StribSports Daily Delivery

Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand at the outset to discuss the latest reports that Richard Pitino could be headed to New Mexico to take the job there. Plus a look at what a return to having fans in the stands means to Minnesota sports and a report on how the Twins look down in Florida. At the start of the show, Rand breaks down what might be the golden age of young athletes in Minnesota -- from Kirill Kaprizov on down, the list is impressive.

Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins for a look at the Gophers men's basketball program. If the Gophers move on from Richard Pitino as head coach, as Scoggins expects them to, who are the front-runners to replace him? And a bigger-picture question: What needs to change within the program for any coach to find sustained success here? Also, Rand discusses a stunning 30-point win for the Wolves coming out of the All-Star break and shakes his head at familiar problems plaguing Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton

Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Michael Rand on Thursday as the Timberwolves prepare to start the second half of their season. After a 7-29 first half that saw them fire head coach Ryan Saunders and play without several key starters for stretches, there is a lot to learn in the next 36 games. Will the Wolves make a major move at the trade deadline? Can Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell get on the court together and find chemistry? The clock is ticking. Also, Rand breaks down the Vikings' decision to cut offensive tackle Riley Reiff, gives kudos to the Wild for another big win and talks about one Gophers basketball team extending its season by a day while another one is finished.

Michael Rand is joined by forward Marcus Foligno for a look at the somewhat surprising Wild. Foligno talks about the message of accountability coming from head coach Dean Evason and how the team navigated Zach Parise's one-game benching last week. Foligno also jokes about how he reminds Kirill Kaprizov that he's leading the rookie sensation in goals (7 to 6) and assigns a nickname to teammate Jordan Greenway. Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan then joins the show to offer further perspectives on the team's 8-2-1 streak and the excellent goaltending coming from rookie Kaapo Kahkonen of late. Also on the show: Is tonight going to be Richard Pitino's final game as Gophers men's basketball head coach? If he's replaced, will the U address its glaring diversity hiring shortcomings? And an odd stat about Vikings kickers in the wake of Dan Bailey's release.

Michael Rand is joined by Minnesota United beat writer Jerry Zgoda for a look at where the Loons are in their roster building after a successful 2020 season. Minnesota United came within minutes of playing for the MLS Cup just a few months ago. Can they get back at least far this year? Rand also reveals his latest Wolves obsession: trading for the Hawks' John Collins. He offers three Trade Machine proposals to make that work. Also: A dive into Dak Prescott's contract, Kappo Kahkonen's emergence as a top goalie option for the Wild and a story about Naz Reid you won't want to miss.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson joins the podcast to talk about his big rookie season and how those who doubt the Vikings in 2021 are motivating him to be even better next year. He also has a TV recommendation and gives you the list of his funniest Vikings teammates. Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse also joins to talk through his bid to become the next, ahem, Gophers football writer and checks in with thoughts on Richard Pitino and the Twins. Plus: The Gophers women's hockey team was snubbed! And the Wild has a big one tonight

Har Mar Superstar (Sean Tillmann) joins host Michael Rand on today's show for an interview as wide-ranging as his musical offerings. Information about his new release "Roseville"? Of course. Pandemic life for a touring musician? You bet. Becoming a postal carrier? Why not. The time he played "Pink Cadillac" with Joe Piscopo after a St. Paul Saints game? Um, yes. New Twins beat writer Megan Ryan also joins to talk about the excitement she has for her new assignment and the style she hopes to bring to her coverage of the team. Plus: Was Kevin Garnett even really in the mix to buy the Wolves in the first place? And what is the difference between a beat writer and a columnist?

Michael Rand is joined by Andrew Krammer as they set up the start of Vikings free agency in a couple of weeks. Krammer reported on general manager Rick Spielman's long session with reporters on Wednesday and distills that information into some big takeaways as the Vikings face a lot of decisions and a shrinking salary cap. At the outset of the show, Rand breaks down what could be a defining night in Minnesota sports: Zach Parise is benched for the Wild's 5-1 loss, a move that showed a lack of accountability on Parise's part but could divide the team. The Wolves were blown out again, and Karl-Anthony Towns' patience is wearing thin. And the Gophers lost by 19 at Penn State, doing nothing to help Richard Pitino's job security.

