Royals could lose Alex Gordon

Sure-Oz · 08-18-2005, 09:51 AM

Royals, Gordon run short on time

By JEFF PASSAN

The Kansas City Star

WICHITA — Royals first-round pick Alex Gordon said Wednesday that he has registered for classes at the University of Nebraska and doesn’t expect to play minor-league baseball this season.

If Gordon, the No. 2 overall pick in June’s draft, attends class starting Monday, the Royals lose his rights, and he goes back into the 2006 draft pool. He is eligible to play one more season for the Cornhuskers.

“I don’t think I will,” Gordon, a third baseman, said by phone from Lincoln, Neb. “But I’m enrolled in classes.”

With most minor-league seasons ending in early September, Gordon and Royals scouting director Deric Ladnier acknowledged Gordon wouldn’t play for one of the team’s affiliates this year.

“The season’s ending soon, and that’s out of the picture right now,” said Gordon, 21. “Of course I would like to start playing. But like I said, things haven’t been going the way we planned.”

Perhaps Gordon could join the Royals’ Instructional League team in September or October, though negotiations between Ladnier and Gordon’s agent, Casey Close, have stalled.

Gordon, the consensus national college player of the year after hitting .372 with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs as a junior, is seeking a contract similar to that of Stephen Drew. A shortstop considered the best player in the 2004 draft, Drew dropped to the 15th pick because of contract demands. After a long holdout, Drew signed a major-league contract for $5.5 million with a $4 million bonus.

The Royals are believed to have offered a $3.8 million bonus without a major-league contract, which Gordon called “really important.”

“I’d love to have one,” he said. “But it’s not all that we’re looking for.”

The Royals are not prepared to offer a major-league deal, which puts the player on the 40-man roster and is commonplace for No. 1 overall picks and other players thought to be close to the big leagues.

“That, at this time, is something we’re not going to do,” Ladnier said.

Asked whether the Royals would consider offering a major-league contract in the future, Ladnier said: “Not to my knowledge.”

Gordon said the Royals’ struggles wouldn’t deter him from signing.

“I respect Kansas City,” he said. “They’re just going through a rough time. They have a lot of young prospects. It could be an upside in the future.”

If Gordon chooses to return to Nebraska, that future might not include him.

“He has that option to do so,” Ladnier said. “I can’t keep him from going to school.

“You would like to think (he’ll sign) given the fact that it’s a significant amount of money we’ve got on the table.”

I hope this is a bluff by him.....

BigChiefFan · 08-18-2005, 09:53 AM

The sports news in Kansas City just keeps getting better and better. WTF?!!!

Dr. Johnny Fever · 08-18-2005, 09:53 AM

It would be a perfectly Royal thing to happen if we were to lose Gordon. Just throw another turd on the pile.

**Bowser** · 08-18-2005, 09:54 AM

Yeah, I don't know why the Royals would want to offer him a major league contract. Dude is already better than 2/3rds of what they have sitting on the bench.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 08-18-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Yeah, I don't know why the Royals would want to offer him a major league contract. Dude is already better than 2/3rds of what they have sitting on the bench.

Well they wouldn't want to rush the kid you know. They just don't do that kind of thing.

**Dartgod** · 08-18-2005, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Yeah, I don't know why the Royals would want to offer him a major league contract. Dude is already better than 2/3rds of what they have sitting on the bench.

Mr. Laz · 08-18-2005, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Yeah, I don't know why the Royals would want to offer him a major league contract. Dude is already better than 2/3rds of what they have sitting on the bench.

because it starts the free agency clock for him immediately

meaning they Royals will just lose him faster

**Bowser** · 08-18-2005, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

because it starts the free agency clock for him immediately

meaning they Royals will just lose him faster

Yeah, I'd sure hate to light a fire under the collective asses of Royals management to get something done right with this roster.

Mr. Laz · 08-18-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Yeah, I'd sure hate to light a fire under the collective asses of Royals management to get something done right with this roster.

i'm not saying the royals front office isn't screwed up... just that small market teams count on a good 8 years before complete free agency.

they generally lose players after that

by giving gordon a major league contract it cut that time down to 6 yrs

that hurts the team more than you'd think

shakesthecat · 08-18-2005, 10:11 AM

If Gordon passes up almost 4 million bucks to go back to school and risk an injury that could ruin his career, he's a moron.

Of course, if the Royals don't get this deal done, then they are as well. But then, we already knew that.

beavis · 08-18-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

because it starts the free agency clock for him immediately

meaning they Royals will just lose him faster

No it doesn't. He'd have to be on the 25 man roster in the big leagues. You can be on the 40 man roster and still be in the minors. Which is ludicrous, the thought of a player on the 40 man roster in rookie ball.

