Michael Morse???

[wildcard]

Could someone that watches Nats baseball give me a scouting report on Michael Morse?

I see that the Nats off season priority is to add a leadoff hitter. Michael Bourn is their target I believe. If they sign him and resign LaRoche, that may put Michael Morse and his $7M salary on the market. He is a big guy who had a high OBP in 2010-2011. Doesn't seem to strike out a terrible amount. Maybe 120 K in 500 at bats.

How is his defensively at first and in left field? Might he be someone the DD is looking at this off season?

I don't watch Nats baseball so would like to hear opinions from those who do. Thanks.

[russ snyder]

Could someone that watches Nats baseball give me a scouting report on Michael Morse?

I see that the Nats off season priority is to add a leadoff hitter. Michael Bourn is their target I believe. If they sign him and resign LaRoche, that may put Michael Morse and his $7M salary on the market. He is a big guy who had a high OBP in 2010-2011. Doesn't seem to strike out a terrible amount. Maybe 120 K in 500 at bats.

How is his defensively at first and in left field? Might he be someone the DD is looking at this off season?

I don't watch Nats baseball so would like to hear opinions from those who do. Thanks.

I watch a bit of Nats baseball. ( I'll watch them if the Orioles are not playing.) I think Morse would be an ideal guy to replace Reynolds if they decide to let him walk. He's a big guy who moves pretty well for his size. ( I'm pretty sure that he was originally signed by Seattle as a shortstop.) From what I've seen he's an average left fielder, I have not seen him play all that much at first, but I doubt that he wouldn't at least be serviceable.

[ScottP]

If the Nats let LaRoche walk, they may move Morse to 1B and look outside for another LF; or they could put Moore at 1B and leave Morse out in LF. Don't think Rizzo's looking to trade him, and if he did, it would cost.

[wildcard]

I found this which speculates that if the Nats sign Bourn then Morse may be traded.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...s-potential-im

[wildcard]

Washington Post article where Bourn says Nats were interested in him at the trade deadline.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...huaW_blog.html

[Dark Helmet]

I found this which speculates that if the Nats sign Bourn then Morse may be traded.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...s-potential-im

Not if LaRoche isnt back. Morse would then go to 1b most likely.

[CharmCityLights]

They had been looking at Bourn for some time, especially before they called up Harper. I've read that they want to see more of Tyler Moore. He'd be at 1st; Morse would then stay in the outfield. Bernadina is their 4th outfielder. I just don't see where Bourn fits in now. It seems they are more likely to trade Espinosa.

[SrMeowMeow]

I see no big reason to prefer Morse to Reynolds. I'd project them for pretty similar lines and give Reynolds the edge on OBP despite giving away 50 or 60 points of batting average, and on 1B defense.

[luismatos4prez]

I see no reason to trade anything of value for Michael Morse, when we could have Reynolds without giving up any prospects. I'd feel the same way if the positions were switched probably.

If we're trading value, it should be for a significant upgrade, not a moderate at best upgrade which I think Morse represents.

[wildcard]

I think DD has made it pretty clear that what he is trying to do is add a MOO bat. It does not sound like he considers Reynolds a MOO bat because of his all or nothing style of hitting (Yes, I know he will take a walk).

So whether its Willingham or Butler or someone else, a MMO bat is what DD is after. I was wondering if Morse qualified. His 2010 and 2011 numbers look like he might but that is just numbers.

I am still not convinced that DD will find what he is looking for at a price that is better than just keeping Reynolds.

[SrMeowMeow]

I honestly can't believe that what started as vicious satire - "MOO bat" - has entered common usage.

And then the idea of "qualifying" as a MOO bat just makes me sad. Willingham's an above-average hitter, certainly not some kind of mythical presence. Ditto for Butler - career OPS for both are in the 850 range. Is that really "MOO" quality? What's the cutoff?

[luismatos4prez]

I honestly can't believe that what started as vicious satire - "MOO bat" - has entered common usage.

And then the idea of "qualifying" as a MOO bat just makes me sad. Willingham's an above-average hitter, certainly not some kind of mythical presence. Ditto for Butler - career OPS for both are in the 850 range. Is that really "MOO" quality? What's the cutoff?

Willingham and Butler were both Top 10 hitters in the AL by pretty much any meaningful measure last year. Willingham was probably just having a career year, since his numbers were way higher than his career averages. But Butler is a legitimate Top 10 hitter in the AL.

[SrMeowMeow]

Willingham and Butler were both Top 10 hitters in the AL by pretty much any meaningful measure last year. Willingham was probably just having a career year, since his numbers were way higher than his career averages. But Butler is a legitimate Top 10 hitter in the AL.

Willingham was 12th and Butler 15th by wOBA last season. Butler's good, but Willingham's just okay. I wasn't mocking either hitter, though - just the idea that "MOO bat" has some objective criteria.

[Frobby]

I see no big reason to prefer Morse to Reynolds. I'd project them for pretty similar lines and give Reynolds the edge on OBP despite giving away 50 or 60 points of batting average, and on 1B defense.

Morse is a better hitter than Reynolds. He's a mediocre defender. He was injured for two months in 2012 and then struggled for three weeks, but had an .835 OPS for the final 88 games.

[SrMeowMeow]

Morse is a better hitter than Reynolds. He's a mediocre defender. He was injured for two months in 2012 and then struggled for three weeks, but had an .835 OPS for the final 88 games.

I've already penciled in Reynolds for +15 defense at 1B next season. And it's in permanent pencil.