Alex Gordon may be among the best defensive outfielders in the Majors today, but chances are you have rarely heard his name mentioned compared to other players with similar skills and accomplishments.
Gordon was a high-profile draft pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2005. The Royals thought with his potential, both offensively and defensively, that he could be the next George Brett; that is mighty high praise for a young athlete to live up to.
Naturally, Gordon would struggle once he was called up to the majors; he never found his groove at third base or in the lineup. In his rookie season of 2007, Gordon had 15 errors in the field and batted only .247/.314/.411 with 15 homers and 60 RBI. Perhaps the least impressive stat is that he struck out 137 times.
Despite all the hype, Gordon appeared to be just another average rookie. The Royals would go on to finish in last place with a 69-93 record that season. For the Royals, an organization in dire need of some hope and life, it seemed there was little to be had.
Gordon showed slight improvement in 2008; he batted .260/.351/.432 with 16 home runs and 59 RBI. However, he still had 120 strikeouts and 16 errors in the field.
The 2009 and 2010 seasons were years of struggle. Gordon found himself injured for a lengthy time in 2009 and was even sent down to the minors where he played exceptionally well. After his struggles at third, the Royals decided to make him an outfielder in 2010. Hoping this change of scenery would ease the pressure and allow the potential Gordon had to flourish. Gordon’s year would be diminished due to an injury and he spent serious time on the disabled list with a broken thumb. (Alex Gordon’s SIA Profile)
In 2011, Alex Gordon was healthy and comfortable in the outfield and it would prove to be his best season to date. His offensive numbers rose considerably as Gordon hit .303/.376/.502 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI. Gordon performed so well in the outfield that he won a gold glove with 20 assists from left field. Gordon would also win the MLBPAA Royals Heart and Hustle Award in 2011.
Since then, Gordon has won two additional Gold Gloves in 2012 and 2013. His offensive numbers never quite returned to his 2011 peak, but he would be the doubles champ in 2012 and then an All-Star in 2013. Gordon would again win the MLBPAA Royals Heart and Hustle Award in 2013. With Gordon’s help the Royals mustered their best regular season since 1989 as they finished 86-76 which was good enough for third in a very tough division.
In 2014 Alex Gordon has hit well with a slash line of .271/.332/.400 and a 24 RBI. However, the Royals could use a little more power from him, as he has just 3 home runs and they are among the worst home run teams in all of baseball, but Gordon does his part to make the team competitive every day he plays, as he already has picked up four outfield assists this season, and his strong arm is a deterrent to runners going for extra bases.
The Royals have largely played .500 ball in 2014. They have thrived against opposition outside their division, but have struggled with teams like the Chicago White Sox’s and Detroit Tigers. Thus the Royals find themselves in third once again in a tough division.
Gordon has proven to be a valuable defensive asset for the Royals this season and his consistent offensive play aids the team in their quest for their first World Series title since 1985. Gordon has reached respectability in the majors through his ability to persevere through injuries, being sent back to the minors, and severe doubts about his ability to play on a major league level. Some players come into the league and have everything handed to them; they thrive with little to no challenges in their path. Others like Gordon, they know failure, they know doubt, and desperation. To see players like Gordon rise from his tribulations into a quality player is inspiring and all around a great thing to watch unfold.
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