StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the AL Central race, where Cleveland has pulled within a game of Detroit heading into a showdown between the teams starting Tuesday. The Twins and Guardians were in almost exactly the same spot at the All Star Break. What changed? Plus the Lynx can take control of their WNBA semifinal series tonight. 11:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film from Sunday's 48-10 win, while Kevin O'Connell had some interesting things to say about the QB spot. 34:00: Vikings poetry remains undefeated.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, and they start with the Vikings' 48-10 win over the Bengals. Carson Wentz was efficient behind a dominant defense. What will happen if he keeps winning by the time J.J. McCarthy is healthy? The Lynx stormed back from a halftime deficit to take Game 1 of their WNBA semifinal series 82-69 over Phoenix. The Twins won a game but had their lowest season attendance (non-Covid) in a quarter-century. And Big Ten football got interesting over the weekend.

Introduction: After spending part of Thursday at the opening of Wild training camp, host Michael Rand has some thoughts on the complicated Kirill Kaprizov contract situation. 14:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. They disagree fundamentally on the question of whether Carson Wentz gives the Vikings a better chance to win Sunday than J.J. McCarthy would have if he was healthy. Plus questions about Kaprizov and the Lynx. 34:00: Tush push drama and the WNBA playoffs have been great.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx, who staged an epic comeback to win Game 2 and the series against Golden State on Wednesday. Theirs was the only WNBA quarterfinal series to end in a sweep, and they remain a source of hope of Minnesota fans. 10:00: Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand to dissect the team ahead of the start of training camp today. Kirill Kaprizov still hasn't signed. What's the latest on him and the rest of the Wild? 30:00: The Vikings' injury report reads like a short novel, the Twins lost to the Yankees and the Loons experienced heartbreak.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings, who have seen injuries already pile up after a relatively healthy 2024 season. Can they overcome early adversity? Plus some good injury news for the Lynx and an update on the Wolves' pursuit of a new arena. 15:00: Randy Johnson on Gophers football after Saturday's loss to Cal. What can they work on during their bye week to get ready for Rutgers? 27:00: The Twins scored nine runs and lost; the Loons are hoping for a big crowd tonight.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the news of J.J. McCarthy's sprained ankle from all angles. Yes there is obvious downside to him missing time in that he is the starting QB for a reason and he needs on-field development time. But there is upside to the timing in that he has struggled with game speed so far and the Vikings are banged up on their offensive line right now. 14:00: It's a Vikings-heavy show, with Andrew Krammer joining for the film review from Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons. 33:00: Vikings poetry in its purest form. 48:00: An update from the Wild and a Twins win over the Yankees.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, an episode that naturally begins with the Vikings' 22-6 loss to the Falcons. Minnesota was dominated from start to finish, and an offense led by second-year QB J.J. McCarthy has a lot of work to do. Plus the Lynx rolled in Game 1 of the playoffs, the Gophers football team had its own disappointing loss and the Twins get a token mention at the end.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx, who ended a dominant regular season in near-perfect fashion. The beat Golden State by 19 to set up a playoff rematch after going 4-0 vs. the Valkyries this year. Napheesa Collier hit a statistical milestone that should cement her MVP case. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the weekly debate segment, focusing on the Kirill Kaprizov contract situation and the QB pecking order among 2024 NFL draft picks. 27:00: Green Bay looks good; get ready to stay up late for football.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a report Wednesday that Kirill Kaprizov turned down an eight-year, $128 million contract extension offer from the Wild that would have been the richest deal in NHL history. How much of that is just negotiations, and where does this leave the Wild and their franchise player? 10:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film from Monday's 27-24 win over the Bears. How did the Bears stop J.J. McCarthy early, how did he adjust, and what should we think about the Vikings' defense? 33:00: An interestingly big game for the Lynx tonight.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a reminder that the Twins have a loaded farm system, at least according to minor league rankings. Their best prospect, outfielder Walker Jenkins, is already at Class AAA St. Paul at age 20 and spoke to reporters on Tuesday. The Twins and Lynx lost, but we don't need to worry about that for different reasons. 8:00: Randy Johnson joins to talk Gophers football ahead of the schedule stiffening with a trip to Cal. 22:00: Award-winning Vikings poetry is back. 36:00: How to feel about J.J. McCarthy and a big stretch for Minnesota United.

