StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand watched Vegas players hoist the Stanley Cup on Tuesday and couldn't help but feel the pain of Minnesota fans. The collective playoff misfortunes of the Wild, Wolves, Twins and Vikings in the past three-plus decades make it hard to stomach success in less-suffering markets. 10:00: Carlos Correa delivered another big moment for the Twins in a walk-off win on Tuesday. 14:00: Star Tribune Minnesota United beat writer Jerry Zgoda joins Rand for a breakdown of the Loons halfway through the season. Can Emanuel Reynoso be the spark for a second-half surge? 29:00: Great news for gymnastics fans.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at parallels between the Nuggets and Timberwolves now that Denver has won its first NBA title. The teams are being built by the same person in much the same way, but is the personnel in Minnesota good enough to replicate what Tim Connelly did in Denver? 8:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to dissect the news that Danielle Hunter is expected to skip mandatory minicamp starting Tuesday. What does that mean for his future with the Vikings? Plus they lament the Twins' bullpen and laud P.J. Fleck's class of 2024. 30:00: When will the Vikings' salary cap no longer be a mess?

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included an untimely bullpen meltdown by the Twins. On the verge of an impressive sweep at Toronto, the Twins gave up a 6-1 lead -- including the decisive runs allowed by much-maligned reliever Emilio Pagan -- in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Minnesota United lost 4-0 to Montreal, but Loons manager Adrian Heath was convinced his side had the better chances in the game. Was he right? Plus Reusse's thoughts on the Vikings' unresolved situation with Danielle Hunter as minicamp approaches and a stirring comeback by the Lynx on their celebration weekend.

Intro: Host Michael Rand pauses to reflect on the Dalvin Cook era, which sounds like it will be coming to an end officially very soon via either a trade or release by the Vikings. The former second-round pick has been a 1,100 yard rusher and Pro Bowler each of the past four seasons, production that should be getting more praise than it seems like it is. 6:00: Two quotes about the Twins -- an absurd one Thursday about the number of barrels they had in a loss and another from former player/minor league manager Doug Mientkiewicz -- caught Rand's attention. 10:00: Bobby Nightengale Jr., recently hired by the Star Tribune as part of our Twins beat writing coverage, joins Rand to talk about his family, his career path and what he sees so far from the Twins. 28:00: It's a weekend of celebration for the Lynx.

