The Royals and Cardinals basically sitting in the same position in their respective divisions...Royals 3 games out, Cardinals 3.5 games out.  I'll tell you why I'm more optimistic about STL's chances at this point than I am KC's.  (HINT...did you see Ian Kennedy pitch last night?)

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has to be getting tired of all the questions about Patrick Mahomes.  He is the ultimate pro because by now, many of us would be telling the media "Hey, I'm still the starting quarterback...why don't you ask about how I'm playing in practice?"  Yet Smith takes the questions in stride.  I'll play some examples.

Other topics...this is not to bash soccer, this is to offer a suggestion.  Jay Cutler has been recycled in the NFL (oh boy)

I know the Royals haven't had much luck in Baltimore lately and maybe this is just a blip and not a sign of things to come for this offense, but after watching the bats go quiet I can't help but wonder why Dayton didn't get more pitching?

Now the media in St. Louis is saying Carson Kelly behind the plate is going to happen sooner than later.  If that is the case, then I'll explain who really put the Cardinals in a sticky situation with the future HOFer Yadier Molina.

I went into Walmart and see they are selling $1 sunglasses that are suitable for watching the solar eclipse.  WHAAAAAT?  There is no way you are getting me to put on cheap eye wear to burn my eyeballs out for three minutes...no thank you!

The first day of anything brings optimism and a positive attitude, but as I compare one year ago to now at Mizzou football's fall camp--the vibe is much different.

Barry Odom looks relaxed and under less stress.  He came into a tough situation and overwhelmed as many are in their first year as a head coach.  Now Odom looks in control, the players have a hop in their step and for the first time in a long in COMO, the focus is on football.

Locals at the Lake of the Ozark are upset with the way their area is being portrayed in the new hit series on Netflix called 'Ozark.'  I tell y'all to stand down!

Yadier Molina took to Instagram again posting a photo of him and former Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo with the caption:

"Missing this man right here, "secret weapon" old school baseball.

Does Oquendo want to manage?  I bet he does. He got overlooked when the club turned over the Ferrari to Mike Matheny who has dented and bumped the fenders more than a few times around the block.

Now, does he have someone on the inside stumping for him to replace Matheny?

The excuses come pouring in from John Mozeliak on why no deals were made for a team that is just 4 1/2 games out of the playoffs.  Upper management is ready to concede the season and/or hope their minor league prospects pull off a miraculous comeback in the NL Central.

I almost said "Forget it." Woke up feeling horrible.  Didn't have the motivation to record a podcast, but as the number of listeners continue to soar I needed to pull up my big boy pants and get the job done.

So hear you go...rough weekend for Jacquies Smith and Shane Ray, former Mizzou defensive stars who suffered injuries one day into their respective NFL training camps.

Tiger basketball, Terrance Phillips wants to be the best point guard in the country...that's not too far fetched.  

Lance Lynn is tired of hearing about all the trade talk. 

What will Ned Yost do with Melky Cabrera?

I gutted one out for you today...the least you could do is listen!

Quit saying "Mizzou basketball is going to surprise people this year."

No they're not.  They're stacked with talent and have the best freshman in the country.  Teams that had Mizzou on their schedule and marked down an easy W will now go back and circle this game on their calendar.  In the course of just a few months, the Tigers have drawn a big ol' target on their backs...but it doesn't matter...they're still going to be a really good team this year. 

I not one of these guys who gets too excited about recruiting news.  When I heard Pinkel landed DGB, that was big news...he was the best high school player in the country at the time.  When Michael announced he was coming to Mizzou, I got pumped.

However, there was a recruit from Blue Spring who re-committed to the Tigers.  I'll tell you why I think that's exciting news and it's not just because he's good player.

Plus, will you think twice about getting on a carnival ride after the accident in Ohio?

There has been a spike in births in Chicago and it comes exactly nine months after the Cubs won the World Series.  I'll share some of the odd names babies may be taking on in the Windy City.

The Royals and now the Cardinals are in that tough trade deadline position of whether they should sell off prospects or veterans that could help build their future or stand pat and roll with your current roster.  

Now KC has certainly bolstered their bullpen by adding three pieces, but the Cardinals have the Dodgers and Nationals paying attention to Lance Lynn.  After a sweep of Colorado and 3 1/2 games out of first place, John Mozeliak has to decide if he wants to trade of keep Lynn?

Mizzou football now has 13 commits for 2018...three more 3-star recruits plan to pick the Tigers.

Plus:  Julio Jones, All-Pro WR from Atlanta loses a $100,000 diamond earring and Bryce Harper says he needs new music to calm him down so he doesn't get him ejected.  I have a couple of suggestions.

How do you know NFL training camps are about to open?  The drama intensifies.  We're not going to see a meaningful football game until September so let's start with any story line we can find.  Players going on Twitter tirades, players losing their jobs because of stolen identities and then owners who won't fess up to screwing up.

Plus I don't want to be one to burst the bubble of Royals and Cardinals fans, but I don't see the playoffs in your future.

Now, if you'd like to rip me apart, just reach out to me on Twitter @Missourisports but at least listen to my reasoning on today's podcast.  

Thanks for listening.

No sports today.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I do cover sports on today's podcast.  I'll talk some Mizzou football with Jet Ainsworth.  He's a co-worker here at Missourinet.  He's worked in sports radio, he's been a music DJ and he's an aspiring film writer, producer.

If this podcast teaches anything today it is this.  Take time to really get to know your co-workers.  Outside of what you see on a daily basis, you're sure to come across some interesting characters.  The stories we have to tell our fascinating.  

Enjoy.

Mizzou football got their first four-star commit for the class of 2018, linebacker Chad Bailey, 6’3, 235 from Missouri City Texas.  He’s the 8th best inside linebacker in the country. The Tigers picked up five this weekend after hosting their “Night at the Zou” recruiting camp.  When Barry Odom took over he said Mizzou would turn their focus back to Texas and so far it is starting to pay off.  Mizzou has ten commitments already for 2018. A QB, four receivers, two linebackers and three defensive backs.

What this means for Tigers football.

The Bowers-Carroll alumni basketball game at Mizzou Arena on Saturday was a success.  Team Carroll won the charity game over team Bowers 137-116. The turnout was larger than Bowers expected as most of the lower bowl at Mizzou Arena was filled in.  

Hear from Laurence.

I was entertained this morning listening to people complain on Twitter that they were duped into believing that Michael Phelps was going to race an actual shark.  LOL