Kansas City Star: Sports

People share their personal moments of sports glory and humor

Sat, 23 May 2009 09:50 CDT

We asked you to send in your greatest sports highlights -- and bloopers. We seek Kansas City's hidden sports gems. And people did submit their stories, pictures and videos. Check them out here.

Tickets still available to Sports Commission dinner

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:37 CDT

Tickets are still available for the SportKC PROPS Award Show hosted by the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation next Thursday at the Midland Theatre.

Meche shows no inclination to waive no-trade clause

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:25 CDT

BOSTON | The apparent willingness of Toronto ace Roy Halladay to waive the no-trade provisions of his contract prompts the question: Is Gil Meche willing to do the same if the Royals field an attractive offer?

Oklahoma State baseball program cited by NCAA

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:44 CDT

OKLAHOMA CITY | Officials at Oklahoma State said Thursday that a former baseball player accepted a used car as a gift while he was in a summer league in what the NCAA contends was a major rules violation that could cost the program.

Fans turn out to honor slain ex-NFL QB McNair

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:12 CDT

Fans turned out by the thousands Thursday, donning their Tennessee Titans gear or their finest clothes on a steamy hot day for the chance to honor slain ex-NFL quarterback Steve McNair's accomplishments and charity work.

Brown may be the Chiefs' Rodney Harrison

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

It wasn’t until this weekend when I ran into an old college teammate who lives in Chicago that I considered the significance of the Chiefs signing Bears safety Mike Brown. Frank Barnes, a lifelong Bears fan, wouldn’t quit running his mouth about Brown.

Royals take all the fun out of a nice Friday

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

There was really only one word for Friday night’s game: Depressing. You hate to use that word on a fireworks Friday night leading into Independence Day. There was a sellout crowd at Kauffman Stadium, and RLBS (Royals Lone Bright Spot) Zack Greinke was pitching, and the weather was just about perfect, and, hey, at the end of the day it’s still major-league baseball, a wonderful thing for a city to have.

K-State's Currie hits the right notes in Catbacker tour

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

Thursday brought the Kansas State mending, er, Catbacker, tour to Kansas City and Overland Park. And though new athletic director John Currie would have made it to Great Bend, Hutchinson, Wichita and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque during his first week on the job anyway, this palm-pressing exercise is especially well-timed.

1st round U.S. Women's Open | July 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:08 CDT

Steve McNair mourned in Nashville

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:34 CDT

Stage 6 Tour de France | July 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:54 CDT

Stage 5 Tour de France | July 8, 2009

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:24 CDT

Tigers 8, Royals 5 | Tuesday, July 7

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:52 CDT

Edwards: ‘Fourth place is like a victory right now'

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

It’s not Carl Edwards’ preferred way to drive, but for the next eight weeks, he’ll be racing for points, not for wins. Edwards sits a comfortable fifth in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup Series points race, even though he has yet to win a race.

Troubled economy sinks KC Pro-Am Hoops League

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Until the last minute, Terry Nooner was on the telephone. Pounding the pavement. Always with his hand out. Won’t you please give what you can, asked Nooner, a former Kansas basketball player from Raytown.

81-year-old Lee's Summit bowler is just the right age to be a kingpin

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Lee’s Summit bowler Ollie Harbin rolled a 300 game Wednesday at AMF West Lanes in Overland Park, a feat that placed her in the sport’s record book. According to the United States Bowling Congress, Harbin, at 81 years, 7 months, is the oldest woman ever to shoot a sanctioned perfect game. She moved ahead of Shirlee VanDenberg of Battle Creek, Mich., who was 80 when she recorded a 300 on Nov. 28, 2008. Third on the list is another Kansas City area bowler, Lois Morgan, who was 79 at the time of her effort on April 6, 2004.

Police say McNair's girlfriend shot him in his sleep

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, Nashville, Tenn., police said Wednesday. Sahel Kazemi “was spinning out of control” when she shot the 36-year-old McNair — a quarterback for the Tennessee Titans most of his career — four times as he dozed on a sofa early Saturday, then turned the gun on herself, police chief Ronal Serpas said.

