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StribSports Daily Delivery

1,466 episodes — Page 4 of 30

Could the Wolves trade for Giannis? + What's wrong with Gophers men's hockey?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the report that the Wolves are one of four teams in the mix to trade for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. What would it take and would it be worth it? Plus the Wolves beat the Thunder, the Wild beat the Flames and a major record was set in high school basketball. 13:00: Randy Johnson joins to talk about the struggles of the Gophers men's hockey team and the Gophers football schedule. 28:00: NFL coordinator news and a Lindsey Vonn crash.

Jan 30, 202631 min

La Velle E. Neal III on Bill Belichick, Twins spending and a Vikings draft question

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a busy night of events on Wednesday. The Wolves showed off seldom-used depth in beating the Mavericks. The Gophers men's basketball again suffered from a lack of depth. The Gophers women and Frost cruised to wins. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins to talk about Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub, a lingering 2024 Vikings draft question and the Twins' 2026 spending plan. 30:00: A Twins trade.

Jan 29, 202633 min

Chris Hine on the Wolves' depth, spirit and ticket prices; 2024 Vikings draft revisited

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's continued mastery of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Gophers football schedule and an opportunity for the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand on three very different aspects of the team. First, purely basketball as they talk about depth and the approaching trade deadline. Second, the atmosphere inside Target Center over the weekend after another killing in Minneapolis. Third, the mood of season ticket holders. 36:00: Two good letters from listeners on the Vikings and Twins.

Jan 28, 202643 min

Twins owner Tom Pohlad on a challenging path forward; Chip Scoggins on Twins, Wolves

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with news that the Washington Commanders are hiring Vikings defensive assistant Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator. It's been an interesting hiring cycle. Plus the Twins avoided arbitration with Joe Ryan. 7:00: Twins controlling owner Tom Pohlad shares his thoughts on the organization's path forward, how fans feel about his family and payroll in 2026 and beyond. 11:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to dissect Pohlad's recent comments and to talk about his recent story on Wolves + Lynx CEO Matt Caldwell. 35:00: The Wolves snapped their losing streak.

Jan 27, 202638 min

Patrick Reusse on Sam Darnold, the Vikings and an awful Wolves slide

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, including New England and Seattle prevailing in conference title games to set up a Super Bowl matchup. Rand frames it as the battle between the QB the Vikings used to have (Sam Darnold) and the QB they wish they could have drafted (Drake Maye). Plus a look at at the slumping Wolves and the Twins' leadership transformation.

Jan 26, 202638 min

Brian Flores' leverage is dwindling; Wolves and Wild headed in opposite directions

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes the Wolves loss to Chicago and the Wild's win over Detroit and frames them up. It comes down to this: The Wild have all the pieces they need to compete. They just need to stay healthy. The Wolves are largely healthy but need one more piece to compete. 10:00: Andrew Krammer on Brian Flores, the Vikings' offensive line and this weekend's conference title games. 31:00: Two interesting developments on the Flores watch.

Jan 23, 202633 min

La Velle E. Neal III on Vikings and Gophers football; Wolves raise season ticket prices

Host Michael Rand starts with two pieces of good news that could just be temporary: Brian Flores signed a contract extension with the Vikings, but he can still leave for a head coaching job. The Lynx schedule was released, but there might not be a WNBA season. Plus a quality win for the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: Does Indiana put pressure on the Gophers? When will we learn our lesson with the Wolves? And do we need to focus more on the Vikings in the trenches instead of QB? 33:00: The Wolves raised season ticket prices, and we all got a lesson in economics.

Jan 22, 202638 min

An 0-for-3 night in Minnesota sports; Does Indiana's success put pressure on Minnesota?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a night in Minnesota sports that could have been 3-0 but instead turned into 0-3. Plus some good news for Jordan Addison. 10:00: Star Tribune college football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a breakdown of Indiana's amazing 16-0 season and to put into perspective what it might mean for the Gophers. Plus thoughts on Minnesota's coaching changes and transfer portal moves. 30:00: Baker Mayfield is not a Kevin Stefanski fan.

