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Michael Rand and Chip Scoggins start today's show by breaking down Thursday's blockbuster Timberwolves trade. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins later on for some U.S. soccer and Twins talk.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand found Tuesday's comments from Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to be noteworthy. Plus the Wild retained Michael McCarron on a long-term contract and the Lynx continued to roll. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joined the show for a World Cup preview. How will the U.S. men fare this year as the host team? 30:00: The Twins are in a tailspin.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Knicks' Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals. Plus the sudden demise of Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment. In focus: What happens if Kyler Murray has a very good year for the Vikings? When will Royce Lewis return to the Twins, and what will that look like? And how are the Lynx so good again? 27:00: The Frost are trying to keep their team together.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Colorado Avalanche getting swept and the Spurs being on the verge of bowing out of the NBA playoffs. What does that tell us about the Wild and Wolves? 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: Should the Wolves pursue Kyrie Irving? Are the Twins better than we thought? And how will the Loons manage a two-month break? 33:00: The Twins are still a playoff team.
Michael Rand and La Velle E. Neal III discuss the Wolves' third blowout loss to the Spurs, this time a season-ender in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. What major offseason moves could be coming?
Expert breakdowns of the Twins' young starters and Wallner's issues from Roy Smalley, LaVelle E. Neal III and Jim Souhan.From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) and onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/) Chu Vision Institute (www.chuvision.com/) MN Masonic CharitiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' supporting cast, which has not done nearly enough to help Anthony Edwards in the last two games. Will someone (or more than one player) step up to help Ant in a critical Game 5 tonight in San Antonio? 10:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a breakdown of the Wild's disappointing 5-2 loss to Colorado in Game 4 of their series. Minnesota was too often meek and ineffective in the loss and now they face elimination. Plus they talk about the strange postponement to Tuesday of the Frost's winner-take-all game with Montreal. 30:00: A big honor for Adrian Peterson.
LaVelle E. Neal III and Jim Souhan on the problems and surges of key Twins hitters, the young pitching, and whether the Pohlads should have bought a bullpenFrom Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) and onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/) Chu Vision Institute (www.chuvision.com/) MN Masonic CharitiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' opportunity in Thursday's Game 6 and says head coach Chris Finch must be at his best. Plus a free agent wide receiver is set to visit the Vikings on Wednesday and the NCAA basketball tournament is expanding again. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to break down the Wild's huge 4-2 win at Dallas in Game 5. Both the Wild and Wolves can clinch their series on Thursday at home. 30:00: The Twins are in a funk.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the postgame fallout from the Wild's 4-3 double overtime loss to Dallas. He's joined by Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III. 17:00: The Loons won, the Twins lost and Vikings fans are probably rooting for a boring NFL draft. 20:00: Melissa Townsend, host and producer of the Star Tribune's new Essential Minnesota podcast, joins the show to talk about what the show is all about. 32:00: A new streaming platform for the Lynx.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the sudden competence of the Twins, who have roughed up a couple of tough left-handed pitchers for Detroit to even their record at 6-6. Plus some interesting Lynx free agency developments. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the weekly debate segment. In focus: Resting Anthony Edwards, a playoff format tweak and Taj Bradley. 31:00: Kirk Cousins got paid again and the Wild have a big game.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the bleak 1-4 start for the Twins and also gets into the work ahead soon in the transfer portal for the Gophers men's basketball team now that their season is over. 8:30: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins for the weekly debate segment, which focuses on the Twins' rough start, Jaden McDaniels' injury and the Lynx needing to build a roster. 30:00: The Wolves and Wild are back in action.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Wednesday's Wolves victory, one of the wildest games you will ever watch. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the weekly debate. This week focuses on the Twins, Gophers hockey and J.J. McCarthy. 32:00: Running through some listener emails.
