have this season? Scoggins also weighs in on why the Jose Berrios trade is nothing to celebra…
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Aug 3, 2021
Mike Zimmer doubles down on vaccines + Wolves free agency preview
Intro: Host Michael Rand notes the tone of Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who again Monday was without three quarterbacks -- including starter Kirk Cousins and third-round pick Kellen Mond -- as they are sidelined by the league's COVID protocols. Zimmer's exasperation with players who don't get the vaccine was on plain display and for good reason. First and foremost it's a matter of public health. Beyond that, and perhaps more urgent in a direct way for Zimmer, unvaccinated players could have a serious impact on wins and losses this season.
5:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to look at NBA free agency. Monday's opening was quiet for the Wolves as several mid-tier players jumped to new teams. Minnesota figures to think both small and big, though, along the way -- and could be poised to make the kind of splash President Gersson Rosas covets.
27:00: Rand is worried about the hamstring of Josh Donaldson, who hasn't played since Wednesday.
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Aug 2, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Vikings' COVID QB nightmare, Berrios trade
Intro: Host Michael Rand is joined by Patrick Reusse for a look at the latest Vikings' trip up, which has landed three of their quarterbacks in the NFL's COVID protocols and made head coach Mike Zimmer plenty mad. Vaccinated QB Kellen Mond reportedly has COVID, while presumably unvaccinated starter Kirk Cousins is a close contact. That forced Jake Browning into heavy duty at a recent night practice and has the Vikings scrambling for camp bodies this week. It could be worse -- like, say, this happening during the season -- but it underscores what's possible when players aren't vaccinated. Maybe the extra $100 being offered by the state of Minnesota will convince Cousins to get his shots?
14:00: Reusse and Rand, who disagree somewhat on just how good Jose Berrios is, examine the blockbuster trade from Friday from the standpoint of what the Twins gained and lost.
23:00: Soccer talk, which is rare on this segment! The Loons were robbed. Team USA takes the Gold Cup in men's soccer but loses…
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Jul 30, 2021
Special delivery! Berrios, trade deadline analysis with La Velle E. Neal III
In this special edition of Daily Delivery, La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune joins Michael Rand to break down a very active trade deadline for the Twins.
The headline move was a trade of two-time All-Star pitcher Jose Berrios to the Blue Jays for two top prospects, but the Twins made four deals since the beginning of last week -- receiving seven players, six of them pitchers, in return.
What do the deals for Nelson Cruz, Berrios, J.A. Happ and Hansel Robles tell us about the Twins? When might we see some of the new players debut for the Twins? And just how excited should we be about the haul from Toronto, which consisted of top-100 MLB prospects in outfielder Austin Martin and right handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson?
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Jul 30, 2021
Breaking down the Rubio trade + Wild's Alex Goligoski joins the show
Intro: Host Michael Rand dissects the Wolves-related events Thursday -- namely the trade (again) of Ricky Rubio and the decision not to jump into an NBA Draft in which they held no picks at the start of the evening. While the Rubio deal for Taurean Prince, a second-round pick and some cap room is hardly a blockbuster, it has benefits for the Wolves. And let's face it: Rubio was a subpar player for a lot of last season and wasn't going to be here much longer regardless.
12:00: Alex Goligoski, the headliner among three defensemen already signed by the Wild in free agency, joins the show to talk about returning to Minnesota to play professionally and how excited he is about the Wild's prospects this season. And happy birthday to Goligoski, the former Gophers standout, who turned 36 on Friday.
25:00: Another look at the MLB trade deadline, which is fast-approaching at 3 p.m. Friday. The Twins have only made one deal so far. That figures to change as the day goes on.
