They reside near the top of the order for a reason. Alex Gordon is the silent warrior whose own story mirrored that of his franchise, a busted-up prospect who learned a new position, found his swing and became a star. Eric Hosmer is the face of the franchise, a genial, charismatic talent whose biggest moments always came on the grandest stage.
They are two reasons why there is a 2015 World Series championship flag hanging inside Kauffman Stadium. And yet now, in the opening moments of this season, they are two reasons why a baseball team cannot hit.