The Royals front office saw possibilities in outfielder Brett Phillips when they acquired him from Milwaukee in the Mike Moustakas trade, but for now decision-makers and fans find themselves waiting for Phillips to exhale.
Last September in Cleveland, where Phillips took off like a sports car trying to beat a red light, it served as a microcosm of his season. The intentions were good and the effort admirable, but it ultimately proved more harmful than beneficial for both player and ballclub.
Phillips raced after a ball that ultimately landed on the warning track. In his attempt to make a superhuman play, Phillips crashed into the wall and ended up sprawled flat on his back, feet in the air and glove several steps away.