The Kansas City Royals lingered on the fringes of the late-season playoff hunt but, when all was said and done in a campaign that began with high expectations and much promise, headed home to watch postseason play unfold without them. Left behind were the disappointing results of the Jonathan India-Brady Singer trade, a devastating series of injuries to the club's rotation, and unresolved problems posed by a frustratingly incomplete offense.
Fortunately, the Royals' failure to reach the playoffs doesn't mean their fans settled into the offseason without some satisfaction. Closer Carlos Estévez thrilled them by leading the majors in saves.