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Here’s a pre-game change Kansas City Royals have made with help from new hitting coach

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Here’s a pre-game change Kansas City Royals have made with help from new hitting coach


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Kansas Metropolis Royals supervisor Mike Matheny waits for the subsequent participant to enter the cage as he pitches batting apply earlier than a baseball sport in opposition to the St. Louis Cardinals in Kansas Metropolis, Mo., Tuesday, Might 3, 2022.

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AP

4 and a half hours earlier than first pitch on Friday night time, Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt organized a pitching machine to the aspect of a display forward of early batting apply.

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The system’s exact positioning was intentional. Zumwalt’s setup was meant to imitate precisely what the Royals would see that night time in opposition to Houston starter José Urquidy; that meant simulating the pitcher’s launch level, his beginning location on the rubber and his four-seamer’s motion, which Statcast says rises 19% greater than the typical MLB fastball.

“These machines are fairly correct,” Royals supervisor Mike Matheny mentioned later Friday. “However at present, it was extra about guys which might be actually engaged on getting on high of these balls, and to have that vert (vertical break) quantity that’s a little bit completely different from standard.”

The brand new on-field methodology is a part of what Zumwalt — employed two weeks in the past because the Royals’ hitting coach — has added as KC works to finest put together its hitters every night time.

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Beforehand, pre-game hitting off this pitching machine was solely accessible to Royals hitters within the indoor cage behind the workforce’s dugout — an space that may get congested on sport days.

Utilizing Friday for example, Zumwalt establishing the pitching machine made for a extra inviting train on-field, with veterans like Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier participating alongside youthful gamers like rookie Bobby Witt Jr.

Matheny says all of it goes again to a bigger-picture query that the Royals and different major-league groups face: What precisely is the top objective of batting apply?

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For instance, throughout his 13-year major-league taking part in profession, Matheny didn’t really feel like conventional BP — hitting lobbed-in pitches — helped him. The mid-50s fastballs would possibly’ve felt good to hit exhausting, however he felt like these swings didn’t put together him for the sport as a result of they had been so completely different from what he’d see from big-league hurlers.

Matheny shouldn’t be each participant, although. And he says some guys do acquire confidence — and really feel higher about themselves — by roping liners in opposition to delicate tosses earlier than the sport.

All of it goes again to the problem of what Matheny has began to label as “Get good versus really feel good.” The pitching-machine batting apply — “get good” — prepares gamers for what’s to come back, although additionally it is difficult and can include extra failure. Hitting softly tossed throws from coaches — “really feel good” — can nonetheless be helpful for veterans who’ve made that a part of their coaching.

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Matheny says the artwork from there is determining the proportions of BP that every participant must carry out his finest.

This a lot, although, can also be clear: Zumwalt’s machine-based on-field BP has develop into a larger precedence over the previous few weeks.

“The younger guys embrace it to the place it’s a part of their routine,” Matheny mentioned. “And also you’ll see a number of the veteran guys are asking the suitable inquiries to see, ‘Is there a great why to what we’re doing right here? Sure, that is smart.’”

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Associated tales from Kansas Metropolis Star

Jesse Newell — he’s received an EPPY for finest sports activities weblog and beforehand has been named high beat author in his circulation by AP’s Sports activities Editors — has lined KU sports activities since 2008. His curiosity in sports activities analytics comes from his math instructor father, who handed out rulers to Trick-or-Treaters every year.





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Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes

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Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes


Kansas Jayhawks defensive back Cobee Bryant has made it clear he’s been anticipating this weekend’s matchup against the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes. In an interview earlier this week, Bryant openly expressed his excitement to face Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. “I’m not going to lie, I have been waiting,” Bryant said. “I already marked this on my notes… I’ve been waiting on this game all season. This is gonna be the game.” His eagerness spilled over onto social media, where he posted, “Now I’m piss hurry tf up Saturday I meant that omm bet,” highlighting his impatience for the showdown.

Despite Bryant’s bold trash talk, Hunter has kept a calm and confident demeanor. During a livestream, he responded to questions about Bryant, saying, “We let people talk, bro. Would that make him feel better? It’s going to make him feel better, let that boy talk. They know they are going to have to double team.” Hunter’s composed reply suggests he’s more focused on his game than engaging in verbal sparring.

