Brandon

Moss

Portland holds a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five series. Moss, who turns 23 next week, had a big second half this year, batting .342/.414/.495 in 184 at-bats. The left-handed hitter unlikely to ever become a regular corner outfielder for Boston, but he should be a nifty reserve, and if he keeps hitting for average, it’s possible that another team will look at him as a platoon guy.

The Sea Dogs win came after Trenton had a runner thrown out at home plate by Moss in the top of the ninth. Moss went 5-for-17 with two homers in the series, which lasted four games. Portland will be facing either Akron or Altoona in the championship series. Those two clubs are playing a decisive fifth game in their series today.

A former top prospect, Moss batted .275/.368/.509 with 23 home runs and an .877 OPS in 506 plate appearances this season at the Triple-A level. He earned a mid-September callup, but was barely used by the Phils.

Moss went 3-for-3 with a home run and four RBI in his last Cactus League game Sunday. But it wasn’t enough to put him over the edge for a spot on the Oakland bench.

A former top prospect, Moss is competing for a bench role after posting 23 home runs and an .877 OPS with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate last season. Still, it’s more likely than not he opens the year in the minors.

Moss, 28, batted .275/.368/.509 with 23 home runs and an .877 OPS in 506 plate appearances this season at the Triple-A level and went 0-for-6 with the Phillies as a September call-up. The A’s have some uncertainty in their outfield right now, so this could be a opportune landing spot the former top prospect.

He took Justin Masterson deep in the fourth. Moss’ 13th bomb of the season was just his third in 28 games since the All-Star break. Having finally (predictably) cooled down from his scorching start, Moss is off the radar outside of deep AL-only leagues.

His solo shot off Zack Greinke brought the A’s to within 2-1 in the seventh inning, but that would be as close as they would get. Moss has flourished in a part-time role this season, hitting .257 with 16 homers and 35 RBI.

We’re assuming his absence is related to his recent wrist injury. Brandon Moss is starting in left field Monday while Jonny Gomes serves as the designated hitter.

Moss has started five of six games since his callup, so it looks like he’s going to get consistent at-bats so long as he hits. He’s done well thus far, posting a 1.080 OPS over 17 at-bats to go with three homers and four RBI. To be fair, three of his four hits are homers and he’ll have to improve his 2/5 K/BB ratio. He’s worth adding in AL-only leagues.