The Associated Press has learned that
the Kansas City Royals have asked Trey Hillman to be their next
manager and might announce the hiring sometime today.
Two people familiar with the negotiations said the team and
Hillman were working out the final contract details.
The 44-year-old Hillman has spent the past five years managing
the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japanese Pacific League.
The news first was reported by The Kansas City Star.
The Royals finished 69-93 this season, in last place in the AL
Central for the fourth straight year. Hillman would replace Buddy
Bell, who finished out the year after announcing in August that he
would step aside.
Hillman also managed for 12 years in the New York Yankees' minor
league system. His Japanese team is headed to the Japan Series.
