StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Star Tribune's recent story on declining Target Field attendance and picks out three moments that really cost the Twins. The Yankees, of course, have played a role in their misery -- and continued to do so on Monday. 12:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins Rand to talk about all the big moments from Saturday's preseason opener and to set up a big week ahead for quarterback J.J. McCarthy. 31:00: A very veteran addition for the Wild?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The Twins took two of three from the Royals in their first home series since trading 10 MLB players. They are starting to win back some fans, it seems, with a younger roster led by Luke Keaschall. The 22-year-old rookie hit a walk-off homer to win Sunday's game.. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy had an effective but not spectacular series Saturday in a preseason win over the Texans.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at the 10 traded former Twins players. How have they fared in their first week with their new teams since the trade deadline? Plus a good listener question about minimum payrolls in MLB. 9:00: Star Tribune intern Shelby Swanson joins Rand to dissect all the latest Lynx news, including the injury to Napheesa Collier and the addition of DiJonai Carrington. 34:00: Some tough injury news for an ex-Gophers football player.

Introduction: The Vikings arrived at a clear choice in 2025 with their QB pecking order. It's second-year player J.J. McCarthy's team. But they had other options at various points. How are Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers and others faring in training camp so far? Plus Twins fans are intrigued by their new-look team. 11:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: Will the Twins make more pitching trades this offseason? How will the Vikings fare without Jordan Addison? And is there a silver lining with the Napheesa Collier trade? 31:00: The Twins were right about Jorge Alcala. And the Wolves' preseason schedule is out.

Host Michael Rand starts with Luke Keaschall's dramatic return to the Twins' lineup, DiJonai Carrington's strong debut in a Lynx victory and the long-awaited three-game suspension for Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison. 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand to talk about a big 10-day stretch coming up for J.J. McCarthy, the dominance of the Vikings' defense and the need to beef up depth at wide receiver. 28:00: A big sports media deal.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' plan for QB J.J. McCarthy in the preseason. Rand urges you to watch what the Vikings do more than listen to what they say. Plus an injury update on Lynx star Napheesa Collier. 10:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to dissect some of the biggest post-deadline questions. Namely: What is the mindset of the current team and how might any of this affect the sale of the Twins? 33:00: Another Cullen is joining the Gophers men's hockey team.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the big stories in sports. It's their first show together since the Twins traded away 10 players at the deadline, a move that will have reverberations on the franchise for years to come. Plus a big Lynx trade, but perhaps not the one we wer expecting.

Host Michael Rand starts with grades for each Twins move and an overall mark as well from a shocking trade deadline. Later, he welcomes in La Velle E. Neal III for a dissection of some of the biggest moves, including Carlos Correa.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with thoughts on J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell, who sound a lot like each other when breaking down the Vikings' offense. That's not a bad thing at all. Plus a good win for the Lynx over New York. 10:00: Phil Miller joins Rand to break down a very strange and newsy day for the Twins. They confused one player. They enraged another. And then they traded their star closer. That about sums it up in a season that has gone off the rails. 33:00: A Leagues Cup win for Minnesota United.

Introduction: The Twins' trade deadline chatter featured a curveball as reports have emerged that Houston is considering trying to trade for shortstop Carlos Correa. What would that look like for the Twins and Correa, who has a no-trade clause in the six-year, $200 million deal he signed before 2023? 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to break down what he has seen so far at Vikings camp. Plus some talk about the Twins' long-term plan. 27:00: Lynx vs. Liberty was a great but controversial WNBA Finals last year. Those same teams will play four times in the next few weeks.

