Comments on: Morris & Applebee Signed

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:50:09 +0000

Leake has more velocity on the FB, has two more average to solid average pitches, and a deeper track record against better competition.

By: Ronny

Ronny — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:48:52 +0000

Okay. So what’s the difference between Mike Leake and AJ Morris?

By: Todd Boss

Todd Boss — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:46:40 +0000

Morris had a fantastic year, beating several first rounders along the way (Leake, Gibson, Oliver, Volz), going 4-0 against top-10 teams and 8-0 against tournament teams (I posted this analysis during the run-up to the draft, but I can't find it right now).

You have to think his value falls because of his size and scouts perceptions of what a MLB-ready pitcher looks like.

I hope he goes to Hagerstown for two reasons: he's an accomplished college starter/a graduating senior and that's where he belongs. And, Vermont already has 6-7 starters they're trying to vet. At Hagerstown he could replace Pecina or Peacock for a bit, work his way into Professional life and move up to Harrisburg quickly (where we desperately need quality starters).

By: RD

RD — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:43:23 +0000

Seems like Applebee should be slated for Vermont to me. He’s a guy who has average stuff but knows how to hit his spots and change speeds. He won’t learn much by going to the GCL.

By: dd

dd — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:03:01 +0000

From R.B.I. on Morris: -”Ranking: #19 (82)” -”While Morris has good stuff, it doesn’t compare favorably to other second-tier college pitchers, like South Carolina’s Sam Dyson and Lipscomb’s Rex Brothers. Morris also doesn’t have ideal size.” -”The second tier of the college pitching crop in ‘09 is composed of two types of pitchers: ones with superior stuff and questionable numbers and another group with average stuff who have dominated college baseball. Morris is a member of the latter group”

By: Dick Salmon

Dick Salmon — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:16:54 +0000

Mark: The Big 12 is probably a lot better than you give it credit for, particularly since it produced the runners up for the National Championship. Morris definitely faced good competition this season and was named pitcher of the year in the conference, beating out players such as Kyle Gibson for the honor.

All that means nothing now, we'll see how he does as a pro.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:56:55 +0000

Brian – Morris had quite a year in college. Why did he “slip” to fourth round, based on his accomplishments? The Big 12 isn’t a baseball hub – is that the reason?

By: Ronny

Ronny — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:45:24 +0000

I’m not sure about Applebee but I heard Morris will be reporting to Hagerstown.