The wonder years

MLB. Reggie Sanders isn’t shy about wanting another chance to win a second World Series ring.

He’s also heard rumors about teams in contention like the Red Sox who could use someone with Sanders’ experience and talent. But he’s also realistic that playing on a team mired in last place in its division isn’t the quickest way to reach that goal.

At 39, Sanders has played on six playoff teams with the list including Cincinnati (1995), Atlanta (2000), Arizona (2001), San Francisco (2002) and St. Louis (2004, 2005).

“At the end of the day, it’s all about winning,” Sanders said. “As much as you play 162 games and it is an individual game, but it’s all about the team winning also. So, if I can join a ballclub that’s willing to accept me to help in whatever way I can, I’m open for that.”

But, after tearing his left hamstring in May, his role in Kansas City has been reduced to part-time player and role model to a talented but inexperienced group that includes Alex Gordon and Billy Butler.

“It really is about defining who you are as a player,” Sanders said of teaching the rising stars. “I think a lot of times as younger players, we all get stigmatized as you’re going to be the next George Brett, the next Eric Davis or the next so and so. So, a lot of times you buy into that. As players, we always have to remember what got us here and what’s going to keep us here.”

He’s more than happy to offer advice when they come calling, whether it’s about how to handle themselves on the field or off.

“They both come into play at the ballpark because we’re obviously here a lot,” Sanders said. “But, it’s also what you do off the field, as far as not doing too much drinking, and too much partying, and trying to live somewhat of a clean life because there’s so much temptation out there.

“As far as on the field itself, it’s all about the mental aspect — what you can do day in and day out to stay even keel through the good and the bad.”

And Sanders, since signing a two-year deal with Kansas City before the 2006 season, has seen plenty of bad. The Royals finished 62-100 last year, their third straight season with at least 100 losses.

 “It’s been tough. It’s been real tough,” said Sanders, who returned Monday from the torn hamstring. “It’s been tough really these two years I’ve been here. I knew it would be tough, but I didn’t know it would be as taxing as it is because, at the end of the day, it’s all about winning."

Sanders won his only ring when Arizona came from behind to beat the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. He nearly made it two in a row with San Francisco in 2002.

“I remember with San Francisco, we had the opportunity to win there,” Sanders said. “And, Anaheim just got hot at the right time, and stole that Game 6 from us and came and beat us in Game 7. So it’s all about who’s hot at a certain time.”

If a team like Boston calls and a deal gets done, he can look forward to another playoff run this fall. In the meantime, Sanders is hoping to show that he still has something left.

“I don’t think about it at this point because I’m headstrong in what I’m trying to do here,” Sanders said. “But definitely when the opportunity arises, you do reflect on that.”