Jan 21, 202633 min

If Indiana can win, why not Minnesota? + Bobby Nightengale on the Twins

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at Indiana's perfect 16-0 college football season, capped Monday by a 27-21 thriller over Miami in the championship game. One of the worst programs in college football history is now on top of the world. How did that happen, and how much hope does it give everyone else? Plus Vikings coaching news and a good Wild win. 13:00: Bobby Nightengale from the Star Tribune on the Twins and their offseason. 35:00: A devastating injury for Jimmy Butler.

Jan 20, 202637 min

Patrick Reusse on the NFL playoffs, Vikings conundrum and baseball's problem

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They start with the NFL playoffs, which featured two overtime games and two relative duds. What did we learn about the NFC North and the Vikings' path in 2026? Plus thoughts on the Wild, Wolves, Twins and more.

Jan 19, 202639 min

What if the Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy? + MLB is broken and needs to shut down

Introduction: Host Michael Rand doesn't care how long it takes. Shut down MLB after this season until there's a salary cap. There's no other reasonable course of action after seeing what the Dodgers continue to do, including signing Kyle Tucker for $60 million a year. Plus a rough patch for the Wild and Ant out tonight for the Wolves. 9:00: Chip Scoggins joins the show on two big subjects: A Gophers men's basketball revival under Niko Medved and the notion that the Vikings could cut ties this offseason with J.J. McCarthy. 36:00: Sam Darnold on the injury report and the closing of the portal.

Jan 16, 202640 min

La Velle E. Neal III on the Vikings; Timberwolves are making their push

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a narrative shift around the Wolves and just how important (and emphatic) their win over the Bucks on Tuesday was. Two big games in Texas await them starting Friday. Plus a minor Twins move and a Gophers women's basketball loss. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a Vikings discussion. There was a lot to unpack from Tuesday's season-ending news conference, including QB questions, Brian Flores discussion and a Jordan Addison conundrum. 32:00: John Harbaugh to the Giants.

Jan 15, 202634 min

Joan Beringer's arrival; Sarah McLellan on the Wild; Vikings QB comes into focus

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a dissection of remarks made about 2026 QB plans by Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 13:00: Sarah McLellan on the Wild's big-picture strength contrasted against their recent dip. 31:00: Joan Beringer arrived for the Wolves; the Gophers lost a heartbreaker.

Jan 14, 202637 min

Chris Hine on the state of the Wolves; the end or the beginning for Aaron Rodgers?

Host Michael Rand starts with why he thinks Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings in 2026 makes more sense than it did in 2025. What we don't know is whether Rodgers wants to play another year after losing Monday in the playoffs with Pittsburgh. 10:00: Chris Hine joins Rand for a lengthy Wolves discussion. 36:00: No Ant and no Gobert tonight for Minnesota.

Jan 13, 202638 min

Patrick Reusse on Wolves, Gophers and Justin Herbert for the Vikings?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Another playoff clunker for the Chargers had Reusse fired up about whether Justin Herbert could be available to the Vikings this offseason. Plus an impressive Wolves comeback, a Gophers women's hoops win and more.

Jan 12, 202628 min

The biggest questions about the Twins' best prospects; Anthony Edwards hits 10K

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at Anthony Edwards, who on Thursday became the third-youngest player to reach 10,000 points behind just LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Plus a Wild win at the end of a long road trip and another massive departure for Minnesota United. 10:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins for a breakdown of his recent list of the top 10 Twins prospects. How soon might some of them arrive in the majors, and what will they need to work on the most to get here? 38:00: Joe Ryan and the Twins might be headed for arbitration.

Jan 9, 202640 min

Ravens ask to interview Brian Flores; La Velle E. Neal on Wolves, Gophers, Twins

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with early Thursday news that the Ravens have asked to interview Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their head coaching vacancy. Plus Koi Perich has visits scheduled with some big-time programs. 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: Are the Wolves for real, are Niko Medved's Gophers good and are the Twins up to anything? 31:00: Trae Young trade and a good Wolves stat.