Armstrong still second at Tour, but mountains loom

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

PERPIGNAN, France | In less than 48 hours, Lance Armstrong will have answered the last unresolved question about his capacity to win an eighth Tour de France: Can he still climb? The 37-year-old Texan is second overall but about to face his toughest test in this year’s Tour as the grueling three-week race arrives in the Pyrenees mountains.

Phelps wins; Peirsol sets record in backstroke

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Michael Phelps won the 200-meter freestyle and 200 butterfly at the U.S. nationals Wednesday night, earning himself a trip to the world championships later this month. Aaron Peirsol created the biggest buzz at the Indiana University Natatorium pool by reclaiming his world record in the 100 backstroke. The Olympic champion trailed Matt Grevers at 50 meters before pouring it on down the stretch to win in 51.94 seconds.

K-State hires former Super Bowl exec

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Reid Sigmon, formerly the executive director of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee, was hired Wednesday as a senior associate athletics director for administration at Kansas State. Sigmon will oversee all financial, contractual and legal matters and serve as a conduit between the department and the university counsel and the vice president for administration and finance.

Sports buzz: Pacers sign Hansbrough

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

NBA news: Hansbrough signs Tyler Hansbrough (right), the 6-foot-9 former North Carolina forward and the 13th pick in the NBA draft, has signed with the Indiana Pacers. He’ll receive about $1.5 million this season. Hansbrough had 40 points and nine rebounds in his first two summer-league games.

Greinke thinks he could do better

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | Zack Greinke’s hardest pitch Wednesday night might have been his quick rejection to any suggestion that he’s struggling to meet heightened expectations after his terrific start. “It should be better than that,” he said after allowing three runs in six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Tigers. “I should be doing better than that. Ninety percent of my games, I should do that or better.

Wednesday's baseball scores

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

2009

Wednesday's day in the majors

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Veteran’s day at Fenway First-time All-Star Tim Wakefield earned his AL-leading 11th victory, and David Ortiz homered and drove in four runs as the Red Sox beat the Athletics 5-4 on Wednesday.

Fishing report

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Missouri •TABLE ROCK: 86 degrees, clear, near normal. Outlook: White River Lodge reports: Kentucky bass good on football jigs in 6 to 20 feet of water on the gravel flats; largemouth bass good on Carolina Rigs with plastic lizards in the James River arm; catfish good on limblines with green sunfish.

KU's Taylor steps up for U.S. under-19 team in victory

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:20 CDT

KU sophomore Tyshawn Taylor scored 13 points and made some critical defensive stops as the U.S. men's under-19 team beat Lithuania 76-69 today at the world championship in Aukland, New Zealand.

Walks come back to haunt Royals in 8-5 loss to Detroit

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | The problems, as they often do, started with walks Tuesday night for the Royals in their 8-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The knockout homers that came later don’t happen without the walks.

Late goal dooms Wizards in U.S. Open C

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

SEATTLE | The Wizards’ U.S. Open Cup run is over. Seattle’s Sebastien Le Toux drilled in a penalty kick in the 89th minute Tuesday night, giving the Sounders a 1-0 victory over the Wizards in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.

Royals notebook: Freel sees action right away

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | The newest Royal, utilityman Ryan Freel, contends he is fully fit and now only needs regular playing time to prove it. “Yeah, I’m healthy, 100 percent healthy,” he said. “I had that hamstring pull in Chicago, and it took a few weeks (to get healthy). They had me on a rehab assignment for 10 days, and I played well. I came back up and was fine. There were no problems.

Canadian teen Bouchard is holding her own with the Explorers

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Eugenie Bouchard remembers her first introduction to World TeamTennis. She’s a little vague on some of the details, but she knows she was watching TV about two years ago and was struck by the multicolored court and loose, fun atmosphere.

Former Chiefs player charged in fatal accident

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Former Chiefs player Rich Baldinger has been charged in a June car crash that left a Grain Valley woman dead. Baldinger was charged Monday with operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, involving an accident. That is a misdemeanor.

High school linemen soak in fun at Tiger Classic

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Christ Preparatory Academy senior Ethan White wanted to double — no triple — check that the timer on the side of the field was ready. Moments before, along the sideline, White had run the 40-yard dash and scoop only to be forced back for a second attempt because of a timing error.

