Thursday, December 10, 2009

Top 15 Hitters: #11 Ty Morrison

Ty Morrison
6"2" 170 lbs DOB: 7/22/1990
Outfielder
Bats: Left | Throws: Right
2009: Princeton
Acquired: 2008 Draft, 4th Round, 113th Overall

The Rays knew they would have to be patient with Morrison when they drafted, and they showed that patience in 2009, sending him back to Princeton even after an impressive showing in extended spring training.

Morrison is a very good athlete who has top-of-the-order skills. His best present tool is his speed, which he turned into 20 stolen bases in 2009, good for 5th in the Appalachian League. He shows a fluid swing and batting practice power, but he struck out more than once per game and his power has yet to translate to the games. He showed solid plate patience and pitch recognition, drawing 27 walks on his way to a .365 on-base percentage.

It's easy to dream on his body and skillset, but at this point he's still more projection than production. The Rays will likely take it one level at a time with Morrison, meaning a promotion to Hudson Valley for 2010. His plus speed gives him expansive range and makes him a solid center fielder, even with a fringe-average arm. If he's able to add strength and continue to refine his batting eye, he'll be a prototypical leadoff or #2 hitter.

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