StribSports Daily Delivery

Host Michael Rand doesn't sugarcoat the state of the 3-4 Vikings after a blowout loss to the Chargers. He goes deep on all of their woes from top to bottom. At the end, Rand saves time for a few big other things in Minnesota sports.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' season opener, a 118-114 victory over Portland. It wasn't pretty, but Anthony Edwards (41 points) played like a superstar while the Wolves' point guard rotation was put to the test with an interesting wrinkle. Plus the Wild ended a disappointing road trip. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk about his recent Rocco Baldelli interview as well as the Twins' ongoing managerial search and a QB what-if for the Vikings. 32:00: Why tonight's game feels so big for the Vikings.

Host Michael Rand starts with Tuesday's news that Carson Wentz will start a fifth straight game for the Vikings on Thursday against the Chargers. It's not really what anyone wants, but it probably is the right thing. 11:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand for a Gophers football breakdown. They dismantled Nebraska. Can they do the same at Iowa? 28:00: Minnesota United has a big opportunity.

Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins host Michael Rand to preview Minnesota's season. Which players are candidates for regression and progression? Where do the Wolves stack up in the loaded West? We'll answer those questions and more.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's win at the New York Rangers on Monday, which helped them get closer to their identity than many previous games. Plus the World Series is set and the Twins have identified more managerial candidates. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the Vikings' film from Sunday's loss to the Eagles. 30:00: Vikings poetry reveals how fans are getting antsy to see J.J. McCarthy again.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, with most of their focus on two very different football games. The Vikings lost 28-22 to the Eagles. They again lost the turnover battle (2-0) and again never led. There were a lot of issues, and now Minnesota has just three more days to prepare before playing the Chargers. Meanwhile, P.J. Fleck's Gophers were about as dominant as they have been during his tenure in dismantling Nebraska. The Gophers are 5-2 now and have legitimate aspirations for a good bowl game. Plus a look ahead to the Wolves season that starts Wednesday.

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an extended Daily Delivery debate.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the question of J.J. McCarthy vs. Carson Wentz, which will intensify this week. McCarthy is back at practice. Wentz has started the last three games. Both are talking to the media on Wednesday, but a starter hasn't been named for Sunday's game against the Eagles. It's a lot like old times. Plus the Wild has suddenly figured out its power play, but now they can't score 5-on-5? 11:00: Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson checks in on the 4-2 football team, which is more than a touchdown underdog against Nebraska at home Friday. Plus the men's hockey team has a huge series at North Dakota. 28:00: A listener wants more Gophers volleyball coverage, the Twins have managerial interviews set and it's National Pug Day.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an important win for the Wild fueled by their power play and young goalie. Plus a dissection of how Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell watches football. 16:00: Jon Marthaler joins Rand to break down what's at stake for Minnesota United in this weekend's final regular season game. 33:00: Nebraska is a big favorite against the Gophers.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. It's a football-heavy show starting with the Gophers, who made clutch plays but also struggled in many moments in a 27-20 Homecoming win over Purdue. P.J. Fleck's team is still searching for an identity, as are the Vikings. Plus Chip gives an update on an ex-Gophers QB with a son who is a rising star.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's 5-0 win over St. Louis in Thursday's opener. The best sign from the game was Ryan Hartman scoring twice because he is a good indicator of Minnesota's success. 6:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the Twins' managerial search, the Vikings' QB dilemma and big-picture Wild optimism. 28:00: Listener questions about J.J. McCarthy, MLB replay, pro vs. college coaches and big spending by MLB owners.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a spin through some national news, including reports that Bill Belichick and North Carolina could be severing ties soon. Plus a bounceback game for a former Twin and Las Vegas on the cusp of winning the WNBA title. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a film review from London and a larger discussion of the Vikings' quarterback conundrum. 37:00: Wild at Blues kicks off the season tonight.

