Around the Kingdom: Mike Moustakas, Jeff Allen, Joel Embiid, and Matt Stites
By John Viril
Jun 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (center) is greeted after hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Royals went from winning 10 straight games, to losing 3 straight games. What gives? Are these guys going to get into the conversation only to wilt once the spotlight is on them?
We’ll find out over the next couple of weeks. It’s one thing to get into the race. It’s a another thing to stay there. The first requirement to do that is to believe you belong. Mike Moustakas‘ career is sort of a microcosm for what the team faces right now—can’t perform when the lights go on.
With mini-camp over, the Chiefs off-season again turns to more roster speculation. Who is getting better? Who is getting worse? What veterans are in danger of losing their jobs? Right now, it seems like training camp (mid-July) is a long ways away.
With Joel Embiid’s foot surgery, focus for the NBA draft is shifting from the center to swingman Andrew Wiggins. Where will the talented Wiggins go in the Draft? Will Cleveland make him the no. 1 overall pick over his ailing teammate?
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
- Kings of Kauffman – David Hill says he saw something he hasn’t seen before from Mike Moustakas on Friday night: confidence.
- Kansas City Star – Sam Mellinger writes that the Royals need to show they can handle the pressure of winning:
And if you are looking for reasons to believe this is the team to break that pattern, you don’t have to look all that hard. This is not the Yankees or Dodgers, but by now, between James Shields and Omar Infante and guys who’ve made All-Star teams and been hyped by the baseball industry they’ve had their fair share of attention.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
- Arrowhead Addict – Nicholas Clayton asks which were the real Chiefs, the team that started 9-0 or finished 2-5?
- Arrowhead Pride – Matt Conner looks at the Ryan Succop vs. Cairo Santos battle for kicker
- Kansas City Star – Terez A. Paylor writes about how starters Jeff Allen and Donald Stephenson worked with O-line guru LeCharles Bentley during the off-season:
Bentley said about 50 professional offensive linemen attended his center this spring, and he works hard to make sure they get their money’s worth. Each player participates in on-field workouts, strength training and meetings for the duration of their stay. Upon arrival, each receives an evaluation from Bentley, who is one of three people on staff who personally watch game film of each player.
KANSAS JAYHAWKS
- KUsports.com – Andrew Wiggins and KU coach Bill Self will attend the NBA Draft
“I’ll be emotional, but not such I’m hoping one goes ahead of the other,” Self said of Jayhawks Wiggins and Embiid. KU’s coach still does not discount the possibility Embiid could be tapped No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in spite of the injury, while realizing the likelihood is a healthy Wiggins or Parker will claim that honor.
MISSOURI TIGERS
- MUTigers.com – Former MU pitcher Matt Stites gets called up by the Arizona Diamondbacks
There you have it KC fans—the news Around the Kingdom.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article594304.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article594631.html#storylink=cpy