Introduction: In their last 13 games, the Twins have been truly all-or-nothing on offense. They've scored at least seven runs in five of them; in the other eight, they've been held to two or fewer. And in their last five games, including four consecutive losses, they have just five runs combined. That recipe has the Twins back to even at 31-31 and in danger in the weak AL Central. 8:00: NBA Insider Bobby Marks from ESPN joins Rand for a thorough breakdown of the Timberwolves roster. With a new collective bargaining agreement reshaping finances, this summer feels like the time for a Karl-Anthony Towns trade. But is that the right move from a basketball standpoint? 36:00: Soccer legend Lionel Messi is coming to MLS.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with a look at the Timberwolves and Vikings. The Wolves' GM job was recently called one of the worst in the NBA, while a detailed piece about the Vikings shows how hard it will be for them to replicate last year's success this year. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a longer examination of the disappointing career arc of Max Kepler, who went hitless again Tuesday as the Twins were shut out. With Byron Buxton on the injured list, the struggle is real. Plus Rand and Neal talk NBA Finals and the stunning news in the world of golf. 33:00: Want some good news? Try Minnesota Aurora.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was intrigued and maybe a little alarmed recently when he was playing around with artificial intelligence and the 1998 NFC title game. Basic facts were completely wrong, but the emotion of the day was spot-on. Plus a former Vikings owner was sentenced to more than six years in prison. 11:00: Answering an important listener question about the future of the Twins on TV. 13:00: Star Tribune high school writer Jim Paulsen joins Rand to talk about the upcoming spring state tournaments and to explain some recent controversies the Minnesota State High School League has had to deal with. 27:00: Some drama with the Gophers women's hockey team.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at Minnesota sports, including the continued fall of Twins outfielder Max Kepler. Reusse is out of patience and thinks the Twins need to be done with Kepler now, particularly with multiple left-handed hitting options ready to take his place. Plus Reusse and Rand run down a list of bullpen villains for the Twins over the years -- some of them perhaps unfairly maligned -- and have a renewed interest in the NBA Finals after the Heat's Game 2 win in Denver.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the latest Lynx loss, which dropped them to 0-6, and the mounting frustration expressed afterward by head coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve. 6:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand after spending a lot of time in Houston -- some of it in bankruptcy court -- to unpack all that is going on with the Twins. A judge ruled Thursday that Diamond Sports must pay the Twins' $54.8 million 2023 rights fees in full. That could lead to a termination of the contract in the middle of this season, which would cause MLB to take over production and distribution of games. Miller also talks through the Twins' recent stretch of good play and their Thursday injuries. 33:00: We learned a plain truth in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand brings you the latest on the ongoing legal battle between the Twins and Bally Sports North, with fresh reporting from colleague Phil Miller at Wednesday's bankruptcy court hearing in Houston. We should know today whether the Twins will stay (for now) on Bally Sports North or whether an in-season change is coming. 9:00: Jeff Day joins Rand for a discussion of Minnesota franchise values and how they have skyrocketed over the years. What are the factors driving up these prices? And is there any end in sight? 31:00: Aaron Rodgers continues to re-write history.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand digs into Tuesday's news that Bally Sports intentionally missed a payment to the San Diego Padres, allowing broadcast rights to revert to Major League Baseball. Starting Wednesday, MLB will produce and show the games, offering them through a number of cable/satellite providers as well as in-market streaming for $19.99 a month. With the Twins potentially facing the same scenario as a bankruptcy judge prepares to hear arguments about their TV deal on Wednesday, we now have a real example to track and follow. 10:00: The Star Tribune's Rachel Blount joins Rand to talk about horse safety, what Canterbury Park is doing well and her upcoming story about the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown. 25:00: The Lynx and Twins were plagued by familiar problems on Tuesday, while a familiar name could soon be making big decisions for the Knicks.

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to the future of sports on TV. Royce Lewis helped rescue the sagging Twins offense Monday in his return to the team, belting a three-run homer and a ninth-inning, game-tying single in a 7-5 win over the Astros. What's the one thing that sets Lewis apart from his peers? Reusse has the answer. Plus Rand and Reusse weigh in on the Heat's big win in Game 7 and Vegas' win in Game 6, dashing hopes of a full comeback from a 3-0 series deficit in both leagues. And how does Reusse navigate the challenging sports viewing landscape that Rand wrote about recently?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand had an inkling the Celtics could still make it a series against the Heat even after falling behind 3-0. Now the series is 3-2 after another Boston win, and Game 6 will tell us a lot about whether the Celtics can make history and become the first NBA team to rally all the way back in series. 7:00: Jeff Day joins Rand to talk about his deeply reported story on the huge money and participation involved with club volleyball in Minnesota. It's a booming industry, with tournaments often playing out at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 29:00: Another rough game dropped the Lynx to 0-3.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand recognizes that we can all be critical of trades that don't work out, so he decided to start Thursday's show by acknowledging a big deal that did work: the 2021 Twins trade for Joe Ryan, who is now 7-1 after Wednesday's win over the Giants. 7:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for an examination of the team's defense and just how much is being put on the plate of new coordinator Brian Flores. His resume suggests he's up to the task. 27:00: Another successful debut for Minnesota Aurora.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the struggles of the Twins, Lynx and Loons on what was a rough Tuesday in Twin Cities sports. The Twins in particular have lost six of eight and are now just 25-24 -- still good for a lead in the American League Central but just the ninth-best record overall in the American League. 7:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a deeper look at where Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has succeeded and where he needs to improve. This is an important year coming up for the Wolves coach, which was brought into focus not only by the Wolves' season but the high-profile coaching changes in the league. Plus Scoggins and Rand note a lot of recent second-guessing of Rocco Baldelli and the NFL's decision to allow Thursday night games to be changed. 33:00: Three high-profile Vikings players are not at voluntary workouts.

