Chad Moeller Explained

Chad Moeller
Position:Catcher
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Birth Date:18 February 1975
Birth Place:Upland, California, U.S.
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:June 20
Debutyear:2000
Debutteam:Minnesota Twins
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:September 25
Finalyear:2010
Finalteam:New York Yankees
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Batting average
Stat1value:.226
Stat2label:Home runs
Stat2value:29
Stat3label:Runs batted in
Stat3value:132
Teams:

Chad Edward Moeller [MOE-ler] (born February 18, 1975) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2000 through 2010 for the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles.

Amateur career

Moeller attended Upland High School in California, where he lettered in football and baseball. He was teammates with future MLB players Geoff Jenkins, Jacque Jones, Morgan Ensberg and Randy Flores. The New York Yankees drafted Moeller in the 1993 MLB Draft, but he did not sign.[1] [2]

He attended the University of Southern California (USC) and played college baseball for the USC Trojans baseball team. In 1995, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.[3] [4] In 1996, he was an All-Pac-10 Conference selection. He tore his ACL on a home plate collision to end his college career.[5]

Professional career

Minnesota Twins

Despite the injury, Moeller was drafted in the seventh round (187th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins.[6] During his time in the Twins organization, he competed for playing time with Matt LeCroy and A.J. Pierzynski.[7] After LeCroy hit .170 in 48 games,[8] Moeller was called up to the majors. He made his debut on June 20, 2000, and got his first hit two days later against the Texas Rangers.[9] On July 29, Moeller hit his first homer, a tie-breaking, three-run inside-the-park home run against the New York Yankees.[10] When Moeller hit .216 through 33 games,[11] the Twins called up Pierzynski, who hit .303 the rest of the way.[12]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On March 28, 2001, Moeller was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Hanley Frias.[13] That year, he hit .232 in 25 games with the big league club.[14] During the 2002 season, Moeller was called up on July 15 and primarily caught Randy Johnson.[15] He was behind the plate for Johnson's 15 strikeout performance against the Montreal Expos on July 31; 16 strikeout game against the Chicago Cubs on August 25; and 17 strikeout performance against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 14.[16] [17] [18] On the last day of the season, he helped the Diamondbacks clinch home field advantage on the playoffs by homering twice and driving in six runs.[19] Moeller started Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Johnson allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in six innings in what would become a 12–2 loss.[20] [21]

After catcher Damian Miller was traded before the 2003 season, Moeller split catching duties with Rod Barajas.[22] He managed to hit .268 with seven home runs and 29 RBI that year, though Moeller lost favor in the organization and was rarely used in the last few weeks of the season.[23] [24]

Milwaukee Brewers

On December 1, 2003, the Diamondbacks included Moeller in a nine-player deal. He, along with Chris Capuano, Craig Counsell, Lyle Overbay, Jorge De La Rosa, and Junior Spivey, were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Shane Nance, Noochie Varner, and Richie Sexson.

On April 27, 2004, Moeller hit for the cycle against the Cincinnati Reds. He was the first Brewer to hit for the cycle at home, and the first since Paul Molitor did it on May 15, 1991.[25] [26] He became Ben Sheets' personal catcher that year[27] and caught his 18 strikeout performance against the Atlanta Braves on May 16.[28] After Moeller hit .208 in a career-high 101 games, the Brewers signed Damian Miller to be the starting catcher in 2005.[29]

In January 2006, he was named to Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2006 World Baseball Classic.[30] However, he was later dropped from the final roster.[31] He hit .184 in 29 games during the 2006 season and was designated for assignment on July 5. Moeller was then outrighted to Triple-A.[32] [33] [34] On July 15, he caught a combined no-hitter with the Sounds' Carlos Villanueva, Mike Meyers, and Alec Zumwalt.[35]

Cincinnati Reds

On November 27, 2006, Moeller signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds.[36] He began the season as one of three catchers on the 25-man roster. However, he was designated for assignment on April 18, 2007.[37] He hit .167 in 30 games over three stints with the Reds that season.

