“Normal” Times For Matt Moore
February 26th, 2016We already know Matt Moore feels like it’s 2013.
Now the question is whether he’ll pitch like that year’s superstar starter with a 17-4 record.
After two seasons of seeing a shell of the left-hander, Rays fans might finally watch Moore morph into his old self. At least that’s the hope following just 14 starts by him throughout the past two campaigns because of Tommy John surgery and his long recovery.
Kevin Cash considered the possibility of a full-impact Moore, when asked Wednesday about the pitcher enjoying more confidence because of a normal offseason this time around. The answer, recorded by WDAE-AM 620, was revealing:
“I know that the confidence, that helps everything grow a little bit. And the confidence knowing that he’s healthy — I don’t think there’s a shadow of a doubt of anything from [the] past,” Cash said. “And then he finished up so strong last year. He was able to have a normal offseason. All of us kind of forget how important it is to have a normal offseason. And he did. He was able to get through a routine. … It really shows the difference from trying to build up like he did during the season.”
The good news for Moore and the Rays is that he trended upward toward the end of his 12 starts last year. After posting a 7.61 ERA in five July outings during his return, he had a much-improved 3.26 ERA in five September starts before closing his season against the Blue Jays with a six-inning, one-run victory.
If Moore rolls, then the Rays will boast one of the better rotations in the American League, if all goes according to plan. (When the hell does that ever happen?) The old Moore would be welcome sight for sore eyes.