Michael Rand is joined by Bally Sports North host and play-by-play voice Marney Gellner for a wide-ranging interview touching on a number of subjects. Gellner, who revealed earlier this year that she had breast cancer but is now cancer-free, talked about the struggle of dealing with that diagnosis and the good that she tried to create from it in her own life and for others. She also talked about her childhood dream of being a star on "Saturday Night Live," her North Dakota roots and her best memories of 20 years in the Twin Cities. 31:00: Rand finished the show with a look at a curious bit of strategy in the Twins' 4-1 loss to the Giants and three Timberwolves connections to the Nuggets' four-game sweep of the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the main things they cover: *The Twins are struggling at the plate again and are now dealing with a potential injury to Byron Buxton. Can they maintain their lead in a weak AL Central? *Bud Grant's public memorial service on Sunday was the right kind of celebration. *The NBA playoffs continue to surprise us.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts by acknowledging that sometimes we try to make sports more complicated than they really are. What was wrong with the Lynx last season that caused them to miss the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade? Well, they were missing arguably their best player, Napheesa Collier, for almost the entire season. Now that she's back, will the narrative change in 2023? 7:00: Rand is joined by Vikings writer and podcaster Matthew Coller of Purple Insider. Coller recently completed a book about the football stats and data site Pro Football Focus called "Football is a Numbers Game," which tells the origin of PFF and how it has grown into being such an indispensable tool for teams and fans. 39:00: The Twins are suddenly stealing bases.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand dissects a listener comment about the Twins' bullpen use during a 7-3 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday during which Emilio Pagan gave up a grand slam. Was it a question of strategy or a question of outcome? Plus the Twins came out of the game pretty banged up, while Minnesota United finally got well with a home victory. 9:00: Rand turns the spotlight on Gophers softball, which enters NCAA play on Friday. Minnesota has been in every NCAA tournament since 2013, and head coach Piper Ritter is a big reason why. She joins Rand for a discussion of her program, her path and her philosophy. 22:00: Jimmy Butler appreciation leads to an NBA Draft lottery rabbit hole. And now we know how much cap savings the Vikings are getting from the Za'Darius Smith trade.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has seen evidence for one-fourth of this season that the Twins have one of MLB's best starting rotations, and Tuesday's strong six innings from Bailey Ober in a 5-1 win over the Dodgers proved a good time to pause and recognize all that good work. The Twins lead the majors in innings pitched and strikeouts from starting pitchers -- a stark contrast to a year ago. 9:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer and editor Bob Timmons joins Rand for a look at his recent story on the state park registration system that has resulted in some unhappy Minnesota campers. And Timmons shares other details on enhanced mountain biking in the state and a touching tale he is in the process of reporting. 27:00: Former Wolves players aren't exactly thriving for the Lakers; the Spurs won the most anticipated draft lottery in 20 years.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand finds that the Twins might have dispatched an old nemesis by beating the Yankees in the season series this year, but they found two more on Monday. In losing their 11th consecutive game to the Dodgers, the Twins were undone by umpires in two key situations -- including some awful strike calls by the infamous Phil Cuzzi in a key situation. 6:00: Chris Hine joins Rand for a further dissection of Hine's recent interview with Wolves star Anthony Edwards. What are the offseason priorities for Ant? And how can the Wolves best support him? 28:00: A what-if for the Wolves and Wild; Za'Darius Smith was a good player here.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included a Target Field-record 29 runs for the Twins in their three-game series against the Cubs. An offense that was struggling is getting a big boost from Alex Kirilloff's return to health. Reusse and Rand also check in on the NBA playoffs, which included interesting second-round conclusions for the Knicks and 76ers. Also add another voice to the Rudy Gobert "worst trade of all time" chorus. The powerhouse Gophers softball team is in the NCAA tournament again. They've made it to 10 straight, excluding the COVID year of 2020. And Za'Darius Smith was right to put his house on the market, after all.