Host Michael Rand starts with a Wild season preview and talks to Star Tribune writer Sarah McLellan for a big-picture look at the franchise after a busy offseason. 25:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk Gophers football. Minnesota lost 42-3 last week to Ohio State, but the Gophers' fate will be determined by what happens in these next four weeks.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand spins through Kevin O'Connell's Monday news conference to interpret KOC's thoughts on the Will Reichard kick, Vikings' QB situation, the offensive line and his team's fumbling problem. 18:00: Vikings poetry overseas, part two. 30:00: The Love Boat turns 20, and Andrew Van Ginkel's wife saves the day?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, including a narrow Vikings win, a blowout Gophers loss and big-time games in the baseball playoffs.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an upset win by the 49ers on Thursday that involved a good fourth down debate and revealed a truth about the modern NFL. Plus a controversial call in a key spot of the Cubs' win over the Padres shows why Rand hates the new replay rule coming next year to MLB. 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: A big decision and offseason for Derek Falvey. A must-win game for the Vikings. And is it wise for the Lynx to take on WNBA leadership? 31:00: Minnesota draft revisionist history.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the rise of Kirill Kaprizov. A decade ago, he was a relatively unknown fifth-round pick. Now he's the face of the franchise and the highest-paid player in NHL history. Plus a look at the business and baseball struggles of the Twins. 10:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins for a look at burning training camp questions. How will the Wolves divide point guard minutes? How many players will crack Chris Finch's rotation? 33:00: The Vikings' offensive line is bleak.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the new Kirill Kaprizov contract, explaining how there might be sticker shock but it won't be like the Suter and Parise deals. Plus the most important thing Derek Falvey said about the Twins' managerial search. 12:00: Cassidy Hettesheimer from the Star Tribune helps break down Napheesa Collier's strong comments about the WNBA. You'll hear Collier's full statement as well. 32:00: Randy Johnson on Drake Lindsey and Gophers football, plus a change at QB for the Vikings' Sunday opponent.

On a jam-packed episode, host Michael Rand starts with breaking news that Kirill Kaprizov has signed an eight-year, $136 million extension with the Wild. That ends months of negotiations and is a huge relief for the Wild. Plus a deeper look at the firing of Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. 15:00: Vikings poetry and an injury update on Brian O'Neill. 30:00: The Timberwolves are back.

Bobby Nightengale and Michael Rand break down Monday's news of Rocco Baldelli's firing.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, starting with the Vikings' 24-21 loss in Ireland. At 2-2, these Vikings are quickly dissolving into a mess. Can they turn things around? The Lynx season, meanwhile, is stunningly over. It was only a few days ago that they were seemingly in control of their WNBA semifinal series. Plus the Twins' season is mercifully over. Now comes the hard part. And a stirring Gophers football win.

Michael Rand breaks it down postgame.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Lynx and a big moment Friday. Can the team and head coach Cheryl Reeve deliver in Game 3's biggest moments, which they didn't do in Game 2? Plus it continues to be quiet with Kirill Kaprizov. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: Who will start the most games at QB for the Vikings this season? Confidence level in the Lynx? And will Rocco Baldelli take the fall for the Twins' woes? 29:00: More excellence from Sam Darnold and Byron Buxton.

Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who lost their 90th game Wednesday. That has been a bad omen in recent years. Plus the Wolves are bringing back an iconic uniform. Later, Cassidy Hettesheimer from the Star Tribune joins Rand to break down Lynx vs. Mercury Game 3. And Jordan Addison is set to return.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with MLB's announcement that is going to a challenge system on balls and strikes in 2026. While that might help alleviate critical errors from umpires, it's a half-measure that could prove to be the worst of both worlds. Plus the Lynx had a Game 2 meltdown Tuesday. How will they respond? 10:00: Longtime baseball writer Phil Miller is retiring soon. Rand and Miller chat about his career as well as hot present day topics with the Twins. Among them: Rocco Baldelli's future. 35:00: Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins to set up the Big Ten opener Saturday vs. Rutgers. Plus St. Thomas also has a big conference opener this weekend.

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.