If you're a Royals fan, you've probably seen this play a hundred times already, since it's easily the biggest, most memorable play of the whole memorable season. Even if you're not a Royals fan, you should see this play at least once:
Gordon + Escobar + Perez = Excitement
Leon Halip
That was Saturday night. Sunday morning, Jon Paul Morosi argued that the Royals would be super-dangerous in the playoffs, even if their chances of reaching the playoffs are “not great”. Which is of course an understatement; at 3½ games back with so little time left, the Royals are given just a five-percent chance of qualifying for the tournament.
Still, five percent is a hell of a lot better than no percent, which is what their chance has been for way too many years. It’s often said that “flags fly forever” ... but what about thrilling game-ending plays in the middle of September? Those last forever too, at least for some fans.
It's funny, watching all the replays you keep hearing how well Alex Gordon and Alcides Escobar executed ... but Gordon's throw was slightly off, and Escobar's throw bounced on the way home. It's Salvador Perez who really makes the play, with the scoop and the lunge to nick Prince Fielder, who really is faster than he looks.
Which isn’t to take anything away from Gordon, who’s once again having a great season in left field. Yeah, maybe he oughtta be in right field instead. But as Rany Jazayerli points out, Gordon is the first left fielder with at least 15 assists in three straight seasons since at least 1954. Hard to switch a guy who keeps winning Gold Gloves.
Meanwhile, the Royals play the Tigers again Sunday. The Royals gotta win. Again.
See More:
