The Kansas City Royals named Matt Quatraro as their new manager on Sunday. Quatraro will replace Mike Matheny, who was dismissed from his role after the Royals finished the season with a 65-97 record, thereby marking their sixth consecutive losing season.

Formerly the Tampa Bay Rays bench coach, Quatraro was targeted for the managerial role by Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who viewed Quatraro as a forward-thinking manager with winning experience. This decision was reached soon after Picollo took over the general manager role following Dayton Moore’s dismissal.

“We are extremely excited to have Matt leading our club and core of talent,” Picollo announced following the confirmation of the new manager’s appointment. “Matt has great experiences throughout his career that have prepared him for this. He thoroughly impressed us all during our interview process and is clearly respected across the industry.”

In order to secure the role, Quatraro had to compete with the Royals’ own bench coach, Pedro Grifol, and third base coach Vance Wilson, along with Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman. Other candidates who were considered include Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Boston Red Sox bench coach Will Venable.

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Kansas City Royals announced on Tuesday that they have reached a deal with free agent outfielder Jon Jay, who previously played for Chicago Cubs. According to the reports, Jay will get a one year deal, worth $3 million with performance-based bonuses. Royals confirmed the deal on their official Twitter profile.

We’ve signed outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year contract for the 2018 season. Welcome to the #Royals! pic.twitter.com/QmKFx8WBIP

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) March 6, 2018

“[Jay brings] veteran leadership, a very consistent, solid bat,” – said Royals general manager Ned Yost. “Good defense in the outfield. He’ll fit in. Plays all three outfield positions, DH, whatever. A really good teammate. Really productive.”

“Without knowing him, the more homework I do on him, the more I like him. The more people I talk to, the more it’s like, ‘Wow, this guy brings a lot to the table.’” – he added.

In order to make room for Jay on the roster, the Royals placed right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list.

Jon Jay comes to Royals after a solid 2017 season in which he hit .296 with a .374 on-base percentage adding two home runs.

“I’m prepared to play all three outfield spots,” – said Jay while talking to reporters. “And you can sprinkle me in at first base if you need to. For me it’s simple: I’ll be ready to work. If my name’s in the lineup, I’m ready to work.“

Jon Jay was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of 2006 MLB draft but had to wait for his debut in the majors until 2010. After a strong rookie season, Jay took over the regular center fielder position in 2011 for the Cardinals and helped them to win the World Series. After his role was reduced, the Cardinals traded him to the San Diego Padres in 2015. Although Jay had a strong beginning of the season for Padres, broken forearm injury stopped him from making a bigger impact. After his contact with Padres expired, he signed a one year deal with the Cubs in 2016.

The post Kansas City Royals Sign Outfielder Jon Jay to a 1-Year Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Kansas City Royals named Matt Quatraro as their new manager on Sunday. Quatraro will replace Mike Matheny, who was dismissed from his role after the Royals finished the season with a 65-97 record, thereby marking their sixth consecutive losing season.

Formerly the Tampa Bay Rays bench coach, Quatraro was targeted for the managerial role by Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who viewed Quatraro as a forward-thinking manager with winning experience. This decision was reached soon after Picollo took over the general manager role following Dayton Moore’s dismissal.

“We are extremely excited to have Matt leading our club and core of talent,” Picollo announced following the confirmation of the new manager’s appointment. “Matt has great experiences throughout his career that have prepared him for this. He thoroughly impressed us all during our interview process and is clearly respected across the industry.”

In order to secure the role, Quatraro had to compete with the Royals’ own bench coach, Pedro Grifol, and third base coach Vance Wilson, along with Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman. Other candidates who were considered include Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Boston Red Sox bench coach Will Venable.

The post Royals Hire Matt Quatraro as New Manager appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Kansas City Royals announced on Tuesday that they have reached a deal with free agent outfielder Jon Jay, who previously played for Chicago Cubs. According to the reports, Jay will get a one year deal, worth $3 million with performance-based bonuses. Royals confirmed the deal on their official Twitter profile.

We’ve signed outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year contract for the 2018 season. Welcome to the #Royals! pic.twitter.com/QmKFx8WBIP

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) March 6, 2018

“[Jay brings] veteran leadership, a very consistent, solid bat,” – said Royals general manager Ned Yost. “Good defense in the outfield. He’ll fit in. Plays all three outfield positions, DH, whatever. A really good teammate. Really productive.”

“Without knowing him, the more homework I do on him, the more I like him. The more people I talk to, the more it’s like, ‘Wow, this guy brings a lot to the table.’” – he added.

In order to make room for Jay on the roster, the Royals placed right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list.

Jon Jay comes to Royals after a solid 2017 season in which he hit .296 with a .374 on-base percentage adding two home runs.

“I’m prepared to play all three outfield spots,” – said Jay while talking to reporters. “And you can sprinkle me in at first base if you need to. For me it’s simple: I’ll be ready to work. If my name’s in the lineup, I’m ready to work.“

Jon Jay was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of 2006 MLB draft but had to wait for his debut in the majors until 2010. After a strong rookie season, Jay took over the regular center fielder position in 2011 for the Cardinals and helped them to win the World Series. After his role was reduced, the Cardinals traded him to the San Diego Padres in 2015. Although Jay had a strong beginning of the season for Padres, broken forearm injury stopped him from making a bigger impact. After his contact with Padres expired, he signed a one year deal with the Cubs in 2016.

The post Kansas City Royals Sign Outfielder Jon Jay to a 1-Year Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.