Alex Gordon signs one year $4.75 million contract with Royals – MLB Kansas City News
Kansas City Royals and Alex Gordon have agreed to a one year $4.75 million deal. According to a source, the two parties were in negotiations for the last few months. Gordon posted his career best stats in 2011. With a sensational .299 batting average, he made the most of available opportunities. The sources further added that the left fielder is delighted at securing a contract with the Royals.
Gordon originally requested $5.45 million for a yearly contract. However, Kansas countered with a $4.15 million offer. After having talks for several weeks, the parties finally concluded on a one year $4.45 million deal with extra $25K if Gordon reaches 700 plate appearances during the season.
Earlier, the Royals had shown interest in signing a multi-year deal with Gordon. However, due to low resources, the General Manager Dayton Moore had to be content with a one year contract with one of the best hitters in the business.
In an interview Gordon stated that both parties will be discussing this issue to come to a conclusion. If Gordon manages to seal a multi-year deal with the Royals, he will have the opportunity to win another Golden Glove Award in left field. The striker will be hoping to continue his good work in Spring Training to prove his incredible results in 2011 were no fluke.
"When I got off to a slow start in Spring Training, Ned showed a lot of confidence in me and he believed in me from day one. So it's very easy to play for a manager that shows that kind of respect and confidence for his players," Gordon said.
"At the end of Spring Training, Alex had it locked in pretty good and just kept it going," Moore said. "We always felt that he had some potential to hit for some power. And what he accomplished in left field, winning a Gold Glove, was certainly unexpected."
Dayton Moore commented that the club will do everything it can to keep Gordon happy. Answering a question, he said the team management will be working hard to give long term contracts to all players on roster.
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