Introduction: On a Twins-heavy show, host Michael Rand starts with Monday's dramatic walk-off win after a thunderstorm, which was preceded by the first pre-deadline trade by the Twins. They sent out Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak, undoing two of the more regrettable moves of the Derek Falvey regime. 10:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to break down the Twins' big picture outlook. Why did this season go off the rails? Look at player development first, Nightengale says. And who else might be traded before Thursday's deadline? 31:00: The pads are popping at Vikings camp and the Gophers got a goalie recruit.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, starting with another disappointing series for the Twins. They're 50-55 after losing two of three to the last-place Nationals, and it's enough to ask where the big plan went off the rails. Plus Reusse and Rand get into the 3M Open, Vikings training camp and the Lynx while offering a send-off for departing colleague Jerry Zgoda.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins and a general ambivalence toward what they should do at the trade deadline. Plus a new wrinkle in the college sports pay-for-play discussion. 8:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to break down what we have seen so far at training camp. What are some of the best positional battles? Are the Vikings being underrated? And just how much is on J.J. McCarthy's shoulders? 36:00: Closing thoughts on the Vikings.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a rough Twins loss. After rallying to take the lead on the Dodgers, Minnesota needed just one more strike to win. But instead, a series of events led to a 4-3 loss that oddly calcified how Rand thinks of them this season. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show for the weekly debate segment. 26:00: J.J. McCarthy's leadership and big money in the NFL.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings, who open training camp Wednesday coming off a 14-3 season and a productive offseason. One NFL pundit even says the Vikings have the very best front seven in the NFL. That plus an upgraded offensive line should make Minnesota feel a lot better about life in the trenches this season. 10:00: Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand from Las Vegas to preview the upcoming season and set up all the changes ahead in college football. 22:00: The Twins got it done, strangely, with the bases loaded. And the Lynx won, too, thanks in part to a Diamond Miller free throw binge.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a 5-2 Twins loss that had plenty of interesting subplots early and late. But the sum of the nine innings reinforced what we have learned through 100 games this season: The Twins just aren't good enough this year. 8:00: Star Tribune summer sports intern Shelby Swanson joins Rand to break down all the big Lynx storylines. They're 20-4 coming out of the All-Star break, and they are dominating headlines. Will that all add up to a championship? 43:00: Old Twins friend Rich Hill is still at it.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included an embarrassing series for the Twins at the hopeless Rockies. After Minnesota won just one of three games, their path forward this season is clear. And Reusse questions whether the people making decisions for the Twins are all that smart. Plus a look ahead to Vikings training camp. Spoiler alert: Reusse thinks the Vikings will be pretty good, but he still misses Mankato. And golf will soon take over the Twin Cities.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the large contingent of Cubs fans at Target Field, the Twins' predictable Thursday loss and a great Twins broadcast experiment. Plus the Lynx bounced back from a loss and utilized their bench in a good win Thursday. 7:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a deeper look at the budget implications of the Gophers paying athletes $20.5 million this season. 28:00: Joan Beringer has only played one Summer League game, and he already set a record.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another good Twins win during an impressive stretch. It would have been just their luck this season to lose Byron Buxton during Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Cubs, but luckily X-rays were negative after he was hit on the hand by a pitch. Can they keep things rolling? Plus the Lynx lost, but they have no time to dwell on it with another game today. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: Re-examining Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, determining Terrence Shannon Jr.'s ceiling with the Wolves and deciding what we think of Kirk Cousins. 28:00: The Gophers athletic budget has a considerable shortfall.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an appreciation for the U.S. Open Cup, a soccer tournament this year featuring 96 teams from all levels of soccer in this country. Minnesota United earned a spot in the semifinals with a win Tuesday, and Rand has a history lesson about past Open Cups. Plus a strong win for the Twins, who are trying to make a surge before the All-Star break. 11:00: NBA podcaster Dane Moore joins Rand to break down the Timberwolves offseason, what to watch for in Summer League and more. 45:00: Chet Holmgren just got paid.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with new comments from former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins on the new season of "Quarterback." He said he might have chosen to stay in Minnesota last year if he had known the Falcons would draft a QB and admitted he played through an injury in Atlanta. He doesn't come off as well as he might think. 8:00: Rand welcomes in Twins Daily co-founder Nick Nelson for a conversation about where the Twins stand. Who are the biggest successes and disappointments? What should they do at the trade deadline? Can Matt Wallner start hitting again? 32:00: The quarter-century Timberwolves team.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included an entertaining three-game series at Target Field. The Twins won two of three from the Rays and Byron Buxton is an All-Star, though the news beyond that isn't too rosy for Minnesota. Plus the Lynx are 17-2 and could be on the verge of adding another very good player to their roster. And print deadlines aren't what they used to be, but the Wild are cooperating by not doing much of anything in free agency.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a Twins win fueled by a strange rule and large dose of luck. Bailey Ober's trip to the injured list, though, hovers over any good news. Plus a Red Panda update and the thing Kirk Cousins has done as well as any NFL player. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to debate the Wild's mild offseason, three Twins players to trade and where the Wolves stand in the West. 26:00: Are the Wolves part of the Kevin Durant trade after all?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx game Tuesday at Target Center, which was bad on multiple fronts. Not only did Minnesota lose 74-59 in the Commissioner's Cup final to a Caitlin Clark-less Indiana team, but also legendary halftime act Red Panda was injured during a performance. Plus thoughts on Nico Sturm to the Wild and another loss for the Twins. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk through how the Gophers are going to distribute $20.5 million to athletes, payments that can start this week. And they have some Wolves thoughts as well. 31:00: The Celtics are raiding the end of the Wolves bench and the Bucks have moved on from Damian Lillard.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with two Monday trades. The Wild obtained Vladimir Tarasenko, taking on a $4.75 million cap hit for one season after a down year for Tarasenko in Detroit. Can the Wild revive his career? The Wolves, meanwhile, received a second-round pick and future trade flexibility from the Hawks in a sign-and-trade for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It's clear which Minnesota team was dealing from a position of strength. 11:00: Star Tribune veteran sportswriter Kent Youngblood reflects on a long career as his retirement approaches at the end of the week. He also breaks down the 14-2 Lynx heading into the Commissioner Cup final against Indiana on Tuesday. 31:00: Joe Ryan, the one Twins starter you trust, is pitching Tuesday.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which started with the Twins dropping the last two games of their series in Detroit. As the Twins tread water, Reusse wants to know when they are going to have a true phenom step up. Plus the Wolves retained Naz Reid and Julius Randle but might have more up their sleeve. And the Wild finally have money to spend, but are there any players out there to get? And the Lynx keep on winning. Will they get to face Caitlin Clark on Tuesday?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand weaves together his overscheduling error and the Twins' modest two-game winning streak and concludes that, like any good dad would, we needed the rain. 8:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand to break down a busy offseason. The Wild traded away Frederick Gaudreau on Thursday, a move that was both practical and symbolic. They have five picks in the draft that starts tonight, plus a lot of cap space in a tight free agent market. 34:00: The Wolves made a couple moves that made sense for the future.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the NBA draft, where the Wolves took 18-year-old French big man Joan Beringer with the 17th pick of the first round. He's a project but a defensive-minded one at that. What you think of the pick is in the eyes of the beholder. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: Are the Wild going to be able to upgrade at center? Will the new Wolves owners get the arena debate right? And can the Twins get out of their funk? 35:00: Good results for both Minnesota United and the Twins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins and some novel ideas to shake them out of their funk. Plus the Lynx lost for just the second time all season, reinforcing the value of Napheesa Collier. 9:00: Star Tribune Wolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a breakdown of the team's ownership change. How will new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez run the team? Plus a look at this week's draft, free agency and any hints of other big moves ahead. 32:00: The Frost made defense a priority in the PWHL draft.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers football program landing the top recruit in Minnesota for the third straight year. This time it was Roman Voss, who picked the Gophers over several premier programs, including Alabama. Plus some good news for St. Thomas and the new Timberwolves owners. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan joins Rand for a conversation about the excellence of the Lynx and the free-fall of the Twins. 31:00: Derek Falvey is trying to reassure us.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which did not include any wins for the Twins. They sit at 37-40 after being swept by the Brewers, and their pitching staff is in shambles. Reusse argues that now is the time for the Twins to deal some of their best relief pitchers. Plus reaction -- more or less relief -- to news that Kevin Durant wound up in Houston instead of Minnesota. And a look ahead to NBA and NHL drafts and free agency.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Pacers' blowout win over Oklahoma City in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. We've seen enough in this series to make some declarations about what the Timberwolves can learn from Indiana as the series heads to a Game 7. Plus the Twins ended their losing streak in a big way. 10:00: Boys basketball recruiting expert Ryan James joins Rand to break down how he compiles player rankings and share some players to watch over the summer and beyond. 30:00: Streaming overtakes cable and satellite.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a curiosity about why analytics projections have the Vikings as a middle-of-the-pack team in the NFL this season. Plus another Twins loss has them below .500. 12:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: Chris Finch and the NBA Finals, Twins as buyers or sellers and Florida supplanting Minnesota (OK not really) as the State of Hockey. 37:00: Jaire Alexander is signing with the Ravens for a small amount of money and the Lakers are getting sold for a large amount of money.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another close loss for the Twins, this time 6-5 at the Reds. They have lost their last seven one-run games in falling to .500, and many culprits have surfaced. Plus the Lynx defeated the Aces but will have to watch Napheesa Collier's back injury. 8:00: Jon Marthaler joins Rand for a look at Minnesota United at roughly the halfway point of the MLS season. Where do the Loons stand? 28:00: Chris Finch isn't watching the NBA Finals, and Florida is once again the state of hockey.