Los Angeles Dodgers

He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations on August 11, 2007.[38] Moeller spent time with the Las Vegas 51s in Triple-A[39] before he was called up in September.[40]

Washington Nationals

On November 27, 2007, Moeller signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training with the Washington Nationals.[41] He was released on March 9, 2008.[42]

New York Yankees

He signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on the same day he left the Nationals.[43] The Yankees purchased his contract on April 14 following injuries to Jorge Posada and José Molina.[44] On April 25, he was designated for assignment because it had been thought that Posada would be able to play through his injury.[45] Posada, however, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 28, and the Yankees added Moeller back to the active roster upon clearing assignment waivers on April 30.[46] He remained on the active roster following Posada's return from the disabled list and appeared at first base and third base for the first time in his career.[47]

Moeller was again designated for assignment on July 31 following the acquisition of Iván Rodríguez.[48] [49] He cleared waivers and returned to Triple-A Scranton.[50] Moeller rejoined the Yankees on September 1, when the rosters expanded.[51]

Baltimore Orioles

Moeller signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on December 12, 2008.[52] He was brought in to help mentor Matt Wieters during spring training. Moeller ultimately made the opening day roster as the backup catcher to Gregg Zaun.[53] After batting .200 with a .259 on-base percentage in fifteen games, he was designated for assignment on May 29 when the Orioles promoted top catching prospect Matt Wieters from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.[54] [55] Moeller cleared waivers five days later and was assigned to the Tides.[56] Moeller was recalled to Baltimore on August 7 when the Orioles traded catcher Gregg Zaun to the Tampa Bay Rays.[57]

Moeller was signed to a minor league contract which included an invitation to spring training with the Baltimore Orioles on December 4, 2009.[58] He was granted his release on April 1 after not making the team.[59]

New York Yankees (second stint)

On April 3, Moeller signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.[60] On May 20, he was called up to the Major League roster to back up Francisco Cervelli after another injury to Posada.[61] He played his first game of the season on May 29, starting against the Cleveland Indians.[62] On June 21, Moeller was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for outfielder Colin Curtis,[63] returning to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees on June 26.[64] He was called up again on September 1.[65]

Colorado Rockies

On January 19, 2011, Moeller signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies.[66] However, he was released on March 11.[67]

Personal life

Chad lives happily in Arizona with his three children. Moeller is the cousin of MLB coach Chris Cron, who is the father of C. J. Cron, and Kevin Cron.[68]

