Here’s your numero uno BUY LOW candidate in the fantasy prospect world – Logan Morrison – served on a championship platter.
In 2008, Morrison had a .332 BA, 38 doubles, 13 HRs, .402 OBP and .494 SLG at High-A. In an injury-shortened, 2009 season, the 6-4, 245-pound first baseman posted the following stats between High-A and Double-A: .277 BA, 8 HRs, .408 OBP and .439 SLG. Let me guess, the power numbers just don’t make you tingle, right?
As always, we must look closer. At High-A, it’s not surprising that Morrison wasn’t “bombs-away.” He played in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League and his home park was the cavernous Roger Dean Stadium (home of the Jupiter Hammerheads). Further, don’t you think some of those 38 doubles are going to turn into dingers as he advances?
Where was the power last year? Well, Morrison suffered a fracture at the base of his right thumb in April and missed approximately two months of the season. There’s no question the injury impacted his hitting and sapped his power after his return to action in June.
Trust me, Morrison has legit pop. He has already displayed the trait. At Low-A (in 2007), Morrison hit 24 HRs and had a .216 ISO average (SLG-AVG). I’ve watched this dude in batting practice – he puts on a home run show. Listen, Morrison isn’t going to hit as many bombs as a guy like Justin Morneau. In fact, he has compared himself to James Loney because of his hitting approach. That said, more power will come.
Along with the power potential, I’m in fantasy love with Morrison because of his pure hitting ability and plate recognition. Morrison had a 1.37 BB/K ratio and 84-percent contact rate at Double-A. The 22-year-old is extremely patient (18.5% BB rate at Double-A) and stays back on pitches to hit ropes to all fields. These underlying indicators all demonstrate that Logan knows what he’s doing at the dish.
Morrison has played some outfield in his minor league career. Thus, the trade of Jeremy Hermida could open up a spot for Morrison in the OF at some point next year. At the very least, Morrison is the first baseman of the future for the Marlins. Gaby Sanchez doesn’t possess even half of Morrison’s tools.
“Bam” Morrison will be planted in the Marlins’ lineup by Opening Day 2011. Seriously, just imagine what Morrison will do surrounded by Hanley Ramirez and fellow-prospect Mike Stanton in the Fish batting order. Expect a .295-.315 BA, 20-25 HRs, and .390-plus OBP when Morrison is in his prime.
