Minnesota Twins Minors: Nick Gordon, a star in the making
The Minnesota Twins have a glut of quality middle infield prospects making their way through the Minors.
Royce Lewis is the prospect talked about the most for the Minnesota Twins, and for good reason, he will be special. Lost in the shuffle has been shortstop Nick Gordon. Gordon is the son of former Major Leaguer Tom “Flash” Gordon and the half-brother of current star Dee Gordon. Baseball is in his blood and he will make in an impact in MLB.
What has Gordon been up to?
Gordon has hit at every level in the Minor Leagues. In his first taste of the Minors Gordon hit .294 with a .333 on base percentage in 255 plate appearances in 2014. Gordon doesn’t hit for power but he shows an ability to take his walks and runs the bases well.
He doesn’t posses the speed that his brother Dee has, but he will steal a few bases every season. According to MLB.com Gordon’s lack of elite quickness may force him to switch positions. However, his arm will play anywhere on the diamond.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: After signing with the Mets, Correa spurns Twins again
- Minnesota Twins: You Spin Me Right Round, Right Round
- Minnesota Twins: What happens next at Shortstop?
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: 4 Possible Trade Chips not named Kepler or Arraez
There are two major flaws in Gordon’s game, high strikeouts and poor fielding. However, he will improve as he matures. He struck out 134 times last season in 578 plate appearances. For Gordon to reach The Show he will have to cut that number down drastically.
He is also a huge liability defensively at shortstop and a move to second base may benefit him tremendously. Gordon committed an astounding 24 errors at short in 2016 and followed that up with 19 last season, a move makes sense. He has the athleticism to handle the demands of the keystone and the Minnesota Twins should think about the future after Brian Dozier is gone.
Gordon’s lineage suggests he will have success at the big league level. The Twins need to exercise patience and allow Gordon to develop naturally without rushing him through the system. He is one of the Minnesota Twins highest ranking prospects and he projects to have a tremendous Twins career.
Next: Can a hot Spring put Gordon on the radar?
Stay tuned to Puckett’s Pond for the latest news and stories about your Minnesota Twins. Want to share your opinions with other Twins fans? Join the writing team here with Puckett’s Pond and have your voice heard.