Six Kansas City Royals Are Candidates For The 2014 All-Star Game

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

3) ALEX GORDON – LEFT FIELD

Based on WAR and defensive metrics, Alex Gordon should be a no doubt member of the 2014 American All-Star team. Only Mike Trout has a better American League WAR than Gordon’s 4.6, which is third best in the majors. Among left fielders, no one is even close to Gordon in WAR.

Defensively, Gordon has been nothing short of spectacular. His Ultimate Zone Rating is unmatched. His has earned a UZR of 23.9 – anything over 15 for a season is considered elite. No one in the majors is even close. Jason Heyward of the Atlanta Braces is second at 18.8.

His 2014 slash is .271/.352/.436/.787.  I must make a point here. Gordon’s 2014 slash mirrors his career slash almost identically.

Unfortunately for Gordon, his WAR is built on defense and not offense. His numbers at the plate would not overwhelm many. His 2014 slash is .271/.352/.436/.787.

I must make a point here. Gordon’s 2014 slash mirrors his career slash almost identically. We have to admit at some point that offensively, this is what Gordon is, and after 4100 plate appearances, we should not expect more.

His 9 home runs and 42 RBI are not going to impress anyone, All-Star voters included. His best chance at making the roster this year will come down to if he has been impressive enough defensively to be chosen by the coaches.

It would not be surprising in the least if Alcides Escobar is selected over Gordon.