'I'm a Red for life.' Brandon Phillips reflects on road to Reds Hall of Fame

Brandon Phillips seldom lacked for confidence, but being designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians in 2006 after a productive spring training sapped him of his exuberance for the game. Phillips was a highly rated prospect seeking consistent playing time after just 135 games with Cleveland from 2002-2005. In 2006, he ran out of opportunities with Cleveland and was designated for assignment after what he described as the best spring training of his career.

“They called me ‘franchise’ because I was supposed to be the future over there,” Phillips said. “The spring training I had with the Indians in 2006 was the best I ever had. I thought I was going to make the team.

I thought I was going to be ‘the guy. ’ And then, next thing you know, I ended up getting designated ... felt like a failure for the first time in my career.

” Then, the Cincinnati Reds stepped forward to take Phillips before his name hit the waiver wire. The Reds swapped a “player to be named later,” who ended up being pitcher Jeff Stevens. More: How Lou Piniella's spring training speech shaped 1990 Cincinnati Reds More: Aaron Harang's workhorse legacy earns spot in Reds Hall of Fame Stevens never played a game for Cleveland.