2011 Minor League Ball Pitcher of the Year Award: Matt Moore

2011 Minor League Ball Pitcher of the Year: Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

The clear winner in the community poll for 2011 Minor League Ball Pitcher of the Year is Matt Moore of the Tampa Bay Rays. Moore began the year with Double-A Montgomery, going 8-3, 2.20 ERA with a 131/28 K/BB in 102 innings and just 68 hits allowed. Promoted to Triple-A Durham, he went 4-0, 1.37 in nine starts with a 79/18 K/BB in 53 innings and 33 hits allowed. Overall, he went 12-3, 1.92 with a 210/46 K/BB in 155 innings, a mere 101 hits allowed, and a .184 average against.

Moore has greatly improved his command over the last two years, showing sharper control of his low-to-mid-90s fastball, killer curve, and improved changeup. He has the look of a future number one starter, and is ready to contribute in the majors now.