With LaVelle E. Neal III in Fort Myers, LaVelle and Jim Souhan talk Puckett, the outfield, the rotation and the upside. From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) and onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/)Â Â
LaVelle E. Neal III chats with Jim Souhan from Twins spring training about pitching, the outfield and bourbon From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) and onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/)
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, Wolves and Vikings leaning in on veteran help. The Wild made two moves for 30-year-olds and could make a bigger one for another veteran. The Wolves slipped Kyle Anderson into their veteran-heavy rotation. The Vikings are a prime candidate to land Kyler Murray after trying youth at QB. 13:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for a look at how big the Wild might swing at the trade deadline (even after Tuesday's move), revisionist history on the Vikings draft plus some Gophers women's hockey talk. 35:00: The Gophers women's basketball team has remarkable balance.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a long look at process vs. results to figure out where all the Minnesota pro teams stand. 12:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins to talk Vikings, Wild and Minnesota United. 33:00: Taylor Heise on the Olympic hockey controversy and a listener email about youth sports.
It's a sad anniversary in the world of Twin Cities sports journalism. Star Tribune writer La Velle E. Neal III joins Lake to remember the life, career, and everlasting impact of the late sports reporter Rod Simons.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a pair of big wins for Team USA and the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: La Velle E. Neal III on the Twins, Olympic Curling and the Vikings. 31:00: FanDuel Sports North and a never-ending hockey game.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Afton skier Jessie Diggins, who reached down deep and won a bronze medal Thursday in the 10K freestyle. It was another career-defining moment for Diggins. Plus another good Wolves win heading into the break. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk about the Olympics, the Timberwolves, the Twins and Minnesota United. 28:00: Liam Hendriks is back with the Twins. In a different era, would he ever have left?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand got in just under the wire, delaying the start of the show to get the Wolves trade with the Bulls for Ayo Dosunmu in. The Wolves sent out four second-round picks as well as Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller to get Dosnumu, a guard who should help their depth. Plus good wins for the Wolves, Gophers and Wild. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a debate on the Wolves plus Minnesota United speculation and Olympics news. 30:00: Is Giannis staying put?
Longtime Twins observers LaVelle E. Neal III and Jim Souhan on Derek Falvey leaving and what that means. From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) and onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/) Â
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roy Smalley, LaVelle E. Neal III and Souhan on the Twins' hirings, the award that caused Roy pain, and the gambling scandal. From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) Minnesota Masonic Charities (www.mnmasoniccharities.org/), onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/) Â and Clamshell Beach Resort (www.cottagesonwhitefish.com/)
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers women's basketball team, which routed a quality Marquette team 90-47 on Tuesday. Plus thoughts on the Wild and a new Twins hire. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery Debate. In focus: Grading J.J. McCarthy through four games, ordering the NFC North and what to make of the Wolves. 30:00: The Warriors are in disarray.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a deep dive into the fascinating character of young Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. 12:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a detailed look at the Twins. 35:00: The Wolves went back to being bad at defense.
LaVelle E. Neal III and Jim Souhan on LaVelle's scoop, the Twins' decision, World Series & music. From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) Minnesota Masonic Charities (www.mnmasoniccharities.org/), onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/) Â and Clamshell Beach Resort (www.cottagesonwhitefish.com/)
Introduction: Host Michael Rand has concerns about all of the biggest men's pro sports teams in Minnesota, and he gets into it by dissecting the Twins' hiring of Derek Shelton as their new manager. 11:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the Daily Delivery debate. 34:00: A crossroads for the Vikings.
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.
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 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 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 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.
 LaVelle E. Neal III and Jim Souhan on Lewis' comments on the running game, how it could affect Twins' future, and who could bat at top of lineup in 2026. From Aquarius Home Services Studio (www.aquariushomeservices.com/) Minnesota Masonic Charities (www.mnmasoniccharities.org/), onX MAPS!(www.onxmaps.com/)  and Clamshell Beach Resort (www.cottagesonwhitefish.com/)
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 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.
LaVelle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the Vikings season opener against the Bears.
LaVelle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the Vikings season opener against the Bears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
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 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 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: 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.