Moore leading Dominican Winter League in power numbers, plus AFL Mesa update

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

November 04, 2014, 6:32am

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First baseman Tyler Moore is batting .375 (15-for-40) through 12 games in the Dominican Winter League for Toros del Este, with a league-leading five homers, 16 runs and 11 RBIs. He also leads the league with 14 walks. He is leading the league in OPS at 1.294 and on-base percentage at .519, while ranking second in slugging at .775.

This is exactly what Moore needed to do: Keep in baseball shape and display that his bat is clicking as he goes after the backup first base/outfield spot next season with the Nationals. It could be a good battle with the likes of Steven Souza Jr. and others.

Former Nationals prospect and current White Sox catcher Adrian Nieto is batting .292.

Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs shortstop Jose Lozada is batting .333 (2-for-6) with a double and a run scored after two games in the Puerto Rican Winter League for the San Juan Senators. They started play on Oct. 30.

Former Nationals first base prospect Chris Marrero is batting .276 in the Mexican Pacific League, with five homers and 15 RBIs in 20 games.

Right-hander Paolo Espino is 2-0 with a 3.72 ERA in the Venezuelan Winter League. He has had five starts and tossed 19 1/3 innings, allowing eight earned runs, walking eight and striking out 16 batters.

* In Arizona Fall League play, Salt River edged Mesa 1-0 on Monday. Second baseman Tony Renda went 1-for-4, and his average is at .246. Catcher Spencer Kieboom went 0-for-3, but is still batting .308. Neil Holland worked one scoreless inning with no hits, a walk and one strikeout.