Moeller is now a youth baseball instructor and owns a batting cage facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.[69] [70] He is also the owner and operator of Team Dinger, which fields several youth baseball teams in Arizona.[71] [72] In 2016, he worked with Tim Tebow to help the former quarterback prepare for a career as a baseball player.[73]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1993 New York Yankees Draft Class - The Baseball Cube . February 19, 2024 . TheBaseballCube.com . en.
  2. Web site: Chad Moeller Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News . February 19, 2024 . MLB.com . en.
  3. Web site: Major League Baseball Players from the Cape Cod League. live. September 25, 2019. Cape Cod Baseball. https://web.archive.org/web/20121207020925/http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com:80/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf . December 7, 2012 .
  4. News: Cape Baseball League Results . 21 . The Cape Codder . Orleans, MA . July 21, 1995 .
  5. News: Kepner . Tyler . February 27, 2010 . The Dish: A Report on Pitchers by a Catcher to the Stars . February 19, 2024 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  6. Web site: 7th Round of the June 1996 Draft . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121105210154/http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1996&draft_round=7 . November 5, 2012 . September 1, 2010 . . Sports Reference.
  7. Web site: Lipshez . Ken . March 30, 2000 . Rock Cats' candidates battling for playing time . February 19, 2024 . The Middletown Press.
  8. Web site: Matt LeCroy 2000 Batting Game Logs . February 19, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  9. Web site: June 23, 2000 . Twins hand Rangers 3-2 setback . February 19, 2024 . The Oklahoman . en-US.
  10. Web site: July 30, 2000 . Twins' Late Rally Dooms Yanks - CBS News . February 19, 2024 . www.cbsnews.com . en-US.
  11. Web site: Chad Moeller 2000 Batting Game Logs . February 19, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  12. Web site: Jaffe . Jay . January 10, 2022 . JAWS and the 2022 Hall of Fame Ballot: A.J. Pierzynski . February 19, 2024 . FanGraphs Baseball.
  13. News: March 29, 2001 . TRANSACTIONS . February 20, 2024 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  14. Web site: Chad Moeller 2001 Batting Game Logs . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  15. Web site: Diamondbacks 5-3 Giants (Jul 16, 2002) Game Recap . February 20, 2024 . ESPN . en.
  16. Web site: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Montreal Expos Box Score: July 31, 2002 . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  17. Web site: Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks Box Score: August 25, 2002 . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  18. Web site: Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks Box Score: September 14, 2002 . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  19. News: REISNER . MEL . D'backs Clinch Home-Field Advantage . February 20, 2024 . The Edwardsville Intelligencer . en.
  20. Web site: Cardinals 12-2 Diamondbacks (Oct 1, 2002) Game Recap . February 20, 2024 . ESPN . en.
  21. Web site: 2002 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1, St. Louis Cardinals vs Arizona Diamondbacks: October 1, 2002 . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  22. Web site: March 28, 2003 . D'backs continue to rely heavily on Johnson, Schilling . February 19, 2024 . CBC Sports.
  23. Web site: Chad Moeller 2003 Batting Game Logs . February 20, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  24. Web site: December 1, 2003 . D-Backs acquire Sexson, ship six to Brewers . February 20, 2024 . ESPN.com . en.
  25. News: April 27, 2004 . Moeller becomes fifth Brewer to hit for cycle . September 1, 2010 . ESPN.
  26. Web site: April 28, 2004 . BASEBALL: ROUNDUP; Moeller Hits for Cycle As Brewers Top Reds . February 20, 2024 . The New York Times.
  27. Web site: April 3, 2010 . Yankees Sign Chad Moeller, Robby Hammock . February 21, 2024 . MLB Trade Rumors . en-US.
  28. Web site: Brewers 4-1 Braves (May 16, 2004) Game Recap . February 20, 2024 . ESPN . en.
  29. Web site: December 7, 2004 . Moeller re-signed by Brewers . February 20, 2024 . CBC Sports.
  30. Web site: Lefort . David . January 17, 2006 . 5 Sox on WBC rosters . February 21, 2024 . www.boston.com . en-US.
  31. Web site: February 14, 2006 . Clemens selected for U.S. 30-man WBC roster . February 21, 2024 . ESPN.com . en.
  32. Web site: Brewers 6-5 Reds (Jul 5, 2006) Game Recap . February 21, 2024 . ESPN . en.
