We hear about them on TV, we see them in the newspaper, and we research them on the computer; not all of them, however. Prospects are among the most exciting factors of the baseball world.
If you look at a team's success, they are most successful when they are built up of home grown talent rather than record-breaking free-agent signings.
The Mariners had forgotten that concept and now they are coming off a 61-101 season. But don't worry, the farm system is stocked with young talent, and now, with Jack Zduriencik at the helm, that is not going to be changing.
There is one player that Zduriencik praises, but no one in baseball really cares that much about it. This player can hit for power, average, and has very exceptional defense behind the plate.
This player is Seattle Mariner's AA catcher, Adam Moore.
In 2008, he had a .319 BA, 14 HR, and a .902 OPS.
Now, his power might not quite be there yet, but in 2007, he hit 22 home runs, so there is strong reason for hope in Adam Moore's future.
With Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Jamie Burke, and Rob Johnson ahead of him as far as catchers go, it doesn't look like he will get a starting job in the near future. Think again Einstein, think again.
Johjima is a free agent after the 2010 season, so Moore should be fully ready to go at that time, if he continues to produce as well as he has.
2005 first-round draft pick Jeff Clement can make the transition from catcher to designated hitter and become what the legendary Edgar Martinez once did. It will reduce injury, and will provide him more energy for hitting and possibly stealing bases.
The recently re-signed Jamie Burke can't stop anyone, as he is a free agent after this season. Burke is said to be one of the top backup catchers in the Major Leagues.
Here's the problem—Rob Johnson. I have heard his name passed around in trade talks with the Marlins, but nothing came of it. Although Johnson could always be Moore's backup catcher, I don't want to keep him from reaching his full potential.
Even though Moore is an outstanding player, I have one question left to ask:
Where is the praise for Adam Moore?
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