Royals replace Kevin Seitzer with Jack Maloof, hire assistant hitting coach Andre David

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Royals have found a replacement for Kevin Seitzer as their hitting coach.

The team on Wednesday named Jack Maloof to the new position. Andre David will be the assistant hitting coach.

“We are extremely pleased that both Jack and Andre will be joining our Major League staff,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “Both bring valuable experience as Major League hitting coaches. In addition, they have worked closely with a majority of our young hitters from the moment they signed and that creates a comfort level that should prove very beneficial for all of us.”

Maloof has been with the Royals since 2008. He previously served as the club’s Special Assistant to Player Development and Minor League Hitting Coordinator. Maloof is also the former hitting coach for the Florida Marlins from 1999-2001.

This will be David’s 15th season in the Royals organization. He worked as the hitting coach with the Surprise Royals in the Arizona League the past three years. Maloof worked as the Royals Major League hitting coach from May 30, 2005 to May 1, 2006. He also served several seasons, starting in 2001, as the club’s minor league hitting instructor.

“The Royals were fortunate to have a talented group of hitting coaches within our organization,” Royals GM Dayton Moore said. “Jack and Andre have done a tremendous job developing young hitters throughout their careers and are highly-respected amongst both the players and their peers.”