Tyler Moore will focus on outfield, first base at spring training

Double-A Harrisburg Senators first baseman Tyler Moore has shown the best power in the Nationals' system the last two seasons with 62 combined home runs. The Mississippi State product has been so highly regarded by the parent club that he practiced outfield positions during instructional league to see if there were additional ways to get him on the field. New Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs manager Tony Beasley knows everything about Moore's game, having skippered him for an entire season in Harrisburg. He likes what he sees in Moore and what he can do to get even better. "He has a loud bat and has tremendous power," Beasley said. "(Moore) is dangerous and is a good fastball hitter. He can definitely change the game quickly for you. I thought he did a nice job at first baseman. Defensively, he really improved. (Nationals infield coordinator) Jeff Garber did a really good working with him on defense. I think the plan is for him to see the outfield little bit, as well. He did last year but maybe starting this spring he will probably see a little left field, just to give him another option down the road to get him in a game or something." Interesting to hear Beasley talk about the outfield with Moore. You have Bryce Harper in left field in Harrisburg as of right now. Also, where will Chris Marrero end up when he returns from a hamstring injury? But from Moore's point of view, like a Michael Morse, it never hurts to at least become proficient at another position, whether its first base or left field. And as with any power hitter, Beasley knows Moore is aware of one way his game could improve. "The thing I would like (Moore) to do is cut down on the strikeouts. But at times you see that he can lay off pitches and take his walks when they are there and they are not pitching to you," Beasley said. Overall, Beasley said he enjoys managing players like Moore who have an obvious love for the game and an appreciation of the opportunity presented to them. Beasley said when a player values the chances to play pro baseball, it makes him the complete player that every team covets. "I think he is going to be fine," Beasley said. "(Moore) is a guy you cannot forget about when you are talking to about players. He has a chance to have an impact bat. He will be 25 years old coming into this season. He is a very dedicated player, mature and focused. He is going to get better. You give him something to work towards and he will give you everything he has. "I like the fact that he was a guy who was excited to be put on the roster (last) year in Harrisburg. We talked this off season. It meant something to him. It was not a sense of entitlement. He was surprised and floored (when he made the Senators' roster). When you have guys that think like that, they appreciate things, understand the value of hard work and achieving things, those are the type of guys that have success and help you win."