Royals Take White Sox Series in Thrilling Fashion

Winning games these days sure has become hard for the Royals, and this weekend's series against the Chicago White Sox certainly proved this. The Royals and White Sox games all went to extra innings, with the Royals taking two out of three to win the series and finish its recent ten-game home stand at a respectable 6-4.

Yuniesky Betancourt was the hero in game one, belting a game-tying grand slam and later winning the game with a walk-off single. Betancourt, who has been critized all season for his poor play at short-stop and his generous contract, stepped up to give the Royals a win when some had already started heading for the exits. Jason Kendell was the hero in game three, hitting a game winning single into the outfield gap to drive home Gregor Blanco in the 10th inning. The series as a whole provided close, competitive baseball, with an added bonus due to the White Sox being locked in a heated division race with the Minnesota Twins.

While the results were positive, there are still some glaring concerns with this team, most notibly the younger players. Blanco has been solid, however Kila Ka'aihue continues to swing hard at absolutely anything, and other young players are struggling as well. The good news for the Royals is Zach Grienke appears to be back on track and Joakim Soria is consistently dominant at closer.

The Royals have some pieces to build with, and appear to be putting together a solid pitching corps and bullpen. However, the offense has to get better, which includes the younger players that are getting action to close out the year. Betancourt saving the team with a grand slam makes for a good story, but it would be nice if the team could win some games without the heroics. But where would the fun in that be?

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Megadeth and Slayer invade Kansas City Monday Night

Megadeth and Slayer invade Kansas City Monday Night

Lock up your daughters, Kansas Citians - Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament will destroy Kansas City metalheads tonight at Sandstone Amphitheatre. The carnage begins at 7PM, Monday August 23rd, but for those of you who simply cannot wait to pay $8 for a beer, the doors open at 5:30. Both Megadeth and Slayer released new albums in 2009, so look for a pounding mix of new material and ear numbing classics.

Original Bassist Dave Ellefson rejoins Megadeth this year after an 8-year hiatus, rested and ready to deliver throbbing baselines and ominous backing vocals. Slayer's lineup has remained largely unchanged. These four guys have been Reigning Blood since 1981. After the annihilation on Monday night at Sandstone, fans who haven't had enough can follow the American Carnage Tour to Denver on Wednesday night.

Dave Mustaine, front man for Megadeth, will also be pimping his new book today at 12:30PM at Unity Temple on the Plaza. Times have sure changed, 20 years ago the only way Dave would have seen 12:30 is if he was still awake from a previous night's drinking binge!

Chiefs Show Improvement, Concerns Against Bucs

The Chiefs' second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered reasons to be both optimistic and pessimistic for the upcoming season for Kansas City fans. The offense looked to finally be establishing a rythem, while it was the same old story for the Chiefs' defense.

After looking like a high school team on offense against the Atlanta Falcons in the team's first preseason game, Matt Cassell and his receivers showed promise yesterday. The team's receivers got open and hung on to the ball, two glaring problems against Atlanta. Cassell seemed to settle down a bit, and the team developed some rythem on scoring drives. The Chiefs will be able to run the ball with the steady Thomas Jones and electric Jamaal Charles, and if the passing game remains steady, the offense could put some points on the board.

Another boost to the team has been the special teams, most notably Javier Arenas. The rookie had a long kickoff return to help set up one of the team's scoring drives, and has shown game-changing return ability the team has lacked since Dante Hall. The Chief's already boost reliable kickers in Ryan Succop and Dustin Colquitt, and with a strong return game, the Chief's special teams could be a difference maker this season.

However, with the good comes a lot bad, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The front seven continues to struggle with almost no pass rush and poor defending of the run. The secondary, which was viewed as a strength entering the season, has struggled with tackling and drawing penalties. While the secondary's problems can likely be corrected, it is starting to appear that the Chief's front seven lacks the personel to get the job done at a consistent basis. Romeo Crennell is one of the best defensive coordinators in the game, but he certainly has his work cut out for him.

The Chiefs showed much needed improvement from its starters in its second preseason game. The team still has a long way to go, luckily there are two preseason games still remaining. The team looks better, but it will need every second of its next too exhibition games to move back towards being a competitive team.

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Wizards Rough Up New England Revolution

Wizards Rough Up New England Revolution

The Kansas City Wizards took the Revolution behind the woodshed on Saturday night. The final score was the 4-1. Birahim Diop had two goals in the first half and an assist in his first start in the MLS in eight years. Both goals were assisted by Wizards leading scorer Kai Kamara, the second one a dazzling header over a New England Defender in the 27th minute. Diop returned the favor with a beautiful pass that Kamara tapped in the near post in the 65th minute. Four minutes later, long time Wizard and Springfield, Mo native Jack Jewsbury knocked in the Wizards fourth goal to end any hopes of a New England comeback.

This was a huge win for the Wizards who have had their ups and down this season. The victory over New England catapults the Wizards back in the race for the playoffs in the Eastern Division of the MLS. Kamara's eighth goal of the season puts him among the league leaders.

The Wizards are next in action on Saturday the 28th when they travel to Los Angeles to take on Landon Donovan and the Galaxy. The Los Angeles Galaxy not only hold the best record in the MLS, but also have two stars from the United States recent World Cup run in Donovan and striker Edson Buddle. It will be a tough test for the Wizards, and a result will be critical to any future playoff plans they might have.

Roger Clemens Indited By Congress

Roger Clemens' steroid saga is reaching its final chapter, and it looks like its going to be a dicey one for the seven-time Cy Young award winner. Clemens is being indited for lying for congress, proving that the truth is the best way to go in light of steroid accusations.

Clemens and Barry Bonds have repeatedly denied using performance enhancing drugs, and as a result their steroid sagas have dragged on for years. Even worse, both will likely serve time in jail for lying to congress about their PED use.

Compare these stories to those of Andy Petitte and Miguel Tejada, and its easy to see why admitting the use of PEDs is a must for the accused. Pettite came out and admitted he took steroids to recover from injury, and Tejada admitted to lying to congress and ended up with just a fine and probation. You rarely hear about these players' accusations now, and both have had productive years after the allegations.

I know legendary players such as Bonds or Clemens want to save face and preserve their legacy, however lying to congress and the public seems to be causing more trouble in the long run. Since I'm sure this isn't the last star who faces steroid charges, hopefully players in the future avoid a further tarnished legacy - and jail time - by telling the truth.

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