Ned Yost media session: August 29

When manager Ned Yost met with the media this afternoon the use of replay reviews in the MLB and its impact on last night’s game was the first topic discussed.  Last night with two outs in the ninth inning, Delmon Young hit a ball deep into the right field corner and out of the park, but it was called foul by the umpires.  It was a tough call because it was so close and only fans scattered around the base of the pole could have probably actually seen it in real-time with the naked eye.  So, the umpires turned to the replay review and ultimately got the call right, a foul ball.  Yost was asked if he supports the review of home runs and if they are good for baseball.  He responded saying yes it is good, even though last night he got the call right initially but there was some question.  Yost went on to say he could not tell from where he was standing whether it was fair or foul, but he feels replay is very beneficial in making sure they get it right.  He said the umpire got it right in the first place, but it was very close so using the replay eliminates all doubt and everyone can go about their business knowing they got it right.  He was then asked if he would like to see replay review used more and expanded to more than just home runs.  Yost said yes and that he is all for it.  He said the MLB is taking it one step at a time, but he is in favor of all of it and not just on home runs.

The Royals’ choice to walk Prince Fielder in the ninth last night was the next topic brought up by the media.  Yost said he was not going to let Fielder beat him in that situation.  He went on to say Delmon Young is a great hitter too and that trio of Miguel Cabrera, Fielder and Young is a tough group, but he said he has been around Fielder, managing him in Milwaukee, and he lives for that situation.   Yost said sometimes you can do that and it will work then you can do it several more times and it will not work.  He said he knows Prince is a phenomenal offensive performer and he is extremely clutch and just thrives in that situation so he made the decision to walk him and it paid off.  He then said it is only the second time in his career he has put the winning run on base in the ninth inning, but it worked.

Closer Greg Holland was brought up next and how far he has come in the last few seasons.  Yost said he has made dramatic improvements from when he got to Kansas City in 2010 to now.  He said in 2010 he was kind of wild, but had great stuff. Then when he got to spring training in 2011, something had clicked and he was a new pitcher with great command and impeccable stuff.  He said command made all the difference for him because he has all the makeup for a great pitcher.  Yost then said he has the most confidence in him as a closer than any he has had in his whole career.  He said Holland has a great approach to closing and does not dwell on the save factor or tight game aspect with nerves.  It is three outs and that is the way Holland approaches it when he gets the call to close it out.