The hiring of Royals legend George Brett as the team's new hitting coach could buy manager Ned Yost some extra time, a rival executive tells FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, as Royals executives will want to see how Yost adjusts to such a notable change to his coaching staff. If the Royals do fire their manager, however, scouts have rumored that Jim Fregosi could be Yost's replacement. Fregosi's son is a special assistant to Royals GM Dayton Moore.
Here's more from Rosenthal, via his latest Hot Corner video…
- In the wake of B.J. Upton's five-year, $75.25MM deal with the Braves last November, Rosenthal said a number of veteran players expressed surprise about the deal. The general consensus was summed up as, "How can that guy get this much money? He really hasn't proven all that much." Upton's .146/.232/.247 line makes him Rosenthal's biggest disappointment thus far in the 2013 season.
- Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, meanwhile, is the most improved player of the 2013 season. Dan Duquette attributes Davis' success to his swinging at more strikes and being more selective at the plate.
- The Indians and Rockies are somewhat surprising contenders and the big question for both clubs is if they'll have the pitching to stay in their respective pennant races. Rosenthal figures Cleveland is the slightly more likely of the two to acquire another starter, as Colorado has Roy Oswalt and Double-A right-hander Chad Bettis as possible internal reinforcements.
- The Indians' and Rockies' ability to add players and payroll at the trade deadline will mostly be determined by how much revenue they can generate through attendance in the next two months.
