2013 Nationals Review: Tyler Moore
By Ryan Ritchey
Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Name: Tyler Moore
Position: Utility
Stat Line:
2013 Expectations:
There really wasn’t much to expect from Tyler Moore in 2013. He would be a bench player that was used to give other guys days off, or he would come off the bench late in a game to pinch hit. He got his first big league action in 2012, striking out more times than he had hits. So with that being said, things were going to need a huge turnaround in 2013.
Again he should come off the bench, getting limited time. He can play a couple positions in the infield and a little bit in a corner outfield spot. Don’t expect him to get too many at bats but his games played could go up because of pinch hit appearances.
2013 Results:
Well, 2013 wasn’t a season you call home about for Tyler Moore. He played in a dozen less games, and his strikeouts went up and walks went down. That is a huge sign a player isn’t comfortable at the plate and can’t see the ball. His entire production decreased from the previous season and should have the Nats’ asking themselves if he is the answer off the bench in a big situation.
Moore’s season was pretty bad, that he had a negative 0.9 WAR (wins above replacement). Take that as you may, but that stat can tell you a lot about a player’s value to a team overall. His defense wasn’t bad as he only made one error all season, in limited chances. His range is very small and he really only gets to balls near him and nothing extraordinary. He is a bench player, so you can’t really ask much more.
So overall, it was a very disappointing season at the plate and in the field for Moore. He has to find a way to have better at bats and help the team. He may not like his role, but he has to excel in this role before his role expands.
2014 Outlook:
It will be another season off the bench for Tyler Moore. He may or may not be the first option for Matt Williams. If his struggles continue he may be a even more limited option.
It is a bench guys job to bring a spark when needed and do the best he can to make the most out of the situation. Moore has to do a better job of that if he wants to continue to see the field.
Expect him to play in about 70 games, most in pinch hit situations and late inning defense. Hopefully his power comes back to him and he can hit a few more balls out of the ball park in 2014. Maybe that is what he needs to see happen. Just like a basketball player, he sees a ball go through the net and gets hot, Moore needs to see the ball go over the wall to get hot.