SportsBeat KC

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Kansas State sports with Kellis Robinett: Lessons from the Catbacker tour Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett didn’t make every stop on this year's K-State Catbacker Tour, but he made a few and tells host Blair Kerkhoff what he learned about football and basketball along the way. Bonus: Why Kellis chooses tacos over pancakes for tailgating and why the Manhattan Special -- made with a special fruit juice -- is the "best way" to make light beer taste better. Read the stories we discussed: K-State Q&A: Xavier’s Sneed’s return, football predictions and breakfast tacos - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article230995958.html Why K-State football coach Chris Klieman won’t hesitate to play freshmen next season - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article231127013.html

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KC Royals draft Bobby Witt Jr. (and stop comparing him to Patrick Mahomes) Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

The woe-some Royals had a reason to celebrate Monday when the team drafted high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., with the No. 2 overall pick. Host Blair Kerkhoff talks with Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian about Witt’s impact -- and why he's not going to be the Patrick Mahomes of the Royals. Also, Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy calls in from Dallas, where he interviewed Witt and his father, former major league pitcher Bobby Witt. Read the stories we discussed: Mellinger Minutes: Bobby Witt Jr., Ned Yost, Patrick Mahomes and dad’n - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article231156763.html Royals grab Texas prep Bobby Witt Jr., No. 2 overall and add Florida infielder and Arizona State pitcher - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article231133413.html

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The Chiefs assistant coaches - and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo - speak. We interpret May 31, 2019

Show notes

Another week, another Chiefs organized activity. Beat writer Brooke Pryor and host Blair Kerkhoff recount what they saw and heard at the latest Chiefs practice. Spoiler alert: New defensive coordinator Steve “Spags” Spagnuolo has an accent and you have to listen to the podcast to hear Blair's version of it. Read the stories we discussed: Spagnuolo brings youthful energy, hands-on approach to Chiefs - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231016328.html No running back by committee for Chiefs. Damien Williams is the starter - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231006423.html Here’s how Breeland Speaks fit into new Chiefs defensive scheme...or so they hope - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231005173.html

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A conversation with David Cone: former All-Star pitcher on his career with Royals, Mets May 29, 2019

Show notes

There’s no telling how the Kansas City Royals’ fortunes might have been altered if they hadn’t traded David Cone. Twice. Cone -- one of the best baseball players to emerge from Kansas City -- shared his life story and explores baseball issues in his new book, "Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher," written with Jack Curry. During his recent stop at Kauffman Stadium, Cone took time out to chat about his career with host Blair Kerkhoff. Read the story we discussed: Pitcher David Cone covers Kansas City years in new book about his baseball career - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article230815714.html

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Kansas basketball: Top recruit R.J. Hampton and Jayhawks hopeful chooses money over college May 28, 2019

Show notes

KU basketball did not land top recruit R.J. Hampton, who said he wasn’t interested in college basketball and is instead headed for a pro league in Australia. Host Blair Kerkhoff and beat writer Jesse Newell discuss what this means for Kansas and college basketball. Also, Silvio De Sousa’s return could mean an interesting lineup for the Jayhawks. Read the stories we discussed: Will Devon Dotson stay at KU or go pro? Dad discusses impending NBA deadline - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article230905998.html Top recruit R.J. Hampton, who was considering KU, signs with New Zealand Breakers - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article230888274.html What Silvio De Sousa’s return means for KU, and how it might impact the team’s lineup - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article230803669.html

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Chiefs OTAs: Patrick Mahomes' rising star and Chris Jones' absence. Plus, Brooke's dilemma May 24, 2019

Show notes

The Kansas City Chiefs' organized team activities continue with full squad workout. Well, almost full squad. Star defensive lineman Chris Jones has not attended the voluntary practice. Host Blair Kerkhoff and beat writer Brooke Pryor share their takeaways from this week's OTAs. Also, Brooke has a dilemma regarding a new family member. Read the stories we discussed: Comfortable in role with Chiefs, in community, Patrick Mahomes enters Year 2 as a starter - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article230755104.html Defensive star Chris Jones missing from Chiefs’ workouts; contract remains unsettled - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article230770009.html Darron Lee happily joins Game of Thrones pal Patrick Mahomes on revamped Chiefs roster - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article230755074.html Sammy Watkins had an offseason acquisition; leadership he intends to share with Chiefs - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article230763154.html

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The Sporting KC tie that felt like a loss, or a victory, depending on perspective May 21, 2019

Show notes

For beat writer Sam McDowell, Sporting KC's latest string of losses have been a series of missed opportunities. The bright spot: Matt Besler is back, and perhaps he doesn't get the credit he deserves. Host Blair Kerkhoff also lists some of the best high school athletes the Kansas City area has produced. Read the stories we discussed: Why Sporting KC feels more confident even as its losing streak continues - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article230612104.html Vancouver delivers late gut-punch to Sporting KC. The winless skid marches on - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article230414239.html Here’s why Sporting KC needs Benny Feilhaber (it’s not just his play) - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article230529919.html

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The Royals’ Nicky Lopez, the Chiefs’ next phase and Brooks Koepka's smooch tweeted around the world May 20, 2019

Show notes

Columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian stop by the studio to recap the weekend and look ahead with host Blair Kerkhoff. They cover the Royals' home run drought and newcomer Nicky Lopez; what Sam discovered on his trip to New Orleans, home of Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu; and what happened after Brooks Koepka seemed to diss the kiss offered by his girlfriend Jena Sims. Read the stories we discussed: Lynn Worthy: Danny Duffy and Royals bullpen dominate Angels, end West Coast trip on high note - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article230596189.html Vahe Gregorian: Nicky Lopez has gone from 145-pound rail to a presumptive pillar of the Royals future - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article230544394.html Sam Mellinger: How the Royals’ Nicky Lopez became one of modern baseball’s rarest talents - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article230524844.html

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NBA Draft Combine notes; Mizzou’s Jontay Porter on how he reinjured his ACL May 16, 2019

Show notes

Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer is in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine and got to talk to Jontay Porter, the former Missouri Tigers forward and draft hopeful. Schiffer recounts that conversation and much more in his phoner with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff. Read the stories we discussed: ‘I felt invincible’: Mizzou’s Jontay Porter explains how he re-tore ACL during rehab - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article230477924.html Porter’s out, Tilmon’s back and a recruit commits: Here’s what MU’s roster looks like - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article230399054.html

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Should KU play big or go small? That's the question for Bill Self’s Jayhawks May 15, 2019

Show notes

From Udoka Azubuike to dunks to moving the 3-point line, University of Kansas is looking at an interesting upcoming season. KU beat writer Jesse Newell calls in to host Blair Kerkhoff for a wide-ranging discussion. Read the stories we discussed: Four guards to two bigs? Here’s the style Bill Self sees his team playing in 2019-2020 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article230377919.html For a decade KU basketball has been king of the rim. That wasn’t the case in 2018-19 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article230138354.html NCAA proposal would move three-point line in men’s college basketball - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nba/article230273444.html

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