Hispanic girls face many obstacles to playing sports

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Rosa Mendez and her mother share the same first name. In Spanish, it means “pink,” which also happens to be Rosa’s favorite color. She certainly plays it up. She pierced both ears with pink diamonds, she drives around with a pink Rosary hanging from her rearview mirror and she color-coordinates pink Nikes with her school clothes. But hidden underneath all that girly-ness, her favorite sport — soccer — often leaves her body black and blue with bruises.

Probe of college football's title system suggested

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

A lawyer for a college athletic conference told Congress on Tuesday that it would be in the public’s interest if the government investigated the system that determines college football’s No. 1 team. Barry Brett, who represents the Mountain West Conference, raised the possibility of antitrust violations in the Bowl Championship Series before a Senate Judiciary Committee subcommittee.

Lack of motive slows ruling on McNair's girlfriend

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Tennessee’s state medical examiner said Tuesday that investigators have been hesitant to conclude that Steve McNair’s girlfriend killed the NFL star and herself because she didn’t appear to have a motive, but he added that murder-suicide is the most likely scenario. After the couple was discovered shot to death on Saturday, police were quick to label McNair’s death a homicide. He had been shot twice in the head and twice in the chest, while 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi was dead from a single gunshot to the head. Under her body was a gun she had purchased less than two days before the killings.

Sports buzz: xxxx

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Swim nationals start with splash Eric Shanteau is swimming faster than he ever has despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer just weeks before last year’s U.S. Olympic trials. After a long recovery, he’s now headed on a trip to the world championships later this month in Rome.

Five runs isn't the Royals' magic number

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

It happened again, another reader e-mailing in with the stat that the Royals are 27-13 when they score four or more runs, and 22-9 when they score five or more. But this might surprise you: The Royals’ win percentage when scoring five or more runs is actually the third-worst in the American League, and only .003 better than second-worst. It’s true.

Armstrong is within a split second of the lead at the Tour de France

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

MONTPELLIER, France | Calling his team “simply awesome,” Lance Armstrong was nearly decked out in yellow again. Armstrong, the seven-time champion, surged from third place to second in the Tour de France on Tuesday after his Astana squad won a team time trial in a dramatic finish.

Jacobs' ninth-inning homer gives Royals 4-3 victory over Tigers

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | Let’s just say Mike Jacobs was overdue. So when he unloaded on a Fernando Rodney change-up in the ninth inning Monday night and sent a towering homer into right field, well, the Royals can only hope it’s the start of something good.

Hall of Fame names new exhibit after Lamar Hunt

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Lamar Hunt gave the Super Bowl its name. So it was only fitting that the Pro Football Hall of Fame named its tribute to the Super Bowl in honor of Hunt. The Hall of Fame announced Monday that it will honor Hunt with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 8 and formally open the new Lamar Hunt Super Bowl gallery at the shrine in Canton, Ohio.

Grunting and shrieking in women's tennis bring more groans

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

As the Explorers play another season of World TeamTennis in a stadium dead smack in downtown Kansas City, the familiar sounds that color an urban landscape can be heard over the thwacks of the racket. In between the baritone interjections from Explorers general manager and announcer Jeff Launius, you’ll hear the occasional honking horn and metro bus pumping its brakes and even the whirl of an ice-cream truck trying to lure customers past peak hours.

McNair's girlfriend bought gun used in slaying

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Police say the gun found at the scene where former NFL star Steve McNair died was bought by his girlfriend less than two days before the two were shot to death. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said Monday that 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi bought the semiautomatic handgun Thursday evening from a person he didn’t identify.

Former KU football coach Jack Mitchell dies at 85

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The man who coached John Hadl and Gale Sayers at Kansas is dead. Former Kansas football coach Jack Mitchell died Sunday in Sun City, Ariz., at the age of 85.

Wizards' McKenzie overcomes nerves in first start

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Wizards defender Rauwshan McKenzie was not delusional about what he could expect in his first career MLS start three days ago. McKenzie, a second-year player who was forced into the lineup because team captain Jimmy Conrad was selected to the U.S. national team for the ongoing CONCACAF Gold Cup, knew he would be targeted by the Houston Dynamo.

