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Astros Holiday Miracle: If They Sign Alex Gordon
By Cody Poage
Ho, ho, ho! Have the Astros been naughty or nice this year?
General manager Jeff Luhnow and the Astros front office have reportedly examined numerous avenues on how to improve the ball club this winter. Whether that means acquiring additional relievers or another bat, the team seems set on addressing the issues of last year’s squad. Could someone like an Alex Gordon be on the top of the Astros Christmas wish list?
The longtime Kansas City Royal would actually be the perfect gift for the Astros. In theory, he would add another dimension to the lineup while not comprising effectiveness. His defense would only affirm the Astros’ place as one to the top defensive outfields in baseball. Not to mention that he would bring another veteran presence fresh off a championship run with the Royals.
When healthy, Gordon has been one of the most valuable players in baseball. In 2014, the Royals outfielder finished only behind Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen in terms of WAR (6.6). Even with limited playing time in 2015, Gordon still finished with a 122 wRC+ and .351 wOBA while partaking in just 104 games.
Adding a player of that caliber would surely enhance the team’s offense as he would automatically become one of the most balanced hitters in the Astros lineup. And while he won’t be known for his power (.161 ISO in 2015), Gordon wouldn’t have to be relied upon for home runs. In fact, he would be utilized to help set up the rest of the Astros lineup and provide a different type of hitter for the opposing pitcher to gameplan around. Balancing the lineup could be another way of putting it.
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If Jeff Luhnow actually managed to bring him into the fold, Gordon’s addition would afford even greater roster and lineup flexibility. It would be nothing short of a miracle. And considering the risk of injury to Carlos Gomez, George Springer, and Colby Rasmus each season, then adding another legitimate outfielder would be a wise move. Of course, adequate playing time and a fair market value contract would be an obstacle. But no obstacle is too big for Santa, right?
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Next: Astros: You Choose the Free-Agent – Yovani Gallardo vs. Scott Kazmir
In all seriousness, I do realize that signing Gordon seems like a long shot at best for the Astros. Hey, it may take a cup, er, multiple cups of egg nog for the idea to seem that realistic. But it is the holiday season, and who knows, maybe Santa deems the Astros are indeed on the “nice” list. After all, everyone needs a miracle every once in a while.
**Statistics provided by Fangraphs**