KANSAS CITY, Mo. Lamar Jackson Jersey . -- The Royals shook up their coaching staff Thursday in an attempt to jumpstart their failing offence, making Dale Sveum the hitting coach and Mike Jirschele their third base coach. Pedro Grifol, who took over as hitting coach last season, will now instruct catchers. The moves were announced after the Royals finished off a disastrous homestand that included a sweep at the hands of Houston, and before they opened a four-game series in Toronto. Sveum said the Royals havent done a good enough job this season of hitting pitches in the upper half of the strike zone. "The bottom line is weve struggled with elevation and weve swung at pitches down in the zone probably way too much," he said. "From thigh high to the top of the strike zone, were not doing enough damage." The Royals began the day last in the majors with 21 homers, putting them on pace to match the 1976 club for the fewest in franchise history for a non-strike-shortened season. Theyre also last in the American League in runs and slugging percentage. "There is not one man in the lineup thats hitting the ball well," Royals designated hitter Billy Butler said Wednesday. "Were just cold." Yost said "a different voice can make a difference," to struggling batters, but the Royals have heard plenty of voices about hitting: Sveum is Kansas Citys fifth hitting coach in less than three seasons. The Royals let go of Kevin Seitzer two years ago in the hope that somebody else would help the club generate more power. Seitzer was eventually hired by the Blue Jays, who currently lead the majors with 76 homers -- more than Kansas City is on pace for all season. Jack Maloof and Andre David were hired before last season, but they only made it a couple of months before they were reassigned within the franchise. It was at that point that the Royals hired Grifol and Hall of Famer George Brett on an interim basis. The Royals showed signs of life once that duo was in charge, slowly climbing into playoff contention. Grifol was given the job on a full-time basis after Brett stepped down in July, but lasted less than a year in the role. "Hes the one that pulled us out of our trouble last year," Yost said of Grifol Thursday. "A year later, we find ourselves in the exact same spot." Sveum, a former Brewers and Cubs manager, had been serving as the Royals third base coach. But he also has plenty of experience as a hitting coach, helping Milwaukee finish in the top three of the National League in homers in each of his three seasons. "Hes got experience, he studies hitting," Yost said. "Hes got a lot of knowledge. He helped Prince Fielder get, in my opinion, to the next level as an offensive performer." Jonathan Ogden Jersey . Vargas (8-3) allowed four singles and two walks while striking out five, allowing only two runners from a diluted Twins lineup to reach second base. Mike Moustakas and Jarrod Dyson hit RBI singles in the second inning against Kevin Correia (4-10), and that was all Vargas needed. Custom Baltimore Ravens Jerseys . 1 and reigning champion Caroline Wozniacki was among Thursdays third-round winners, while second- seeded Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the draw at the $4. http://www.officialbaltimoreravenspro.com/Joe-flacco-ravens-jersey/ . The 20-year-old overager has appeared in 35 games for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Erie Otters this season, scoring 41 goals and adding 27 assists with a plus-28 rating.WINNIPEG - Hes closing in on 4,000 yards passing but couldnt get his Winnipeg Blue Bombers into the playoffs, yet quarterback Drew Willy is still coach Mike OSheas nominee for the teams most outstanding player this season.I think thats an easy choice, OShea said Wednesday.He missed a game so if hes in for that game he probably throws for over 4,000. He won us a bunch of games early. Hes been a good player for us, very good. Hes the guy you build everything around.Willy is a former Saskatchewan backup pivot who made his debut as a starter this season with the Bombers and has already passed for 3,747 yards. Thats good for second on the CFLs passing list behind Torontos Ricky Ray.Willy will start again Saturday when the Bombers (6-11) bring the curtain down on their disappointing season in Calgary against the Stampeders (14-2). This is the third season in a row the Bombers have missed the playoffs.The Bombers saw their faint playoff hopes disappear last Saturday when they dropped a 28-23 decision to the B.C. Lions.Despite their problems, theyve had some outstanding performances from some players besides Willy.Receiver Clarence Denmark has followed through with his pre-season promise and topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his four years in the CFL. Hes currently at 1,022 yards, second only to Edmontons Adarius Bowman.The Bombers also scored big in rookie kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The native of St. Catharines, Ont., came out of Western and his 141 points are good for third on the CFL kicking points list right now.And if that wwasnt impressive enough, hes had to handle punting duties as well because of Mike Renauds injury issues. Ray Lewis Jersey. Hajrullahu has averaged a respectable 43.8 yards a punt.OShea acknowledges both, despite favouring Willy for the teams top honour.Clarence Denmarks had a very, very good season. Without throwing the ball, he doesnt get those yards, right? he said of his top receiver.Denmarks performance has been all the more important to Winnipeg with high-profile free agent signing Nick Moore out of action for much of the season with injuries.(Hajrullahus) done very well for us, we put him in some tough positions too, asking him to punt on no notice, OShea said of his rookie kicker. Hes proven to be a professional. Its good to have him.Denmark certainly isnt crowing, or even looking forward to next season yet, with Calgary still in his sights.Not yet, were really trying to focus on this game, said the soft-spoken native of Jacksonville, Fla.Next season will come but we dont want to just lose again. We want to end the season on a positive note.Hajrullahu added that he may be happy with his rookie year but he can do better, and Winnipegs losing record is something that must be overcome.I think we could have done better as a team, he said.I mean, it sucks not being in the playoffs and Im a very competitive guy so this is definitely a disappointment for me. Personally I think Ive done well but sometimes well isnt enough. I still have different places where I can improve and Ill be working on those in the off-season. 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