What are KC sports fans wishing for? Think Chiefs and playoffs, Royals and Gordon
Kansas City sports fans have been nice, as in not naughty, in 2015.
We know this because they’re getting everything they want during this holiday season. Basking in the World Series championship afterglow continues. Making the playoffs has given way to doing damage in the postseason for Chiefs fans stirred by an eight-game winning streak.
There’s been something for everybody in 2015. A Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for Sporting KC, a No. 2 ranking for Kansas basketball, a bowl game for Kansas State football, a new football coach at Missouri, and a football national championship for Northwest Missouri State were among the gifts.
With Christmas just around the corner, ’tis the season for wishing. So we asked a few members of our Kansas City Star sports team what folks around here might be pining for this week.
What do you get the fan who has everything? Star sportswriter Blair Kerkhoff has a suggestion: How about a contract agreement between the Royals and their longest-tenured player, outfielder Alex Gordon?
That way, the outfield shapes up nicely and the Royals retain one of the most popular and productive players in franchise history.
Chiefs playoffs, please
A Chiefs playoff win. Or, at the very least, a loss that you’re not going to remember with hushed tones and shaking heads.
Sam Mellinger, columnist
Chiefs playoffs, Take II
That whatever magic the Royals had in October carries over to the Chiefs in January. Given their history, I’m sure any playoff talk makes Chiefs fans feel like Joker is about to give away a million dollars at a downtown parade. But the team is rolling right now, and stranger things have happened.
Terez Paylor, Chiefs beat writer
Be happy, Royals fans
That we appreciate and channel the enchantment of the Royals’ 2015 World Series triumph: as a reminder that it ain’t ever over until it’s over, as illustrated by eight postseason comeback wins; as testament that dreams actually still can be realized no matter how many times they’ve been bludgeoned during, say, a 29-year period; that just maybe that mesmerizing season was sweeter for the wait; that it’s still more healthy, and better form, to be hopeful than to start taking anything for granted … and that for all the strife in the world now, countless nationalities and races and religions all were as one on that November day when 800,000-ish of us and one unique and lovable team celebrated each other as a measly three arrests were made.
Vahe Gregorian, columnist
Be happy, Royals fans, Take II
If, as a Royals fan, you beseech your family or friends or Santa for additional presents, perhaps you deserve 29 more years of losing. The team won the World Series. True story — and in the playoffs, eight of their 11 victories were comebacks. You already received your gift. Hope you enjoyed it.
Andy McCullough, Royals beat writer
Injury-free Sporting
How about a clean bill of health? Key injuries to Ike Opara and Roger Espinoza spoiled what once appeared to be a promising 2015 season. An affliction-free 2016 could put the team back in MLS Cup contention.
Sam McDowell, Sporting Kansas City beat writer
FCKC’s last Holiday
The Blues are two-time defending National Women’s Soccer League champions but suffered a big offseason loss when 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Lauren Holiday retired.
She played each of the league’s first three seasons in Kansas City, and coach Vlatko Andonovski built the team around her.
If they hope to defend their title, FC Kansas City will need another player to step up. Her fellow national teamers, Becky Sauerbrunn and Amy Rodriguez, are both strong candidates.
Kathleen Gier, FCKC beat writer
A CoMo carol?
With the Tigers nestled all snug in their beds, visions of Drew Lock touchdowns danced in their heads. Josh Heupel, in his headset, dialing up big plays, and Kim Anderson turning around the basketball team’s ways.
Such presents wrapped neatly, tucked under the tree — NCAA tourney runs, one (women’s basketball), two (baseball) and three (volleyball), more hardware for Brian Smith’s crew on the mats and a World Series for softball. Who wouldn’t love that?
Soccer came close to an SEC crown ... maybe 2016’s the year it goes down. Now, (Charles) Harris, now (Kevin) Puryear, now Sophie (Cunningham) and (Tanner) Houck. On, (Harold) Brantley, on (Terrence) Phillips, on (Alyssa) Munlyn and Clark (Thomas).
To the top of the standings, to the top of the polls. Fight on to victory is where you must go.
Tod Palmer, Mizzou beat writer
Another Final Four
Kansas fans have been spoiled by the program’s 11 straight Big 12 regular-season titles.
But after two Final Four runs in Bill Self's 12 seasons — and zero since 2012 — they’re ready to hang another Final Four banner. If Kansas can find the right combination in the frontcourt, the Jayhawks might have the right guards to drive them to Houston in early April.
Rustin Dodd, KU beat writer
Merry in Manhattan
Kansas State football fans should wish everyone they meet this holiday season a merry Christmas and a healthy new year. The Wildcats could use all the good karma they can get in 2016.
Bill Snyder got the most he could out of the 2015 regular season, coaching K-State to a 6-6 record and the Liberty Bowl after losing starting quarterback Jesse Ertz and top defender Dante Barnett in the first game. But both players are expected to return healthy next season. If they can stay healthy, they could help a young nucleus of talent take a nice step forward.
Kellis Robinett, K-State beat writer
A very Alex Christmas
We’re wishing here, right? I’ll end this thing the way Blair started it off, and cast a vote for a #DoAGordon holiday. Let’s hold out hope the Royals find a way to keep Alex Gordon in left field for 2016 and beyond in a way that doesn’t mortgage their future.
Jeff Rosen, sports editor
This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "What are KC sports fans wishing for? Think Chiefs and playoffs, Royals and Gordon."