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Jul 29, 2021
Special Delivery! Minnesota's Suni Lee wins Olympics gymnastics gold
On this special episode of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand checks in with Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan, who is in Tokyo along with Rachel Blount covering one of the biggest stories in Minnesota sports history: Suni Lee, the 18-year-old gymnast from St. Paul, won the Olympic gold medal in the women's all-around competition on Thursday morning. You'll hear Souhan's perspective on just how amazing this is, how it fits into the context of Minnesota sports history and how Lee's bravery in competing at the highest level sits side-by-side with Simon Biles' bravery in pulling out of the competition.
Rand is then joined by Star Tribune reporter Zoe Jackson, who was in Oakdale with about 300 Lee supporters for a watch party early Thursday. You'll hear audio of the moment Jackson was talking to Lee's sister when Suni called on FaceTime from Tokyo, sending the watch party into an eruption of cheers.
And Star Tribune Olympics editor Naila-Jean Meyers talks us through just how Lee was able to…
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Jul 29, 2021
Trade Jose Berrios right now + Wild's free agent moves analyzed
Intro: The Twins lost 17-14 to Detroit, becoming the first team in MLB history to outhomer an opponent by a margin of seven (7-0 in this case) and lose. When you give up 17 runs, naturally host Michael Rand wants you to ... trade your best pitcher? Wait, what? Yep, now more than ever Rand is convinced that Jose Berrios -- with rumors heating up that teams are interested -- should be dealt before Friday's deadline.
5:00: Want some better news? Minnesota United came back for a dramatic draw against LAFC on Wednesday, pulling even late in stoppage time on Hassani Dotson's absolute rocket from 18 yards out.
7:00: The Wild was active early in free agency, signing three players on Wednesday -- highlighted by 36-year-old Minnesota native Alex Goligoski to anchor the defense. Rand has a question, though: Why spend $5 million on Goligoski even for one year after buying out another 36-year-old defenseman, Ryan Suter?
10:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer Bob Timmons joins the podcast to preview hi…
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Jul 28, 2021
Back and forth with a Wisconsin fan about Rodgers, Packers and Badgers
Intro: Host Michael Rand offers perspective on Simone Biles, the dominant U.S. gymnast who pulled out of the team and individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics this week while citing her mental well-being as the reason. Jim Souhan had a very good column in Wednesday's paper on the subject, and Rand echoes the need for empathy as we watch athletes compete at the highest level. That extends to the Twins, too, who had another spectacular defeat in a difficult season Thursday.
7:00: Star Tribune Editorial Editor Scott Gillespie joins the show to talk about all things Wisconsin sports -- including, primarily, Aaron Rodgers and his return to the Packers. Gillespie, a known fan of teams across the border, had good thoughts on how fans feel about all this and what his hopes and dreams are for this season.
28:00: NHL free agency begins Wednesday, with the Wild perhaps pursuing an upgrade at center. Rand outlines one key stat that suggests reinforcements are very necessary.
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Jul 27, 2021
Aaron Rodgers is back, but is Josh Donaldson on the way out?
Intro: In a drama-filled 24 hours, we needed to get to one important story at the beginning of the show. Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay QB who has been unhappy with the Packers for months and looked to be on the brink of sitting out training camp, arrived in Green Bay late Monday and appears headed toward at least a one-year truce to play for the Packers in 2021. That's a big deal across the NFL and particularly for the Vikings.
6:00: Gymnastics and swimming drama at the Olympics stole the show Monday night and very early Tuesday morning.
9:00: Star Tribune summer intern Christina Long joins the show to talk about Lakeville swimmer Regan Smith and all the support she is getting from her club team while swimming at the Olympics. Long also discusses the challenges of intern life and her journey from Arkansas to Minnesota.
23:00: The latest rumblings before the MLB trade deadline suggest that the Brewers are interested in Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson. If the Twins end up moving Donald…
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Jul 26, 2021
Patrick Reusse's big takes on Jose Berrios, Aaron Rodgers and more
Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend and a look ahead to some huge story lines in the next week.
Intro: Cameron Champ lived up to his name by winning the 3M Open over the weekend in Blaine, blasting his way to a 15-under finish and his first tour win in almost two years. Reusse said TPC Twin Cities has exceeded his expectations as a good test of golf for the tour's best players.
