Ned Yost media session: Opening Day 2011

Royals manager Ned Yost touched on the excitement surrounding Opening Day as his team prepared to take batting practice Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. He said one great part of his managerial role is getting to see rookies who are enthusiastic about making their big league debuts. When asked if he could remember a similar experience during his playing career, Yost likened the feeling to a 10-year-old child on Christmas morning.

Yost commented that his club is ready to compete “when it counts” and said he expects his squad to play hard while continuing their great work ethic that was displayed in spring training. He noted that his starting pitchers should comfortably be able to throw around 100 pitches with that number gradually expanding as the season moves along.

With Thursday marking Yost’s first home opener as the Royals skipper, he acknowledged that he is thrilled for his players who will play in front of an energetic sellout crowd.