Host Michael Rand goes through all 17 games of the Vikings' schedule released Thursday and makes win-loss predictions for each one. Does he come to an optimistic conclusion? Where are the soft and strong parts of the schedule? 11:00: Rand is joined by Minnesota United defender Zarek Valentin. In his first year with the club, Valentin is providing stability and veteran leadership to a team that has already had its share of obstacles. Valentin also talks about his love of Philadelphia sports and the terrible renderings of him in the FIFA soccer games. 28:00: Carlos Correa had the big hit for the Twins on Thursday, and manager Rocco Baldelli thinks it could be the start of a hot streak.

Introduction: The Twins got a sorely needed 4-3, 11 inning win on Wednesday against the Padres. The offense stalled again, getting just two runs in the first nine innings, but starting pitcher Pablo Lopez was excellent and the Twins got clutch hits in the 10th an 11th innings. It was a further reminder of their identity shift this year. 5:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins and St. Paul Academy senior Tommy Verhey join Rand for a practical thought exercise. Rand, with the help of Verhey, put together a completely new Twins lineup comprised almost exclusively of players the Twins have traded in recent years. Plus they talk about recent Karl-Anthony Towns comments about the Rudy Gobert trade and examine Chip's column on sports gambling and college sports. 36:00: Not so fast on that new Phoenix Suns TV deal.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand noticed a lot of angst over Jaden McDaniels not being named to an All-NBA defensive team on Tuesday. Rand's thought: McDaniels is good, but his time will come. The bigger takeaway from the defensive voting is that Wolves center Rudy Gobert -- a first-team defensive player the last six years and a Defensive Player of the Year three years -- didn't get a single vote to be on this year's team. It underscores that he was far from being the player the Wolves thought they were getting in last summer's blockbuster trade. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a three-part conversation: How long will it take Emanuel Reynoso to be back on the field for Minnesota United? Is it a good thing that Byron Buxton seems to be the long-term DH for the Twins? And how much longer will Dalvin Cook be on the Vikings? 28:00: The Twins' offense is still stuck, but the Loons broke out on Tuesday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with the NBA playoffs and two very different thoughts off of Monday's games. He watched the Heat take down the Knicks to take a 3-1 series lead and wondered, as he wrote Monday, whether a Knicks exit could stir up a Karl-Anthony Towns trade market. The nightcap was just a chance to marvel at two aging legends, Stephen Curry and LeBron James, try to will OK teams into the Western Conference Finals. 9:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand with a bunch of interesting news and tidbits, including: Carlos Correa helping to convince Byron Buxton to be a full-time DH; Royce Lewis is ahead of schedule on his injury rehab; with many Twins slumping, who is a candidate to break out and who should we be worried about? And just how exceptional is this Twins starting pitching? 32:00: Emanuel Reynoso is back with Minnesota United, but what will that mean?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the weekend in sports. The Twins had just 28 hits on a six-game road trip against AL Central foes Chicago and Cleveland. They're still in first place, but the gap between their excellent pitching and suspect hitting continues to get wider. Reusse reacts to the lack of firm commitment from Wolves boss Tim Connelly, worries about his pal Tom Thibodeau's Knicks and notes Seattle's scoring outburst against Dallas. And a finish with a high note: Gophers softball.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was struck recently by a podcast featuring Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce talking about the Timberwolves. In particular, KG's assessment of the franchise -- everything from big-picture Minneapolis issues to Anthony Edwards to small details -- was a fresh perspective worth our attention. 10:00: Local soccer writer and podcaster Jon Marthaler joined the show to talk about Minnesota United and their ongoing inability to score. Their identity is clearly built around defense, but until they resolve the Emanuel Reynoso situation the offense is stuck in the mud. 27:00: If you're tired of Vikings QB talk, I have bad news. We have a full year of speculation ahead of us given Kirk Cousins' contract situation.

