Spring Training Spotlight: Jeremy Moore

Last time we took a look at super utility guy Alfredo Amezaga who is vying for a spot as a non-roster invite. The Dodgers could definitely use a versatile player like Amezaga or Elian Herrera off the bench, but they also need a fourth outfielder besides Skip Schumaker and Jerry Hairston Jr. It would be preferred that this back-up outfielder could play center field in order to rest Matt Kemp when needed. Jeremy Moore, one of the two outfield non-roster invites left in Major League camp (the other being Tony Gwynn Jr. who is not impressing thus far), has been playing with some vivacity this Spring.

Jeremy Moore’s speed could uplift a horribly slow projected Dodger bench this season. Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Moore is hitting .444 in his 18 at-bats so far this Spring. He has collected 8 hits, 4 RBI, a stolen base, three walks, and 3 strikeouts in 10 games. The 25-year old bats left-handed. Moore was drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 draft by the Angels. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 2011, and he played in 8 games with the Angels that year. The young outfielder spent seven seasons in the Angels minor league system, and he amassed a collective slash line of .277/.329/.473 over that time. In 2009, he played with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes who are now a minor league affiliate of the Dodgers. In 2011, before being called up for a cup of coffee in September in Anaheim, Moore hit .298 in 113 games with the AAA-Salt Lake Bees. He hit 15 homeruns, 18 triples, 24 doubles, 66 RBI, and stole 21 bases. He did strike out a lot more than he walked (114/21).

After a successful season in AAA, Moore disappointingly missed the entire 2012 season after undergoing hip surgery. Moore was plagued by hip problems over the years due to being a four-sport athlete at his Louisiana high school. Moore seems to be healthy and ready to win a spot with the Dodgers, and the former Angel prospect can add versatility to the outfield since he can play all three outfield positions as well as add some much needed speed to the bench.

The Dodgers also have Alex Castellanos, super prospect Yasiel Puig, Tony Gwynn Jr., and Elian Herrera as outfielder possibilities. Who do you think the Dodgers should add to their 25-man roster as a fourth outfielder? As much as I’d like to see Puig in Dodger Blue on Opening Day, I think Jeremy Moore or Alex Castellanos may squeak in.