9th Round Pick - P Taylor Morton

[Hughes2.50]

Mike Axisa of RAB posted an article that featured Taylor Morton as a second day arm to follow. The article was written I believe, on Apr 26. Morton was selected on June 9th.

http://riveraveblues.com/2010/04/201...ol-arms-27314/

Morton features a fastball that sits at about 90-93 and can touch 94-95. Unlike most prep pitchers he has a strong change, and a weaker curve that the Yankees will surely work on (knuckle-curve). Morton is a potential quality starter in the majors..

Morton is another youngster with a high ceiling, and will be a high priority signee. He is committed to Tennessee and will probably sign at the August deadline - overslot.

[Matsui55]

Mike Axisa of RAB posted an article that featured Taylor Morton as a second day arm to follow. The article was written I believe, on Apr 26. Morton was selected on June 9th.

http://riveraveblues.com/2010/04/201...ol-arms-27314/

Morton features a fastball that sits at about 90-93 and can touch 94-95. Unlike most prep pitchers he has a strong change, and a weaker curve that the Yankees will surely work on (knuckle-curve). Morton is a potential quality starter in the majors..

Morton is another youngster with a high ceiling, and will be a high priority signee. He is committed to Tennessee and will probably sign at the August deadline - overslot.

As I recall, the commish only gets concerned about over-slot deals that are in the first 5 rounds. It is also unlikely with his skill set that the two sides will be talking 1st round money, so this should not present a major issue- we are probably talking $300-400,000.

[Hughes2.50]

As I recall, the commish only gets concerned about over-slot deals that are in the first 5 rounds. It is also unlikely with his skill set that the two sides will be talking 1st round money, so this should not present a major issue- we are probably talking $300-400,000.

I don't think so, but I hope you are right (about the money).

My sense is that he will sign for at least B. Mitchell/Stoneburner + money to get him - late.

[mbn007]

I thought the Commish. gets concerned about all over-slots for the fist 3-5 rounds, and then for all larger bonuses paid to later round picks. Not sure what defines "larger", but I would think that 400 K for a 9th rounder could be an area of concern for him.

[Hughes2.50]

I thought the Commish. gets concerned about all over-slots for the fist 3-5 rounds, and then for all larger bonuses paid to later round picks. Not sure what defines "larger", but I would think that 400 K for a 9th rounder could be an area of concern for him.

We can only hope that he comes that cheap. Expect more like 800k-1.2 mill instead. Which of course will be signiificant for a 9th rounder..

[mbn007]

We can only hope that he comes that cheap. Expect more like 800k-1.2 mill instead. Which of course will be signiificant for a 9th rounder..

Well, at that price, all bets are off. And he will not be signed until just before the deadline.

[Hughes2.50]

Taylor Morton is an exciting prospect who can make this 2010 draft one to remember. Yankee scouts have identified someone in Morton who has a 65 fastball and a 60 changeup already - with outstanding control. The Yankees pitching instructors have only to add the knuckle-curve to his repetoire to make him an elite pitching prospect.

[mwalvlior]

Taylor Morton is an exciting prospect who can make this 2010 draft one to remember. Yankee scouts have identified someone in Morton who has a 65 fastball and a 60 changeup already - with outstanding control. The Yankees pitching instructors have only to add the knuckle-curve to his repetoire to make him an elite pitching prospect.

i expect if (when) he signs that he would be in Charleston to start next year as he is an advanced prospect. I believe Encinas might be there as well for the combination of ability and the lack of great performances from the other low level pitchers this year.

[Hughes2.50]

i expect if (when) he signs that he would be in Charleston to start next year as he is an advanced prospect. I believe Encinas might be there as well for the combination of ability and the lack of great performances from the other low level pitchers this year.

Morton will be very advanced for a prospect out of High School. I think there is a very good chance he will start in Charleston (in 2011) - mostly because he will be dominant with his two pitches. Once he nails down the knuckle-curve (he should master that knuckle-curve well enough in his first season), it will be fast-track city.

[Januz]

Morton will be very advanced for a prospect out of High School. I think there is a very good chance he will start in Charleston (in 2011) - mostly because he will be dominant with his two pitches. Once he nails down the knuckle-curve (he should master that knuckle-curve well enough in his first season), it will be fast-track city.

I have no idea if he would consider it. But maybe Mike Mussina would not mind spending a week working with Morton on the knuckle curve? He would be a great teacher.

[Januz]

i expect if (when) he signs that he would be in Charleston to start next year as he is an advanced prospect. I believe Encinas might be there as well for the combination of ability and the lack of great performances from the other low level pitchers this year.

Bryan Mitchell was not bad on the lower level.

[yankstaketitle]

Bryan Mitchell was not bad on the lower level.

Mikey O'Brien as well

[Hughes2.50]

I have no idea if he would consider it. But maybe Mike Mussina would not mind spending a week working with Morton on the knuckle curve? He would be a great teacher.

That was the guy who taught Hughes the pitch. Nonetheless the Yankees pitching instructors have been teaching the knuckle-curve for years and have success teaching it. Morton wouldn't have to make significant alterations to his mechanics (which are already very strong) to throw the knuckle-curve.

[mwalvlior]

agree on both but they were the only two i could really think of. Gerritse and Richardson have been ok, not sure what they are planning with Marcano while most of the SI guys have struggled other than the aforementioned O'brien and Mike Gipson. Spots are there to be had in Charleston i believe and if guys like Morton and Encinas can show enough through the fall and early spring they can take them.

[mwalvlior]

would love it if moose would do it, but hughes is right the instructors in the system can do it as well. fastball, change, knuckle-curve as 3 plus pitches would be get exciting very quickly.

[Hughes2.50]

would love it if moose would do it, but hughes is right the instructors in the system can do it as well. fastball, change, knuckle-curve as 3 plus pitches would be get exciting very quickly.

Yes. His track through the system could he Hughesian.

[Hughes2.50]

agree on both but they were the only two i could really think of. Gerritse and Richardson have been ok, not sure what they are planning with Marcano while most of the SI guys have struggled other than the aforementioned O'brien and Mike Gipson. Spots are there to be had in Charleston i believe and if guys like Morton and Encinas can show enough through the fall and early spring they can take them.

Morton will be someone the Yankees expect to mow down low A lineups, with the fastball/changeup combination.