August 12th, 2013 at 6:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka With the Dodgers improving their record to 35-8 since June 22, it’s pretty hard to be critical of them for anything, but unfortunately the horrific defense of Dee Gordon simply cannot be ignored.
There isn’t anybody who doesn’t like Gordon and his infectious smile, but since being recalled on August 5th, Gordon has appeared in four games in which he has committed a total of four errors – including three in Sunday’s game alone.
Everybody loves Dee Gordon but it is simply impossible to ignore his chronic errors. (Photo credit – Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
“That was a little rough to watch tonight,” said Dodger manager Don Mattingly after Sunday night’s 8-2 win over the Rays for the series sweep. “I’m sure it wasn’t any fun for Dee. It’s a little concerning. When you’re in the field you’ve made one and you make another one, it’s not a good feeling when the ball comes to you. We’ll continue to work.”
It’s no secret that the only reason Gordon was called up was because of the injury to Hanley Ramirez eight days ago in Chicago, but with Ramirez likely to remain on the shelf for several more days (or more), it’s only a matter of time before a Dee Gordon error(s) costs the Dodgers a game – that’s if he even sees any more playing time at shortstop before being optioned back to Albuquerque when Ramirez returns. Utility infielder Nick Punto has played three errorless games at the position since the Ramirez’s injury and will undoubtedly see more time there in light of Gordon’s poor play.
Calling Gordon up when Hanley jammed his right shoulder was certainly the right decision; after all, he was swinging a hot bat for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes and raised his batting average to an impressive .307. But Gordon has also committed 17 errors thus far this season with the Isotopes for a dismal .948 fielding percentage. And at age 26 and with 19-year-old 2012 first round draft pick Corey Seager tearing it up in the minors, Gordon’s future with the Dodger organization may be in serious jeopardy with each passing day and each additional error.
With 19-year-old shortstop phenom Corey Seager playing near flawless defense with the Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Gordon’s future with the Dodgers may be in jeopardy. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Although no one really expected Gordon to be much help offensively with his recent call-up, everyone expected (or at least hoped) that the fielding issues that led to him being sent back down to Albuquerque earlier this season had been fixed, but unfortunately they have not, and to be quite honest, there may not be anyone in the Dodger organization who can help him. In the meantime, Dee’s continuing errors are also making him less attractive as a potential trade chip. That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with his speed, which certainly adds to his trade value.
With September 1 only three weeks away, the Dodgers may keep Gordon up even after Ramirez returns to the line-up, or at least call him back up when roster’s expand. Hopefully he will not cost the team any valuable wins in the meantime or thereafter.
*Correction: Dee Gordon is 25, not 26.
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Not to be overly reactionary post-yesterday, but #Dodgers have to ask this question… Great analysis @Think_BlueLA http://t.co/NbkLGQ6cMI
I didn’t realize Dee was 26, o boy. I have been rooting for Dee, just hoping he would put it together. Maybe he would benefit from playing in a much lower market where he would not have as much pressure, I really do hope he gets it together cause it would be nice to see him leading off and using his speed to steal bases.
My Bad – he is actually 25 not 26. He will be 26 in April.
RT @Think_BlueLA: New post – Does Dee Gordon belong in the major leagues?
It seems to me that Gordon’s errors always seem to come on relatively easy plays. Do you suppose that reflect a lack of concentration on his part of what he considers a routine chance? Or perhaps he has too much time to think on those plays. I do know that the play he made on the ball in the hole yesterday was spectacular and his throw was right on the money. Then he drops the ball on a chopper when he tries to make the transfer. Go figure!
I love Dee Gordon but he simply has to play strong defense or he won’t have a major league career. His job would be to get on base, steal bases and catch/throw the ball. If it is lack of concentration, then Dee should soon have the message that no play is routine and when he is making it he is the only one in the world making it.
I expect he may stay with the Dodgers after September 1 so he can pinch run.
If Dee can’t be a better defensive SS than Hanley, then he’s in big trouble.
Last night, all of Dee’s throws were sailing away towards his arm side, so it might be fixed with a small adjustment to his delivery.
I’m pretty sure taht Dee’s problems are mental, not physical. It’s getting to the point that it might be a Steve Sax situation, or Chuck Knoblauch (sp). He’s thinking too much and it’s snowballing. I hope he’s able to work through this. Tools-wise, he should be an acrobatic shortstop in the ilk of Ozzie Smith. Instead he’s looking more like Jose Offerman. TOo bad, ‘cuz I really think he can be a valuable asset to the team. You can’t teach speed, and that’s a tool that can be very valuable.
I just read Tony Jackson’s latest piece. it’s on Gordon and his current afternoon workout. He’s still having problems throwing to first base in practice, suggesting that Dee is suffering from a case of the “yips.”
You know the “yips?” Like when Dale Murphy as a catcher couldn’t throw the ball back to the pitcher, or Hong Chih-Kuo couldn’t come near the plate. Or Steve Blass usddenly was alking 80% of the hitters he faced. Sometimes the “yips” are uncurable.
http://dodgerscribe.com/are-dee-gordons-throwing-issues-more-serious-than-we-thought/
Now I’m starting to wonder if Dee is a 4A player. Someone who’s great in AAA but can’t make the jump to the majors.