Morris

[StlSluggers]

I have been considering taking Morris in a contract league, but his $3.0, 1-yr price tag is a bit steep in this $105 league. I checked his ST stats, and they're not bad. I just wish he had pitched more than 2 innings.

0.00 ERA, 2.0 IP 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

What do you guys think of Matt so far (if anything), and what about the price in this league? I keep thinking it's too much, but I could be convinced otherwise.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

I'm used to $260 caps, so doing a little math, $3 in a $105 is about 2.8% of your cap, which translates into $7-$8 in a $260, which I think is probably as high as I'd go on him right now. He could be really good or it could be '04 all over again. I would tend to lean towards the former, just because of his track record, but it's a gamble nonetheless. It depends on what else you've got, but I think he could be expendable at that price. Hope that helps.

[so0perspam]

I'm used to $260 caps, so doing a little math, $3 in a $105 is about 2.8% of your cap, which translates into $7-$8 in a $260, which I think is probably as high as I'd go on him right now. He could be really good or it could be '04 all over again. I would tend to lean towards the former, just because of his track record, but it's a gamble nonetheless. It depends on what else you've got, but I think he could be expendable at that price. Hope that helps.

Very good advice, I agree.

[StlSluggers]

I waited to see how Morris would do yesterday. He was pretty good, so I put my bid on Matt this morning.

Here's his ST line so far:

5.0 IP, 5H, 1 ER, 1.80 ERA, 1 BB, 7 K... and most importantly 0 HR!!!

I don't want to get my hopes up too early, but those numbers - particularly the K/IP & K/BB ratios - are very nice.

[j_d_mcnugent]

in his first start he was throwing 85-88mph. thats not bad considering where he is at in his recovery. i havent heard any reports on his speed for his last two outings though. hopefully he can get back over 90. supposedly his curve ball is actually curving which is a great sign. he wasnt able to consistently throw his trademark 12-6 curve last year. all the news so far has been encouraging although i am trying to temper my enthusiasm. i think he is a good gamble in the later rounds but i am not familiar with contract leagues so i cant really comment about the price.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

supposedly his curve ball is actually curving which is a great sign.

I would probably classify that as a "good" sign.

i am trying to temper my enthusiasm.

I think that's about where I am as well. He won't cost much unless he hits all his incentives though, so that's a big plus, at least in real life.

[Pogotheostrich]

Some Morris news from the BirdHouse

(03/28) Matt Morris Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan revealed on Sunday that Matt Morris will start Opening Day ... for the Palm Beach Cardinals, that is. According to the Cardinals official website they plan to have Morris start the season on the disabled list, making what will be considered rehabilitation starts in the minors for the first two weeks of April.
Morris will pitch April 7 and 13 for the high Class A club before making his regular-season Major League debut on April 19 against the Pirates. He will pitch in South Florida rather than at Double-A Springfield or at Memphis because the weather is more likely to be forgiving at Roger Dean Stadium.

We had projected earlier that Morris would most likely make his first major league appearance on April the 20th, so you can expect him to start a day earlier.

[JTWood]

Right on queue:

M Morris 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR

At least the ratios are still good...

On a different note, this is the second time I've listened to the Cards/Mets this pre-season. Am I the only one that thinks the Mets are playing pretty well right now (despite the fact that they gave up 10 runs today)? Again, I know ST doesn't count, but I have to believe that they will be giving Atlanta a hefty run for their money this year.

[j_d_mcnugent]

well it looked like everyone got hit pretty hard in that game.

as for the mets, a lot depends on their pitching. does old man glavine have anything left in the tank? is kris benson a stud or dud? can the pitching coach work some magic on zambrano and ishii? their bullpen isnt too great either from what i hear.

[StlSluggers]

well it looked like everyone got hit pretty hard in that game.

as for the mets, a lot depends on their pitching. does old man glavine have anything left in the tank? is kris benson a stud or dud? can the pitching coach work some magic on zambrano and ishii? their bullpen isnt too great either from what i hear.

I'll definitely give you that one. In the two games that I listened to, we did most of our scoring off of their pen. Maybe they're just playing well this spring. We'll see. Either way, the Mets seem a ton better/more confident than they ever were at any point last year.