Sportsbeat Kc

The NFL off-season comes in phases, and teams are preparing for the first of those. For the Chiefs, that means plenty of pitching and catching with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. That’s happening in Texas, as it did last year. It means meetings and conditioning for the defense, and it’s also an opportunity to hear from Andy Reid and players for the first time in several weeks, Reid met with reporters on Monday to preview the beginning of these activities. It was his first time to discuss how the Chiefs will operate with new faces at wide receiver, how he spent his time since the Super Bowl victory and he looks at the NFL Draft for the Chiefs and where the event will take place, Union Station in Kansas City. After a break you’ll hear from linebacker NIck Bolton. He’s coming off his first Super Bowl triumph and describes how he’s handled the short off-season. Story link: Why the Kansas City Chiefs are Zooming through Phase 1 of their offseason program https://www.k

If the Royals could ignore the opening homestand, they’d look pretty good in the AL Central. On their first road trip of the year, they went 3-3, winning their first two in San Francisco and their final game in Texas. The get away game was their most complete of the season, a 10-1 triumph. But fold in the 1-6 start and the record isn’t pretty after two weeks. On today’s show, Star reporters Pete Grathoff and Scott Chasen discuss the Royals with an emphasis on the past week. The starting pitching continues to outperform expectations, and the bats came alive in the final two games against the Rangers. Especially encourging in the finale is how well the Royals hit with runners in scoring position. Can they keep it up with the Atlanta Braves and the Rangers in town for the next six games? Story link: KC Royals have struggled in this crucial stat: ‘Little by little, we’re feeling better’ https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article274279215.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch

With 10 draft picks the possibilities seemingly are endless for the Chiefs. But there are some positions that need to be addressed, and on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell shares his thoughts on what the Chiefs might do when the draft arrives in two weeks. Edge rusher? Wide receiver? RIght tackle? The Chiefs likely will look for answers at those slots, the way they addressed the defensive backfield last season. How did that work out? Three rookies started in the secondary in the Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Even an early trade isn’t out of the possibility. The Chiefs have made moves involving their first-round draft selection in every year except one since 2016. We discuss what would entice the Chiefs to make such a move this time. Story link: Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock draft 2.0: If KC goes offense, this could be the pick https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article274028415.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod

The MLS and NWSL seasons have started, and can we get a reset in Kansas City? Sporting Kansas City is seven games in without a victory. The KC Current are 0-2. Why the slow starts? On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star soccer writer Daniel Sperry breaks it down. One common element to the teams: lack of offense. The Current has one goal. Sporting has two. For the most part defense and goal-tending has been solid. But goals have been difficult to come by. As Sporting’s Peter Vermes said after the most recent loss, 1-0 to the Colorado Rapids: “I’d like to score some goals.” Story link: KC Current got some love from Ted Lasso. Their coach is a fan of Jason Sudeikis’ show https://www.kansascity.com/sports/soccer/kc-current/article273756415.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Self held his first press conference since since being hospitalized for a heart catheterization procedure before the Big 12 tournament, and although the occasion of this year-end meeting with reporters was unlike last years when the Jayhawks won the national championship, this was also upbeat. Self spoke for more than 30 minutes on his improved health and renewed excitement for coaching. “All this did from a job standpoint was reconfirm what I love to do,” he said. And, “I need to be living in the portal.” You’ll hear all of the Self press conference on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Columnist Vahe Gregorian shares his thoughts on the coach who has amassed nearly 800 victories in his career, and is well into planning for next season. Story link: How health issue clarified Kansas coach Bill Self’s view of the future (and path to it) https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article274007225.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc

How about a Kansas State defensive end from Lee’s Summit as the Chiefs’ first selection in the NFL Draft? Adding to the local angle, the draft will take place at Kansas City’s Union Station. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the Big 12 defensive player of the year for the Wildcats, is the Chiefs’ first-round pick, projected by Star beat writer Herbie Teope. Mock drafts are the definition of inexact science, but over the past three seasons, Teope has called the Chiefs’ drafting of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (2020), Nick Bolton (2021) and George Karlaftis (2022) in one of his multiple mock drafts. Discussing the draft also provides and opportunity to look at Chiefs needs, and we do that as well. Story links: Who will the Chlefs select in the 2023 NFL Draft? Here’s The Star’s first mock draft Some Kansas City roads are starting to close for NFL Draft at end of the month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In baseball, early results are magnified, which is why the Royals’ three-game losing streak to open the season make things more dour than had it happened in, say, July. And it’s also why, when the skid ended with Monday’s 9-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, champagne flowed in the clubhouse. Well, that and the Royals were celebrating Matt Quatraro’s first victory as a manager. On today’s SportsBeat KC, reporter Pete Grathoff breaks down the very early returns of the Royals, who showed some positive signs even while dropping the opening series to the Minnesota Twins. Also discussed: The impact of baseball’s most important rules changes. At least one, the pitch clock, is having the intended impact on games. Did you notice you’re getting home sooner from the ballpark? Story link: Why Royals manager Matt Quatraro had red eyes after first MLB victory https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article273932695.html#storylink=mainstage_lead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com