Twins general manager Thad Levine joins the podcast to talk about the team's offseason moves (which included his son giving him the "stink eye" because of a slow start to free agency), their transition into being a team that can win with pitching and defense plus an update on what 2021 has in store for injured 2017 No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis. La Velle E. Neal III then joins for a deeper look at a Twins pitcher who could hold the key to the season: Jose Berrios. Also: The Vikings released veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph on Tuesday in a widely expected move. What's still unclear, though: Why didn't the Vikings use him more, particularly in the red zone?

Fresh off of reporting that Gophers players took Richard Pitino's postgame comments after a loss Saturday to Nebraska as a sign that his coaching tenure is about to end, Marcus Fuller joins Michael Rand for a breakdown of what has gone wrong during Pitino's eight seasons. The short answer: Missteps in recruiting and a lack of player development left the Gophers without much depth, a story that played out again this season down the stretch. Also: An entertaining Wild game ends in a loss but still leads to thoughts of the playoffs. And what exactly did Ricky Rubio intend with his strong postgame comments after Sunday's Timberwolves loss?

Michael Rand is joined by Jason Gurwin from The Streamable for an update on the ongoing battle between Sinclair-owned regional sports networks like Fox Sports North and streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu. The upshot: Don't expect to watch the Twins (or Wild or Wolves) on those services in 2021. Gurwin helps explain why and tries to give you some options. Columnist Patrick Reusse also joins at the start of the show to expand on his opinion that the Gophers need to move on from men's basketball coach Richard Pitino. We get into a couple of possible replacements if the Gophers do, indeed, fire Pitino.

Michael Rand breaks down Minnesota's 67-59 loss to Northwestern -- a team that entered on a 13-game losing streak -- on Thursday. It could spell doom for their NCAA tournament chances and spark even more talk of a coaching change. Rand is also joined by Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine for a look at a very eventful week. On Sunday the Wolves fired Ryan Saunders. On Monday they officially hired Chris Finch. And on Thursday they learned Malik Beasley has been suspended for 12 games. What does it all mean in the short-term and the long-term? Plus a 40-year brawl anniversary and the debut column of La Velle E. Neal III.

Former Gophers defensive back Brock Vereen joins host Michael Rand to take listeners behind the scenes of everything that happens as a young player tries to get drafted and make it in the NFL. Vereen, a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2014, said the mental grind of the scouting combine -- which normally happens this time of year -- is far more excruciating than anything on the physical side. Rand also digs into the Minnesota Wild, a team that had his curiosity but now has his attention. And an interesting stat about Ricky Rubio and what has gone wrong -- or right -- for the Wolves in the clutch lately.

Chip Scoggins joins Michael Rand as they answer the four biggest questions in Minnesota sports: Will the Wolves ever get it right? Are the Twins a serious October threat? Will the Gophers make the NCAA men's basketball tournament? And should the Vikings pursue a Kirk Cousins trade? Rand also picks apart the Timberwolves after a 139-112 loss in Chris Finch's coaching debut, offering a pointed critique of their roster construction. Trade machine: Is a Deshaun Watson deal starting to feel like the Herschel Walker trade? And should the Wolves have made a different Jimmy Butler deal.

Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune reporter Rochelle Olson as they talk through the Twins' proposal to have around 10,000 fans per game at Target Field at the start of the season in April. Is that realistic? What hurdles are in place? And most importantly the fundamental question: When can fans expect to safely see games in person? Nick Kelly also joins to talk about his story in the Star Tribune about youth sports and challenges facing different youth basketball organizations. Plus: What did we learn from Chris Finch's introductory news conference at Wolves coach -- and what should you look for in tonight's game based on what he said.

A full episode on the Timberwolves' decision late Sunday to fire Ryan Saunders after a 7-24 start and hire Chris Finch off of the Raptors' staff. Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins to help break things down and assess where the Wolves go from there, and several reader questions are answered as well.

