http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/25...e-says-he.html
Royals G.M. Dayton Moore says he wants to retain manager Ned Yost
BY BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
SEATTLE — While negotiations remain on the horizon, Royals general manager Dayton Moore left no doubt Wednesday afternoon that he wants to retain Ned Yost as the club’s manager.
While negotiations remain on the horizon, Royals general manager Dayton Moore left no doubt Wednesday afternoon that he wants to retain Ned Yost (right) as the club’s manager. “… Ned has done a terrific job, and I definitely want him back,” Moore said.
“We’ll sit down and talk about it.”
“Ned and I made an advance decision a month or so ago that anything we would discuss would be after the season, and we’ve held to that,” Moore said.
“But Ned has done a terrific job, and I definitely want him back. We’ll sit down and talk about it. Contractually, Ned’s up, and we’re going to work together” to negotiate a new deal.
“It goes without saying that I want him back.”
Moore’s comments came before Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. The Royals entered that game trailing Cleveland by four games, with five games left, in the race for the final American League wild-card spot.
Negotiations between Moore and Yost could commence this weekend in Chicago if and when the Royals are mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.
“Right now, mathematically, we’re still in this,” Moore said. “A lot of things have to fall our way, but we’ll discuss it at the appropriate time. You certainly want to have it settled as soon as you can.”
Yost confirmed on several occasions that he wants to return, but industry sources indicate he might have opportunities to manage elsewhere if he fails to reach a new agreement with the Royals.
Moore’s support is a crucial factor. Royals owner David Glass said last week the decision on whether to retain Yost rests solely with Moore.
“Whatever happens with Ned is up to Dayton,” Glass said. “That’s his call. I like them both. I think both of them are doing a really good job.”
Moore’s contract runs through 2014, which could be a hurdle in talks to retain Yost. It’s rare that a manager’s contract extends for a longer period than the general manager.
Glass indicated an extension for Moore is possible.
“We’re all in this together,” Glass said. “Dayton is a part of the family. I think he’s done a really good job. I think Ned has done a good job.”
Yost, 59, served as Milwaukee’s manager from 2002-08 and replaced Trey Hillman as Royals manager on May 13, 2010 with a contract that initially lasted only through that season.
A two-year extension, announced July 31, 2010, included a club option for 2013. The Royals exercised that option on Feb. 14, 2012.