  33. Web site: Press . Associated . July 11, 2006 . MOELLER TO NASHVILLE . February 21, 2024 . Wisconsin State Journal . en.
  34. Web site: McCalvy . Adam . March 14, 2006 . Brewers juggle roster before break . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20160108025830/http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/1542294 . January 8, 2016 . September 1, 2010 . . MLB.com.
  35. Web site: Rega . Marissa . July 15, 2006 . Nashville trio combines on no-hitter . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210729213949/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-106055 . July 29, 2021 . July 29, 2021 . . en.
  36. Web site: November 28, 2006 . Catcher Chad Moeller signs one-year deal with Reds . February 21, 2024 . ESPN.com . en.
  37. Web site: April 18, 2007 . Reds reinstate Hopper, designate Moeller . February 21, 2024 . ESPN.com . en.
  38. Web site: August 12, 2007. Dodgers get Moeller. live. July 29, 2021. Orlando Sentinel. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210117230159/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2007-08-12-bbnotes12-story.html . January 17, 2021 .
  39. Web site: August 24, 2007 . Moeller’s defense keeps career afloat . February 21, 2024 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . en-US.
  40. Web site: Bramlett . Jimmy . September 5, 2007 . Dodgers on a Three-Game Winning Streak . February 21, 2024 . LAist . en.
  41. Web site: Ladson . Bill . November 27, 2007 . Nationals sign 19 to 'Minor' deals . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20131213175813/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071127&content_id=2312592&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was . December 13, 2013 . July 29, 2021 . Washington Nationals.
  42. Web site: March 11, 2008 . A-Rod, Jorge Posada return; Yankees ink veteran Chad Moeller . February 22, 2024 . New York Daily News . en-US.
  43. Web site: Hoch. Bryan. March 10, 2008. Yankees sign veteran catcher Moeller. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20090206014728/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080310&content_id=2417035&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy. February 6, 2009. July 29, 2021. New York Yankees. MLB.com.
  44. Web site: King III. George A.. April 14, 2008. JOBA GONE AT LEAST THREE DAYS. live. July 30, 2021. New York Post. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20150930225715/http://nypost.com/2008/04/14/joba-gone-at-least-three-days/ . September 30, 2015 .
  45. Web site: Price . Ed . April 25, 2008 . 3-man bench tonight . February 22, 2024 . The Star-Ledger . en.
  46. Web site: Heyman . Jon . April 30, 2008 . The best manager in baseball (cont.) . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080502022234/http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/04/30/heyman.scioscia/1.html . May 2, 2008 . February 21, 2024 . Sports Illustrated.
  47. Web site: Chad Moeller 2008 Fielding Game Logs . February 22, 2024 . Baseball-Reference.com . en.
  48. Web site: Schwartz . Jordan . July 30, 2008 . What a Catch! Yanks Trade For Ivan Rodriguez . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175807/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/42522-what-a-catch-yanks-trade-for-ivan-rodriguez . July 30, 2021 . July 30, 2021 . . en.
  49. Web site: Kennelly . Lisa J. . August 1, 2008 . New York Yankees don't add starting pitcher at trading deadline . February 22, 2024 . nj.com . en.
  50. Web site: Price . Ed . August 7, 2008 . Shoulder lands New York Yankees' Joba Chamberlain on DL . February 22, 2024 . The Star-Ledger . en.
  51. Web site: Harris. Paul. September 1, 2008. Yanks limit callups to lefty and catcher. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20090204003335/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3400980&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy. February 4, 2009. July 30, 2021. New York Yankees. MLB.com.
  52. Web site: Nicholson-Smith. Ben. December 13, 2008. Odds and Ends: Sheets, Moeller, Yankees. live. July 30, 2021. MLB Trade Rumors. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20150323082036/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/odds-and-ends-s-4.html . March 23, 2015 .
  53. Web site: Schmuck . Peter . April 5, 2009 . Opening Day 25-man roster . February 22, 2024 . Baltimore Sun . en-US.
  54. Web site: May 29, 2009 . Orioles select contract of CA Matt Wieters . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928020101/http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090529&content_id=5026028&vkey=pr_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal&partnerId=ed-2586157-84345646&source=ed-2586157-84345646 . September 28, 2011 . September 1, 2010 . Baltimore Orioles.