Michael Rand is joined by Toronto Raptors executive Teresa Resch ahead of Friday's game between the Raptors and Timberwolves. Resch describes the strange 2020-21 season in which the organization has temporarily relocated to Tampa, explains the culture within the organization that allows it to thrive and gives insights into how the Raptors were able to strike gold with less-heralded players like Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Also on the show: After the Carson Wentz trade, what do we know about any potential Kirk Cousins trade value? Wild fans: Change your face. A very special new segment called "Are these guys for real" featuring Steve Neuman (aka RandBallsStu) and a nod to the underrated career of Brian Dozier.

Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards joins the podcast to talk about his progress so far this season. In a normal year, he would be starting training camp around three months after the draft. This season, he's already 29 games into his rookie season at the three-month mark. But he's taking it all in stride and trying to meet every moment that comes his way. Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan also joins for a dissection of the Wild's long COVID layoff and the rust that was apparent in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to Los Angeles in its return. With games coming rapid-fire, this feels like a defining moment in the Wild's season. Plus dueling self-fulfilling prophecies for the Gophers men's basketball team and Timberwolves. And an Oasis song for every Minnesota pro sports team, not just Minnesota United.

La Velle E. Neal III joins Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Twins' roster heading into spring training. They made several additions in recent weeks -- including signing pitcher Matt Shoemaker on Monday -- but the question that remains unanswered is whether the sum of those additions will get them back to the playoffs and help them break an MLB-record 18-game postseason losing streak that dates back to 2004. Neal also gets fans ready for what to expect if they are trying to head down to Florida to see the Twins. Also on the show: Anthony Edwards took over in the fourth quarter of a close loss Tuesday to the Lakers, while Karl-Anthony Towns didn't attempt a shot in the quarter. That dynamic will bear watching, particularly with D'Angelo Russell out for 4-6 weeks. And a sobering stat if you are a Gophers men's basketball fan: No team has made the NCAA tournament with fewer than three wins away from home since 1994.

Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine for a dissection of the Wolves' first three games since Karl-Anthony Towns recovered from COVID-19. With D'Angelo Russell sidelined by a leg injury it's difficult to see the full picture of what this team wants to become, but one thing is clear: They shouldn't continue to play like a 7-20 team now that KAT is back, particularly given the emergence of young players like Jaden McDaniels. Rand also attempts to explain moves made Monday by the Twins and Lynx that might seem like head-scratchers at first. And what type of team might make sense if a Kirk Cousins trade became a reality? Rand answers that as well.

Craig Finn, frontman for The Hold Steady, joins Michael Rand for a great segment full of stories, music and sports talk. Finn still considers himself a big Minnesota sports fan, and he takes us on a journey filled with stories about the Randy Moss "moon" game at Lambeau Field, buying counterfeit Twins/Yankees playoff tickets and more. The Hold Steady's new release "Open Door Policy" is out Friday, and you won't want to miss it. Also on the show: You don't have to be perfect, you just have to get better. That was the theme of the weekend in Minnesota sports. And a listener hot take about defensive-minded NFL coaches and offensive continuity.

At the outset, Michael Rand rants and raves about the Gophers men's basketball team's 71-68 win over Purdue, which featured huge performances from Marcus Carr and Gabe Kalscheur -- plus a heavy dose of the sort of luck Minnesota sports fans insist never comes their way. Star Tribune Puck Drop editor Randy Johnson joins Rand for an investigation of the midyear struggles of the Gophers men's hockey team. After starting out 10-0, Minnesota is just 5-5 -- including getting swept by Wisconsin last weekend, with one of those losses an 8-1 drubbing. They also take a look at a daunting stretch for the Gophers women's hockey team and some good news for the Wild, which looks to get back on the ice Friday. Outdoors columnist and editor Dennis Anderson also joins the show for an expanded look at the Gunflint Trail and the Star Tribune's special section Friday about that hallowed area in Northern Minnesota.