8:00: What is the likelihood Jose Berrios is traded before this week's MLB deadline? Reusse started his answer to that question thinking it was about 50-50, then shifted to 60-40 in favor of a trade. By the time he and Rand were done talking about it, he was even more convinced that Berrios made his last start for the Twins on Saturday. And while Byron Buxton doesn't figure to be dealt at the deadline, he could be out the door this winter in a trade if negotiations with the Twins don't improve.
21:00: Most NFL training camps open this week. Reusse weighs in on what he thinks will hap…
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Jul 23, 2021
Analyzing the Nelson Cruz trade + Great Gophers expectations
Intro: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Twins' trade of Nelson Cruz to Tampa Bay in a number of ways: What Cruz meant to the Twins will be hard to replicate, and as much as someone who played just 258 games here can define an era, Cruz did that. He was a lineup presence and the leader of the Bomba Squad. That said, the Twins did well to get two Class AAA pitchers in return for Cruz, and it was clearly a trade that makes sense. It's hard to remove the emotion from the trade, but if you can do that you will find a lot of good.
14:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the podcast from Big Ten media day in Indianapolis where the talk has focused on players being able to profit off their name, image and likeness as well as what impact COVID will have on 2021 after the major disruptions of 2020. One thing is for sure: Gophers coach P.J. Fleck can't call his team young this year. The veteran group is intriguing and could be a contender.
28:00: It's draft night for the Wild, an…
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Jul 22, 2021
The Wolves Ben Simmons debate + Sho-time at Target Field
Intro: Host Michael Rand runs through a few Twins items, including another piece of bad news in a season full of them -- rookie Alex Kirilloff is done for the season and will have wrist surgery. Rand also marvels at Shohei Ohtani, the pitching and hitting sensation for the Angels who is coming to Target Field starting Thursday. We've never seen anything like him in this lifetime.
6:00: Chris Hine joins the show for a spirited debate about whether the Wolves should pursue Ben Simmons in an offseason trade now that the year is over and off-the-court matters are going to start heating up in the NBA. Hine doesn't think Simmons is worth it; Rand acknowledges Simmons' flaws but thinks he would be a good fit with the Wolves. Hine also provides an update on the Wolves' ownership situation.
27:00: The NHL expansion draft was Wednesday, and the Wild took another hit to its blue line after Seattle selected defenseman Carson Soucy. That leaves the Wild with just three defensemen under contract aft…
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Jul 21, 2021
After stunning Parise and Suter moves, what's next for the Wild?
Intro: Host Michael Rand opens today's show with a nod to the Bucks, who claimed their first NBA title in 50 years behind a 50-point, 14-rebound, five-block mammoth performance from star Giannis Antetokounmpo in Tuesday's 105-98 Game 6 win over Phoenix. It's OK to like a Wisconsin team. The Bucks are likeable. Just try not to focus too much on how the Wolves could have drafted Giannis in 2013.
4:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan for a deep look at the Wild's plan going forward after last week's stunning news that they had bought out the contracts of not only Zach Parise but also Ryan Suter. It means savings this season but a lot of dead money on their salary cap in a couple of years. How do they navigate that challenge while still trying to build a competitive team -- particularly since they stand to lose another key affordable player in Wednesday's expansion draft?
29:00: Aaron Rodgers reportedly turned down a contract offer from Green Bay that would h…
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Jul 20, 2021
Why the Twins should trade Jose Berrios + a Vikings injury worry
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Jose Berrios situation with the Twins and comes to the conclusion that if the Twins are being smart they will look at how they have maximized Berrios' value -- under MLB's flawed economic system, mind you -- and continue to do that by trading him instead of attempting to re-sign him at a price that could reach $25 million a year.
Twins beat writer Phil Miller then joins the show to talk about his reporting on Berrios and what might happen in the final 10 days before the trade deadline.