Jewell's Bartness wins MVP at Ban Johnson all-Star game

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

J.P. Bartness tried his hardest to stay focused. But there he was, in the middle of Kauffman Stadium’s huge center field, looking up at the colossal scoreboard.

Monday how they scored: Royals 4, Tigers 3

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

•TIGERS SECOND: Thames led off and homered to left. Tigers 1, Royals 0. •ROYALS SIXTH: With two out, Bloomquist homered to left. Royals 1, Tigers 1.

Royals notebook: Trade brings utilityman Freel from Cubs

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | OK, it’s a low-risk move. Even so, it’s worth noting the Royals’ first step this month, which ends with the nonwaiver trading deadline, is to add a player rather than sell someone off. Monday’s acquisition of outfielder/third baseman Ryan Freel from the Chicago Cubs, at minimum, figures to inject a little more speed and versatility into a struggling and injury-thinned attack.

Major League Scoreboard

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

2009

Tony Stewart has regrets about the way NASCAR race ended

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Tony Stewart just made a move that every other driver on the track, any driver trying to win a race, would have made. He kept his line while Kyle Busch dipped forward to try to block him. As a result, Busch spun up the track and wrecked his car, and Stewart won the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday night. It was a win at a track that’s special to him in a season for Stewart-Haas Racing that has exceeded everybody’s expectations.

A wily Armstrong jumps from 10th to 3rd at Tour

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

If age is Lance Armstrong’s enemy, then experience is his friend. With a savvy sense of the pack and a touch of luck, Armstrong, a 37-year-old Texan, surprised some of the younger Tour de France contenders Monday and moved within striking distance of the yellow jersey.

Sports buzz: Ronaldo receives rowdy welcome

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Warm welcome for Ronaldo Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo received a rapturous welcome from 80,000 Real Madrid fans Monday, an outpouring so exuberant he had to be hustled away when spectators leaped barriers and took the field.

Federer wins Wimbledon and record 15th major

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

WIMBLEDON, England | Roger Federer hoisted the trophy and celebrated making Grand Slam history, a year removed from a memorable five-set final when he left Wimbledon a broken man, his title ripped away and his aura of invincibility shattered. Federer waged another five-set marathon Sunday, and left as the holder of the most prestigious record in tennis. This time, the winner’s trophy belonged to him, with the No. 1 ranking in his grasp again and his reputation enhanced as perhaps the greatest player in history.

Royals beat White Sox 6-3 for second straight win

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Could be a sign of a bigger turn. Could just be a two-game respite from what’s become a frustrating season. Royals fans will know more after what promises to be a tough seven-game road trip this week to Detroit and Boston, but at least for now, the team goes into this stretch with the good feelings that come along with playing much better in two consecutive wins — the latest a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in front of 15,915 fans at Kauffman Stadium.

Rockhurst's McGee wins award as area's top prep golfer

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

Michael McGee walked back inside the doors of Rockhurst on Tuesday, a little sunburned from playing a full round of golf but ready for his close up in a full suit and tie. McGee wasn’t expecting such a homecoming this soon after graduating. But as the Kenneth Smith Award winner, given to the area’s top male golfer, he returned to Rockhurst to accept the honor in front of family and friends.

The Star's top high school stories of 2008-09

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

Jumpin’ James White captured the attention of hundreds every time he pulled off his sweats, revealed his baby blue Grandview High uniform and approached the towering bar set at the Missouri Class 4 state high jump championships. The coaches stopped walking behind the chain link fence, and the fans who packed the stands in the Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City turned their attention to the corner end zone. Athletes — the best in the state who themselves were competing for gold medals — joined in with the rhythmic clapping to cheer on White. Everyone wanted to watch history unfold.

High School Baseball Soccer

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

In Fenton, Mo. At Anheuser-Busch Center Saturday’s championship Incarnate Word 2, LS North 1 (IW wins on penalty kicks). IWA (Dailey). LSN (Stevenson). Records: IWA 16-5, LSN 25-3. Penalty kicks: IWA: Vogt 1; Skirvan 1; Gravlin 1; Iffrig 1; Mottl 1. LSN: Cross 0; Corder 1; Stephenson 1; Stout 1; Malborough 1.

