The Best in the Biz

This Timberwolves season is probably going to be terrible, but there is a silver lining. The Wolves have arguably the best announcing duo in the NBA.

Excited for the start of the @Timberwolves season because I get to listen to @JimPeteHoops and @tweetdavebenz kill it on commentary. #bestinthebiz

— Leland Steva (@lsteva3) October 17, 2018

That got me thinking about the power rankings of the best announcers and sports writers who work in this market. For the most part, they have some pretty terrible on-field products to write and talk about, but they do a great job. There's a lot of talent, including a lot of people who sadly won't make my list, but here are my top 10 sports personalities in this area.


Honorable Mention: Mike Berardino


Mike just left the Pioneer Press to go cover Norte Dame. While he was here, he was a Twins beat reporter who wasn't afraid to ask tough questions and make fun of dumb people on Twitter. He would have made the list if he wasn't such a traitor.


10. Paul Allen

Paul Allen is a little too much of a homer for my taste, but you can't argue with the enthusiasm that he has when he calls a game. He loves football, and you can feel the energy every Sunday. The "Minneapolis Miracle" call was amazing, and it still gives me chills.


9. Derek Wetmore


Derek Wetmore is a very good writer who uses statistics to shape his work. His coverage of the Twins is great, and he does an amazing job of interacting with his readers on social media. His Friday Facebook Q&A sessions have gotten me through plenty of boring afternoons at the office. He has a dry sense of humor, which I greatly appreciate as well.


8. Alan Horton


Poor Alan Horton, he's been calling Timberwolves basketball on the radio for more than a decade. Not just that, but he does it by himself. Still, he does a great job of painting the picture of what's going on the court, and he's interviews with players are usually entertaining as well. He definitely does the best job with the least amount to work with in this market.   


7. Aaron Gleeman


Aaron Gleeman started as a self-made blogger covering the Twins, and has rose to an editor-in-chief of one of the biggest baseball sites in the country. Still, he finds time to write about the Twins, and his statistics he uses on Twitter are always fascinating. His latest piece on Joe Mauer was fantastic and worth the read. Plus, his "Gleeman and the Geek" podcast with John Bonnes is the only way I get through Mondays.


6. Jon Krawczynski 


Jon Krawczynski is such an amazing writer, even though he has the cover the Wolves. He's been working on the beat just about as long as the organization has been irrelevant, but he still finds way to write stories that are interesting and engaging. There's no better example that his work with KG about the Jimmy Butler fiasco. His writing alone is worth a subscription to The Athletic.


5. Dave Benz 


Dave Benz is the Wolves play-by-play announcer for FSN. He uses the perfect amount of statistics and calling the action to make every game feel fresh. He also has an infectious personality that shines in high-pressure games. Plus, his videos on his Twitter page are pretty funny.


4. Michael Russo


Russo, much like Jonny K, is worth the price of a subscription. If I'm watching a Wild game, I have to have Michael Russo's Twitter timeline up, because the knowledge he has for the game is unbelievable. He crafts amazing stories, and it seems like he never takes a day off. Follow him on Twitter, trust me it's worth it.


3. Marney Gellner


Marney Gellner is a Minnesota legend. What can't she do? She does sideline reporting, play-by-play, and covers every sport in the market with amazing skill. A perfect example of how she can handled any situation, just check out this interview with a clearly hammered Josh Duhamel.

God Bless Vodka, and God Bless Marney Gellner.


2. Cory Provus


Whether it's Twins Baseball or Big 10 Basketball, Cory Provus just knows how to call a game. My favorite thing about Provus is his ability to let it breathe and not talk over the natural sounds of the game, which can be difficult as a radio announcer. When he does open his mouth, he usually has an amazing call to take the action on the field to the next level. I feel like he doesn't get the love in this market that he deserves.


1. Jim Petersen


It's hard to put into words just how great Jim Petersen is at what he does. In an era where color commentators spend the majority of a broadcast talking down to new age information, Jim Pete thrives with it. He talks about statistics, but he also talks about what is happening on the floor. He can inform an audience without talking down to them. He's also one of the nicest people on the planet and he talks with people on Twitter during a game, which is so awesome. Petersen is on another level, and I'm so glad he's one of us and he's in this market.