Royals' Gordon is Asche's model in switching to left field

NEW YORK - The Phillies can only hope that Cody Asche's move from third base to left field works as well as it has for another former University of Nebraska star.

Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals made the switch in 2010. Gordon, the second overall pick in the 2005 draft out of Nebraska, has become a two-time all-star and has won four consecutive Gold Gloves since moving full-time to left field in 2011.

"It is tough, but he will deal with it," Gordon said Tuesday before a 5-1 loss to the Yankees. "I know Cody Asche is a good player, a good person."

At the time of the move, Gordon was 26 and was hitting .195 in 12 games to begin the 2010 season. He spent 75 games in the minors before returning to the Royals.

"Nobody wants to get sent down, but it is what it is and you have to deal with it," Gordon said. "Knowing [Asche] personally, he will be just fine and I am sure he will be up in no time."

The Phillies made the move because they believe that Maikel Franco is the better long-range option at third base.

When the Royals move was suggested, Gordon offered no resistance. "I was coming off hip surgery [in 2009] and wasn't moving my feet as well as I used to, so I think a change was best for me," he said.

Gordon said the biggest adjustment for Asche will be reading the ball.

"The most difficult thing is that first step off the bat: If you mess that up, it is hard to get to balls," said Gordon, who made 44 errors in 329 major-league games at third base.

Royals manager Ned Yost said Gordon is successful because of the countless hours he puts into perfecting his craft in left.

It has boosted his offense as well. From 2011 through last year, Gordon hit .283 with 76 home runs and 314 RBIs.

When asked if he misses the hot corner, Gordon wasted no time responding.

"No," he said. "I don't miss it at all."

@sjnard