Leftridge: Trade Deadline Approaches; Starting Pitching Targets

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Brandon Leftridge
Apr 7, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Cuetoooooooooo

First, let me preface this piece with a few facts.

  • The Royals are a good team.
  • The Royals actually might be a VERY good team.
  • The Royals are in first place of the American League Central and have been for most of the season.
  • The Royals have the best record in ALL of the American League, and have for most of the season.
  • The Royals are 19 games above .500, their best mark this late in the season since 1879. At that time, they were known as the Pennsylvania Spider Fuckers, and Cap Anson’s dad was catcher.
  • This last thing is not a fact.

Nevertheless, the Royals are good and, holy shit, it’s mid July. That means that there isn’t a whole lot of season left, and that also means that they need to shore up any shortcomings. And the thing is? Despite their record, and how amazing this team seems to be at times, there are definite shortcomings. Continue reading →

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Donnelly: Sporting KC Hottest Team in MLS on Back of Practice Keeper

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Matthew Donnelly

melia-tim0302_0481Even though Sporting Kansas City is sitting at 6th in the Western Conference with 30 points, they’re the hottest team in MLS right now…

The boys in blue have lost just twice in all competitions since April 18th, and three of their mainstays – Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Benny Feilhaber – were just named to the All Star team.

So if they’re crushing it so hard, how come they’re 6th?

It’s because they’ve played only 17 games, three fewer than West-leading Seattle who is sitting at 32 points.

Yep, just two points separates sixth from first.  And with a win Saturday against Montreal at Sporting Park, KC can take the lead in the West with two games in hand.

How is Sporting doing it?  Especially with Dom Dwyer, last season’s leading goal scorer, sitting at just 5 goals thus far?  I’ll tell you how: goalkeeper Tim Melia. Continue reading →

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Jack Goes Confidential: ‘Ant-Man’ Downsizes Marvel Mirth To Fit Rudd

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Jack Poessiger

ant-manWill the superhero gravy train ever run out of steam?

Not as long as fans worldwide keep supporting these bigger-then-life creations and franchises.

And while ANT-MAN  is no IRON MAN, it certainly another notch in Disney’s comic book, action-fantasy universe. Here Mouse House subsidiary Marvel Studios serves up the screen adaptation of what is probably a (probably) lesser known superhero.

ANT-MAN is a shrinking outing along the lines of HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS and THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN. Well, up to a point as the casting and direction (Peyton Reed) of the sci-fi adventure has brought credibility, timing and a sense of humor to the project which never really takes itself too serious.

Shawnee Mission West alumni Paul Rudd stars in the title role playing Scott Lang, a petty crook and ex-con who is now recruited by research scientist doctor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to safeguard the mystery of shrinking technology from evildoers with demented visions for the process—or something like that. Continue reading →

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Jack Goes Confidential: Amy Schumer’s ‘Trainwreck’ Fires On All Cylinders

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Jack Poessiger

judd_apatow_72429They say timing is everything…

And this may just be Amy Schumer’s time.

Her new slightly subversive romantic comedy TRAINWRECK is fresh, smart, honest and right on target. And that she actually wrote the screenplay and co-produced the movie didn’t hurt.

Amy KNEW what she was doing.

But there is another element to TRAINWRECK. It’s the directing for which one of today’s hottest comediennes turned to R-rated yuk-meister Judd Apatow co-produced the picture with Schumer. Schumer plus Apatow makes for a sure bet for laughs. Or as her dad (Colin Quinn) told her years earlier, “Monogamy isn’t realistic.”

TRAIN WRECK recollects many of Schumer’s OWN dating disasters and delivers them to the big screen with an honest, no-filter, take-no-prisoner frankness. Continue reading →

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Glazer: Life in the Fast Lane’s the Place For Me

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Craig Glazer

jordancarverfootballsmAs you enter uour 50’s you begin to wonder, “Did I do everything in life I wanted to do?”

That answer is different for each of us.

I was talking with Hearne about this last week, and I find it interesting that many of my friends – within 10 years of my age – are still saving and building for their futures. Thats actually pretty common.

And I always wonder, “Don’t they know the future is NOW.”

Now’s the time to enjoy your life! Like Janis Joplin said, get it while you can!

For example the night before I flew to LA to work my script and hang with that hot cheerleader in the pic, Black Barbie made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

So I didn’t! Continue reading →

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New Jack City: All Hail The Filipino Kansas City Star

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Jack Poessiger

Unknown-7I’ve been making a lot of telephone calls to the Philippines of late…

To check on a mail order bride, maybe? For a clandestine bank account? Or possibly arranging a trip to that exotic destination for a client?

