SALT LAKE CITY ��� If you need proof that Jeremy Moore can fly, just ask any member of the Omaha Storm Chasers.
They know from recent ��� and humiliating ��� experience.
On Friday, Moore scored from first on a bloop single by Gil Velazquez. He noticed the Omaha left fielder jogging to the ball and took advantage of his lack of hustle.
Then on Monday he became only the second player in franchise history to score from second base on a sacrifice fly. Freddy Sandoval hit a lazy fly to the right-field corner, and Moores feet didnt hit the ground until he slid safely home.
I like running. Its a big part of my game, Moore said. I try to take advantage of those opportunities. Were always aggressive, which I like. If [Omaha] is going to sit back and be lazy, then were just going to keep running around the bases.
Moores game, though, is about more than just his feet. In the series finale against Omaha, which the Bees lost 9-5, he went 2-for-4 with a double and a mammoth home run that disappeared into the trees behind the berm in right-center.
He also possesses a cannon of an arm, which he can show off from any outfield position.
Moores overall athleticism makes him one of Salt Lakes most exciting players. He was a four-sport star in high school, and when he steps foot on the field practically anything can happen. His stats back this up: Moore has achieved a quadruple-double ��� double-digits in home runs, triples, doubles and steals ��� in each of the last four seasons.
Its always fun to watch Jeremy run the bases, Salt Lake manager Keith Johnson said. He runs hard and pushes the issue, which gives us the ability to make those plays. We couldnt do things like that without that kind of effort.
Moore is also apt to make a few mistakes, like Sunday night when he doubled to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning then was immediately picked off. He also has 100 strikeouts this season, compared to only 18 walks.
Johnson says those growing pains are necessary in his development as a player.
Hell make his share of mistakes, but thats how you learn, Johnson said. In order for him to become a great base runner at the major league level he has to have those experiences down here.
For the season, the former fifth-round draft pick is hitting .299 with 13 home runs, 15 triples (tops in the PCL), 21 doubles and 15 steals. With a seemingly bright future, Moore just wants to keep improving and see what happens.
I definitely got better this season, Moore said. Its a grind, so offensively I just tried to slow things down. The game will knock you down, and you just have to take what you get. Its given me a pretty decent season, so Im happy with that.
The Bees will welcome the Iowa Cubs to Spring Mobile Ballpark for a four-game series beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m.
email: mpayne@desnews.com