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randball.bsky.social

@randball.bsky.social

4.1K followers 169 following 1.3K posts

Writer, editor, opinion-haver and podcaster at the Minnesota Star Tribune. Personal writing: thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

Posts Replies Media

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randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 16h

Lynx postgame pod is up! www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8mo...

The WNBA's No. 1 seeded Minnesota Lynx and Olivia Miles were swept by the No. 8 New York Liberty

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 16h

Lynx postgame pod is up! www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8mo...

The WNBA's No. 1 seeded Minnesota Lynx and Olivia Miles were swept by the No. 8 New York Liberty

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 19h

Doing a postgame Lynx pod in a little while. I welcome your hot takes as we untangle a disappointing (to put it mildly) playoff sweep after such a charmed regular season.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

New Daily Delivery segment with @andrewkrammer.bsky.social: In the aftermath of the J.J. McCarthy trade, there's the reality that Kyler Murray looked bad in Sunday's win. How much room for growth is there with Kyler, and can he be a long-term answer? www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloj...

The Vikings traded J.J. McCarthy. Is Kyler Murray really the answer at quarterback?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Great insights into LaMelo Ball, what didn't work in Charlotte and what might work with the Timberwolves on today's Daily Delivery pod featuring James Plowright from the Buzz Beat Hornets pod. www.youtube.com/watch?v=70rf...

What is LaMelo Ball really like? And will he thrive with the Minnesota Timberwolves?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

Drew Magary @drewmagary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This is a thought exercise and NOT a prediction for the record

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This could be the year the Vikings win the Super Bowl. @drewmagary.bsky.social and I give you all the optimism you could want right here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_xF...

Super Bowl champion Minnesota Vikings? Here's how it can happen this season.

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Daily Delivery pod today with @yossigozlan.bsky.social took a deep dive into the Timberwolves cap. Tons of great insights here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSyj...

Minnesota Timberwolves and the NBA salary cap: analysis and projecting their future

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

New today! - @nightengalejr.bsky.social on the pod talking Walker Jenkins and all sorts of other Twins things: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZwo... -- Wrote about Jonathan Kuminga, his fit with the Wolves and how this might (or might not) work. www.startribune.com/minnesota-ti...

Walker Jenkins was finally called up by the Minnesota Twins. What impact will he make?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Lots of hockey content today! -- Wrote about Quinn Hughes rumors, Cale Makar's reportedly imminent contract and more: www.startribune.com/minnesota-wi... -- Pod with @justinghockey.bsky.social on the Wild, NHL analytics and more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXl...

startribune.com

RandBall: Quinn Hughes could cost the Wild big — and tighten their window to win a Stanley Cup

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is reportedly nearing an extension that could finally set the market for Hughes after two months of waiting and an increasingly uncomfortable summer in Minneso...

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

What is your single biggest question about the Timberwolves/Lynx sale news today?

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I wrote our starter story on the stunning Wolves/Lynx sale news. Marc Lore reportedly is selling a big chunk of his stake to Marc Stad, will now have the controlling No. 1 share. We're launching a live blog to answer your questions and add context www.startribune.com/minnesota-ti...

startribune.com

Timberwolves, Lynx ownership changes again as Marc Lore reportedly sells majority stake

Minnesota’s NBA and WNBA franchises sold for $1.5 billion last year. Lore is now reportedly selling his majority stake at a $4.5 billion valuation.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Are the Twins going to be the team that emerges to claim a Wild Card spot? @aarongleeman.bsky.social and I talked about that, roster (mis)management, the bullpen and a ton of other things on Daily Delivery. Clip below. Full pod: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a... www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSVx...

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Great Wolves content on Daily Delivery today with @kyletheige.bsky.social, including: -Power. Forward? -Wolves in Paris. -Ant-Ball. -Run it back on a gondola? Watch/listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=diU5...

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven't answered their biggest offseason question

YouTube video by Star Tribune

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Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

Eric Shurson @ericshurson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Always.Read.Rand

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Over at my Substack, I wrote about life, death, a long-ago car crash and finally arriving in Michigan. It's always free to read, and I'd love it if you would consider subscribing: thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/you-cant-k...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

You can't keep me out of Houghton, Michigan forever

Almost 30 years later, I arrived.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Over at my Substack, I wrote about life, death, a long-ago car crash and finally arriving in Michigan. It's always free to read, and I'd love it if you would consider subscribing: thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/you-cant-k...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

You can't keep me out of Houghton, Michigan forever

Almost 30 years later, I arrived.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The Daily Delivery pod is back! Two weeks off felt great, but it also feels right to be back in the groove. I'll have Reusse on tomorrow's show; today is heavy on #Vikings with @bengoessling.bsky.social. Listen/watch that segment here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiFm...