Host Michael Rand starts with a big stretch of games for the Twins, who have fallen to 36-35 after a recent 2-8 stretch. Can they turn their luck (and play) against several teams similar to them? 5:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the Wolves' big offseason questions. To trade or not to trade? Which free agents can they keep? And who will they take in the draft? 28:00: The Thunder are one win away and the Lynx have a big opportunity.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, one that took on a somber tone as athletes and teams around town grappled with the shooting of two Minnesota state legislators and their spouses. In the sports realm, Reusse and Rand talked about the legacy of Seimone Augustus, the free-fall of the Twins and how the Wolves (thankfully) are on the outside looking in at the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. Plus a memorable U.S. Open finish and a rant about those who back into parking spaces.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Byron Buxton's amazing third inning, during which he robbed Texas of a run-scoring extra-base hit in the top half and then clobbered a three-run, 479-foot homer in the bottom half. It changed the trajectory of the game, for sure, and perhaps this part of the Twins' season. Plus some roster moves add up to goodbye, Jorge Alcala. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: Chris Finch, the Twins' pitching injuries and the Vikings' commitment to running the ball. 29:00: The Pacers won, the Lynx lost and Paige Bueckers shined.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the comical, nonsensical and now personal Knicks coaching search, which reportedly included an attempt by New York to talk to current Wolves coach Chris Finch. Minnesota of course turned them down. Rand also gets to the 16-4 Twins loss, which didn't inspire faith in Simeon Woods Richardson. 12:00: Minnesota Star Tribune college football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand to discuss the impact of the house settlement on the Gophers. Plus recruiting news from P.J. Fleck's team. 31:00: Josh Oliver's extension is another signal the Vikings are prioritizing the run game.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with two players who have been on his mind lately. Darius Garland of the Cavaliers and Jaire Alexander recently of the Packers are names to consider as upgrades for Minnesota teams. How will they be viewed by local decisionmakers who seem to have much more patience than their predecessors? 12:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to break down the state of the Twins. How will they survive without Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews? And what's new with the sale of the team? 32:00: Simeon Woods-Richardson and David Festa will get chances the next two nights to give the Twins a boost.

