Less than a week after Ned Yost ripped Kansas City fans for not showing up to games when their team is in a pennant race, the Royals manager wondered over the weekend if playing in front of such a large crowd was an issue for his players.
The Royals lost a couple of crucial games against the Cleveland Indians in front of a packed house on Friday and Saturday. More than 30,000 fans showed up to each game. On Sunday night, Yost praised the fans but wondered if the team pressed too much because of them.
“The crowds have been fantastic,” he said, via Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star. “I think it’s got them juiced up. They want to really perform for them. And that never works. You’ve got to stay disciplined.”
Make up your mind, Ned. As a reminder, here’s what Yost said after Kansas City’s walk-off win last Tuesday.
“I mean, what, 13,000 people got to see a great game? … I know it’s a school night. But I’ve been through this before in Atlanta in ‘91, where it didn’t matter what night it was, that place was packed at the end of August and September. The fans really got into it. They’re a big part of our success, especially at home. Because the electricity they provide, the energy they provide, helps you get through games like this. You know?”
If Yost’s team pulled out its best win of the season in front of a stadium that was half-full and struggled when tickets were sold out, are the Royals better off with fans staying home? In reality, Yost probably realizes he came across like a jerk last week and was trying to pay the fans a compliment. Still, he should probably stop focusing so much on attendance.
H/T Hardball Talk