None of the above.

Nope, all of my calls have been to 1-877-962-7827.

Give that number a try and you’ll get the KANSAS CITY STAR’s foreign desk—AKA the newspaper’s outsourced call center.

And so why am I calling three times or more a week?

Because the delivery of the newspaper to my house was missed three times so far this week—and it’s only Friday.

So like a good soldier I followed instructions and phoned in before 8:00 a.m.

Each time I was told that the paper would be redelivered later that morning.

However each time it was NOT! Continue reading →

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Hearne: Is the KC Star Business Section About to Become Road Kill?

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Hearne Christopher Jr.

CouponNut-380-4Heard on the street: that the Kansas City Star will soon eliminate its business section…

Could happen.

Since ace business reporter Kevin Collison bailed a year ago – and was not replaced –  and what was left of the Business Tuesday insert went south, there hasn’t been a whole  lot of business news emanating from 18th and Grand.

For example, in today’s newspaper, what passes for its two page business section is little more than a random collection of syndicated stories and national news briefs. With little more than a singe local byline by reporter Mark Davis about Sprint duking it out with T-Mobile for No. 3 honors.

Worse yet, the lone business story on today’s front page about KC-based Hostess Brands “thriving under new ownership” – you know, Twinkies, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs  and  Cupcakes – is a wire story originated by The Washington Post of all people.

As opposed to the Star’s depleted business reporting ranks here locally. Continue reading →

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Glazer: The Snake is Gone! Ken Stabler Passes On

Posted on July 10, 2015 by admin

Kx0IymNpI made five Champions Forever documentaries…

Two were on Ali. and one of the ones I was working on the mid 1990’s was a NFL Quarterbacks film. The top five Quarterbacks of the previous era.

All of our films featured the best of their generation. I was supposed to interview all five quarterbacks for the film. It was the era that put the NFL over Major League Baseball as America’s game. And those quarterbacks were Len Dawson, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Joe Namath and of course Kenny ‘THE SNAKE’ Stabler.

Stabler died of cancer yesterday at age 69.

It hit me kinda hard.

I only met Stabler once for an interview at Tattoo’s restaurant and nightclub in Beverly Hills. It was during the 90’s and he agreed to meet about being in my movie.

I was excited to meet him. I’d hated him as a kid watching the Raiders and Stabler crush our Chiefs most of the time. In fact, Stabler admitted to me, “The Chiefs and us were the two best teams of the mid 60’s to the early 70’s. You guys shoulda been in more Super Bowls. I might have had a bit to do with that one.”

He smiled. Continue reading →

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Starbeams: BATS, Moose, Martha’s & Jared

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Kelly Urich

O8UVz64HThe New York Stock Exchange shut down due to a computer glitch on Wednesday, but thankfully, I was able to keep trading on Lenexa-based BATS Exchange.   Just kidding!  Does anyone have any money I can borrow?

                                        *******

The St. Louis Cardinals are joining forces with the Royals to urge fans to elect Carlos Martinez and Mike Moustakas to the All-Star Game.  So take that Israelis and Palestinians!

                                         *******

I just returned from vacation at Martha’s Vineyard where they wanted $33 for FIVE peaches.  I was so upset I almost drove my car off the Chappaquiddick bridge. Continue reading →

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Jack Goes Confidential: Gibberish-Spewing ‘MINIONS’ Short On Charm In Prequel

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Jürgen Poessiger

Unknown-3Universal’s MINIONS should—and probably will—storm the box office this weekend to the tune of $100 million-plus in north American ticket sales…

But will it hold up the way Pixar’s INSIDE OUT is performing?

I don’t think so.

So let’s get beyond the hype and ask why.

First off the story line for this prequel to the hugely popular DESPICABLE ME franchise is pretty thin.

This computer-generated movie starts out at the dawn of time as our little deviled egg-like characters evolve through the ages in search of new villains to serve.

A minions history lesson of sorts. Continue reading →

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Paul Wilson: Knee Jerk Reaction to Confederate Flag, a Symbolic Scapegoat

Posted on July 10, 2015 by admin

images-1On June 17th Dylann Roof walked into Bible study at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and shot and killed nine spiritual giants of that city…

In the hours following the shooting, we Americans did what we oft times do; attempted to apply a creamy balm of knee jerk reaction to the wound with hopes it would heal our pain.

