Now 10.5 games behind the leading Twins, the Royals informed manager Trey Hillman that he has been fired. He will be replaced by former Brewers manager Ned Yost. He becomes their fourth manager since 2005.
The 47-year-old Hillman was in his third season with the Royals after managing for five years in Japan. Kansas City went 75-87 in 2008 but then dropped into a last-place tie in 2009 at 65-97.
The Royals really do not have much to build around this season. Overall, their pitching has been lackluster and their offense has been poor to say the least. Alex Gordon has already been optioned to Triple-A, and David DeJesus is hitting just .254 so far this season. The Royals have hitting prospect Eric Hosmer, but he is only in Single-A.
Two pitching prospects, Mike Montgomery and Aaron Crow, could provide some much needed relief in the near future.