Kyler Murray is QB1 for the Vikings. Bring on the QB2 debate.

YouTube video by Star Tribune

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

From car repairs to car condos. My latest at The Friscalating Dusklight: thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/maybe-next...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

Maybe next time we'll get it right?

Impatience is a virtue?

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

From car repairs to car condos. My latest at The Friscalating Dusklight: thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/maybe-next...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

Maybe next time we'll get it right?

Impatience is a virtue?

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Talked about Joe Ryan, Ryan Jeffers and the trade deadline with La Velle E. Neal III on Daily Delivery. Plus some inevitable Vikings talk at the end! www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2H7...

What the Minnesota Twins should do with Ryan Jeffers and Joe Ryan before the MLB trade deadline

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Talked a lot of Lynx with @cassidyhett.bsky.social on Daily Delivery today. Napheesa Collier, a tough schedule and more! www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbSw...

Can the return of Napheesa Collier propel the WNBA-leading MN Lynx to a 2026 championship?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Wrote and talked on Daily Delivery today about the Parise/Suter contracts and how they relate to Kaprizov/Hughes. www.startribune.com/minnesota-wi... Plus Chip Scoggins on Gophers football and my take on Napheesa Collier's big return: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...

startribune.com

RandBall: Are the Wild in danger of reliving the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter contracts?

A Daily Delivery podcast listener asks about the downside of lucrative long-term deals for Kirill Kaprizov and potentially Quinn Hughes.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

On Daily Delivery today, Patrick Reusse and I talked a lot about the Twins. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p... And then I wrote about an offensive regression that could be coming: startribune.com/minnesota-twins-american-league-trade-deadline-ryan-jeffers-bailey-ober/601870025?mrfhud=true

podcasts.apple.com

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

On Daily Delivery today: @cassidyhett.bsky.social on Olivia Miles, Napheesa Collier and all things Lynx. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVqV...

Minnesota Lynx: The Olivia Miles Effect and the Napheesa Collier return?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Video: Trying to capture the swirl of the latest LeBron rumblings and how it fits into the Timberwolves' pursuit of him www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omhe...

As LeBron James nears a decision, did he just drop a big clue about the Timberwolves?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

New on Daily Delivery: @christopherhine.bsky.social joined me after the introductory news conference for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. Key insights + footage of LaMelo, Tim Connelly and Chris Finch. www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6iB...

FIRST LOOK: LaMelo Ball's introductory Timberwolves news conference and key takeaways

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Former #vikings head coach Brad Childress was my guest on the Daily Delivery podcast today talking QBs past and present. You can read/listen to what he had to say here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOXK... www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...

Former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has thoughts on J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Focused today on the Twins, their recent surge and what it means for the trade deadline: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...

startribune.com

What should the Twins do at the trade deadline? I have an answer.

The Twins are 46-48, which wouldn’t make them a contender most years. But this is not a typical season.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

New with @christopherhine.bsky.social talking about LeBron, the Wolves offseason and what they hope to accomplish during Summer League. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z2M...

What will we learn from the Timberwolves during NBA Summer League?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

It's July 9 and I've already figured out the games that will define the Vikings' season and future. startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-schedule-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy-kyler-murray-2026-nfl-season-nfc-north/601865522?mrfhud=true

startribune.com

RandBall: These five games will make or break the Vikings' 2026 season

Projections say the Minnesota Vikings will win about 8.5 games in the 2026 NFL season, a familiar number in the Kevin O'Connell era.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

USMNT postgame video breakdown with La Velle E. Neal: The buildup was all about the Folarin Balogun red card controversy. Monday's 4-1 loss in which they were outclassed by Belgium showed the availability of their star striker didn't matter. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxKt...

Folarin Balogun red card controversy was not USMNT's issue in humbling loss to Belgium

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The process that led to Flo Balogun's red card was flawed. The process that overturned it was flawed. Two wrongs didn't make this right, and now the U.S. is in a bad situation that overshadows the good things from this World Cup. www.startribune.com/folarin-balo...

startribune.com

RandBall: With U.S. World Cup red card controversy, two wrongs didn’t make it right

Folarin Balogun is back for today's USMNT World Cup match, but the red card reversal leaves FIFA facing questions entering USA vs. Belgium tonight.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Wrote and talked today about Kevin O'Connell showing up in a Dianna Russini story this week and how it was a headline the #vikings didn't need. www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Who might the Wolves add at power forward once free agency begins? I wrote and talked about that today with @christopherhine.bsky.social www.startribune.com/minnesota-ti... www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbbW...

startribune.com

Five ways the Timberwolves can address their big man shortage this offseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in need of power forwards or centers after trading Naz Reid and Julius Randle this offseason to acquire LaMelo Ball.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Recording a Wolves pod shortly with @christopherhine.bsky.social ... Any questions for us?