Deion Sanders meets up with coaching legend before Kansas matchup

Bryant’s trash talk hasn’t been limited to Hunter. The Kansas defensive back also took aim at Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, reportedly texting him and drawing a response from the Buffs’ leader. Sanders, unshaken, has hinted at exploiting Kansas’ coverage, adding fuel to the growing tension. This back-and-forth has only energized the Buffaloes, who are vying to strengthen their College Football Playoff resume.

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For Kansas, this game represents a golden opportunity to make a statement by taking down a CFP-ranked opponent. A win would allow the unranked Jayhawks to end their season on a high note and potentially climb the rankings themselves. Colorado, meanwhile, has its sights set on maintaining momentum. A win over Kansas, followed by another against Oklahoma State, would propel the Buffaloes into the the Big 12 title game and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The stakes are high and the stage is set at Arrowhead Stadium. The clash between Kansas and Colorado promises to be intense, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.



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Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update

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Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update


As No. 16 Colorado and Kansas prepare to face off on Saturday, the stakes have never been higher.

Colorado enters the game with an 8-2 record and hopes of making a college football playoff run in year two under head coach Deion Sanders.

On the other hand, Kansas has struggled for much of the season but comes into this game with newfound confidence after securing back-to-back wins against Top-25 teams in program history.

The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time.

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Deion Sanders

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

According to the latest forecast, the weather should be relatively mild, but there are a few elements to keep an eye on as the game unfolds.

Temperatures will reach a high of 57 degrees during the afternoon, with game-time conditions hovering around 54 degrees.

Fans attending the game can expect clear skies with only a 1% chance of precipitation, so rain isn’t expected to be a factor.

However, wind could still have an impact. Gusts of up to 10 mph are expected, which could affect passing and kicking games.

The humidity will sit at 43%, which shouldn’t be a significant factor for the teams, but it’s something to keep in mind as the afternoon wears on.

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Travis Hunter Fires Back at Kansas’ Cobee Bryant: ‘Stop Talking Crazy’

Deion Sanders Shares Heartfelt Message for Kansas’ Lance Leipold

Shedeur Sanders Makes Bold Claim Ahead of Matchup with Kansas Football



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KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP

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KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP


Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League MVP on Friday, one day ahead of the league’s championship match.

Chawinga set a new single-season NWSL record with 20 goals this year for the Current.

She also scored the lone goal in the team’s quarterfinal victory and both goals in the championship of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup last month.

“From the moment Temwa came to Kansas City, we knew she was capable of playing at an MVP level,” general manager Caitlin Carducci said in a statement.

“Not only has she been an incredible player on the pitch, she’s also been an incredible teammate and representative of the organization off it. Temwa laid an incredible foundation with her play in 2024, and we’re so excited for what’s to come in the years ahead.”

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Chawinga is the eighth NWSL Golden Boot winner to also win MVP in the same season since the league’s launch in 2013. She is the first African international to win either award.

The 26-year-old Malawi international arrived in Kansas City this year from the Chinese Super League and took the league by storm in the first season with her eye for goal and her game-changing speed.

Chawinga scored in 13 of the Current’s final 14 matches of the regular season, including goals in eight straight games, which was a first in league history.

She also scored a goal against all 13 other NWSL teams this season, another first, and she added five assists to the Current’s league-record 57 goals this season.

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Chawinga’s 20 goals broke Sam Kerr’s previous record of 18 in a season, which Kerr scored in 21 games.

Chawinga played in 25 regular-season games this year.

The next closest scorer in the regular season was Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, who finished with 13 goals.

Banda scored in last week’s semifinal to help Orlando eliminate Kansas City from the playoffs.

Orlando takes on the Washington Spirit on Saturday in the NWSL Championship at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

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History of NWSL MVPs

2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City midfielder

2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC midfielder

2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit forward

2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash forward

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2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC forward

2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC midfielder

2019: Sam Kerr: Chicago Red Stars forward

2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign midfielder

2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC forward

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2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage forward



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