Jan 8, 202633 min

The five types of QBs the Vikings could add; Huge wins for Gophers, Wolves

Introduction: Off of big wins on Tuesday for both teams, host Michael Rand asks questions about the Timberwolves and Gophers men's hoops squads. 10:00: Chip Scoggins joins to talk Vikings quarterbacks and college football. 33:00: A surprise coaching move means one more opening for Brian Flores.

Jan 7, 202635 min

J.J. McCarthy's offseason checklist + An ode to why we watch sports

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with some hockey talk, including the Wild and World Junior tournament. 5:00: Andrew Krammer joins for the final installment of the Vikings film review, followed by Rand digressing into a broader sports discussion. 30:00: Vikings poetry, another farewell. 43:00: Sid Hartman's honor.

Jan 6, 202647 min

Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' dilemma and a bunch of Minnesota winners

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports.

Jan 5, 202639 min

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Wrapping up a frustrating Vikings season

Whereby I imagine someone was in a coma and missed -- some would say blissfully -- the entire Vikings season and only just woke up minutes after the 16-3 win over the Packers.

Jan 4, 202619 min

Drafting the top 10 Minnesota pro athletes with La Velle E. Neal III

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III and host Michael Rand go back and forth in the final episode of 2025. They'll combine to pick the top 10 players currently on Minnesota pro sports teams.

Dec 31, 202535 min

A night of Minnesota winners; Film review shows a big Vikings QB question

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a night of winning for Minnesota teams. The Wolves routed the Bulls and the Wild routed Vegas, reminding us of how much both teams have grown. Plus the Gophers women's and men's basketball teams both won as well. 11:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the Vikings' most recent win and to take a big-picture look at the roster. 32:00: Kevin Williams receives a big honor.

Dec 30, 202534 min

Patrick Reusse on what we have learned about the Vikings, Wolves and Wild

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Their focus started with the Vikings, who haven't played since Thursday but have won four straight games after a dreadful 4-8 start. The big question: What have we learned in a very strange season? Plus thoughts on the Wolves, Wild, Gophers and more.

Dec 29, 202542 min

What J.J. McCarthy's hairline fracture means; Randy Johnson on Gopher football, World Junior hockey

Introduction: Host Michael Rand dissects Kevin O'Connell's Tuesday news conference in which he announced J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture on his throwing hand. 13:00: Randy Johnson joins the show from Arizona to set up the Gophers bowl game and the World Junior hockey tournament. 26:00: The Twins are No. 1 at something.

Dec 24, 202529 min

Film and injury reveal questions about J.J. McCarthy; TV headache for Wolves, Wild?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three questions from readers, all of them about the NFL. 8:00: Andrew Krammer's film review from the Vikings' win over the Giants leads to all sorts of questions. 28:00: Vikings poetry. 43:00: An emerging TV headache for Wolves, Wild?

Dec 23, 202547 min

Patrick Reusse on J.J. McCarthy, Twins ownership, Wolves, Wild and more

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports.

Dec 22, 202546 min

Special Delivery! Vikings win third in a row, but J.J. McCarthy injury is a big question

Dec 21, 202519 min

Special Delivery: A conversation with St. Thomas AD Phil Esten, the Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins and host Michael Rand chat with St. Thomas AD and 2025 Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year Phil Esten.

Dec 21, 202529 min

KG and Wolves reunited, and it feels so good; Bobby Nightengale on Twins shakeup

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the news that Kevin Garnett and the Wolves have mended their relationship. KG will join the team as an ambassador and will have his jersey retired at some point. After a decade of strained feelings, this is right. Plus the Wild are No. 3 in their division -- and the entire NHL -- after another win Thursday. 10:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a dissection of the big Twins news this week. 29:00: The Seahawks won a wild one over the Rams; even if the Vikings had been better this year, they wouldn't be a playoff team.

