"9. Can Dave Eiland, the new pitching coach, really cut down on all those bases on balls?

For the answer on that, check the final averages next Oct. 3. The figures for 2011 weren't pleasant to look at -- the Royals' 557 walks were the most in the American League, 121 more than Seattle's AL low 436 and 61 above the league average of 496. With the roster jammed with younger pitchers, Yost believes that Eiland can solve the problem by refining their mechanics to where, if they get out of sync, they can return quickly to the proper slot, release point or other delivery component. Eiland is also charged with developing a detailed game plan for each pitcher's outing, which Yost said was lacking in the past. Youngsters like Duffy, Tim Collins and Jeremy Jeffress will be among Eiland's primary pupils."

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