La Velle E. Neal III
Columnist
SportsA native of Chicago, La Velle has covered the Minnesota Twins since 1998. He also covered the Kansas City Royals for the Kansas City Star from 1995 through 1997. A graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago, La Velle is a former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Latest from La Velle E. Neal III
Neal: A Messi goal, a Loons victory. What more could we ask? Well, there's one thing
We understand the need for security, but the trickery of dropping Messi off at a loading dock while hundreds waited at the players’ entrance was a bit much.
May 11, 2025
Neal: Despite a hiccup, Julius Randle sparked the Timberwolves to victory
Briefly benched in the second quarter, Randle regained his composure with a strong all-around game.
May 9, 2025
Neal: As Correa searches for his swing, Twins watch for signs of the hitter they thought they hired
The shortstop is in Year 4 of his time in Minnesota, and he’s shown too little of the ability he displayed for the Astros.
May 8, 2025
Neal: Frost's defense is in good hands with roommates Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson
The Frost open the PWHL playoffs at Toronto on Wednesday knowing their defense can hang tough.
May 6, 2025
Neal: The Wild’s most dangerous offseason weapon is Bill Guerin’s pen
With the financial constraints off the roster and the NHL cap expanding, the Wild have a chance to make a clear statement with the signing of a talented center.
May 3, 2025
Neal: Gobert’s brute force serves well when subtleties aren’t connecting
The Timberwolves couldn’t make shots, especially the three-pointers they count on. Enter their big man for 27 points and 24 rebounds.
May 1, 2025
Neal: Hopefully that wasn’t the last we see of Marc-Andre Fleury
One of the best goaltenders of all time, Marc-Andre Fleury will see his illustrious career come to an end once the season concludes. It would be a shame if Tuesday was his last time on the ice.
April 30, 2025
Neal: Draft decisions by NFC North chasers show they’re supporting QBs as they pursue the Lions
In this Quarterback Above Everything era, the Vikings appear to have given J.J. McCarthy more help than the Bears gave Caleb Williams and the Packers gave Jordan Love.
April 27, 2025
Neal: The Wild’s most dangerous offseason weapon is Bill Guerin’s pen
With the financial constraints off the roster and the NHL cap expanding, the Wild have a chance to make a clear statement with the signing of a talented center.
May 3, 2025
Neal: Gobert’s brute force serves well when subtleties aren’t connecting
The Timberwolves couldn’t make shots, especially the three-pointers they count on. Enter their big man for 27 points and 24 rebounds.
May 1, 2025
Neal: Hopefully that wasn’t the last we see of Marc-Andre Fleury
One of the best goaltenders of all time, Marc-Andre Fleury will see his illustrious career come to an end once the season concludes. It would be a shame if Tuesday was his last time on the ice.
April 30, 2025
Neal: Draft decisions by NFC North chasers show they’re supporting QBs as they pursue the Lions
In this Quarterback Above Everything era, the Vikings appear to have given J.J. McCarthy more help than the Bears gave Caleb Williams and the Packers gave Jordan Love.
April 27, 2025