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KC Royals: Just How Bad Were the April Slumps?

By Mark Kanter

Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) argues with home plate umpire Brian Gorman (9) after striking out against Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) during the ninth inning at the Oakland Coliseum. The Athletics won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) argues with home plate umpire Brian Gorman (9) after striking out against Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) during the ninth inning at the Oakland Coliseum. The Athletics won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Gordon

April 2016: .208/.322/.325, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 30 Ks

Looking at a post-3B healthy Gordon (2011 onwards), it’s tough to find streaks this bad. That’s the good news. The bad news, though, is that September of last year was almost as dismal. While he still walked 11 times and posted a .322 on-base percentage this April, his 30 strikeouts were top five in the American League.

September of 2014 was arguably worse (he batted .190 with 29 strikeouts), and June of 2013 was the worst I’ve seen (his on-base percentage actually tipped below .300 here).

You really don’t like seeing April’s numbers come after such a down September, but the reality is, he’s had ups and downs throughout his career. We know that no one is as dedicated to their health and success like Alex.

Am I concerned? A little, but the fact that he tacks on so many walks is more than most guys in the lineup can say. I’m waiting until mid-season to panic on Gordo.

Next: May and Beyond

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