Surprise, Ariz. ? Alex Gordon has been named the Kansas City starting third baseman in one of the easiest spring training decisions the Royals had to make.

Gordon is hitting .390 in spring training after being named the Minor League Player of the Year in 2006. He was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs on Wednesday night in the 11-10 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

“He certainly deserves it,” manager Buddy Bell said. “I’m sure it is a relief for him.”

The Royals game against Oakland on Thursday in Phoenix was canceled because of rain. The Royals will play the Arizona Diamondbacks at 3:05 p.m. today in Tucson, Ariz.

Gordon, the second player picked in the 2005 draft, hit .325 with 29 home runs and 101 RBIs last year with Class AA Wichita in the Texas League.

Gordon, a 23-year-old left-handed hitter from the University of Nebraska, has not stopped hitting in March, which landed him the third base job.

“Good news,” Gordon said. “I’m very happy. Everybody comes in here trying to make the team. I was just glad I was given the chance to win that job and I’m glad I won it.”

Bell also said Gordon probably would bat fifth in the lineup when the season starts.

“I don’t know that for sure, but right now I don’t see why not,” Bell said.

Gordon’s fast climb allowed the Royals to move Mark Teahen, the incumbent third baseman who led the team with 18 home runs in 2006, to the outfield.

“I just came in here, worked hard and tried to impress them and help the team out,” Gordon said. “I did an OK job of doing it. I’m still going to come in and work hard, act like I haven’t won a job and go about my business the same way.”

Gordon still is a nonroster invite to camp and will not officially be added to the 40-man big league roster until the final days of spring training.