Moore of the same as Royals avoid Gordon arbitration

Dayton Moore's record remains intact of never having a player go to an arbitration hearing since becoming the Royals general manager on June 8, 2006.

Moore signed left fielder Alex Gordon to a one-year contract on Feb. 9 for $4.75 million and he could earn another $25,000 if he reaches 700 plate appearances.

It was a nice birthday present for Gordon, who turned 28 the next day.

Gordon's arbitration hearing was set for Feb. 16 as he had filed for $5.45 million, while the Royals countered at $4.15 million. Gordon made $1.5 million in 2012, when he hit .303 with 45 doubles, 23 home runs, 87 RBIs and stole 17 bases. He compiled a .502 slugging percentage with a .376 on-base percentage.

Gordon, the second overall pick in the 2005 draft, also won a Gold Glove and led major league outfielders with 20 assists.

"I didn't want to go (to a hearing)," Gordon said. "I don't think anybody wants to go there. I was pretty confident that something was going to get done, and it did.

"Sometimes, these things go fast. Sometimes, they go slow. This was one of those occasions when it took a little bit longer."

While Gordon is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season, the Royals have begun negotiations with Gordon's agent, Casey Close, for a multi-year contract extension.

Gordon is unsure of his worth for a long-term contract.

"I don't know what I should make, what I shouldn't make," Gordon said. "I just go out there, practice hard, work hard, and the games take care of themselves.

"I don't focus on any of the business side. I'll get the details, but I really don't know what I'm doing, so I leave it up to them."

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