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randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Wrote today about the possible end of the Kaprizov and Zuccarello duo. Are the Wild moving on, or does Zuccy just want them to pay attention? www.startribune.com/mn-wild-nhl-... Reusse and I touched on this and other things on Daily Delivery, too podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...

startribune.com

RandBall: Is the Kirill Kaprizov-Mats Zuccarello tandem for the Wild about to break up?

Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov have had chemistry almost from the start for the Wild. But is the duo about to go their separate ways?

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

New at The Friscalating Dusklight: I wrote about my 6-year-old son, Pokemon cards and a new era of collecting. thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/i-regret-t...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

I regret to inform you that we now have a Pokemon card collector in our house

It happens fast.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

New at The Friscalating Dusklight: I wrote about my 6-year-old son, Pokemon cards and a new era of collecting. thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com/p/i-regret-t...

thefriscalatingdusklight.substack.com

I regret to inform you that we now have a Pokemon card collector in our house

It happens fast.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Took a break on Daily Delivery from Timberwolves trade to talk all things Vikings. Thanks to Dustin Baker from Vikings Territory for an entertaining segment, including this: Is JJ McCarthy more likely to be the Week 1 starter or traded by Week 1? youtu.be/2rTXYAaowEY

Minnesota Vikings have big questions on offense: Who is QB1, RB1 and WR2?

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

New today: Wrote and talked about the national reaction to the Wolves/Hornets trade, the risk of LaMelo Ball and how this all fits Tim Connelly's dealmaking profile. www.startribune.com/minnesota-ti... www.youtube.com/watch?v=82eZ...

Boom or bust? The Timberwolves' trade for LaMelo Ball is risky and has national critics

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Wrote about the Naz Reid/LaMelo Ball blockbuster: www.startribune.com/minnesota-ti...

startribune.com

RandBall: 10 things to know about the Wolves' Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball blockbuster

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade for Naz Reid and NBA draft picks. What are the pros and cons?

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

Star Tribune Sports @stribsports.startribune.com · 25/06/2026

"The fit has the potential to be great." @randball.bsky.social and Chip Scoggins breakdown the trade that will bring LaMelo ball to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid. Watch: bit.ly/4uW6qle

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

IMMEDIATE REACTION: @chipscoggins and I break down the Timberwolves blockbuster trade, sending out fan favorite Naz Reid and a bunch of draft capital for Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQpG...

BREAKDOWN: Timberwolves trade for LaMelo Ball, send out fan favorite Naz Reid to Charlotte

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

IMMEDIATE REACTION: @chipscoggins and I break down the Timberwolves blockbuster trade, sending out fan favorite Naz Reid and a bunch of draft capital for Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQpG...

BREAKDOWN: Timberwolves trade for LaMelo Ball, send out fan favorite Naz Reid to Charlotte

YouTube video by Star Tribune

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Wolves fans: How are you feeling about the Naz for LaMelo trade?

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

New: Wrote about Wild's pursuit of Dylan Larkin -- why he's a perfect fit but why Wild might not have enough assets to get him. www.startribune.com/dylan-larkin... Sarah McLellan on Daily Delivery talking Larkin, Wild and the draft. Full segment: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Ad...

startribune.com

RandBall: Do the Wild have the assets to pull a Dylan Larkin trade off?

The Minnesota Wild are one of a handful of teams in the mix to trade for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. But can they get a deal done?

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

We have a long time to not thing about the Vikings QB situation as the team scatters until training camp. Here are my takes on where we stand now: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...

startribune.com

RandBall: Don’t assume Kyler Murray is QB1. The Vikings have more invested in J.J. McCarthy.

I’ve come around to the idea that the Vikings at least have a quarterback competition.

Reposted by @randball.bsky.social

Star Tribune Sports @stribsports.startribune.com · 11/06/2026

RandBall: I want Minnesotans to have a moment like the Knicks did in Game 4

RandBall: I want Minnesotans to have a moment like the Knicks did in Game 4

The New York Knicks' comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden should make other fans jealous.

randball.bsky.social @randball.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Thursday afternoon pod recording with @emleiker.bsky.social wrapping up #vikings minicamp. Topics: *QB competition and how Kyler/JJ looked? *Harrison Smith? *Christian Darrisaw *Training camp 5 weeks away www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tbk...

Where do Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy stand after Vikings minicamp?

YouTube video by Star Tribune