20:00: Game 6 of the NBA Finals is Tuesday night, with the Suns trailing 3-2 and needing a road win at Milwaukee to fend off elimination. One thing is for sure: Losses in Game 4 and Game 5 were not Devin Booker's fault. The Phoenix guard had 40-plus points in both games and needs more help from his teammates, particularly Chris Paul, in Game 6.
23:00: Minnesota United had a huge win over Seattle on Sunday, and it's worth revisiting.
26:00: Rand is officially w…
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Jul 19, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Suter/Parise, can't hate the Bucks + Twins
On Monday's episode, Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand as they catch up on all the biggest stories from the weekend and beyond.
First up, Reusse and Rand tackle last week's huge decision by the Wild and GM Bill Guerin to buy out the contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter -- a move that will save the Wild on the salary cap in the short term but has plenty of long-term implications. Reusse wants Wild fans to remember that Parise and Suter, though coming well short of delivering a championship during their nine seasons here, did help revive a sluggish franchise.
With the Bucks one game away from winning the NBA title, they also examine this question: Why don't Minnesota fans, who tend to loathe Wisconsin teams, seem to hate the Milwaukee Bucks? Quite the contrary, they actually seem to like the Bucks.
And the poor Twins. If they thought they could do something special coming out of the All-Star break, as slugger Nelson Cruz said, getting shut out twice and being swept in Detroit pro…
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Jul 16, 2021
Special Delivery: Chip Scoggins on the Fab Five and 1992 Final Four at the Dome
It's a special week at Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand takes a look back at five high-profile sporting events that took place in the Twin Cities within a one-year span 30 years ago.
On today's episode, the finale of this five-part chronological series, Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a look back at the 1992 Final Four at the Metrodome. Yes, they awarded a Final Four to the same city and same site that had the Super Bowl just a couple months earlier. Duke won the title, but the lasting impact might have been Michigan's Fab Five freshmen, led by Jalen Rose, Chris Webber and Juwan Howard.
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Jul 15, 2021
Special Delivery: The Metrodome Super Bowl + Washington nickname protests
It's a special week at Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand takes a look back at five high-profile sporting events that took place in the Twin Cities within a one-year span 30 years ago.
On today's episode, former Star Tribune editor Tim McGuire joins Rand for a look back at the Super Bowl hosted at the Metrodome in 1992, won 37-24 by Washington over Buffalo. The game and the run of Minnesota sports was memorable, but the story of the time might have been protests over the "Redskins" nickname that Washington only dropped last year.
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Jul 14, 2021
Special Delivery: Kent Hrbek on the 1991 World Series
It's a special week at Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand takes a look back at five high-profile sporting events that took place in the Twin Cities within a one-year span 30 years ago.
On today's episode, Twins great Kent Hrbek offers his memories and perspectives from one of the greatest World Series ever played -- the dramatic 1991 series won in seven games by the Twins over Atlanta. Hrbek and Rand -- a huge Atlanta fan at the time -- even have a little battle over Ron Gant.
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Jul 13, 2021
Special Delivery: Patrick Reusse on the 1991 U.S. Open at Hazeltine
It's a special week at Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand takes a look back at five high-profile sporting events that took place in the Twin Cities within a one-year span 30 years ago.
On today's episode, Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Rand to offer perspectives on the 1991 U.S. Open at Hazeltine, which paved the way for two PGA Championships and two Ryder Cups to be awarded to the course in Chaska. Payne Stewart edged out Scott Simpson in a playoff almost exactly 30 years ago in a memorable big golf event.
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Jul 12, 2021
Special delivery: Brian Bellows on the 1991 North Stars' Stanley Cup run
It's a special week at Daily Delivery as host Michael Rand takes a look back at five high-profile sporting events that took place in the Twin Cities within a one-year span 30 years ago.