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They start with the Twins, who are dealing with not one but two injuries now to their starting rotation with Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews. Can they remain competitive? Plus a look at the 9-0 Lynx, the NBA Finals, a tennis match for the ages and ... World War I?

Host Michael Rand starts with Aaron Rodgers reportedly agreeing to sign with the Steelers, a development that came mere hours after Rand became convinced during a lunchtime run that Rodgers coming to Minnesota was a coin flip proposition. Plus the Pacers pulled off another improbable rally in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, stunning the Thunder in a way the Wolves could not. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a look at the Wolves' ideal offseason in addition to what expectations should be for the Vikings and where we stand with the College Football Playoff. 41:00: A long, strange road trip ended with a football loss for the Twins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with questions about Sam Darnold's job status already surfacing in Seattle. Are they fair, and would we be hearing them if he had a different name? Plus a wild Wolves rumor from Paul Pierce. 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their Daily Delivery Debate segment, talking about Chris Finch, Pablo Lopez and the Lynx. 26:00: Roger Maris for the Hall of Fame?

Introduction: On a jam-packed episode, host Michael Rand starts with the life of Vikings great Jim Marshall, who died Tuesday at age 87. So many signs point to him being a Hall of Famer. He never made it, but that doesn't diminish his career. Plus a very newsy Twins game and the Lynx are 8-0 for the fourth time in their history. 10:00: Star Tribune Wolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a discussion of his new "Ant" book and to break down key facets of the team's offseason. Is Darius Garland a name to watch? 34:00: Thibs is gone.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins' best inning on Monday, when they escaped a bases loaded jam and followed with a big two-out hit in a win over the A's. Plus the key comment from Wolves boss Tim Connelly and a minor Wild move. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for an update from early Vikings practices, including how J.J. McCarthy is looking. 31:00: Justin Jefferson's presence and the Lynx putting their undefeated record on the line.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included three dramatic Twins games (but only one win) in Seattle. Along the way, Royce Lewis continued to struggle. Does he need to be sent back to the minors? Plus they get into the Wolves offseason and Chris Finch's curious quote about needing to expand the playing rotation. And the Lynx are undefeated while the Loons finally won in Seattle.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves exit interviews and some interesting comments from Mike Conley Jr. about the future. Plus the Knicks showed up in Game 5 but the Stars did not. 10:00: Phil Miller joins Rand for a Twins sale update. 30:00: Royce Lewis is beyond slumping. He's despondent.

Host Michael Rand starts with extra thoughts on the Timberwolves. They were blown out in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals for the second straight season. That disappointing finish comes in contrast to their best two-year run in franchise history. What will the offseason bring? 13:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk about an update on the Twins sale, J.J. McCarthy mania and giving the Frost their frozen flowers. 30:00: Twins and Loons scoreless, but one happier than the other.

Host Michael Rand starts with intrigue about NFL quarterbacks. We should get our first look in a while at J.J. McCarthy this week. Kirk Cousins was a no-show at OTAs in Atlanta. And Terry Bradshaw ripped the still available Aaron Rodgers. Plus another good Twins win and a dominant 5-0 start for the Lynx. 10:00: Star Tribune writer and Wolves fan Jeff Day joins Rand to set up Game 5 in Oklahoma City. Day has far more optimism than most that there will be a Game 6 at Target Center. 39:00: Can Ant have his Halliburton game?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the long weekend in sports. Monday's Game 4 Wolves loss to Oklahoma City was of course fresh and front-brain, with Reusse saying even though Minnesota lost just 128-126 he never thought the Wolves were going to win. The Thunder can end the series Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Plus thoughts on the Twins and a championship for the Frost.