"Alex Gordon is already putting down a marker for next year as this season — a transition season that saw him switch from third base to left field — winds through the final two weeks.

"I'm going to dominate next year," he vowed, "I can tell you that. Not that this year is over, but I'm going to dominate next year."

The words, as always with Gordon, come quietly. And, yes, he knows his production this year, or throughout his four-year career, offers little to support what, for him, is a rare proclamation.

Gordon has six homers and just 16 RBIs in 52 games since returning from Class AAA Omaha. He also has 45 strikeouts in 203 plate appearances while batting .233 with a .325 on-base percentage.

No matter.

"I've shown flashes," he said, "but something that's bothered me is I haven't been consistent. I show flashes, and then I go into a little bit of a slump that kind of erases what I did.

"I just need to figure out how to be consistent and put it all together throughout the year."

There seems little doubt he will get a chance to validate his words. General manager Dayton Moore said Gordon remains a key component in the Royals' future as club officials shape their off-season plans.

"I think Alex is going to have a great year next year," Moore said. "I really do. I think Alex is going to be a solid contributor. I'll say this: You can win a championship with Alex Gordon on your club.

"We're counting on him to be that type of guy when we're ready to win."

That seems to spike any lingering speculation that Gordon faced a make-or-break stretch this summer after returning in mid-July from Omaha to become the club's regular left fielder."