First up: The 1991 Stanley Cup Finals, which came to Met Center after the North Stars -- just 27-39-14 in the regular season -- made a stunning playoff run to beat Chicago, St. Louis and Edmonton. One of the top players on that team, Brian Bellows, joins the podcast to make his case for that team not being as much of an underdog as we might think as well as to explain how that run was even possible.
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Jul 9, 2021
The joys and challenges of covering high school sports
Paul Klauda, the Star Tribune's high school sports editor for the last decade, joins host Michael Rand -- the paper's high school editor for five years before that -- to talk about the joys and challenges of covering prep sports.
Klauda, who is transitioning to a new role at the Star Tribune at the end of July, offers unique perspectives on covering high school sports during the pandemic and a time of social justice change. And he also helps preview the All Metro Sports Awards, a series of big high school sports announcements coming from the Star Tribune next week.
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Jul 8, 2021
Listener questions: Minnesota coaches on the hot seat + more
Host Michael Rand takes a break from the typical format to devote 30 minutes to answering a bunch of questions from listeners.
Among them: Ranking the six head coaches of major Minnesota pro sports teams in terms of the "hottest seats" and their job status; predicting the next wave of Twins call-ups; determining how much criticism the Wild should get if it doesn't add a better center to play with Kirill Kaprizov; plus inquiries about tacos and rollerblades, of course.
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Jul 7, 2021
Vikings: Make or break? Gophers: Now or never? Twins: Sell or not?
Intro: After a couple recent instances of questionable postponements, the Twins and White Sox played through the drizzle on Tuesday and got the game in. See, that wasn't so bad, was it? The down side was that the Twins lost 4-1, plunging further in the standings.
3:00: Columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a breakdown of three looming topics: 1) If this is a make-or-break season for the Vikings, which way do we think it's headed? 2) The Gophers football team is primed for a big year with depth on both lines. But can they come close to the success of 2019? And if not now, when? 3) Will the Twins be big-time sellers at the trade deadline or just make minor moves in hopes of shaking off this season as a fluke?
28:00: Suns vs. Bucks doesn't quite feel like an NBA Finals series.
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Jul 6, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Twins pitching, Wolves hope and more
Intro: Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Twins pitching. Two days of good starting pitching equaled two wins for the Twins, but for the most part this season it hasn't gone that way. Are the Twins fooling themselves if they think they can turn things around in that department based on their track record, or is 2021 really the outlier when it comes to poor performance?
17:00: The conversation shifts to basketball as Reusse and Rand look at the NBA Finals through the lens of the Timberwolves. The Suns won just 19 games two years ago and weren't in the playoffs last year, either. The Bucks are a mid-market team built around a star player and other complementary pieces. Should this matchup give the Wolves hope that it could happen here? Reusse wouldn't go that far, but he does see signs of a competitive team in Minnesota.
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Jul 2, 2021
La Velle E. Neal on Twins trades: How soon and which players?
Intro: Host Michael Rand laments a microcosm of 2021 game for Twins slugger Miguel Sano, who struck out four times in an 8-5 loss to the White Sox on Thursday. All four of those whiffs came with men on base, and he stranded a total of nine runners in another game that shows he just can't be trusted in this lineup going forward.
3:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins from Chicago, where he wrote columns from the Twins' disappointing sweep at the hands of the White Sox. Minnesota is now 14.5 games back in the AL Central race and 13 games back of a wild card spot. With the All-Star break approaching and the trade deadline looming, Twins players seem to be increasingly struck with the realization that this isn't their year. That leads to a natural question that Neal tries to answer: Which players might get traded (and how soon might those trades happen)?
25:00: It wouldn't be right if Rand didn't mention that Friday is the deadline for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to opt out of the season if he want…
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Jul 1, 2021
Josh Donaldson goes off + meet a slugging Twins prospect + MN United on a hot streak
Intro: Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson seems determined to be part of every news cycle. On Wednesday, he talked about having a confrontation with White Sox Lucas Giolito after Donaldson's actions and Giolito's words caused a stir on Tuesday. Donaldson also publicly called out Giolito's statistics and implicated him as a cheater.
