The Los Angeles Angels have been buzzing with anticipation ever since they drafted Christian Moore, with whispers suggesting a rapid ascent to the majors. Known for their tendency to fast-track prospects, the Angels saw Moore shine in his initial professional outings, hinting at a bright future.
However, the journey hasn't been smooth. Moore's major league debut came last season, but a thumb injury in July slowed his momentum. While a .655 OPS in his first 53 games isn't alarming, his minor league performance (.853 OPS over 300 plate appearances) reassures us of his potential.
The Angels aren't taking any chances, though. They're opening up second base to competition, with Moore among several infielders vying for the spot. The idea is sound, but the pool of likely successful outcomes isn't vast.
If neither Moore nor Vaughn Grissom clinches the second base role, fans might need to brace for more disappointment. Moore, with his high ceiling and top draft pick status, seems like the logical choice.
Grissom, despite a rocky stint with the Red Sox, showed promise in Triple-A. If neither steps up and someone like Adam Frazier or Nick Madrigal fills the spot, the Angels could face more significant issues than lineup decisions.
A successful season likely hinges on Moore or Grissom seizing the opportunity.
While teams often claim open competition in camp, the reality is Moore remains the favorite for second base. It would take a significant downturn in his spring performance to change this. Should that happen, the Angels might find themselves in deeper trouble than anticipated.