Moore vs. Aubrey

I'm sitting at gate B12, waiting to board my Airtran flight to Baltimore. Seemed like a good time to move the comments and file another entry. I'm digging one hand into a bag of Kangaroo-brand multi-grain garden herb baked pita chips. Never heard of them until I got here, and I've devoured two bags. And I'm not talking snack-size. I'm hooked, which might be a bad thing if I can't find them in Maryland. I never even heard of Kangaroo. That's not a good sign. Anyway, many of us assumed that Michael Aubrey would get the call today when the Orioles added a position player, but I received a confirmation to Jeff Zrebiec's report that they'll bring up Scott Moore. Moore, whose last two seasons were undone because of thumb injuries - the last requiring surgery - is batting .276 with six doubles, one triple, five homers, 23 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 34 games at Triple-A Norfolk. Aubrey, who lost his remote chance to make the club in spring training because of a surgical procedure that required stitches in his back, and a groin injury sustained while running the bases, is batting .255 with 10 doubles, one triple, three homers, nine RBIs and a .775 OPS in 31 games. Moore also has committed eight errors, the majority coming at second base, if I remember correctly. Aubrey went on a tear that beefed up his average and made him a more legitimate candidate to have his contract purchased, but Moore's come on strong - he's hitting .400 with three homers, 13 RBIs and nine runs scored in his last 10 games - and can play more infield positions. Aubrey is a first baseman who's also been used in left and right field by the Tides. The Orioles have the outfield corners covered and are more interested in Moore's ability to play second - minus those errors, of course - which would allow them to move Ty Wigginton to first on occasion. Moore also can play first, where the club has a serious void, shortstop and third. I guess versatility won out in the end. Moore was drafted as a shortstop, but he hasn't played there regularly in quite a while. Still, he's capable if the need arises. Moore spent the winter working out with Brady Anderson in California and marveled at his improved conditioning. Anderson also offered some batting tips. I can think of one former Oriole who's extremely happy for Moore today - and probably a little proud of himself, too.