6:00: Minnesota United beat writer Jerry Zgoda joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Loons, who are on a six-game unbeaten streak after an 0-4 start. What is behind the improved play? And will that get derailed by an MLS investigation into comments allegedly made by a Loons player in their latest win over Portland.
22:00: Meet Jose Miranda, the Twins prospect who slugged three home runs in his debut with the Class AAA Saints on Tuesday, which also happened to be his 23rd birthday. If his power isn't interesting enough, consider this: He's also Lin-Manuel Miranda's cousin.
28:00: The Lynx are back over .500 after an 8-3 stretch erased an 0-4 start.
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Jun 30, 2021
Kirill Kaprizov's future + J.E. Skeets on Simmons/Wolves + Josh Donaldson stirs it up again
Intro: To the surprise of nobody (at least outside of Dallas), the Wild's Kirill Kaprizov became the organization's first Calder Trophy winner on Tuesday, garnering 99 of a possible 100 first place votes to show just how lopsided the race with Stars runner-up Jason Robertson really was. That Gretzky-esque total only adds to Kaprizov's value, which is an interesting subject as he looks for a new contract this offseason. Host Michael Rand urges the Wild to get that figured out sooner rather than later.
4:00: Longtime NBA blogger and podcaster J.E. Skeets joins the show to talk about the excitement of this year's playoffs and to offer his perspective on a possible Timberwolves trade for Ben Simmons. He thinks a deal built around D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley would get it done; Rand isn't so sure. Plus Skeets dispenses great advice about getting into the sports media business.
27:00: Another day, another sticky substance controversy with Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson right in the…
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Jun 29, 2021
Minnesotans set to dominate Olympics + Furious about another Twins 'rainout'
Intro: Two of the last three Twins games have been "rained out" even though the chance of severe weather was questionable. In both cases -- a Twins home game Saturday against Cleveland and Monday's game at Chicago -- the home team looked like it manipulated MLB rules that leave the decision to start a game up to their discretion and used the opportunity to get some rest and recuperation. Decisions like that leave fans high and dry, cheat the game and are symptomatic of a larger societal problem, host Michael Rand argues.
8:00: Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joins the show to break down a fantastic run at U.S. Olympic trials by many Minnesota hopefuls. In both sheer number and profile, Minnesota athletes are poised to have a great Summer Games -- particularly in women's and men's gymnastics, where three of the eight members of Team USA combined are Minnesotans.
25:00: A rescheduled Winter Classic is good news for local hockey fans, plus you'll need to get used to a new name for the G…
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Jun 28, 2021
Patrick Reusse on Saturday 'rainout', Sunday Twins win, Monday opportunity
Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend, and as usual Reusse is furious about something. This time: The Twins' decision to call off Saturday's game because of the threat of rain, which in his estimation was a thinly veiled attempt to rest pitchers and create more favorable matchups. Rand agreed, and both of them think it's a bad message to send to fans who showed up Saturday at Target Field, particularly those who traveled from far away to get there.
6:00: If the Twins are going to make the season interesting, they'll need to have a big series starting Monday in Chicago. Third baseman Josh Donaldson is trying to get them fired up, and he delivered Sunday with a home run as the Twins won the series against Cleveland and improved to 19-15 since a dreadful 14-28 start.
11:00: We got hosed! Sort of. And former Twin Hector Santiago ejected for sticky stuff in his glove.
20:00: Minnesota is the center of the Summer Olympics. With half of the women's gymnastics t…
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Jun 25, 2021
Three most likely Twins trades + MMA fighter Tim Johnson
Intro: The Twins made a business decision in the offseason, cutting loose Eddie Rosario after a successful run in Minnesota's outfield. Saying the move backfired wouldn't be quite right because Rosario is having a pretty pedestrian season in Cleveland, but his value tends to show up in different ways. Among them: He tends to come up big, and he did that for Cleveland with a two-run single in the eighth inning of a 4-1 win over the Twins on Thursday. The game underscores just how much the Twins miss a durable, heart-and-soul player like Rosario.
