Twins Tidbit: The Transformation of Nick Gordon

Nick Gordon is athletic and has a knack for learning. We saw him improve each time he repeated a level in the minor leagues and now that he gets to repeat at the highest level we see he can manage MLB as well. The intriguing aspect regarding Gordon is that he has the athleticism to fit any number of spots and may use his experiences and improving strength to morph into the type of player envisioned back when he was chosen in Round 1. Despite being in his mid 20s, Gordon could be that guy who  blossoms as a regular player who has the skills and athleticism to produce both in the field and at the plate. I would say that the Nick Gordon Story is still developing.

This chart would be easier to understand if I knew the base rate (league averages)

Gordon is very promising because of his athleticism and ability to be a utility (or super-utility) player. If he was stuck at a single position, he may not have seen the opportunities that he has. He is not an amazing defender, but he is capable and can fill in almost anywhere. This, combined with a bat that seems to be ever-improving may make him a mainstay for the Twins for at least a few years. I would be extremely happy if he ends up filling a Polanco-type role as a good-hitting infielder. He may never have the power that Polanco does, but I wouldn't rule that out either. Polanco did not come up with as much power as he has shown now, and I think Gordon still has a lot of potential improvement ahead. He has been a very nice surprise this year. 

In 2004, the Yankees had a steady bullpen progression featuring Paul Quantrill in the 7th, followed by Tom Gordon in the 8th and Enter Sandman in the 9th.  Admittedly, the Curse of the Bambino shattered over them that October, but until then the Yankees looked poised for a seventh Anerican League pennant in nine years.

Sons of the first two are emerging as stars as this September approaches: starting pitcher Cal Quantrill in Cleveland and Nick Gordon with the Twins.  Genetics and confidence play a role in their burgeoning talent, but Cal and Nick also have their dads' understanding of how to succeed in clutch situations with high stakes.  That's a nice intangible for this stretch run and in years to follow.

He's hot at the right time and that's great. I do think he's a valuable utility player but I don't expect a lot more. Especially if he struggles in IF positions.

I hope he proves me wrong. No such thing as too many players and he's fun to watch too.

1 hour ago, BH67 said:

In 2004, the Yankees had a steady bullpen progression featuring Paul Quantrill in the 7th, followed by Tom Gordon in the 8th and Enter Sandman in the 9th.  Admittedly, the Curse of the Bambino shattered over them that October, but until then the Yankees looked poised for a seventh Anerican League pennant in nine years.

Sons of the first two are emerging as stars as this September approaches: starting pitcher Cal Quantrill in Cleveland and Nick Gordon with the Twins.  Genetics and confidence play a role in their burgeoning talent, but Cal and Nick also have their dads' understanding of how to succeed in clutch situations with high stakes.  That's a nice intangible for this stretch run and in years to follow.

Wait...so the Twins playoff futility and the Yankees World Series futility roughly is connected to Tom Gordon...so Nick Gordon is our way of breaking the curse? Right?? (And might result in the Yankees ultimately winning a World Series soon?) ?

I remember Eduardo Escobar who was a utility player who progressed into an everyday player with the power to hit 25 plus home runs.   Gordon isn’t as muscular as Escobar but he is versatile and has speed.   As noted, he is developing some power too.   But maybe  the better analogy would be Cesar Tovar, who once played every position in a game.  I could see Gordon doing that, if he can play Catcher.   He has already pitched for the Twins in blow-outs. Tovar was just inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame.  

Gordon started off with much less impressive exit velocities as well. He's learned to adapt his swing and approach to make better contact in general, and he's put on weight. A breakdown per 100 plate appearances and how his exit velocity almost immediately jumped up. Gordon has been hitting the ball hard for a very long time. His hard hit rates increased relatively quickly, too.

88.7 
93.7 
91.5
91.1
90.6
92.5

While Gordon is referred to as "slender" so is Byron Buxton. From my understanding, Gordon is 6'1" and about 180lbs right now. 180lbs is plenty for a lot of strength.

6 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

If you had to choose between Gordon and Kepler. Who would you choose? 

Nick Gordon's performance has made this a legitimate question. 

As I've said elsewhere, I don't care much for Kepler.

But Gordon has played 3 innings in RF in his career. He is not a right fielder.

3 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

He wasn't a left fielder or centerfielder prior to becoming a left fielder and centerfielder. ? 

I saw that reply coming. But there's gotta be a reason they aren't putting him at RF, 1B, 3B or C. Especially with all the OF injuries this year.