such as in 2011, when he had 700+ at bats with an -0.7 WAR. So I'd say he's a little modest when you're comparing him to impact leadoff hitters. 23.9 WAR in 14 seasons is the definition of mediocrity.
Kenny Lofton's walks made him the best leadoff hitter of his generation and one of the 10 best players in the game; a good season for him was 5-7 WAR, not two or three. Gordon's best game in CF would be REMINISICENT of Lofton, with the consistent .300/60 offense, not photographically-reproductive of it.
Gordon's last three full seasons have produced 3.3-4.8 WAR per year, which equal anything Lofton did AFTER his first 8 seasons. Of course Gordon is at 6+ seasons himself and will be 30 this year, so the M's will have to watch for when those 3.5 WAR turn into 2.5. Not in the next two-three years, I wouldn't guess, given the approach he takes (cf. Ichiro's 80 speed and GB ratio).
Maybe I shoulda said poor man's Ichiro :- )