|
 Yost said on the eve of Tuesday's World Series opener against the
San Francisco Giants that he quit trying to fashion his players into
an ideal about two seasons ago and encouraged them to be themselves.
"My mindset was always try to mould my players into what I thought
they should be," Yost, who managed the Milwaukee Brewers for six
years before joining the Royals in 2010.
"That comes from growing up in an environment with Bobby Cox, who
had very strict rules and ideas about the game," added the former
catcher who was on the staff of Hall of Fame manager Cox when he
took the Atlanta Braves to five World Series.
"But you realize now that it's a different type of player than it
was 10 years ago, and a totally different type of player than when I
came up.
"One of the big lessons I learned was quit trying to mould them to
be like you and just let them be themselves. Allow them to grow and
play like they're capable of playing."
Yost said being less rigid also impacted the chemistry.
"I've found it's a lot more relaxed atmosphere. Guys are much more
comfortable trying to be themselves instead of somebody who I want
them to be.
"I enjoy it much better, too, because I enjoy the kids in that
clubhouse and I enjoy their enthusiasm. I enjoy the way that they
enjoy playing for each other and the chemistry that they bring
inside that locker room."
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In returning Kansas City to the playoffs and the World Series for
the first time in 29 years, the Royals relied on pitching and
defense and have terrorized opponents with their speed and daring as
they led the majors in stolen bases.
"This might shock some people, but I don't think I've put a steal
sign on all year," the manager said. "All of our running is
green-light stuff.
"Again, I get a bunch of criticism on bunting too much, but probably
over half of the bunts we put on, they've done themselves."
Yost said he encourages players to use their feel.
"They like the freedom of being able to play the game and the
freedom to take chances," added Yost, who sticks up for their
choices.
"If they get thrown out, then that's on me, and I can take it," he
said. "That's my style of managing. We play to win, not to play
safe, not to cover our tails. We play to win."
(Writing by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by ......)
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