Around AL Central: Cruz/Twins rumors, Hawk’s misery index & Gordon moves down

Alex Gordon Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals

The Alex Gordon at lead-off era may be over for the Royals, according to Fox Sports Kansas City.

"But those days perched at the top spot of the order are seemingly over for Gordon, at least for 2014. The Royals acquired Norichika Aoki to fill that role, which will push Gordon back to the fifth spot, though Gordon doesn’t seem completely convinced those roles will be permanent.   “You never know what’s going to happen with injuries (or) how people are going to play,” Gordon says. “We’re going to iron all that out in spring training. – Jeffrey Flanagan"

Of course things could change in Spring Training, and Ned Yost could want or need to shake up his lineup at some point in 2014, but its clear Kansas City wants to utilize Gordon further down in the lineup. The move might give Gordon better pitches and increase KC’s power. Their 112 homers ranked dead last in the AL last year.