Dodgers Add Jeremy Moore

Most of the attention and discussion revolving the Los Angeles Dodgers moves this winter has centered on the exorbitant amount of money the organization has spent, but it would seem as though the team still knows how to make a less costly acquisition that could pay dividends, as Baseball America’s Matt Eddy reports that the team has signed Jeremy Moore to a minor league deal. It’s unclear if the outfielder will receive an invitation to Spring Training.

Moore missed the entirety of the 2012 season after undergoing hip surgery early last Spring. Prior to the injury, however, he was ranked among the top prospects (#11) within the Angels’ organization entering the 2011 season. He’d spend the majority of that season with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, hitting .298/.331/.545 in 460 plate appearances on the year. Moore has generally shown solid all around skills – averaging 20+ home runs, doubles, and stolen bases each season of his minor league career – but has struggled with plate discipline for much of his career (nearly a 4:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio).

Presuming he is fully healthy after the hip procedure, Moore may stand a chance at some playing time with the Dodgers in a reserve capacity. He’s not on the team’s 40-man roster yet, so there may not be a need to rush into finding space for him just yet which could work in the team’s favor. Moore seems likely to at least start the year in the minor leagues.