Royals’ DeJesus trying new approach to leadoff duty

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“I have no problem if a leadoff hitter swings at a first pitch,” Hillman said, “because I’m not opposed to a double or a single on the first pitch of the game. But it’s got to be an aggressive recognition of what kind of pitch you want to unload on.”

DeJesus lacks the base-stealing skills of many leadoff hitters — his 10 steals last year marked a career high, and he is just 29 for 52 in parts of five big-league seasons. Even so, he believes he is making strides in that area, too.

“The coaches are teaching us that there are so many little key things that pitchers give away that you can take advantage of,” he said. “Like when you’re stealing, look at the back shoulder instead of just looking at the leg lifting.”

Ask DeJesus why he is only learning such skills now, and he shrugs. There is recognition of his own culpability, but he also points to a sea change in organizational approach.

“The difference around here,” he said, “is in the attention to detail. Everything (Hillman) wants, he wants to be perfect. If it’s not perfect, he’ll tell you, but also he keeps it light and fun. That definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and play.

“We like it this way, and we need this. I want to win. To be honest with you, that’s what it’s all about. Losing is getting old. I’ve been around here for a while, and we’ve lost a lot of games.”

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To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, call (816) 234-4352 or send email to bdutton@kcstar.com.