Special Delivery: A conversation with St. Thomas AD Phil Esten, the Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins and host Michael Rand chat with St. Thomas AD and 2025 Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year Phil Esten.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the news that Kevin Garnett and the Wolves have mended their relationship. KG will join the team as an ambassador and will have his jersey retired at some point. After a decade of strained feelings, this is right. Plus the Wild are No. 3 in their division -- and the entire NHL -- after another win Thursday. 10:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a dissection of the big Twins news this week. 29:00: The Seahawks won a wild one over the Rams; even if the Vikings had been better this year, they wouldn't be a playoff team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the big news from the Twins. Not only did they introduce their new limited partners, but also they shifted from one Pohlad (Joe) to another (Tom) as their top executive. Where are they headed now? Plus a bad Wolves loss leaves head coach Chris Finch perplexed and concerned. 11:00: Strib Varsity's Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about his recent story on a 17-year-old basketball referee and to break down all the top high school teams. 29:00: Star goalie Dayne St. Clair is leaving Minnesota United.

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 the Twins' free agent signing of Josh Bell. They committed $7 million to him, the most they've spent since 2023. That's a sign for 2026 and an indictment of the recent past. 7:00: Vikings poetry, with some bonus Quinn Hughes talk. 26:00: Kevin O'Connell's lament.

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins, who is pinch hitting for Patrick Reusse. They had plenty to get to, including the Vikings' win over Dallas, the Wild's blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes and a Wolves discussion. It might have been the best weekend for Minnesota sports in a while.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's nice win over Dallas, continuing a trend of playing better against stronger competition. Plus a look at Vikings QBs of the past and present -- and perhaps the future? 9:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand fresh off a trip to the Winter Meetings in Orlando. There are plenty of Twins notes to unpack. 30:00: The Gophers volleyball team ran into a buzzsaw.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand lays out why he thinks Dallas is the perfect opponent this weekend for the Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy. Plus a Gophers volleyball opportunity, a basketball loss and Michigan's coaching situation. 9:00: Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan joins Rand for a check-in ahead of Thursday's game vs. Dallas. Can the Wild withstand a rash of recent injuries and find their form? 27:00: Steph Curry is returning to face the Wolves.