Mr. Laz · 08-18-2005, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beavis

No it doesn't. He'd have to be on the 25 man roster in the big leagues. You can be on the 40 man roster and still be in the minors. Which is ludicrous, the thought of a player on the 40 man roster in rookie ball.

i don't follow baseball like i do football ... so i'm unsure

but that sounds goofy to me

does he take up a roster spot then?

the royals would have one less spot on their major league roster for each year the kid is in the minors?

beavis · 08-18-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i don't follow baseball like i do football ... so i'm unsure

but that sounds goofy to me

does he take up a roster spot then?

the royals would have one less spot on their major league roster for each year the kid is in the minors?

There are only 25 players on an active major league roster (aside from September callups). There is a 40 man roster that's protected from things like the Rule 5 draft, etc. I don't know all the details of it. I do know that service time doesn't start acruing until they are actually called up and are active on the 25 man roster.

BigChiefFan · 08-18-2005, 09:59 AM

The Royals are a ****ing joke any more-I can't believe they aren't willing to make him part of the 40 man roster.

Kraut · 08-18-2005, 10:02 AM

I really do feel sorry for this team. As a Yankee fan I'm sure it really doesnt matter how I feel, but for you Royal fans, you have my sympathy...

08-18-2005, 09:51 AM	Topic Starter
Sure-Oz Stay positive, don't give up Join Date: Dec 2001 Casino cash: $3379383	Royals could lose Alex Gordon Royals, Gordon run short on time By JEFF PASSAN The Kansas City Star WICHITA — Royals first-round pick Alex Gordon said Wednesday that he has registered for classes at the University of Nebraska and doesn’t expect to play minor-league baseball this season. If Gordon, the No. 2 overall pick in June’s draft, attends class starting Monday, the Royals lose his rights, and he goes back into the 2006 draft pool. He is eligible to play one more season for the Cornhuskers. “I don’t think I will,” Gordon, a third baseman, said by phone from Lincoln, Neb. “But I’m enrolled in classes.” With most minor-league seasons ending in early September, Gordon and Royals scouting director Deric Ladnier acknowledged Gordon wouldn’t play for one of the team’s affiliates this year. “The season’s ending soon, and that’s out of the picture right now,” said Gordon, 21. “Of course I would like to start playing. But like I said, things haven’t been going the way we planned.” Perhaps Gordon could join the Royals’ Instructional League team in September or October, though negotiations between Ladnier and Gordon’s agent, Casey Close, have stalled. Gordon, the consensus national college player of the year after hitting .372 with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs as a junior, is seeking a contract similar to that of Stephen Drew. A shortstop considered the best player in the 2004 draft, Drew dropped to the 15th pick because of contract demands. After a long holdout, Drew signed a major-league contract for $5.5 million with a $4 million bonus. The Royals are believed to have offered a $3.8 million bonus without a major-league contract, which Gordon called “really important.” “I’d love to have one,” he said. “But it’s not all that we’re looking for.” The Royals are not prepared to offer a major-league deal, which puts the player on the 40-man roster and is commonplace for No. 1 overall picks and other players thought to be close to the big leagues. “That, at this time, is something we’re not going to do,” Ladnier said. Asked whether the Royals would consider offering a major-league contract in the future, Ladnier said: “Not to my knowledge.” Gordon said the Royals’ struggles wouldn’t deter him from signing. “I respect Kansas City,” he said. “They’re just going through a rough time. They have a lot of young prospects. It could be an upside in the future.” If Gordon chooses to return to Nebraska, that future might not include him. “He has that option to do so,” Ladnier said. “I can’t keep him from going to school. “You would like to think (he’ll sign) given the fact that it’s a significant amount of money we’ve got on the table.” I hope this is a bluff by him.....
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08-18-2005, 09:53 AM	#2
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	The sports news in Kansas City just keeps getting better and better. WTF?!!! __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
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08-18-2005, 09:53 AM	#3
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	It would be a perfectly Royal thing to happen if we were to lose Gordon. Just throw another turd on the pile. __________________ courtesy of BoneKrusher "Baseball? It's just a game. As simple as a ball and bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business and sometimes a religion." Ernie Harwell
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08-18-2005, 09:54 AM	#4
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3401616	Yeah, I don't know why the Royals would want to offer him a major league contract. Dude is already better than 2/3rds of what they have sitting on the bench.
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08-18-2005, 10:11 AM	#10
shakesthecat Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: IA Casino cash: $4263833	If Gordon passes up almost 4 million bucks to go back to school and risk an injury that could ruin his career, he's a moron. Of course, if the Royals don't get this deal done, then they are as well. But then, we already knew that.
Posts: 3,353

08-18-2005, 09:59 AM	#14
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	The Royals are a ****ing joke any more-I can't believe they aren't willing to make him part of the 40 man roster. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
Posts: 15,777

08-18-2005, 10:02 AM	#15
Kraut Don't Make Me Angry... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hells Kitchen, NY Casino cash: $9984925	I really do feel sorry for this team. As a Yankee fan I'm sure it really doesnt matter how I feel, but for you Royal fans, you have my sympathy...
Posts: 7,428