High School Baseball Soccer

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

At Meador Park, Springfield Today’s semifinals DeSoto vs. LS North, 10 a.m. Rock Bridge vs. Ft. Zumwalt South, 1 p.m.

High School Baseball Soccer

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

At Meador Park, Springfield Friday’s semifinals DeSoto vs. LS North, 10 a.m. Rock Bridge vs. Ft. Zumwalt South, 1 p.m.

High School Softball Track and Field

Sun, 31 May 2009 22:15 CDT

At Twin Oaks Complex, Emporia Saturday’s semifinals St. Marys 10, Pittsburg Colgan 3 Humboldt 9, Salina Sacred Heart 2

St. James Academy girls win 5A-1A state soccer title

Sat, 30 May 2009 22:15 CDT

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. | Rachel Weimer would say afterward how this has been a frustrating season for her at times. How she had struggled to finish scoring opportunities.

High School Baseball Soccer Softball Tennis

Sat, 30 May 2009 22:15 CDT

At Meador Park, Springfield Next Friday’s semifinals DeSoto vs. LS North, 10 a.m. Rock Bridge vs. Ft. Zumwalt South/St. Louis University winner, 1 p.m.

Blue Valley West girls win state title

Sat, 30 May 2009 22:15 CDT

TOPEKA | Jordan Jackson did a little bit of everything in her final appearance for the Blue Valley West girls soccer team during the Kansas 6A state championship game Saturday at Hummer Sports Park.

Kansas State Track Results

Fri, 29 May 2009 22:15 CDT

In Wichita, Kansas (race distances in meters) Teams: 1. Manhattan (MAN), 20; 2. Leavenworth (LEAV), 19; 3. Olathe South (OS), 16; 4. Wichita Heights (WH), 12; T5. Lawrence (LAW), 11; T5. Wichita Southeast (WSE), 11; T7. Derby (DER), 10; T7. Shawnee Mission South (SMS), 10; 9. Maize, 9; T10.Campus (CAM), 8; T10.Wichita East (WE), 8; T10. Goddard (GODD), 8; T10. Olathe East (OE), 8; 14. SM North (SMN), 6; T15. SM Northwest (SMNW), 4; 17. SM West (SMW), 2.

On the air

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Today’s TV | radio CYCLING

Five-game planner

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Royals

The Latest Line

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL Today

Starting times

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Any area group sponsoring a recreational sports activity the public can participate in is invited to send information to The Kansas City Star Sports Department for Starting Times, published every Tuesday. Write to Jennifer Davis, The Kansas City Star Sports Department, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64108, fax (816) 234-4360 or jdavis@kcstar.com. New items will be printed weekly. Information should include: date of activity, starting time, name of activity, site or starting point, target age, entry fee, entry deadline and no more than two contact phone numbers or websites.

Week ahead: T-Bones plan plenty activities

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

After a long road trip, the T-Bones finally return to CommunityAmerica Ballpark this week. To celebrate, the team is giving you more bang for your buck. Just check out everything that is going on during the T-Bones’ four-game series against Fargo-Moorhead, which begins on Thursday.

Early slips cost Greinke and Royals in loss to Tigers

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

DETROIT | Zack Greinke got out-pitched Wednesday night by Detroit rookie Luke French and, well, what more do you need to know about the Royals’ 3-1 loss at Comerica Park? Greinke wobbled through the first two innings before finding his form, and by then it was too late. Too late because the Royals, except for Billy Butler and one swing by Alberto Callaspo, couldn’t solve French’s soft-tossing lefty repertoire.

