Sun City, Ariz. — Charlie Moore‘s happy, and that’s a ray of sunshine on the Brewers’ spring. Moore previously demanded a trade to a team willing to make him a starting catcher, but dropped that request according to a report from Tom Flaherty of The Milwaukee Journal.
So why did Moore change his tune? He and general manager Harry Dalton met Sunday in an effort to clear the air. Dalton assured Moore that he would be given a shot at an outfield spot, most likely right field.
And that’s all it took.
You’ll remember that the Brewers have an opening in the outfield since Paul Molitor is being moved from center field to third base. Gorman Thomas will be taking over in center, and Ben Oglivie is expected to start in left. So that left right field, and the only viable option appeared to be rookie Mark Brouhard.
“I’m glad this came about,” Moore told Flaherty. “I’ve been with the organization for 11 years. I didn’t want to leave Milwaukee. It’s been like home to me, or a second home.”
While Moore isn’t guaranteed the right field position, he should receive decent playing time following a season in which he hit .301 as a back-up catcher to Ted Simmons. It just makes sense that Brouhard would get some competition for the job, and it allows the Brewers to get a proven veteran hitter more at bats. Manager Buck Rodgers indicated that Moore likely wouldn’t play every day in right field, but combined with his duties as a back-up catcher he should play regularly.
When Moore signed a five-year contract last year, Dalton assured him he’d grant a trade if requested. Considering his strong play in limited duty, he had every right to make this demand. As such, there are no hard feelings. Now that player and team are on the same page, everyone is happy.