Introduction: In a Vikings-heavy show, host Michael Rand starts with the first public comments in a while form Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. He is set to be a free agent after this season and the Vikings were interested in taking a QB in the draft. It all sets up an interesting 2023 season for Cousins, but it's a situation he and the Vikings should be able to navigate. 13:00: Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen joins Rand and reiterates that he wishes he could still be in Minnesota but that a fresh start in Carolina was probably for the best. Thielen addresses why his fit in Kevin O'Connell's offense wasn't ideal and expresses confidence in the receives still here. 27:00: White Sox reliever relishes striking out "cheater" Carlos Correa; Gophers women's basketball gets two players in one day.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listened to Wild GM Bill Guerin's end of year comments about the progress the team made and actually agreed with a lot of the optimism for the future. Rand feels much better about the Wild's trajectory than that of the Wolves over the next five years. 14:00: Lynx forward Aerial Powers joins Rand for a look ahead to the season. Powers, one of the veterans on the Lynx, will be tasked with helping lead a turnaround after the Lynx missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons a year ago. 26:00: Final thoughts on the Twins, the suddenly vulnerable Dallas Stars and the NBA playoffs.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tried to find a common thread in the Wild's lack of first-round postseason success. Sometimes it's a lack of scoring. Sometimes it's goaltending. Sometimes it's special teams that have doomed them in the last seven playoff appearances. But one common thread: A failure to take advantage of momentum within a series. 7:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to talk through a lot of the questions that persist even after the draft. What's the long-term plan at quarterback after the draft failed to yield Kirk Cousins' obvious successor? How will first-round wide receiver Jordan Addison help the offense? What comes next for Dalvin Cook and Za'Darius Smith? 37:00: Another perspective on Karl-Anthony Towns.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for an evaluation of the state of Minnesota sports. In the always volatile NHL playoffs, which this year has already included massive upsets, the Wild have remained a constant with their postseason futility. How do we explain seven straight postseason exits without advancing, which has spanned multiple GMs and coaches? And will this year's defeat be enough to turn fans away? The Wolves, meanwhile, head into this offseason with some potential. But these playoffs have also been constant reminders of the failures (sorry Giannis) of their past. And the Twins look like the best team in the AL Central, even with recent starting pitching injuries.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand doesn't have a quibble with the Vikings taking WR Jordan Addison at No. 23, but he was nevertheless underwhelmed by what happened in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft. Part of that is driven by expectations the Vikings created by putting an end date on the Kirk Cousins era and showing interest in drafting a quarterback. Part of it was an inability to accumulate more picks once it became clear that drafting a QB wasn't in the cards. 8:00: The Wolves say they are going to essentially run it back next year. But is that really the plan? 13:00: Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand in advance of Friday's Game 6. Poor penalty killing and a lack of production from their star players have the Wild on the brink of elimination. But they also have a big opportunity Friday at Xcel Energy Center. 35:00: The Twins look like the best team in the AL Central, but pitching injuries are a concern.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand makes it clear -- it's all about the quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers was introduced Wednesday by the Jets and immediately started talking about adding to both the Jets' legacy, and perhaps unintentionally his own. The Vikings, meanwhile, might draft a quarterback Thursday night. Just the fact that it's a possibility adds a level of intrigue to this year's draft. 8:00: Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a breakdown of the season, which ended Tuesday in Denver. The big question this offseason is whether to make major changes after a disappointing year or to try to run it back with the same core. For multiple reasons, including future salary cap constraints, Rand lays out the case for a Karl-Anthony Towns trade. 35:00: Immaturity from Anthony Edwards, Thibs vs. Jimmy in the East, staying up late (again) for the Wild.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the good news on a rough sports night, noting that the Twins won the season series against the Yankees for the first time in 22 years. That's an almost unfathomable amount of time, but maybe breaking that streak signals a bigger shift for the Twins. 7:00: A season of missed opportunities is over for the Wolves, leaving a lot of questions about the future. 12:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a breakdown of the Wild's big problem: If they can't kill penalties, they need to change their strategy. Because it has them on the brink of elimination. Scoggins and Rand also get into what the Wolves should do this offseason. 32:00: A Bill Guerin quote from August feels like foreshadowing now.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the finally completed Aaron Rodgers trade through a personal lens. While he used to respect and like Rodgers, the sentiment changed a few years ago. How Rand feels about Rodgers could explain a lot of what went wrong between the Packers QB and his now former team. Plus the Twins beat the Yankees again, part of an encouraging start to the year against top teams. 12:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the Wild's pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night, the Gophers football team's spring game and the upcoming NFL Draft. 30:00: Will Hendon Hooker be available at No. 23? ... Jimmy Butler goes off for 56 points and has the Bucks on the brink of elimination ... Can the Wolves make up for another key absence in Game 5?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at a whirlwind Sunday in Minnesota sports. Reusse took in at least parts of three games Sunday: Twins in the afternoon, followed by Wild Game 4 in the early evening and Wolves Game 4 late at night. The Wild missed a chance to take a 3-1 series lead in a 3-2 loss to Dallas. The Wild didn't like two penalties called on Marcus Foligno that led to goals. Reusse didn't like the Wild's penalty kill. And the Wolves mustered up a playoff-worthy effort to stave off elimination even after blowing a 12-point lead late in regulation.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand identifies the keys for the Wild and Wolves, who face critical Game 3s Friday back in Minnesota after disappointing playoff losses Wednesday. For the Wild, it's simple: Get back to the style of play that made the successful and stop being overthinking goalie decisions. For the Wolves, they need to lean into lineups that work -- even if it means pushing aside the struggling Karl-Anthony Towns. 8:00: The Athletic's Nate Tice, an NFL writer and podcaster, joins Rand for an inside look at the process of preparing for the next week's draft. Why do mock drafts change so much? What are evaluators looking at? And what will the Vikings do at No. 23? Plus Tice, the son of former Vikings coach Mike Tice, tells some great stories from that era. 35:00: The Twins pitching depth is about to be tested.