Dec 19, 202533 min

A shakeup at the top for Twins; Marcus Fuller on Minnesota high school basketball

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the big news from the Twins. Not only did they introduce their new limited partners, but also they shifted from one Pohlad (Joe) to another (Tom) as their top executive. Where are they headed now? Plus a bad Wolves loss leaves head coach Chris Finch perplexed and concerned. 11:00: Strib Varsity's Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about his recent story on a 17-year-old basketball referee and to break down all the top high school teams. 29:00: Star goalie Dayne St. Clair is leaving Minnesota United.

Dec 18, 202533 min

La Velle E. Neal III on Quinn Hughes; the most encouraging J.J. McCarthy stat

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with thoughts on J.J. McCarthy and how he has made big throws while limiting mistakes each of the last two weeks. Plus do we need to take Bones Hyland seriously? 10:00: The Daily Delivery debate with La Velle E. Neal III on the Vikings, Wild and Twins. 33:00: Quinn Hughes and the Wild keep rolling.

Dec 17, 202535 min

A Twins free agent, sweet poetry and how the Vikings season could have gone

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins' free agent signing of Josh Bell. They committed $7 million to him, the most they've spent since 2023. That's a sign for 2026 and an indictment of the recent past. 7:00: Vikings poetry, with some bonus Quinn Hughes talk. 26:00: Kevin O'Connell's lament.

Dec 16, 202532 min

Best weekend ever? On the Vikings win, the Wild's blockbuster and a 22-year streak

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins, who is pinch hitting for Patrick Reusse. They had plenty to get to, including the Vikings' win over Dallas, the Wild's blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes and a Wolves discussion. It might have been the best weekend for Minnesota sports in a while.

Dec 15, 202536 min

Special Delivery! J.J. McCarthy and Vikings deliver in Dallas

Dec 15, 202514 min

Twins roster and payroll news with Bobby Nightengale; Vikings QB situation

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's nice win over Dallas, continuing a trend of playing better against stronger competition. Plus a look at Vikings QBs of the past and present -- and perhaps the future? 9:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand fresh off a trip to the Winter Meetings in Orlando. There are plenty of Twins notes to unpack. 30:00: The Gophers volleyball team ran into a buzzsaw.

Dec 12, 202533 min

A perfect opponent for the Vikings + Sarah McLellan on the Wild

Introduction: Host Michael Rand lays out why he thinks Dallas is the perfect opponent this weekend for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy. Plus a Gophers volleyball opportunity, a basketball loss and Michigan's coaching situation. 9:00: Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand for a check-in ahead of Thursday's game vs. Dallas. Can the Wild withstand a rash of recent injuries and find their form? 27:00: Steph Curry is returning to face the Wolves.

Dec 11, 202529 min

College football drama and Gophers football news + What are the Twins doing?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to connect the dots on the Twins' offseason plan and comes up wondering what exactly they hope to accomplish. 7:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a college football discussion, ranging from Notre Dame to Indiana to the Gophers. 27:00: Randy Johnson hops on for more college football talk, including some transfer portal news with the Gophers. 38:00: Can Niko Medved's Gophers shock the world again?

Dec 10, 202540 min

Vikings film review of J.J. McCarthy; Three observations after a Wolves loss

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has some thoughts on Rudy Gobert, Rob Dillingham and the Wolves after a 108-105 loss to the Suns. Plus the Wild salvaged a win at the end of a tough road trip and the Twins are looking for lottery luck today. 8:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film from Sunday's 31-0 Vikings win. Is this a sign of J.J. McCarthy getting more comfortable, an incredibly weak opponent or a little of both? 25:00: Vikings poetry never disappoints. 38:00: A great Monday Night Football game, a desperate QB situation and some love for an overlooked team.

Dec 9, 202543 min

Patrick Reusse on J.J. McCarthy's big day, a bad Gophers loss and more

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the big topics: A turnaround for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy in a 31-0 victory over Washington; a terrible closing sequence in a one-point Gophers women's basketball loss to Maryland; and the Gophers football team heading to the Rate Bowl.