On today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from coaches Dan Hurley of UConn and Brian Dutcher of San Diego State as they break down the game and their seasons. You’ll also hear reactions from two of the newest members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, coaches Gene Bess of Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Gene Keady, the longtime Purdue coach who was a three-point letter winner at Kansas State. Interestingly, none of those sports was basketball. Story links: What will it take for charmed San Diego State to overcome powerful UConn in NCAA final? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article273880995.html#storylink=mainstage_card Gene Keady is the latest with Kansas State ties elected to the Hall of Fame https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article273862665.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every sport begins a season. Only baseball has Opening Day (capital letters). As the 2023 campaign gets underway,n we talk Royals with several players and new manager Matt Quatraro. They met with reporters on Wednesday to discuss a wide range on topics from team prospects to rules changes. You’ll hear from opening Day starter Zack Greinke, along with Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and general manager J.J. Picollo. How much optimism should there be for 2023? The Royals are picked to finish at or near the bottom of the AL Central with a projected victory total of 68.5. Last or next to last in the division is where they’ve finished each season since 2018. But on Opening Day and hope springs eternal. Story links: Opening day is fertile chance for new-look Royals to show changes aren’t just cosmetic https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article273731645.html#storylink=mainstage_lead Any Royals optimism starts with young core. What’s reasonable to expect

In the free agency flurry the Chiefs have had more losses than gains. Gone are wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman and tackles Orlando Brown Jr., and Andrew Wylie, safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. The Chiefs have added tackle Jawaan Taylor, defensive lineman Charles Omenihu and linebacker Drue Tranquill. Add it up, and you have today’s conversation on SportsBeat KC with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell along with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell. The Chiefs, as they’ve been doing in the Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Brett Veach era, are playing the long game. The moves keep them competitive and financially fit and in a position to extend a run that currently includes two Super Bowl victories and five straight trips to the AFC title game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the time of year when hope springs eternal. Baseball season has arrived and every team had a chance at becoming a World Series champion. Right? Some have better chances than others. The Royals enter the 2023 with a new manager, general manager and remain in the early stages of John Sherman’s ownership. There is optimism for improvement, but it will be essential for Kansas City to avoid the slow starts of previous seasons. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Star columnist Sam McDowell discusses Royals and focuses on the pitching. Good teams have good bullpens, and the Royals have looked to improve there. Story link: Why the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen has most room for improvement — but with a caveat https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article273522060.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So many twists and turns on the way to the Final Four. It’s enough to make you dizzy. But that’s what makes March Madness the spectacle that it is. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, we review the regional championship weekend that produced the Final Four field of Florida Atlantic, Connecticut, San Diego State and Miami, Fla. The title games produced remarkable drama, upsets and three newcomers to the Final Four–all but UConn. Also, there are three first-timers playing in the Final Four for the first time since 1970, and this marks the first time since seeding started in 1979 that no teams among the top three will play on basketball’s final weekend in Houston. You’ll hear from Kansas State, a program that had its best NCAA run in six years, reaching the East final before falling to Florida Atlantic. Point guard Markquis Nowell became a star of the tournament with his scoring and playmaking, and we’ll hear from him and other Wildcats from the tournament for the final time. Story link: Roster changes on the hori

With another astonishing performance by its point guard Markquis Nowell, Kansas State outlasted Michigan State in overtime and has advanced to the Elite Eight, one step away from the Final Four. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down the edge-of-your-seat East Regional semifinal, and center to it all was Nowell, who set an NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists to go along with his 20 points. Nowell’s final two assists won the game. His lob pass to Keyontae Johnson from distance, was finished with back-to-the-basket slam to break a tie, and his in-bounds pass to Ismael Massou on a clever play led to the breathing-room jumper. Great stuff all around from Nowell and the WIldcats who with a victory over Florida Atlantic on Saturday will reach the Final Four for the first time since 1964. Story link: Spontaneous or scripted? What really happened on Markquis Nowell’s daring alley-oop pass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch

The Missouri Tigers got reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament and were upset by Princeton. But there was nothing upsetting about Mizzou’s season. The Tigers were picked to finish 11th in the SEC. They were the No. 4 seed in the league tournament, and reached the semifinals for the first time. Missouri also won its first NCAA Tournament game in more than a decade. In all, an excellent first season in Columbia for Dennis Gates. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss Missouri’s season and where Mizzou goes from here, especially from a recruiting standpoint. Story link: Mizzou’s NCAA Tournament loss to Princeton hurts but doesn’t diminish momentous season https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article273323190.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next season came earlier than expected for Kansas after its heart breaking loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The defending national champion will bid farewell to its All-America player, Jalen Wilson, and with Gradey DIck projected by some to be an NBA Draft lottery pick, only two starters may return in point guard Dauajn Harris and big man K.J. Adams. How will Bill Self and his staff fill out the lineup and rotation next season? Beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha provide the first look and address the many questions for the Jayhawks in 2023-24 on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Story link: Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams will lead KU in 2023-24. What else is known about the roster? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article273331780.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kansas State plays in Manhattan, affectionately known as the “Little Apple.” This week, the Wildcats look to continue their NCAA Tournament winning ways in the Big Apple and Madison Square Garden. The Sweet 16 date in New York against Michigan State awaits a Kansas State team that defeated Kentucky on Sunday in Greensboro, N.C., behind the remarkable performance of point guard Markquis Nowell. Adding to the purple vibe this week: Nowell and three of his teammates are New York natives. They’re going home. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how K-State broke from a close game with Kentucky with a final flurry to pick up the most important victory of the season, and how the purple Wildcats, who went off as a betting underdog, overcame Oscar Tshiebwe and the blue Wildcats. After a break, you’ll hear a conversation with K-State athletic director Gene Taylor, which was recorded before the Kentucky game. He discusses the accomplishments of first-year head coach Jerome Tang and addresses

Of the 32 games in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Kansas State’s contest with Montana State is the 30th, tipping off Friday evening. That gave us enough time to break down the Wildcats on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Kellis Robinett. The Wildcats are one of the most unlikely tournament teams, based on preseason expectations. They were picked to finish last in the Big 12. But in Jerome Tang’s first season, K-State came in third in the league and is a No. 3 seed taking on Montana State in the NCAA opener in Greensboro, N.C. We discuss how it came together, including the role of the team’s two returning players, Markquis Nowell and Ismeal Massoud, in shaping this year’s roster. Also, a look ahead at a possible Kansas State-Kentucky second round game if those teams win on Friday. Story link: K-State Wildcats vs. Montana State Bobcats: NCAA Tournament game time, TV, prediction https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article273240055.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more abou

The Chiefs moves in free agency haven’t made national headlines, but there’s plenty of roster turnover occurring for the Super Bowl champions. Four starters and three more who made valuable contributions have departed during free agency. And the week isn’t over. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell break down the moves and how the Chiefs plan to replace players like Orlando Brown Jr., Andrew Wylie, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Juan Thornhill and Khalen Saunders. Some of been addressed with such free agent additions as offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu. Work remains for general manager Brett Veach and his staff to complete a roster through free agency, the draft or trades to keep the Chiefs atop the NFL. Story link Follow Kansas City Chiefs’ free-agency updates: Orlando Brown Jr. finds new home https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article273157615.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.

Missouri enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed, its best position since 2012. The Tigers are coming off a competitive SEC tourney semifinal loss to top-ranked Alabama, after beating Tennessee in the quarterfinal. So why is MIzzou a betting underdog to No. 10 seed Utah State in Thursday’s opener? The Aggies are a excellent team, but you better believe Coach Dennis Gates and his veteran team will use any slight in their favor. This is a Missouri team picked to finish 11th in the SEC, and the Tigers were seeded fourth in the tournament. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian breaks down the Tigers, who open the NCAA Tournament in Sacramento, Calif. A victory on Thursday aligns with them the Arizona-Princeton winner in the South Region. Also at stake: Missouri seeks its first victory in the NCAA Tournament since 2010. It looks to end a five-game March Madness losing streak. Story link: To make it memorable, Mizzou’s turnaround season needs exclamation point in NCAA play https://www.kansascit

Kansas starts defense of its NCAA Tournament championship on a similar spot on the bracket, as a No. 1 seed. But the Jayhawks start the quest from the West instead of the Midwest Region. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha discuss all things KU from the health of Coach Bill Self, who missed the Big 12 tournament with a cardiac episode, to the availability of defensive standout Kevin McCullar to how the team displayed superb and disappointing play in Kansas City last weekend. Also, just how did Kansas, with the best resume in college basketball, wind up in the West instead of the Midwest, where the Sweet 16 is set for Kansas City? Location of the regional may not matter as much as the path. KU appears to have drawn a difficult one. Story link: Did the Kansas Jayhawks get lucky or unlucky with 2023 NCAA Tournament draw? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article273050345.html#subtopper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com