5:00: MMA fighter and Minnesota native Tim Johnson joins the show in advance of the biggest bout of his career Friday in BELLATOR 261. His career was delayed twice by deployments with the Minnesota National Guard -- once to Iraq and recently as part of the Derek Chauvin trial -- but those seeming obstacles have only made him stronger.
19:00: Answering burning listener questions, including: Which Twins players are most likely to get traded in the…
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Jun 24, 2021
Three frustrated fans vent about Bally Sports North
Intro: Host Michael Rand takes a look at two big wins for local teams on Wednesday, with Minnesota United defeating Austin 2-0 in a full Allianz Field -- the first time the home of the Loons has had full capacity since the 2019 playoffs -- and the Lynx getting a big 87-85 road win over Atlanta. Both the Loons and Lynx started 0-4 but have rallied since then. Can they get their seasons back to level and beyond?
4:30: Rand is joined by three Minnesota sports fans -- Douglas Farmer, Corbitt Harrell and Tom Pederson -- to get their takes on both the ongoing inability to watch local Minnesota pro teams on Bally Sports North and what the future of watching sports on that channel (or any channel, if at all) might bring. All three shared their frustrations and perspectives as we head toward a time when sports viewing could become even more fragmented.
28:00: Are we heading toward a Hawks vs. Suns NBA Finals? As unlikely as that would have sounded a year ago, when neither team even made the pla…
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Jun 23, 2021
Wolves lose pick, Badgers dysfunction, MLB crackdown + The importance of Carl Nassib
Intro: Major League Baseball's crackdown on pitchers using illegal substances on baseballs took a fairly dramatic turn on Tuesday when Phillies manager Joe Girardi and Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer had a confrontation over repeated checks of Scherzer. It led to the ejection of Girardi and is an example of how this won't be a smooth midyear transition for baseball to try to make.
5:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins to talk about Tuesday's NBA draft lottery drawing, which saw the Wolves lose their 2021 draft pick because they didn't finish in the top three of the draft. Instead, the pick will go to Golden State as part of the early 2020 trade involving Andrew Wiggins and D'Angelo Russell. Any improvement the Wolves make this offseason likely will have to come either from development or trades.
Hine also talks about the importance of NFL player Carl Nassib coming out as gay and shares his experiences and perspectives as a gay man.
26:00: There was major drama with the Badgers…
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Jun 22, 2021
Gophers hoops roster breakdown + Wolves Ben Simmons trade chatter
Intro: Michael Rand stayed up for the longest game in MLB this season, and if you did as well there was a payoff: Unlikely heroics from Miguel Sano and Matt Shoemaker, two of the most disappointing Twins players so far this season, in an 7-5 win over the Reds that lasted 12 innings and more than five hours. The Twins have won five in a row and will need more heroics like that as they try to overcome their own 31-41 start and more adversity in the form of another Byron Buxton injury.
6:00: Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins Daily Delivery to break down a completely remade roster. With Ben Johnson's arrival as coach coinciding with the ramping up of the transfer portal, you won't recognize many players on this year's Gophers. Fuller evaluates who is coming in, who might help right away and what outgoing transfers surprised him the most.
28:00: Rand can't help himself and has to talk more about a possible Ben Simmons trade -- and how the Wolves can get into that mix.…
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Jun 21, 2021
Patrick Reusse on U.S. Open, Ben Simmons, Buxton's return and cheating
Intro: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand at the outset for a look at a U.S. Open that chewed up a lot of golf's biggest names on Sunday. Left standing at the end was John Rahm, who made two clutch putts while his nearest competitors faded.
