Lefty Moore a Surefire ROY Candidate

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

Last season, the Tampa Bay Seminoles found a diamond in the rough in 24-year-old 1B Daniel Brantley, who was in the running for National League Rookie of the Year.

This season, lightning has struck twice in Tampa.

21-year-old Lefty Moore came into Tampa with great fanfare as part of a deal to move young ace Steven Hollandsworth to Omaha. In AA last season, Moore had hit .267 with 37 HR and 123 RBI. It was expected that Moore would someday be an impact player at first base.

Still, Daniel Brantley was slated by many to be the opening-day starter, and Moore would likely start in AAA. However, Tampa Bay management surprised many by giving the starting job to Moore, who has come virtually out of nowhere to enter the midpoint of the season as the league leader in home runs (39). Moore also ranks 4th in DD with 89 RBIs, and his hitting has allowed for the Seminoles to stay afloat in a cutthroat NL East.

At 44-48, the Seminoles have improved over last season's record, due in part to Moore's play. Batting .286 with 39 home runs and 89 RBIs in only 92 games, Moore is already a safe bet to be on the final balloting for Rookie of the Year.

For a franchise that fell by the wayside last season, Moore represents the sign that the tide is turning in Tampa Bay. Alongside fellow youngsters Brantley and Pete Maddox, the Seminoles, who were dead-last in offensive production a year ago, are 18th in runs scored this season. While still below average, they've improved greatly with their lineup.

Again, Seminoles fans attribute this to Moore's presence at the plate. He has provided the offensive spark and the power that the Seminoles desperately needed last season, and he might just be the key to a Tampa Bay return to the postseason.

Expect for Moore to be on the shortlist of NL Rookie of the Year candidates, and don't be surprised if he takes home the crown.