Why Does Matt Morris Appear So Hittable?

[TheAbreu]

I know he's given up just 1 run in 3 innings today, but I'm watching the game and wondering where his stuff has gone. This guy used to look dominant. Now it looks like he has a slightly above average fastball and a good curve. I'm not seeing a guy that looks dominant. I saw the same thing last week in him against Atlanta, where he looked very hittable and got by.

I'm worried about this coming inning with him. I just don't see how he can put up a good line tonight with the stuff he's showing. Then agian, this is the Mets.

My question for any Cards fans or guys that watch or know about Morris: where's his stuff gone?

[TheAbreu]

No Ks by the way thru 3

[Arlo]

Not a bad inning just now...

[warrick95]

He's tried to let guys hit his pitches instead of trying to K everybody. It's working thus far. His stuff is so good that guys can't do that much to his pitches anyway. Since it's easier to make contact, many are hitting homers...but overall, his WHIP numbers are super. He'll have a great year. I'm even questioning whether I should've dealt him and Durham for Zito, because I wouldn't be surprised if Matt Morris outpitched Barry Zito this year.

[TheAbreu]

You might be right. It's just that I'm used to seeing Ks and a dominant look out of Morris. He now appears like a guy that can give up a hit to a pitcher on a 0-2 count cuz his stuff doesn't look able to get Ks or dominate.

[TheAbreu]

There's another HR off Morris. Now it's 4-3

[AdvRider]

Same question re Russ Ortiz ... oh wait ... Russ IS hittable!

[rolenfan]

Morris has changed his style somewhat. He never really was a K pitcher, not overpowering. His recent arm problems have cost him a MPH or two on his fastball. His curve is still great. So he's now throwing his curve with 2K's instead of the heat. If he keeps it down, it works, either a K or a weak ground ball to Renteria or Rolen - any pitcher will take those odds.

The problem is, he doesn't always keep it down. When it is up, it goes a long way. Edmonds can't catch everything (but he comes pretty damn close).

Matt will be OK, don't give up on him. Some fielding snafu's hurt him last night. Don't count on him for a lot of K's or CG's, but his ERA will be good and he will get his wins.

BTW - it wan't supposed ot be his start - it was Suppan's turn. Matt may not have been mentally prepared. He's a guy who likes a steady routine.

[j_d_mcnugent]

some say his fastball is as much as 5mph slower than normal. he was working on a changeup during the spring but i dont really know how well that is going. so when you are basically a two pitch pitcher (fastball and curve) and one of them isnt working as well as it usually does you can find yourself getting into trouble from time to time.

[pilambp]

Remember, he's a FA at the end of this year so a lot of teams have their eyes on him. It's a weak market for pitchers this offseason, so a good performance from Morris might mean big money.