Kansas City Royals Obsession with Terrance Gore
By David Hill
Terrance Gore made the Kansas City Royals Opening Day roster. Why?
Earlier today, the Kansas City Royals announced their Opening Day roster. While there were not many surprises, one of the more notable names on the bench was speedster Terrance Gore, who made the roster when Jorge Soler was placed on the disabled list to begin the season.
Gore really became known during the Royals two postseason runs, as he served as a pinch runner extraordinaire. Invoking the memory of Herb Washington, Gore has appeared in eight postsesaon games, scoring two runs and stealing four of five bases without recording a plate appearance. He has a similar profile in the regular season, with just nine plate appearances in 37 games. Even though he has yet to get a hit, he has scored 12 runs and stolen 19 bases. He really has one job when in Kansas City.
That lack of offense, aside from his ability to run, is not unique to the Major League level. Gore has a lifetime .243/.342/.273 batting line, with just 36 extra base hits in his 1806 plate appearances. His speed has been quite evident, as he swiped 251 bases in six seasons, but he is essentially a one tool player.
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If there is a team that will appreciate what Gore has to offer, it is the Royals. They built their team on speed and defense, and Gore certainly has plenty of speed. Based on his minor league track record, he is also a solid defensive player.
However, Gore provides practically nothing else. He is a more extreme version of Jarrod Dyson, an extreme slap hitter whose legs will provide any extra base hits he gets. That is, if he can make solid enough contact, which seems doubtful in his limited time in Kansas City.
That is the problem. Yes, Gore has just nine plate appearances, but he has appeared to be overmatched by Major League pitching. Whatever contact he has made has been weaker than what should be expected, as he has been unable to put the ball out of the infield. All the speed in the world does not matter if he cannot get on base to use it.
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The Kansas City Royals have put Terrance Gore on Opening Day roster. Hopefully, Jorge Soler will not be out for long, as Gore’s one skill does not hold much value if he cannot get on base.