A spot along the rail of the batting practice cage is reserved for Royals manager Ned Yost. On many days, he is perched directly behind one of his hitters, a leg propped up on a step and two arms folded across a ledge.
Standing next to hitting coach Terry Bradshaw, it is here that Yost takes inventory of the hiccups in swings, aiding in diagnosing the root of slumps. But for two seasons now, the batting practice sessions of outfielder Paulo Orlando have baffled him.
“He consistently hits the ball harder than anybody,” Yost said. “Line drive after hard line drive after hard line drive.