(Some changes are coming to this blog, with the merciful end of the Royals season. We'll have an explanation later today or early tomorrow. You won't be rid of my bad humor and rambling blog posts, it'll just be different, and, well, check back later today or tomorrow. In the meantime, (at least) one more Royals thought. Also, this link has nothing to do with the Royals or baseball, but if you're a man, you will be jealous of John Madden.)
The symbol of the Royals' disappointment this year might be Alex Gordon. It's an arguable point.
Coco Crisp was the centerpiece of the offseason acquisitions, and played just 49 games. Kyle Davies was supposed to be the No. 3 starter, and instead was demoted to the minors and had a 5.27 ERA before a season-ending injury. Luke Hochevar has given up more runs than innings in a third of his starts. Mike Jacobs cost the Royals a cheap reliever and more than $3 million and hit .228. Mike Aviles played just 36 games. Kyle Farnsworth was mostly terrible.
And so on.
But Gordon's season may encapsulate this bigger disaster better than anyone else. The Royals needed a breakout third season from Gordon, the second pick in a draft that produced Ryan Zimmerman, Ryan Braun, and Troy Tulowitzki (Justin Upton was the first pick).
Royals' coaches and management huddled in spring training and decided that for the Royals to win in 2009, Billy Butler and Gordon needed to hit third and fourth by the All-Star break. Gordon homered on opening day, which gave a lot of people hope, but he also injured his hip, which would eventually torpedo his season.
Gordon had a torn hip labrum, a massive injury to the middle of the body that at one time ended careers. He had his surgery done by the world's expert on this procedure, and at the time the Royals said they expected Gordon to return fully recovered and produce the last three months like they hoped he would the entire six.
That hasn't happened, of course. Even with a strong finsihing series in Minnesota, Gordon hit .231/.326/.363 in a season that will be remembered for major hip surgery and a temporary demotion to Omaha.
And here is where it gets tough.
Before the next paragraph, it's important to point out that all injuries are different, are bodies are different, and the words from here on down might be entirely unfair to Gordon. They're also true.
Chase Utley has played 154 games this season after a similar surgery, with nearly identical production as last season.
Mike Lowell has played 118 games this season after a similar surgery, with nearly identical production as last season.
Alex Rodriguez has played 122 games this season after a similar surgery, and while his production is slightly off from last season, his .286/.402/.532 with a 143 OPS+ is superstar-caliber and the Yankees went a preposterous 90-44 since his return.
Carlos Delgado and a handful of NHL players have also had the surgery, each told by doctors to expect a full recovery.
Thirty years ago, a torn hip labrum ended careers. Now, it merely requires extensive rehab. The temptation is to blame the injury entirely for Gordon's bad season, but that's just dishonest when you look at the way others have recovered from similar procedures.
Gordon is blunt, honest, and realistic. He openly says his was a bad season, no fun, and that "nothing really good came out of this year."
That kind of thing happens, especially with younger players, and especially with younger players who miss half a season with major hip surgery.
Gordon showed real signs of progress in 2008, particularly with his walks and power. Smart baseball people figured 2009 could be his breakout.
That breakout is now hoped to come in 2010, but we should all keep in mind that blaming 2009's disappointment entirely on the injury ignores the recoveries of others who've had similar procedures.
It would be great for the Royals if Gordon would step up next year. But, if you are basing this on his end of year stats, keep in mind that these come in a time of season when many so-so players put up promising numbers, only to find next season that they were just a mirage. Admittedly, I only see the Royals on TV, but I don't see anything from Gordon either at the plate or in the field that makes me think he has the attitude to improve himself.