ESPN front office expert Bobby Marks joins Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Timberwolves' roster -- and what moves we might expect going into the trade deadline next month. Marks says there are reasons for optimism with the Wolves' young players but also says that just about anyone on the roster outside of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards should cause Wolves President Gersson Rosas to at least listen to a trade offer. Later on the show, Gophers freshman guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. joins to talk about the unique family history he shares with Richard Pitino and how he manages to avoid Twitter. Plus: If the Twins are done with their "heavy lifting," is it enough?

Ben Goessling joins Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Vikings' promotion of Klint Kubiak to offensive coordinator. Sorry to those who crave a Kirk Cousins trade; this move signals that the Vikings are trying to maximize Cousins in 2021, not send him away. We also debut a new segment "Where's the money, Brzezinski?" -- a deep look at the Vikings' salary cap. Plus: MLB is messing with the ball again; sports gambling explained! And a new Vikings mock draft.

Rachel Blount joins Michael Rand on today's episode to talk about the University of St. Thomas and the ongoing process of a history-making jump from Division III to Division I sports. While athletes and coaches are enjoying their final months in the MIAC, preparations are already well underway for the bump up in divisions this summer. Also today: A look at the NHL's COVID problem, which might be more about the sport than anything else. Paige Bueckers did it again. That Ain't Schnelker's Fault: Malik Beasley edition. And the Vikings have a new offensive coordinator with a familiar last name.

Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan for a dissection of Tampa Bay's 31-9 victory over Kansas City in Sunday's Super Bowl. The game itself lacked drama, but the lessons learned can be applied to what we know -- or at least what we think we know -- about the Vikings and their eternal quest to finally win the big one. Former St. John's quarterback Tom Linnemann also joins the show for the "Played the Game" segment, breaking down the most critical sequence in the Super Bowl from a QB's perspective.

Michael Rand is joined on separate segments by former Vikings head coach Brad Childress and longtime Vikings fan Drew Magary of Defector Media. There's plenty of talk about the upcoming Super Bowl -- including Childress' thoughts on longtime friend Andy Reid -- and both take on tough questions about Kirk Cousins and the Vikings' future. Also: Another night, another case of hero ball dooming a Minnesota team. And looking forward to some big Gophers hockey action this weekend.

Michael Rand is joined by Marcus Fuller as they explore whether the Gophers men's basketball team might finally win a road game this season -- and whether their approach of shooting a lot of threes but not often making enough threes is a good one. Rand also talks to the Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek, wonders whether D'Angelo Russell needs a different late-game approach and falls far down a Wasswa Serwanga rabbit hole.

Michael Rand is joined by Chris Hine on this episode as they discuss some bright spots in the past week of an otherwise dreary Timberwolves season. High on that list: The improved play of rookie Anthony Edwards, for whom the game seems to be slowing down. Rand also checks in with his longtime internet friend Chiken Fingerz for some pretty revealing data on why Kevin Fiala's three-game Wild suspension was perhaps uncommonly harsh. Has Chiken Fingerz ever been more angry? Plus checking in on the Nelson Cruz re-signing as well as new shortstop Andrelton Simmons' revelation that he battled depression and thoughts of suicide in 2020.

Sarah McLellan, who covers the Wild for the Star Tribune, joins Michael Rand in a discussion of the Wild's first 10 games. Minnesota is off to a 6-4 start, fueled in large part by strong play from its third line and emerging forward Kirill Kaprizov. But can its depth withstand a current test? And long-term, can the Wild find the right type of center to consistently bring out the best in Kaprizov? Also on the show: A look at the Timberwolves' offensive woes, looming labor problems in baseball and three of your hottest -- but measured -- takes.

Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune NFL writer Mark Craig as they dissect a fascinating Super Bowl quarterback matchup that leads to a natural question: Kirk Cousins is neither elite nor a bargain. Is it still possible for him to get the Vikings to a Super Bowl in the near future? Also: A breakdown of the blockbuster Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff trade, a look at the plausibility of trading for Deshaun Watson, important wins for the Wild and Timberwolves on Sunday and some serious praise for the continuously excellent Minnesota Lynx.