The first application was the removal of the Confederate flag from anything and everything. We demanded it no longer be flown over the South Carolina capital building. Apple, Amazon, Wal-Mart and eBay banned the sale of products using the image, but continued to sell Nazi memorabilia. 

See where this is going?

All of this to offer faux white atonement for the Charleston murders. Continue reading →

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Leftridge: Hurry Back, Alex Gordon

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Brandon Leftridge

gordoninjuryIn a piece dated July 14, 2012—so, long before most casual fans has amassed significant and appropriate appreciation—I suggested in no uncertain terms that the success of this team rode squarely on the shoulders of the (then) oft-injured Lorenzo Cain. I spent far too many words extolling his virtues and saying that his career would be “…a true measure of Dayton Moore’s time in Kansas City.” This was all, however, based on his ability to stay healthy.

To that point, Cain’s professional playing time had been marred by nagging leg injuries. Hamstring pulls, sore groins, things of that nature. Though he had all the natural talent in the world, his existence had been cursed by fragility.

But then, something happened.

He spent time in the offseason learning how to run appropriately. He dedicated himself to self-preservation. And it paid off. He became, as I suggested, one of the most important players on the team. As a catalyst both at the plate and in the field, he became the most indispensable outfielder on the team.

Well, except for one guy. Continue reading →

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New Jack City: Hello DOJ—Good Luck With The Airlines

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Jack Poessiger

skywayrobberThe Department of Justice is snooping on the airlines for possible collusion?

Say it ain’t so.

Code sharing, certain immunities, dynamic pricing, capacity control and airline alliances all can raise eyebrows—and SHOULD!

But isn’t it a little late for all of this?

With DELTA buying NORTHWEST, UNITED acquiring CONTINENTAL, USAIRWAYS picking up AMERICAN (but keeping the AA nameplate) and SOUTHWEST merging AIRTRAN into its fold, how could the DOJ not expect trouble ahead?

What were eight carriers just a few years back have been clipped down to just four winged powers.

Some routes have been doubled or tripled, while others have been eliminated all together resulting in fewer discounted seats and crowded planes. Continue reading →

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Glazer: Can Sleepwalking Royals Go All the Way?

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Craig Glazer

imagesPlease don’t get upset with me…

Yes, I still believe the Kansas City Royals will win the division. And I think they can still win the American League Pennant. But if you’re seeing what I am, the Royals are falling down on offense again and starting to look like last year’s low-scoring, very little power team that had to invent runs.

Am I wrong?

Add in the starting pitching issues and our comfort level is getting less and less.

After a close call last night, the Royals remain in first by 4 1/2 games over the Twins.

Yesterday’s win was huge, because a loss would have left KC up by just 2 1/2 games as we near the All Star break. Meaning with any more losses, the Royals could have been up by just a game or two, which is not where we want to be, right?

So what’s the real issue here? Why can’t KC dominate?

I think its clear, both on offense and pitching.

This team has not found that guy who stirs the drink so to speak. Continue reading →

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Hearne: Will the Next KC Sports Superstar Be a WWE Guy?

Posted on July 6, 2015 by admin

Screen Shot 2015-07-01 at 10.09.43 PMWondering who the next world class athlete from Kansas City will be?

Here’s a hint: You won’t learn about him from The Pitch or the Kansas City Star. That said, you’ve come to the right place.

Homegrown, hometown heroes are hard to come by around these parts.

The usual suspects are easily identified; director Robert Altman, golfer Tom Watson, actors Jean Harlow, Paul Rudd, Ed Asner, Don Cheadle and Chris Cooper, writer Calvin Trillin, comedians Rob Riggle and Jason Sudeikis, designer Kate Spade and musician Pat Metheny.

True Kansas Citians, one and all.

Unlike pseudo KC stars like George Brett, Walter Cronkite, Jesse James, Thomas Hart Benton, Melissa Etheridge, Walt Disney, Joyce Hall, Handsome Harley Race and Joan Crawford, who either moved here or were born in satellite cities. Local media lay claim to these names from time to time, but they’re not the real deal.

Enter Thomas Pestock, the rising WWE superstar known as Baron Corbin. Continue reading →

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Steele: The Importance of Being Chelsea (@ UMKC)

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Rich Steele

Chelsea-ClintonUMKC hasn’t gotten this much national attention since the Bloch School was busted for goosing up its ratings…

The Star threw the doors open on that scandal. This latest one took the Washington Post.