Remembering Derrick Thomas -- what are your memories?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:31 CDT

On assignment in Miami for a story on Derrick Thomas' legacy, I got to thinking about his impact on the Chiefs and the Kansas City community. I lived 1,000 miles from Kansas City when Thomas died after a car crash in February 2000, but the linebacker's death had a profound impact on me because of how the community and Chiefs fan base poured into Arrowhead Stadium for one last sendoff at Thomas' public viewing. I hadn't seen or heard anything like it, and it was touching and sad at the same time. read more

Lamar Hunt gallery to open in Canton

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:50 CDT

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will honor Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt on the same day linebacker Derrick Thomas is inducted into the shrine in Canton, Ohio. The museum will hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 8 to formally open the new Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery. The gallery _ a $2.4 million renovation and modernization project _ is named in honor of Hunt, whose vision and love of sports not only gave birth to a new league, but the Super Bowl _ the game Hunt named. read more

Position-by-position analysis: Linebackers

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:57 CDT

If the Chiefs needed to aggressively address one position group this offseason, it clearly was the linebackers. And they have addressed it in such a comprehensive manner, it was clear that Kansas City's new regime didn't need many weeks to determine last year's group simply didn't cut it and needed a massive overhaul. Before the end of last year's dreadful defensive performance -- in which very little went according to plan and hastened the firing of former head coach Herm Edwards, the departure of coordinator Gunther Cunningham, and the abandonment of the 4-3 scheme -- the Chiefs knew they had gambled and lost on a group of linebackers that couldn't stay healthy and just didn't work. read more

Branden Albert doesn't want us to say this, but we're saying it anyway

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:41 CDT

That Branden Albert, he's too modest for my tastes. He wants to win games and donate his time to community organizations and talk about the team instead of individuals. Where's the "me" time? Or the self-promotion? Isn't this the NFL? Chad Ocho Cinco and Terrell Owens would take away Albert's players card. I asked Albert last week whether it was too early to call him a potential Pro Bowler in 2009. This is what he said: read more

Basketball Recruiting Round-up: Part 2

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:55 CDT

High Tech RecruitingYesterday, I spelled out the basis for this study. If you didn’t read it, I would encourage you to do so before you dissect the results. But whether you do or not, this is the most exhaustive analysis I can imagine for determining who had the best recruiting classes in 2009. As you will see, the Big 12 has three of the top 7 classes – not bad for a “football” conference.read more

Royals should be open to trading Teahen

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:44 CDT

This one's for JT.An interesting tidbit popped up in Ken Rosenthal's notes column today regarding Mark Teahen. As it regards trade rumors, you have to take it with a grain of salt and while he quotes a member of the Royals' front office, he doesn't say who it was. With that said, the suggestion is that the Royals aren't particularly willing to part with Teahen and may even be planning to move him to a corner outfield position on a permanent basis.read more

Derrick Thomas' son to be a Tiger

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:33 CDT

MizzouA couple of months ago, The Star's Steve Penn wrote a piece on Derrion Thomas, son of late Chiefs Hall-of-Famer Derrick Thomas and himself a standout, pass-rusher. In Penn's article, Thomas was said to be leaning towards attending Mizzou. Now, according to Bill Althaus of the Independence Examiner, that appears to be a done deal: Derrion is planning to walk on with the Tigers.read more

Basketball Recruiting Round-up: Part 1

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:37 CDT

High Tech RecruitingAs promised, I am going to present the top teams by recruiting class for 2009. I waited much longer than I anticipated because Lance Stephenson took forever to make a decision. As it turns out, he’s going to Cincinnati and he’s the only meaningful recruit they have, so it wouldn’t have mattered. Nevertheless, I wanted to make sure all the recruiting was done before I posted this.read more

Moustakas is doing just fine

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:58 CDT

This is a sketch of Henry Miller, which has nothing to do with this post.On the surface, Royals prospect Mike Moustakas isn't having an overwhelming season. However, if you judge his performance in context, he still appears to be on the right developmental track. That's not to ignore the fact that Moustakas has plenty of work to do before he creates a third base controversy at Kauffman Stadium.read more

(Un)earned struggles

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:46 CDT

Here are some telling numbers about the Royals. Their starting rotation's 4.22 ERA is tied with Detroit's for the third-best in the American League, which, obviously, is pretty good. Their bullpen's 4.43 ERA is 11th in the AL, which, you might notice, is not as good. Overall, it's a 4.29 ERA, tied for 7th in the AL, which certainly isn't good enough for a team built on pitching, but also isn't terrible. read more