Dec 8, 202539 min

Special Delivery: Vikings shut out Washington. Sometimes it all goes ... right?

Dec 7, 202514 min

Ben Goessling on the Vikings' new approach and what's at stake the rest of the season

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves and Wild, who didn't exactly learn lessons from their Tuesday victories. But the Wolves won again over the Pelicans, establishing further evidence that they can at least beat bad teams. The Wild lost at Calgary but are in a good spot in their division. 6:00: Ben Goessling joins Rand for a deep dive into the 4-8 Vikings, J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen's departure. 42:00: A big weekend of college volleyball.

Dec 5, 202545 min

Niko Medved's Big Ten triumph; Vikings simplifying; La Velle E. Neal III debate

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a stunning Gophers men's basketball victory over No. 22 Indiana in Niko Medved's Big Ten coaching debut. It's not likely sustainable this season, but it sure was fun. Plus the Vikings are trying to help J.J. McCarthy not overthink things and Adam Thielen is teaming up with Aaron Rodgers. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for a debate segment on the Vikings, Twins and Gophers football. 31:00: The Wild and Wolves get another shot.

Dec 4, 202533 min

Jesper Wallstedt does it again; Ant saves the Wolves; Gophers football recruiting

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a trio of Minnesota pro sports victories. The Wild got another shutout win from goalie Jesper Wallstedt, this time a 1-0 nailbiter over Edmonton. The Wolves needed 47 minutes and 44 points from Anthony Edwards to escape with an overtime win over New Orleans. And the Frost cruised 5-1. 11:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand on three Gophers football topics: The win over Wisconsin, signing day and bowl projections. 28:00: A fresh Byron Buxton trade rumbling and bad injury news for Niko Medved's Gophers.

Dec 3, 202531 min

Adam Thielen's departure; film review reveals depths of Vikings offensive woes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the release of Adam Thielen, which perfectly encapsulates how the Vikings' plan this season has gone off the rails. 6:00: Andrew Krammer helps review the film from the Vikings' 26-0 loss to Seattle, their first shutout defeat in 18 years. 28:00: Vikings poetry is not kind. 41:00: On a lighter note, hot yoga and missed kicks.

Dec 2, 202542 min

Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' futility, Gophers over Badgers and more

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look back at the weekend in sports, starting with another inept performance by the Vikings. They were shut out in Seattle with Max Brosmer making his first start. Justin Jefferson didn't speak to the media afterwards. Plus the Gophers beat Wisconsin for the fourth time in five years, the Wolves beat a couple quality teams and more.

Dec 1, 202540 min

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Vikings shut out, look hopeless in Seattle

Dec 1, 202515 min

Vikings best-case scenario and how they must approach QB in 2026

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an all Vikings edition of Daily Delivery on this fine Thanksgiving. After Rand gives an update on J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, Neal and Rand get into the best-case QB scenario for the rest of this year, contingency plans for 2026 and whether the Vikings need a more thorough rebuild.

Nov 27, 202536 min

Patience or panic with J.J. McCarthy? + Chris Hine on the Wolves' struggles

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with one of his favorite "two things can be true" ideas. J.J. McCarthy has been historically bad AND it's too soon to give up on him. But it's not too soon to think about what might happen if things don't work out. 9:00: Chris Hine joins Rand to talk about the Timberwolves, who have blown big late leads in each of their last two losses. 28:00: Randy Johnson on Gophers football. 36:00: History for St. Thomas.

Nov 26, 202536 min

J.J. McCarthy struggled. Now he's in concussion protocol. Is it Max Brosmer's time?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Monday's big news: J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms. That could very well pave the way for Max Brosmer's first career start. What would that mean and what will that look like for the Vikings? 10:00: The ugly film review from the Vikings' 23-6 loss to the Packers. 33:00: Vikings poetry and monster trucks. 50:00: The Wolves and Loons lost late.

Nov 25, 202553 min