  55. News: Press . The Associated . May 30, 2009 . Top Orioles Prospect Wieters Receives Early Call . February 22, 2024 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  56. Web site: Nicholson-Smith. Ben. June 3, 2009. Odds And Ends: Redding, Aurilia, Mariners. live. July 30, 2021. MLB Trade Rumors. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20090606053317/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com:80/2009/06/odds-and-ends-redding-aurilia-draft.html . June 6, 2009 .
  57. Web site: August 7, 2009. Orioles trade Zaun to make Wieters top catcher. live. July 30, 2021. ESPN. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384985 . July 30, 2021 .
  58. Web site: Zrebiec . Jeff . December 5, 2009 . Club Brings Back Moeller . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180123222256/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2009-12-05/sports/0912040134_1_orioles-notebook-orioles-opening-day-roster-minor-league-deal . January 23, 2018 . December 5, 2009 . Baltimore Sun.
  59. News: Zrebiec . Jeff . April 1, 2010 . Orioles grant Moeller an outright release . dead . https://archive.today/20120718142556/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-moeller0401,0,5387799.story . July 18, 2012 . April 1, 2010 . The Baltimore Sun.
  60. Web site: Jennings . Chad . April 3, 2010 . Thames makes the team, Moeller signed for Triple-A . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120910014458/http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/04/03/thames-makes-the-team-moeller-signed-for-triple-a/ . September 10, 2012 . July 30, 2021 . The LoHud Yankees Blog.
  61. News: Hoch. Bryan. May 20, 2010. Yanks call up Moeller and Russo. New York Yankees. MLB.com. bot: unknown. May 20, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20121104134952/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100520&content_id=10248526&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy#10249018. November 4, 2012.
  62. News: Britton . Tim . May 29, 2010 . Cano's slam makes Hughes' win easy . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100531193822/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100528&content_id=10548956&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy . May 31, 2010 . May 29, 2010 . . MLB.com.
  63. Web site: Carig. Marc. June 22, 2010. Yankees add flexibility to bench with Colin Curtis. live. July 30, 2021. NJ.com. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.nj.com/yankees/2010/06/yankees_add_flexibility_to_ben.html . July 30, 2021 .
  64. Web site: Transactions New York Yankees. live. September 1, 2010. New York Yankees. https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.mlb.com/yankees/roster/transactions/2010/06 . July 30, 2021 .
  65. News: Collins. Donnie. September 1, 2010. Yankees call up Albaladejo, Golson and Moeller. The Times-Tribune. September 1, 2010.
  66. Web site: Gleeman . Aaron . January 27, 2011 . Rockies sign Alfredo Amezaga and Chad Moeller . February 22, 2024 . NBC Sports . en-US.
  67. Web site: March 11, 2011 . Rockies Release Chad Moeller . February 22, 2024 . MLB Trade Rumors . en-US.
  68. Web site: Skoda. Jason P.. June 5, 2011. Siblings C.J. and Kevin Cron are both expected to go high in Major League Baseball's amateur draft – Ahwatukee Foothills News: Sports. live. July 12, 2014. Ahwatukee Foothills News. https://web.archive.org/web/20110609012415/http://www.ahwatukee.com:80/sports/article_5d5946cc-8e48-11e0-9e5d-001cc4c03286.html . June 9, 2011 .
  69. Web site: Baseball Clinics Schedule Information. live. July 3, 2016. Chad Moeller Baseball. https://web.archive.org/web/20120219192931/http://www.chadmoellerbaseball.com:80/baseball-clinics-calendar/ . February 19, 2012 .
  70. Web site: Chad Moeller « Scottsdale Batting Cages. live. July 3, 2016. Scottsdale Batting Cages. https://web.archive.org/web/20131008142749/http://www.scottsdalebattingcages.com:80/about/chad-moeller/ . October 8, 2013 .
  71. Web site: Kurland . Brett . September 21, 2016 . Former D-backs catcher Chad Moeller finds passion in teaching . February 22, 2024 . Arizona Sports . en.
  72. Web site: Team Dinger . February 22, 2024 . teamdinger.squadfusion.com.
  73. Web site: Feinsand . Mark . August 11, 2016 . VIDEO: Tim Tebow training for baseball career is no joke, says trainer and former Yankee Chad Moeller . February 22, 2024 . New York Daily News . en-US.

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