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Chip Scoggins in the immediate aftermath of two huge playoff games for Minnesota teams on Wednesday. 1:00: What were the Wild thinking in choosing Marc-Andre Fleury in goal after a brilliant regular season and Game 1 performance from Filip Gustavsson? Dean Evason invited a lot of second-guessing before the puck dropped, and it was only exacerbated in a 7-3 loss to Dallas. 12:00: The Wolves, meanwhile, looked like they were going to get blown out for a second straight game before rallying to take a lead going into the fourth quarter. They ultimately lost 122-113 despite Anthony Edwards' 41 points and in part because of more playoff struggles from Karl-Anthony Towns. 23:00: Hear from Evason on the goalie decision and Wolves head coach Chris Finch on trying to get more from Towns. 28:00: Hey, at least the Twins won and scored a lot of runs.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand checks in on the Twins after a 5-4, 10 inning loss in Boston on Tuesday. The news has been mostly positive for the 10-7 Twins, but they have been carried predominantly by pitching. Rand fears that the offensive woes -- No. 25 in slugging, No. 26 in batting average in the majors -- might eclipse the excellence of the pitching soon. Plus a look ahead to Game 2 of Wolves at Nuggets. 9:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand in advance of Game 2 at Dallas on Wednesday. After a 3-2, double overtime thriller gave the Wild a 1-0 series lead, what can we expect as they try to take control of the series? And how did playoff newcomers like Brock Faber stay so composed in Game 1? 30:00: The 49ers QB situation is worth watching.

In Part II of Tuesday's podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine for a look back at Sunday's disappointing 109-80 loss to the Nuggets and a look ahead to Game 2 of the playoff series on Wednesday. The Wolves clearly need to make some offensive adjustments and figure out their identity if they are going to be competitive, but how possible is that given their physical and structural limitations? And if this is a short series, what might that foreshadow for the offseason?

Introduction: With so much going on in Minnesota sports, host Michael Rand decided to split Tuesday's content into two episodes. But he still started with the biggest story, of course: The Wild's 3-2 double overtime win late, late late against Dallas on Monday (technically Tuesday). A team that rebuilt its style to perform better in the postseason was rewarded in a big way in Game 1. 13:00: There are some key faces missing from Vikings workouts this week, including Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Cook. What does that mean for the days leading up to the draft? 17:00: The Twins made a huge investment in Pablo Lopez, and a Minnesota woman finished fifth in the Boston Marathon.

