Hot Stove: If not Jason Heyward then who?

Oct 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) singles against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning in game three of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Gordon – LF/1B

I know we have talked about this before, but I am not quite sure about this one here. Gordon has rarely played RF and that is probably for good reason. He plays a pretty good LF and would likely be pretty exposed in right. However, Gordon came up as a third baseman and has played some first base in his career. 

More from Redbird Rants

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• What’s next for the St. Louis Cardinals after Contreras signing?
• Report: Cardinals Emerge As Mystery Team for Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Trade targets after signing Willson Contreras
• Reflecting on the 2013 Cardinals’ top 30 prospects

So, it is not out of the question to have him come up and play first base, this might be especially enticing given that he’s not getting any younger and that he suffered a leg injury this season that may limit his OF play in future.

Gordon had a solid season despite the injury and only playing 101 games. He finished with a slash of .271/.377/.432 chipping in 31 extra-base hits (18 doubles and 13 homers). The .377 OBP is really nice and was actually better than Heyward’s .359 (although less games factor in for Gordon), it would go well with Matt Carpenter‘s .365 OBP and the two could conceivably hit back to back in the lineup giving the Cardinals a good 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup. If he is willing to play first, I would give him a look.