I doubt if Star editors saw anything amiss with paying Chelsea Clinton, the 33 year-old heir to the Clinton crime syndicate, $65,000 to speak at a luncheon for 10 minutes.

They’re all in for the mom.

Yes, 10 minutes – it was in the contract.

True, Chelsea had to endure a withering 20 minute grilling from Kay Barnes on something or another, but Chelsea got to specify what kind of chair she sat in. She also dictated the temperature of the water that she would be drinking on stage. Continue reading →

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Hearne: The American Royal’s Coming Unglued

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Hearne Christopher Jr.

Ham_the_chimp_(cropped)What’s next, waving a white flag and shouting uncle?

Seems like only yesterday the heavy handed civic leader backers of the American Royal couldn’t wait to pull a fast one on taxpayers by tearing down Kemper Arena for a $50 to $70 million into an overpriced horse and livestock show place.

And from appearances, they’d lined up city council members with little to lose (since they were on their way out) and used a powerhouse local law firm to scare off a group with a more popular plan for the reuse of Kemper that didn’t entail razing the historic edifice.

All that remained was to put the finishing touches on their plan and stick it to the taxpayers.

Simple right?

Ah but maybe too many people saw that pic in The Pitch from last fall’s Royal that looked as if there were more livestock there than attendees.

Because somewhere along the line the worm turned.

After threatening KC with losing the vaunted American Royals Barbecue contest, the organization moved it from the stockyards near Kemper to the Truman Sports Complex. So much for using that bargaining chip to extort the city for horse show dough.

And now, one of the last vestiges of the Royal, as many Kansas Citians know and remember it, the vaunted American Royal Parade (which got canceled a year or two back) is moving from Downtown KC to outside Kauffman Stadium.

Pardon my French, but WTF? Continue reading →

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Sutherland: World War I and The Rise of Modernism

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Dwight D. Sutherland, Jr.

BlaueReiterThe Nelson-Atkins Museum has another landmark exhibition to its credit…

Not since the 1977 sensation, “Sacred Circles,” a tribute to the art of the American Plains Indians, has there been such a stand-out success that is entirely the Nelson’s doing.

Conceived and executed by Curator of Modern Art Jan Schall to mark the centennial of the First World War, the show pulls together five dozen works of art, with many important pieces on loan from museums and galleries around the world. Originally set to run through July 19th, it has been extended through October 17th.

When I first viewed the exhibition in January, I thought of an article from 1997 by author and presidential speech writer David Frum.

In his “1917 And All That,” published in The Weekly Standard, Frum vividly described how the carnage and suffering from World War I led to the discrediting of the very idea of respect for authority. In his words; “When it was all over, the war turned out to have killed not just millions of men. It killed, or left terminally wounded, the idea that deference to authority can have any legitimate role in modern society.”

The Nelson exhibition does a good job explaining the back drop to the conflict, with disruptive social and technological change undermining the culture consensus that had marked the Western World for the century that preceded the war. All it took was the war as a catalyst to sweep away the established order, and with it the faith in the institutions of which it was comprised.  Continue reading →

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Jack Goes Confidential: Schwarzenegger Reprises & Terminates

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Jack Poessiger

ArnoldSchwarteneggerTerminatorGenesysI’ll be back, gets a somewhat different play on words in TERMINATOR GENISYS…

Or better put, a time shuffling of the legacy—-a cybernetic face lift.

Set in 2029 John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Game of Thrones Emilia Clarke) to safeguard the future.

But things don’t go smoothly.

An unexpected turn of events messes with the timeline and Reese now finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past where he encounters the most dangerous enemies—not to mention unlikely allies.

And an unexpected NEW mission to reset the future!

Hello to The Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger.)

“I’m old. Not obsolete.” Continue reading →

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Glazer: Viva Las Vegas for Popular Royals

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Craig Glazer

UnknownFor the first time in decades, the Kansas City Royals are favored to not only win the American League Championship but the World Series…

Las Vegas has them as a 2 to 1 favorite to win the American League and 6 to 1 to win the World Series, according to sportsandodds.com.

Wow!

Most people would probably think St. Louis would be the odds on favorite to win it all with their insane record. Seriously, close to 30 games over .500 this early is unreal – but 15 over for KC is not bad.

So why the Royals?

The American League seems kinda weak overall.

It’s the .500 league.

As of now most teams other than Houston are just above or below .500 in wins and losses except Kansas City. Nobody is really chasing the Royals. The Twins seem like an OK team – not great – and Detroit is falling apart, but the window is closing. Continue reading →

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