Host Michael Rand was joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look at a busy stretch in Minnesota sports. The Wolves were clobbered 109-80 in their playoff opener late Sunday, and Reusse saw it coming. He turned it off midway through the second quarter, sparing himself some of the worst of it and adding a little extra sleep. Minnesota looked tired and lifeless. Can they be more competitive in Game 2 on Wednesday? They'll be joined Monday by the Wild, who open their series at Dallas. Reusse confesses that he has a hard time generating big opinions about hockey. Plus thoughts on the Twins and the American League after a split with the Yankees.

Host Michael Rand went late, late, late with a special edition of the podcast after a 120-95 victory by Timberwolves over Oklahoma City in Friday's win-or-go-home play-in game at Target Center. What it means: The Wolves are in the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2003 and 2004; they will open their series Sunday in Denver while the Wild opens Monday in Dallas, but Games 2-5 of both series will be on the same nights. Next weekend, with two home playoff games for each team and a home series for the Twins, will be quite the spectacle. How they did it: Three big decisions by Chris Finch, excellence from surprise starter Nickeil Alexander-Walker, savvy from veteran Mike Conley and controlled excellence from both Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that pretty much everything has been settled regarding the NBA and NHL playoffs -- unless you live in Minnesota. The Wild and Wolves still don't know their playoff fate heading into Friday night. Will the Wolves get in? And who will the Wild play? The answer could lead to Colorado in both cases. Plus the Twins scored nine runs in the first inning at Yankee Stadium. 11:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer and editor Bob Timmons joins Rand for an exploration of his piece on Minnesotans returning to run the Boston Marathon on Monday -- a race that comes 10 years after the tragic bombing. 27:00: Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell offered some interesting perspectives on quarterback evaluation.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand headed to Target Field for the first time this season on Wednesday to take in some baseball and to more accurately feel the impact of the pace of play rules implemented this season. What he found wasn't unexpected -- a crisper, faster game -- and it reinforced that he will be back sooner rather than later. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a look at the Wolves and Wild. The Wolves are now in a must-win game Friday against Oklahoma City, while the Wild are limping into the playoffs with injuries mounting. 28:00: A Gophers team had to cancel the rest of its season.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand walks listeners through the disappointment of the Timberwolves' 108-102 overtime loss to the Lakers in Tuesday's play-in game. Even if they came in shorthanded -- by their own doing, mostly -- the game was there to take. But they squandered a 15-point lead and now face the possibility of elimination on Friday. 11:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for an update on the Vikings. We're still waiting for clarity on Dalvin Cook and Za'Darius Smith, but perhaps the draft in two weeks will spur some action and bring some roster balance. 30:00: Pablo Lopez continues to shine for the Twins, while the Wild's playoff seed has been determined.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at what the Lynx were able to do with the No. 2 overall pick and four more choices in Monday's WNBA Draft. Combined with comments about the roster from head coach/President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve, a new era seems on the way. 7:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand after an eventful 48 hours. Rudy Gobert took a swing at Kyle Anderson and is suspended for Tuesday's play-in game against the Lakers. Jaden McDaniels punched a wall and broke bones in his hand. What is the impact on both the present and the future of the organization? 33:00: Brock Faber made a strong Wild debut, while the Twins are missing Carlos Correa.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at an extremely eventful weekend in sports. They of course started with the Timberwolves' dramatic Game 82 on Sunday, which included Rudy Gobert taking a swing at teammate Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels taking a swing at a wall and the Wolves surviving to win and get a spot as the No. 8 seed in the play-in tournament. It wouldn't be the Wolves if there wasn't drama, but bigger questions loom. Plus: The Gophers were outplayed by Quinnipiac over the final 40 minutes Saturday, even if we want to put the blame elsewhere. And Reusse finds faster games and cheap tickets leading to a Target Field resurgence.

The top-seeded Gophers men's hockey team led 2-0 midway through the national championship game Saturday against Quinnipiac and was poised to capture its first title in 20 years. But then everything changed, as host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson talk about. Minnesota couldn't sustain offense and tried to hang on for dear life. A late goal tied it and a very fast overtime winner -- just 10 seconds in -- sealed the Gophers' fate in a 3-2 overtime loss that will sting for a long time. You'll also hear postgame audio from a deflated head coach Bob Motzko.