08/14/11 - 11:03am

Gordon, Royals To Discuss Long-Term Deal After Season

by Bob Dutton, The Kansas City Star

Left fielder Alex Gordon confirmed he shares the Royals' interest in discussing a multi-year contract once the season concludes.


Alex Gordon is enjoying the best season of his young career in 2011 and would very much love to remain a Royal (Getty Images).

"Staying here?" he said. "Heck, yeah. I love it here. I love the guys here. I love being close to home. I love the fans. I love everything about this place."

General manager Dayton Moore previously characterized a long-term deal with Gordon as "something we'll look at" once the season concludes. Gordon said Moore repeated that message to his agent in a recent conversation.

"My agent came through and talked with Dayton," Gordon said. "They communicated that they want to wait until the season is over and go from there."

Gordon, at 27, is putting together a breakthrough season after years marred by injuries. He has already established career highs in hits and runs, has matched his career high in doubles and is just two home runs and two RBIs shy of career highs.

He is also on pace for career-bests in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percent while simultaneously establishing himself as a premier defensive left fielder in his first full season since switching from third base.

Gordon recently set a club record with his 18th outfield assist. No outfielder in either league entered Sunday with more than 12 assists.

It all positions Gordon for a major raise from his current salary of $1.4 million. Barring agreement on a multi-year deal, he is eligible for arbitration but, under the current labor agreement, won't be eligible for free-agency until after the 2013 season.

ORIGINAL STORY
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/08/14/3076116/gordon-and-royals-to-discuss-long.html#ixzz1VG7zG2Bp



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