Royals to Reportedly Hire Mike Matheny as Manager and Could Introduce Him Thursday

I-70 is now a conduit by which managers travel, back and forth. I don't make the rules!

After flirting with the hire all offseason long, it officially appears the Royals are about to go old school in their quest to replace Ned Yost's indefinable qualities. Mike Matheny, ex-Cardinals skipper, will be heading to Kansas City, with an announcement potentially coming as soon as Thursday afternoon.

Matheny's career record is 591-474, though he managed to alienate his players during his time in St. Louis, regressing annually following his World Series appearance (and loss to the Red Sox) in 2013.

Fans in KC, who sat through an absolute thrill ride with Yost (he was often successful, but generally managed as if he was hitting on 17 in blackjack), aren't exactly over the moon about Matheny's arrival, though at least the culture should remain somewhat similar.

2019 is poised to be another offseason defined by "innovative" hires and a lack of experience in leadership positions throughout the game. With that in mind, this is somewhat refreshing.

Kansas City features a core of Whit Merrifield, Jorge Soler, and Hunter Dozier, and is in desperate need of sustainable pitching and an active farm. 2020 is unlikely to be their year, either, giving Matheny time to gel.