Royals improving on mental approach at plate

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Royals' offense has started showing more life recently since the installation of George Brett and Pedro Grifol as the new hitting coaches.

Two of the greatest concerns were third baseman Mike Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer.

"The biggest change we've made hasn't been mechanical, it's been mental," manager Ned Yost said. "And Moose is getting there, he's come a long way in terms of relaxing, but he's such a high-intensity guy, it's hard to keep him relaxed. He wants to do so good that keeping him slowed down is tough. But Hoz and the rest of the guys are slowing things down and starting to have some success."

Right fielder Jeff Francoeur is struggling (13 for his last 82, .159) to the point that he's been sharing right field with left-handed-hitting David Lough. But Yost sees Francoeur making progress, too.

"Frenchy, in batting practice and early hitting and cage work, looks a lot better. It just hasn't transitioned to the game," Yost said.