Royals general manager J.J. Picollo called the team’s performance this year “disappointing,” and a fan base would agree. He said that and much more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Picollo joined beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian on the show that started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. The topics included the development of starting pitching, the future role of Brad Keller, the young lineup and what carries into next season. Also, miserable as the season is, ...
Sep 20, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Kansas City Current are not only in the playoff chase, they’re looking to finish in one of the top two spots and gain a first-round bye on the bracket. That’s quite a change from a year ago, when they played out the string in a last-place season. That was the inaugural campaign for a team that was hustled together shortly before the season began. One year later, the Current are a force in the league: On Sunday, they got a free-kick goal from Hallie Mace in the 93rd minute to salvage a 1-1 ho...
Sep 19, 2022•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Watsons played major roles in the Chiefs defeated the L.A. Chargers in an AFC West showdown on Thursday. Wide receiver Justin Watson got the game close with his 41-yard touchdown reception from Patrick Mahomes. Cornerback Jaylen Watson finished off the Chargers with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown. We talk about both and much more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. You’ll a...
Sep 16, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kansas State’s resounding triumph over Missouri last weekend continues to resonate at both schools, and on today’s SportsBeat KC we look back on the impact of that game as the Wildcats and Tigers prepare for non-conference games. Also, on SportsBeat KC, Kansas looks to make it two straight upset victories on the road. The Jayhawks topped West Virginia in overtime last week and now head to Houston. Beat writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore break down the Big 12 teams looking to improve to 3-0 ...
Sep 15, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can a Week 2 game be season-defining? It can when it’s the six-time AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs playing host to what many believe is the top challenger in the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s been a crazy series recently. The home team has lost the last four meetings and seven of the last eight in the series (with one game played in Mexico City). On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell join columnist Sam McDowell to break down the game from a Chiefs’ angle. What d...
Sep 14, 2022•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Brady Singer is posting one of the best seasons by a Kansas City Royals starting pitcher in recent years, and it’s natural to wonder who else from the 2018 draft class will follow him to success. That year, the Royals selected four pitchers among the top 40 who were drafted. Singer, the first to reach the majors, is the first to have an accomplished season. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss Singer’s season and who might be next from th...
Sep 13, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs’ 44-21 decision over the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener was a complete game victory. Patrick Mahomes led touchdown drives on the first three possessions and finished with five touchdown passes. The defense allowed one touchdown while the game was competitive, and the kicking game got through despite an ankle injury to Harrison Butker. Now, the Chiefs have a short week to prepare for their next contest, a Thursday Night Football appearance against the Los Angeles Chargers. On t...
Sep 12, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fridays in the fall are about high school football, and on today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from an authority on the subject in Kansas City. Dion Clisso runs the website prepskc.com. It’s the best site for results, standings, schedules, you name it’s on the site. Clisso breaks down what’s happened in the early weeks of high school and previews tonight’s big games. After a break, you’ll hear from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from his midweek press conference. Much of it was spent discussi...
Sep 09, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Some eight months after another division championship season ended in a crushing playoff loss, the Kansas City Chiefs tee it up for the 2022 season. The regular season opens Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals, and we must talk about it. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell join columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell in breaking down everything Chiefs. We look at the position groups and wonder where the Chiefs got better or worse since last season. Is this...
Sep 08, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Missouri and Kansas State met on the football field for the first time in 1909 and became members of the same conference, the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1913. Over the next century the neighbors met 97 times. That relationship ended when the Tigers joined the SEC for the 2012 football season. But they’re back on the same field Saturday when Mizzou visits Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Neither team is ranked but both overwhelmed their opening game opponent and see this g...
Sep 07, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. is having a terrific season, and in most years his numbers, like becoming the fifth rookie to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 20 bases, would make him the top candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award. But it’s looking like an uphill challenge for Witt, with Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners also posting a 20/20 season and putting up other big numbers. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Lynn Worthy looks at Witt’s chanc...
Sep 06, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Legal sports wagering has arrived in Kansas. Gov. Laura Kelly placed the first bet on Tuesday ($15 on the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl), and betting is happening through the state’s four casinos, including Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kan., and online. On today’s SportsBeat KC, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Kellis Robinett discuss what it means to have sports betting in the region, and even offer some of their favorite bets. Also, pay attention to college football games that match a...
Sep 02, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Coming off an 8-5 season with many key starters returning, Kansas State was picked to finish fifth in the Big 12. That should give the Wildcats some motivation heading into the season that begins on Saturday with a home game against South Dakota. If quarterback Adrian Martinez, the Nebraska transfer, can solidify his game, K-State should have a team that can play with any in the conference. Running back Deuce Vaughn, a preseason All-America, is a force on offense, and Felix Anudike-Azomah was th...
Sep 01, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Kansas Jayhawks open the football season with a Friday home game against Tennessee Tech, and could this be the year the program begins taking strides toward respectability? It’s the second season of Coach Lance Leipold, a slew of starters return, and the quarterback who led KU to victory over Texas–Jalon Daniels–will lead this team. So, yes, there’s a bit more optimism than there’s been in a while. On today’s Sportsbeat KC, beat writer Gary Bedore breaks down both sides of the ball and share...
Aug 31, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is the time right to consider long-term contracts to promising young Royals players like Bobby Witt Jr.? We put the question to beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Sam McDowell on SportsBeat KC? Long-terms deals can provide security and risk, and the Royals have been here before, although not with a rookie. From their 2014-15 pennant years, they signed Alex Gordon to an extension from that team but not others. We also discuss who the Royals should consider bringing up when rosters expand later...
