2023 Prospect Previews: Andrew Morris

Funny he was ranked #228 yet we picked him #114 overall. That's quite a difference.

“His fastball sits between 91-94 mph and tops out at 96 mph with some riding life. It’s likely the Twins will work to add some more velocity as he spends more time in the organization”
 

Why is that likely? You’re probably right, but it makes me scratch my head nonetheless. If they want him to have a chance to be a starter that can consistently go at least 5-6 innings, why make squeezing more velocity out of him a priority? He’s 6’-0”…I can’t imagine there’s a ton more velocity projection in a starting scenario. 91+ sound be fine if he commands this and a couple other offerings. And that’s what I would assume they would focus on first? Additional fastball velocity would be a much much lower priority in my mind, at least until the time they were to give up and convert him to full-time reliever.

1 hour ago, jkcarew said:

“His fastball sits between 91-94 mph and tops out at 96 mph with some riding life. It’s likely the Twins will work to add some more velocity as he spends more time in the organization”
 

Why is that likely? You’re probably right, but it makes me scratch my head nonetheless. If they want him to have a chance to be a starter that can consistently go at least 5-6 innings, why make squeezing more velocity out of him a priority? He’s 6’-0”…I can’t imagine there’s a ton more velocity projection in a starting scenario. 91+ sound be fine if he commands this and a couple other offerings. And that’s what I would assume they would focus on first? Additional fastball velocity would be a much much lower priority in my mind, at least until the time they were to give up and convert him to full-time reliever.

The AVERAGE MLB fastball last season was 93.9 MPH........there just isn't a lot of starting pitchers in baseball anymore (outside of some lefty junk ballers) who throw a 91 MPH fastball.  Think Dylan Bundy.

8 hours ago, Jamie Cameron said:

Just one ranking, wouldn't read to much into it. Twins also like to target guys 'on the rise' in these rounds. He had a really good stretch middle to end of season and some outlets aren't updating rankings past the top 100-150 in that much depth.

Thanks, I figured he was a good pick. His home state CO would have picked him up the same round if MN didn't choose him.

We like guys named Morris. Let's see what he can do with some time, patience and coaching. 

Who knows? Seems solid considering where he was picked but sometimes you hit it big in lower rounds. Edouard Julien comes to mind. 

On 3/2/2023 at 1:30 PM, Mike Sixel said:

Because pitchers don't throw that slowly anymore.....not good to great ones. It's a different world than even 5 years ago.

91-94 (as quoted in the article) is very close to current mlb average.  Also, Kenta Maeda.

Still, I'm not saying he (or anyone) wouldn't benefit from more velo...just that I don't see why that would be a priority yet...and I hope it would not come at the expense of stamina/durability so that he can get a good look as a starter.

On 3/2/2023 at 2:46 PM, cheeseheadgophfan said:

The AVERAGE MLB fastball last season was 93.9 MPH........there just isn't a lot of starting pitchers in baseball anymore (outside of some lefty junk ballers) who throw a 91 MPH fastball.  Think Dylan Bundy.

Or think Kenta Maeda...including 2020 Kenta Maeda.

The average would include relievers.  So, I'd bet the average MLB starter fastball was less than 93.9mph.  And regardless, the article states he's already throwing his fastball 91-94.