Kansas City Royals Five Gold Glove Candidates and Their Chances

April 14, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) makes a diving catch during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Gordon

Other Candidates: Yoenis Cespedes, Andy Dirks

While history doesn’t favor Alcides Escobar, it does favor Alex Gordon, who has won the last two Gold Gloves in left field. It may not matter given his competition.

Gordon didn’t have as good of a year defensively this season as he has had the last two, but he was still very good. He saw significant dips in his UZR and UZR/150, but they were still the best for any left fielder who played the position as much as Gordon. Add in that he had as many assists as he did last season in fewer innings and committed fewer errors and the counting stats would appear to favor the traditional vote.

It is hard to find a scenario where Gordon would not win his third-straight Gold Glove award, especially since he played 500 more innings at the position than either of his competitors.

Prediction: Gordon wins.