Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Left Field – Alex Gordon
Few players embodied the spirit of their team quite like Alex Gordon had over the past two seasons. He had gone from a failed prospect who was on his last chance to the best defensive left fielder in baseball. Along the way, Gordon became an all around hitter, and a key piece for the Kansas City Royals lineup.
When looking at Gordon’s career, there are truly two different parts. His first four years were a struggle, but since he came into his own during the 2011 season, Gordon has been a key piece for the Royals lineup. In these past five seasons, he produced a .281/.359/.450 batting line, hitting 84 home runs and stealing 52 bases. His swing seems perfectly suited for Kauffman Stadium, as Gordon has also swatted 175 doubles during that time.
Defensively, Gordon is without peer. He won four consecutive Gold Glove awards from 2011 through 2014, including the Platinum Glove last season. There are few players left who are either foolish or brave enough to test Gordon’s arm in left, and his reputation has been enough to keep almost certain doubles to a mere single.
Alex Gordon has been a leader on the Kansas City Royals during their most recent run of success. Even if his future in Kansas City is in doubt, he is still easily the best left fielder in team history, worthy of his spot on the all time 25 man roster.
Next: The original Lorenzo Cain