8:00: The NBA playoffs have been as wide open as any in recent memory, with huge clutch performances and ... some not so good. Ben Simmons fits into that latter category after going 24-for-71 from the free throw line in the postseason and refusing to shoot in Philadelphia's Game 7 home loss to the Hawks. Kevin Durant, meanwhile, played all 53 minutes of Brooklyn's Game 7 loss to Milwaukee -- as did others in the game. Is that even safe?
16:00: Byron Buxton returned to the Twins lineup over the weekend and provided a spark in two wins that extended the team's streak to four games. But the mystery of what happened in Seattle isn't any clearer.
22;00: MLB is set to crack down on cheating pitchers starting today. What will tha…
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Jun 18, 2021
What is Byron Buxton's future with the Twins? + Scary pitching moments
Intro: Michael Rand takes a look at the Clippers, who are trying to break one of the most dreadful streaks in pro sports history on Friday night. Yes, things have been bad in Minnesota with a lot of our teams. But in 50 years, the Clippers have never even advanced to the NBA conference finals. That can change with a win over Utah.
4:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins the show to talk about his excellent story on three Twins pitchers who have overcome scary moments getting hit by baseballs. The mental side of recovering from a baseball hitting you in the head traveling more than 100 mph is as daunting as the physical side. And Miller also provides an update on Byron Buxton, who hasn't played for the Twins in seven weeks. What is his injury status? And is there some frustration between Buxton and the organization that could lead to bigger decisions ahead?
23:00: The value of interviews and a look at the Bears' QB situation.
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Jun 17, 2021
Episode 100! Wolves ownership, Vikings vaccines + Twins injury caution
Intro: The NFL has made it clear that players who aren't vaccinated during the 2021 season are going to have far less freedom than those who are vaccinated against COVID-19. With prominent Vikings players already saying they aren't vaccinated (yet), host Michael Rand wonders if there will be a locker room divide among NFL teams between this season.
4:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show -- only fitting for the celebratory 100th episode of Daily Delivery. Hine, the first five-time guest in podcast history, breaks down the latest wrinkles in the proposed sale of the team to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, gives an Academy Award parallel for LaMelo Ball winning Rookie of the Year over Anthony Edwards, previews next week's draft lottery drawing and assigns Carole King songs to various Wolves players.
28:00: The Twins won on Wednesday, but they also lost two more players to seemingly minor injuries. The MLB leader in injury caution strikes again.
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Jun 16, 2021
Ben Goessling on Vikings money and minicamp + A peeved Cheryl Reeve
Intro: The Lynx fell to 4-6 with a 105-89 loss at Target Center to Chicago on Tuesday, and head coach/GM Cheryl Reeve was not happy about it afterward. She called out her players for not playing defense, she singled out her lineup for not showing up and she ripped herself for poor offensive coaching. Will this be a rallying point for a team with high expectations?
5:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to offer up early observations from a newsy week of minicamp. You'll hear his take on the Danielle Hunter contract restructure, what Sheldon Richardson's role might be after signing a one-year deal, how QB Kellen Mond looks and much more.
28:00: Kevin Durant had one of the greatest clutch games in NBA playoff history, playing all 48 minutes for the Nets in a must-win game over the Bucks while pouring in 49 points to go with 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Plus what do player attitudes about MLB pitchers cheating tell us about them?
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Jun 15, 2021
Musician Claire de lune; Danielle Hunter back; Buxton still sits
Intro: The Vikings and Danielle Hunter reached a temporary solution in Hunter's quest for more money, with the Vikings giving him extra cash in 2021 and setting up a decision before 2022. It's another in a series of short-term moves for a team that seems to be loading up on defense for one season. Whether that's more than just an acknowledgement of how bad the defense was last year -- an attempt to save jobs, exploit a potential weakness in Green Bay or both -- is another question.
4:00: Musician Claire de lune joins the show for a discussion of the NBA, Lakers fandom and other topics. She'll help explain why she thinks so many artists are basketball fans, tras