Can the introduction of some football-style agility drills produce a healthier, more productive roster? The Royals, after a season derailed by injuries, intend to find out. The first step came before Saturday’s usual batting practice when strength-and-conditioning coordinator Ty Hill put players through a forward/backward/lateral series of conditioning exercises in the outfield. “It’s very similar to what they do in the NFL Combine,” manager Trey Hillman said. “We need something measurable in whether their lateral range and ability to change direction is increasing or staying the same or whether we’re actually seeing it the way that it is.” Players will receive a DVD on the drills as part of their off-season conditioning program. “That allows us to see, No. 1, what their times are now,” Hillman said. “Then we’ll reassess it...
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