Introduction: After spending most of Monday night's postgame podcast talking about J.J. McCarthy and his ability to lead the Vikings back to a 27-24 win, host Michael Rand tries to get into a lot of non-QB topics at the start of Tuesday's show. Among them: injury concerns, special team standouts and Jordan Mason's ability. 15:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand to discuss his recent interview with pitcher Joe Ryan, who lamented that the Twins didn't re-sign Sonny Gray two offseasons ago. How did the conversation come about, and what does it say about the future of Ryan and the Twins? 31:00: J.J. McCarthy had a happy homecoming, and so did Royce Lewis.

Host Michael Rand breaks down the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Bears immediately after the game Monday night.

Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins host Michael Rand for a deep preview of the Vikings' opener Monday night against the Bears. What will the Vikings defense do without Harrison Smith? Should we expect more from the run game? How will J.J. McCarthy look? And how has McCarthy's life prepared him for this moment? 33:00: Sam Pepper, executive producer of the "ManningCast," joins Rand to talk about what goes into the alternate Monday night broadcast. Plus a special guest on Monday's opener, Randy Moss, that you won't want to miss.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand went to bed with the Twins up 7-4 after six innings Thursday night and had one thought: I wonder how they are going to blow this one? Turns out a variety of factors led to their demise again in an 11-8 loss. Plus the Lynx lost to the Aces, who are the hottest team in the WNBA right now. 10:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk Vikings and Gophers football. In focus: The three players on offense and defense who mean the most to the Vikings, and the increase in talent with the Gophers. 36:00: The NFL season has begun.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another Twins bullpen meltdown, which has told a lot of the story of their post-deadline swoon. Guess that is what happens when you trade away your five best relief pitchers. 7:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a Vikings and NFL focused debate segment. What are the biggest reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic about the Vikings? 30:00: J.J. McCarthy and the odds.

Host Michael Rand starts with a bleak night during a bleak stretch for the Twins. They had a pitifully small crowd at Target Field. The woeful White Sox drubbed them 12-3. David Festa was shut down for the year. And 90 losses grows more likely every day. 10:00: Are the Vikings headed for a regression? 15:00: Randy Johnson on Gophers football. 29:00: A big-time recruit for Gophers women's basketball.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the long weekend in sports. As we wait unnecessarily one more week for a Vikings game, at least we have Bill Belichick to laugh at. Plus the Twins bullpen predictably loses another game and the Gophers are getting ready for their second game.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with two big opening night college football wins. The Gophers handled Buffalo 23-10, with QB Drake Lindsey looking the part. And St. Thomas won 35-13 over a team to which it lost 64-0 a year ago. Plus a blockbuster NFL trade involving the Packers. 15:00: Strib Varsity's Joe Christensen joins Rand to talk more about his recent story on Moorhead athletics. 26:00: The Lynx let one get away.

Introduction: It's been a heavy last couple of days, and it still feels a little weird to talk about sports. 4:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: the Adam Thielen trade, Twins in a cornfield and expectations for the Gophers football team. 23:00: What might be next for the Vikings, the Twins' starting pitching has been bad lately and are the Lynx getting a playoff preview in their game tonight?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with breaking news Wednesday morning that the Vikings have acquired Adam Thielen from the Panthers. It's a reunion for the two sides. Thielen figures to add experience and dependability to a team that needed it. 7:00: Three Lynx players joined Rand out at the Minnesota State Fair, and a good time was had by all. 19:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand to break down the Gophers football season. 33:00: The Twins won in dramatic fashion, with Mickey Gasper as one of the unlikely heroes.