Aug 30, 2022•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Missouri Tigers kick off their football season on Thursday when Louisiana Tech visits Faurot FIeld for a 7 p.m. start. Plenty of unknowns follow Mizzou into the season .The quarterback, Brady Cook, will make his second career start. The defense has plenty of experience but got off to a terrible start last year and the program is on its third defensive coordinator in three years. On today’s SportsBeat KC, that coach, Blake Baker, speaks about his defense and what to look for this season. But ...
Aug 29, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs preseason games are over, and the roster decisions will soon be finalized. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell share their thoughts on the team’s initial 53 man roster that will be finalized by next Tuesday. Any surprises? Should the Chiefs feel sbetter at some positions more than others? What’s the impact of preseason games on a bubble candidate’s chances of making the team? Also, the Chiefs opened their preseason fin...
Aug 26, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Len Dawson came to Kansas City in 1963 and soon became a sports hero. And when he was finished playing for the Chiefs, he spent decades talking about them from the broadcast booth. Dawson’s death at age 87 was announced on Wednesday by the family. On today’s show, columnist Vahe Gregorian, who conducted one of the final, lengthy interviews with Dawson, shares his memories of that day and discusses the impact of Dawson on the community and sports scene. After a break, you hear two interviews of D...
Aug 24, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Royals have outfield candidates. Plenty of them. Drew Waters became the latest to join the group, and his major debut went nicely. He drew a bases loaded walk to put the Royals ahead in a victory over the Chicago White Sox. But how will the outfield shape up for next season? That’s the topic on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. The rest of the season appears dedicated to getting ready for 2023, and that’s especially tru...
Aug 23, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs made an early lead hold up for a 24-14 victory over the Washington Commanders on Saturday and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was impressive once again. He led two touchdown drives on the first two possessions, often directing passes to players who weren’t primary targets a year ago. Off-season work and a rigorous training camp seem to be paying off in the passing game. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregor...
Aug 22, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast College football news never seems to end. The season is fast approaching but this week the Big Ten made a major announcement about its future television contracts. The deal, worth up to $8 billion, is the richest in college sports history and has ramifications throughout the college sports world. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses the news and what it could mean for the Big 12 with host Blair Kerkhoff. Also making headlines this week: legal sports wagering has a laun...
Aug 19, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs time at Missouri Western ends today, and it’s been a productive training camp. Patrick Mahomes is getting more comfortable with his new pass receiving targets, players from the draft class have taken big strides and the defense appears more athletic and quicker. It’s difficult to say who has had the best camp. But on today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell offer their ideas on who has been the most over-hyped. It’s not to say...
Aug 18, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Quarterback battles and controversies are part of several NFL training camps. But not in Kansas City as the Chiefs hum along with Patrick Mahomes. He has challenges, like getting on the same page with three new wide receivers. But it’s been a solid and quiet training camp for Mahomes. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Herbie Teope and columnist Sam McDowell discuss Mahomes’ training camp, and speculate about his 2022 season. After a break, we hear from the newest Chief, defensive tackle Dann...
Aug 17, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Quite a week for a pair of Royals rookies. Starting pitcher Brady Singer produced six scoreless innings in a victory over the Dodgers on Sunday to end a 12-game winning streak for baseball’s best team. Vinnie Pasquantino homered in that game and several others. He’s hit five bombs in the last seven games and was named AL player of the week. Performances like that make it easy to ponder the future. Also in a couple of games this season the Royals have started seven position players who qualify as...
Aug 16, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs’ first impression was a good one. In the preseason opener, the starters and top reserves staked the Chiefs to a 14-0 halftime lead at Chicago. The Bears went on to win 19-14. We break it down on today’s SportsBeat KC. Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell joined columnist Sam McDowell in identifying the highs and lows. Players from the most recent draft class like running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Skyy Moore and defensive end George Karlaftis stood out. Others had a rough...
Aug 15, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs first preseason game has arrived and every player has their own story to tell. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell tak each position group and identify a player or two to keep an eye on against the Chicago Bears on Saturday. It could be a returning starter like linebacker Nick Bolton, a member of the draft class like defensive end George Karlaftis or a free agent like wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Every player has something to prove. We’ll know Sa...
Aug 12, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Missouri has a starting quarterback. The four-candidate competition concluded earlier this week when Coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Brady Cook would get the nod for the opening game. Cook’s ability to throw with accuracy and be a threat in the running game elevated him over Tyler Macon, Jack Abraham and Sam Horn. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Coach Eli Drinkwitz discusses his choice of Cook at the news conference, and you’ll also hear from Cook, who started last season’s bowl game. Jayden Jernigan, a...
Aug 11, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Days away from the Chiefs preseason opener the team released its first depth chart and it mostly read as expected. But trhere were a couple of surprises. We talk about those and on today’s SportsBeat KC with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell. Also, Rashad Fenton returned to practice this week, bolstering the cornerback position, and find out which players defensive backs coach Dave Merritt called the “Fab FIve.” Story link: Chiefs assistant coach has th...
Aug 10, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Royals’ future is now. Bobby Witt Jr., and MJ Melendez have been with the club all or most of they season. Now they’ve been joined by players like Nick Pratto, Michael Massey and Nate Eaton. The final weeks of the season are about getting them major league experience. That makes the season a little sad–it means the Royals are contending–but interesting at a time when a team with the Royals; record would be playing out the string. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnis...
Aug 09, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Chiefs made some roster noise on Sunday, cutting cornerback Deandre Baker, a former first-round draft pick who appeared in 10 games over the past two seasons in Kansas City. Also, Geron Christian, a fifth-year pro who joined the Chiefs this season, ran with the starters at right tackle. Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell broke down those moves and added their practice observations on today’s podcast, which started as a SportsBeat Live. Chiefs training camp continues this week until t...
Aug 08, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
