Tribe Misses Moore Base-Stealer May Return During 7-Game Stand

Given the green light once again, Kenderick Moore burst toward second base, his 12th stolen base a near certainty.

Moore had tested rival batteries a dozen previous times and had come away with 11 stolen bases.

Nothing seemed different about Moore’s 13th stolen-base attempt; nothing, that is, until a few steps before he went into his slide.

Spectators saw dirt flying and the ball arriving too late from Boise catcher Patrick Johnson.

Instead of bounding up and dusting himself off, however, Moore remained on the ground. Ultimately, he was helped from the field, his left quadriceps severely pulled.

Since that July 7 incident, Moore has been out of the Spokane Indians lineup.

As Spokane begins a seven-game homestand tonight, there’s hope Moore will return during the week.

“The coaches and trainer don’t want me to (return) until I’m 100 percent,” Moore said, “but I’m really close to being back to 100 percent.”

Starting Monday, Moore has run without pain for the first time in more than two weeks.

The Indians have naturally missed the speed their second baseman brought to the lineup. Until the injury, Moore ranked second among Northwest League base-stealers.

Just as important, though, was the role Moore had filled as Spokane’s leadoff hitter.

Indians manager Bob Herold had fiddled with three other leadoff hitters, each of whom possessed certain positives and negatives.

Moore appeared to have the right combination of quickness and discerning eye at the plate. His batting average and on-base percentage allowed Herold to pull a few more strings with the heart of the lineup.

In Moore’s absence, the Indians have played at a pace slightly better than .500. Jeremy Giambi has filled in admirably at the No. 1 spot, although he’s a better candidate for No. 3.

Moore hit third during his just-completed senior season at the University of Arkansas, but at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he’s more suited elsewhere as a professional.

“I’ve hit from every place in the lineup, but I think 1-2 or 8-9 is where I’ll make my career,” Moore said.

The muscle pull has had unforeseen benefits, allowing Moore to adjust to the pro life.

“You never know,” he said, “this may be a blessing in disguise. This gave me time to work on the little things.”

, DataTimes