StribSports Daily Delivery Michael Rand

Host Michael Rand dives into the struggles of the Twins against the AL's top teams after a loss to the Yankees dropped Minnesota to 0-14 against New York, Cleveland and Baltimore this season. It's not just one thing, but this is a big thing: the Twins were No. 2 in starting pitcher ERA last season; this year, they are No. 25. Plus Dallas is apparently not invincible after getting routed by Boston in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, while a huge name has joined the Wolves ownership pursuit.
9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a breakdown of Vikings minicamp. Who stood out on both sides of the ball? What is J.J. McCarthy's timeline? And what should we look for from Justin Jefferson after his huge contract was signed?
29:00: Natalie Darwitz is reportedly out as GM of PWHL Minnesota.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at Justin Jefferson's first four seasons with the Vikings and how his fifth feels like the start of a new phase of his career. The star wide receiver has a big new contract and a rookie quarterback to help bring along. Plus Rand takes note of another win for the Lynx and a milestone for Cheryl Reeve.
9:00: U.S. Senator Tina Smith joins the show as she takes up the cause for frustrated Twins fans. Smith this week wrote a letter to Comcast's top executive this week urging the cable giant to put Bally Sports North back on the air and noting that her "constituents are furious" that they haven't been able to watch the Twins for more than a month. She explains more of that frustration to Rand.
24:00: Another disappointing Twins vs. Yankees game and an NBA Finals worth watching if you're a Wolves fan.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes listeners through Tuesday's latest hearing in bankruptcy court as local teams try to learn their TV fates. It doesn't sound like Twins games will be back on Bally Sports North for Comcast subscribers anytime soon, while a six-week delay in the Diamond Sports bankruptcy process is making leagues antsy. If you couldn't watch the Twins on Tuesday, you have probably seen that game anyway. They lost 5-1 to the Yankees.
9:00: Star Tribune Lynx writer Kent Youngblood joins Rand for a breakdown of the early part of the WNBA season. The Lynx are off to a hot 6-2 start. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark is still making a lot of headlines.
30:00: Wolves President Tim Connelly adjusted his contract.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand reacts to Monday's news that the Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson have agreed on a four-year, $140 million contract. Because of how long it took to get to the finish line, all sorts of outlandish thoughts of trading Jefferson crept in. But in the end, this is what should have happened for everyone. Plus Rand looks at Twins vs. Yankees and a hearing Tuesday in bankruptcy court that is another step in untangling the fate of Minnesota teams on Bally Sports North.
12:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand to break down the end of the Wolves' season and what's ahead this offseason. With just a few weeks before the draft and free agency, Minnesota has a lot of decisions in a short amount of time.
33:00: Will Wolves assistant coach Micah Nori still be here next year?

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports.
The Twins continued their impressive play of late, defeating Houston 4-3 on Sunday to win the series. With Jose Miranda providing the winning hit and swinging a hot bat lately and Royce Lewis set to return from his early injury, the slumping Edouard Julien is the odd man out being sent to Class AAA St. Paul. Reusse wonders who will play second base and who might be the next starting pitcher to get a callup.
Plus a look at a fascinating offseason for the Wolves after their strong playoff run. Will the Wolves essentially run it back with all their key players, or is a major trade part of the plan? Reusse knows one thing: It doesn't matter what the Wolves say, only what they do.
And the Lynx continued a strong start with another win Sunday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes deep breaking down Minnesota's humbling Game 5 loss to Dallas at Target Center, which ended the Western Conference finals. The Wolves came up short in their bid to win a championship but took a major step forward this year. How will they navigate the offseason and what lessons did they learn in a joyous season this year?
18:00: Jon Marthaler joins the show for some Minnesota United talk, including the big news that Emanuel Reynoso has been transferred away from the club. Can the Loons continue to thrive in his absence?
35:00: What should we focus on now that the Wolves season is over?