Ben Goessling joined Michael Rand on Tuesday shorty before 3 p.m., and they took a bunch of listener questions and then talked through Vikings roster cuts when they were announced.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who were blown out again while Joe Ryan struggled again. It has to be hard to get up for games down the stretch of a lost season. With the way the Twins are playing, though, should we expect more of the same next year? 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a breakdown of the Vikings' quarterback reshuffling and a look ahead to moves they will make to get their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. 28:00: One position has been solved: punter.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included a shakeup at backup quarterback for the Vikings. They traded shaky option Sam Howell to the Eagles and signed veteran Carson Wentz. Will they now trade for a wide receiver? Be ready for whatever happens, Reusse said, because decisionmakers will always lie about their intentions. Plus inauspicious Twins debuts for Mick Abel and Taj Bradley, two of the young pitchers acquired at the trade deadline. And a strong return from Napheesa Collier of the Lynx.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a frustrated Twins fan who wants to see a Twins prospect added to the major league roster. It's all about the young players now, and maybe we will see some of their recently acquired pitchers this weekend. Plus the Vikings have a backup QB quandary. How important is it? 10:00: Jon Marthaler joins Rand to break down Minnesota United's various additions during this MLS transfer window. Where is the club positioned now, and who might they still lose to other leagues? 33:00: The Lynx lost, but I'm not sweating it.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the week's most surprising news, with the Vikings trading veteran starter Harrison Phillips to the Jets for a pair of sixth-round picks. It's the kind of move that only makes some sense in retrospect, with the Vikings having a logjam on the defensive line and perhaps wanting cap space to upgrade other positions like wide receiver. 7:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the Daily Delivery Debate. In focus: The best path forward for the Twins, the biggest key to future success for the Wolves and what makes a rivalry. 30:00: A personal knuckleball story.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the three ways things could go for the Twins in 2026. All of them involve scenarios that have an element of wishing to them. 10:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to break down the Gophers football team and its chances in 2025. 34:00: Don't assume the Lynx are on a collision course with the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a sad anniversary of sorts for the Twins, which nobody celebrated on Monday. That marked one year since their loss to the Rangers that started a one-year slide that left them grasping for answers as to what went wrong. 10:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand to dive into some big questions about quarterbacks and wide receivers. 40:00: Max Brosmer's perspective and the Lynx running away with things.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand for a look back on the weekend in sports. The Twins won Sunday after losing three straight to Detroit as we approach the dog days of a lost season. Will there be any shakeups after the year now that we know the Pohlad family is keeping the team? The Vikings' backup QB situation is a mess, which is good for former Gophers QB Max Brosmer. He has a real chance to make the team. Plus the Lynx keep on winning without Napheesa Collier.

Introduction: In a jam-packed show, host Michael Rand starts with Division III golfer Jimmy Abdo, who has advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur. Ranked No. 4,292 in the amateur golf rankings, Abdo is doing Gustavus proud. He plays in his quarterfinal match Friday. Plus J.J. McCarthy had his best day of camp and the Twins lost a frustrating one to the Tigers. 12:00: Strib Varsity reporter Jim Paulsen joins Rand to break down his latest project, ranking the top 25 Minnesota high school athletes of the last 25 years. 30:00: An opening loss for Gophers soccer and the NBA schedule is out.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with his observations after watching Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy during joint practices Wednesday with the Patriots. His main takeaway: the thing we want to know about McCarthy the most is a thing we cannot know yet. 8:00: Rand begins his project with the Gophers soccer team. Mariah Nguyen is his guest as the Gophers prepare to open their season Thursday vs. BYU. 30:00: It's going to get worse for the Twins before it gets better.

Phil Miller and Michael Rand break down Wednesday's surprising news.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings pass-catching group, which seems rather thin to start the season. It led him to a conclusion: This needs to be a much bigger year for T.J. Hockenson than 2024 was for the Vikings tight end. Plus the Twins got creamed in New York, Part Infinity. 10:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a debate about missed Twins opportunities, Wild offseason priorities and J.J. McCarthy. 31:00: A new home for high school sports.

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.