Morton pitching aggressive this spring, eyes 5th spot
By the way that Charlie Morton has pitched this spring, It looks like he is the front runner for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
After a disastrous 2010 season (a 2-12 record with a 7.57 ERA), Morton appears more confident this year –both on and off the mound. He is battling Lefty Scott Olsen and Former First round pick in 2006, Brad Lincoln, for the final spot in the rotation.
Charlie Morton told Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “I feel like I’m pitching well enough this spring to be in the rotation, but it’s not my call. I know I can pitch in the majors. I’ve done it before.”
“For the most part, I think I’ve been pretty aggressive,” Morton said. “I mean, there’s some things I’m working on. But I’m just glad to get out there and compete.
“Fastball command is huge. Keeping the ball down. Doing everything the same coming out of my hand, making sure I have the same arm angle on every pitch. Trying to be aggressive and consistent. Staying aggressive.”
So far this spring, Morton has allowed two earned runs on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts over eight innings.
*Photo credit: Tribune-Review
Kristy Robinson
Now if Morton makes it, are you going to nickname him “Salty”? Seriously, it is always great when there is at least one rotation spot up for grabs and you see the competitive nature of your prospects and vets hammering for that firm grip on that spot.
Sounds like
Morton is doing the right things to get consideration, hopefully it is enough to get him more than causal consideration for that last spot. I think his next start will play a lot into the decision making process….A good outing can go a long way into closing the door more for Morton.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
If Morton pitches well this year, I will call him whatever he likes. He has incredible stuff, and I’m hoping Searage and Hurdle’s effect really has his confidence staying high into the season. At spring training, he looked like a different pitcher on the mound but it’s still early.
I really do have my fingers crossed for him. He’s a good guy and the Pirates really need the pitching to do well this year.
Olsen is a little far behind to make the No. 5 job (imo). He is scheduled to throw one or two innings today, but that only stretches him out to five innings by the time the season starts.
Brad Lincoln has been giving Morton some competition this spring, but since Charlie has no options and Brad does, I’m thinking he is the odd man out (Unless, James McDonald is still sidelined). If optioned to AAA, I’d expect Lincoln back up soon.
-Kristy
I agree with you both, it is exciting when a pitching spot opens up and you can watching them at spring training really trying to nail the opening spot. The Giants are “auditioning” for the 11th (reliever) spot, and it’s looking like it should go to Vogalsong. Not only is he pitching fantastically, but his story is romantic – going away to Japan for the past five years and coming back in this kind of shape… just the kind of drama San Francisco likes, right?
Great to read your blog. The Pirates have always been a favorite of mine.
Does Charlie have his dog at camp this year?
hey dancermarie,
Thanks for reading my blog. I like to follow your Giants. I lived in LA for four years (and even though they are a huge rivalry) I anways enjoyed watching them play each other a lot. Even made 4 or 5 trips to At&t park. I love, love SF.
That’s a great story about Vogalsong. I’ll be sure to read up on him.
Do you have a blog or are you on twitter?
-Kristy
Hey Stofan,
I’m not sure if his dog is with him this year. I know it was last year. I’m not in Bradenton anymore so unfortunately I can’t ask him for ya.
-Kristy