2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: RHP Michael Morrison

The Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliates seasons are now officially in the books. With another season completed, the time has come for me to announce the 2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team.

In an effort to reward less talked about prospects, only players that did not receive a call-up to Detroit this season were eligible. While you may recognize some of the names, remember these awards aren’t a pronouncement of the Tigers top prospects. The awards were based heavily upon the best overall statistical season per position.

Similar to previous years, the breakdown of the roster will consist of one player per position, a designated hitter, five starting pitchers and five relievers.

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: RHP Michael Morrison

TEAM: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers

STATS:  46 1/3 IP   2-0   2.72 ERA   1.08 WHIP   5.1 H/9   4.7 BB/9    9.7 K/9   1 HR

The Detroit Tigers selected right-handed pitcher Michael Morrison in the 29th round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Cal State Fullerton University. The soon-to-be 24-year-old stands 6′ 1″ tall and weighs 210 pounds.

Morrison quickly signed and made his Tigers debut in 2009 with Oneonta Tigers in the NYPL. He posted a 3.26 ERA 1.35 WHIP and an impressive 12.1 K/9 ratio over 19 1/3 innings. Unfortunately Morrison appeared in just three games for Lakeland in 2010 as he was forced to undergo the dreaded Tommy John surgery. He responded very well from the surgery though and was a solid arm out of the Flying Tigers ‘pen last season.

Fresh off of surgery Morrison logged 46 1/3 innings which was definitely an encouraging sight. He continues to avoid the long ball–just 1 in his brief career–and strike out over a batter an inning. The walks could come down a tick but he continues to post a respectable WHIP and ERA. I think it’s same to say that some of the walks and control problems could possibly be equated to this being his first action since early 2010. So as good as 2011 was for Morrison, we may have yet to see the best from the young right-hander. Scouts only profile him as a sixth or seventh inning guy down the road. Regardless, Morrison impressed me this season and I encourage you to add him to your list of Tigers pitching prospects on the rise.

Congratulations to Michael Morrison for an outstanding 2011 season!

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Stars

POSITION PLAYERS

C Rob Brantly

3B Nick Castellanos  

SS Gustavo Nunez

2B Brandon Douglas

1B Jordan Lennerton

OF Danry Vasquez 

OF Avisail Garcia 

OF Jamie Johnson 

DH Tony Plagman

STARTING ROTATION

SP Drew Smyly

SP Alex Burgos 

SP Kevin Eichhorn

SP Casey Crosby

SP Fu-Te Ni 

BULLPEN

RP Austin Wood 

RP Kenny Faulk 

RP Bruce Rondon

RP Michael Torrealba

RP Michael Morrison

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