Don't Be That Guy series: proposing to your girlfriend at a baseball game

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:46 CDT

It happened again last week at Kauffman Stadium, like it does in ballparks and arenas and stadiums all over the country, another well-meaning but unimaginative twerp turns the woman he loves into a between-innings stadium promotion. Honestly. As a people, we have made much progress since the 1980s. We no longer wear acid-washed jeans, or 23 Swatch watches, or think women with bangs two feet in the air are hot. We now see hair bands as funny, not totally rad, so why can't we move past the video board proposal? read more

Actually, the Royals AREN'T that good when scoring more than four runs

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:55 CDT

It happened again this morning, another reader e-mailing in with the stat that the Royals are 27-13 when they score four or more runs, and 22-9 when the score five or more. Joe Posnanski got into the importance of scoring more than four runs in a column a while back, so I won't rehash that here. But this might surprise you: the Royals' win percentage when scoring five or more runs is actually the third-worst in the American League, and only .003 better than second-worst. It's true. read more

When non-pitchers pitch, a (very) short history

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:34 CDT

You may have seen where the Phillies beat the Reds 22-1 last night, with shortstop Paul Janish coming on to pitch the eighth after the Reds ran out of relievers. Janish had a rough night on the mound, giving up six runs and four hits, including a grand slam to Jayson Werth. This is actually Janish's second time pitching this season, which doesn't speak well for the Reds' staff, and he gave up five runs in one inning two months ago, which doesn't speak well for his future as a big league pitcher. read more

The Royals acquired more than just Ryan Freel -- they got his buddy Farney, too

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:32 CDT

Even if this Ryan Freel acquisition isn't exactly, um, going to put the Royals into the playoffs, it does make them a little more interesting. We pick up this Deadspin post that quotes an article from the Dayton Daily News from a few years ago, where Freel reveals a conversation he had with Farney, his imaginary friend, after making a diving catch on Albert Pujols. read more

Quotables

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:21 CDT

The main point of this blog post is not to talk about “unearned runs” or anything, but I do have to get this off my chest: First inning tonight, Zack Greinke (who has not looked sharp at all lately — you wonder if this team is getting to him) led off with by walking Curtis [...]

Coming to St. Louis

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:58 CDT

At one point I really wanted to make today — 07/08/09 — official Buy The Machine day. But I have to admit that (a) the idea never really seemed to take off, (b) nobody really volunteered to be the sponsor and (c) I have a goofy promotional thing that I hope to unveil here in [...]

Distinctions at this level

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:48 CDT

I have a friend who, when talking about preposterously stupid comparisons* will say: “Distinctions at that level are not worth making.”

*These “stupid comparisons,” of course, are some of my favorites … a few from the past: What song is worse: They Built This City or Broken Wings? Who is less funny: Carrot Top or Pauly Shore? Who is [...]

Um … the Man Wall

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:08 CDT

Yeah, this looks like it might be a multiple mini-post day — lots of little things to catch up on. For instance, my buddy Chardon Jimmy passed along the details for the Man Wall.

Just for the record, the Man Wall has: – Four flat screen TVs — one of those is 42 inches. I have never [...]

The Best Sports Remix Ever

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:55 CDT

I don’t know DJ Steve Porter, of course. Yeah, I don’t know too many DJs.

But I do know this: That any man who in the same year can give us the previously linked Slap Chop Remix AND this awesome remix of press conference highlights that includes Allen Iverson, the Jim Mora playoff rant, the Denny [...]

Handy hints: Tree stand safety

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:41 CST

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of hunting accidents are not gunshot wounds. Most people that are hurt during hunting season are injured falling from tree stands.

Cooking: Wild turkey tortilla soup

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:48 CST

Wildlife: Brown recluse

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:55 CST

Handy hints: Building a peanut feeder

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:43 CST

Believe it or not, birds love peanuts. So providing a peanut feeder is an easy way to attract birds to your yard.

Line drives can be an outfielder's worst nightmare

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Last week, Dewayne Wise of the White Sox hit a fly ball to center field that — for a split second —seemed to catch the Royals’ Mitch Maier off guard. He recovered in time and made a nice over-the-shoulder grab. But for the record, Maier prefers running into the gap after a ball. It beats trying to track a ball that’s hit at him or just over his head.