Carlos Morla

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #29 prospect in 2004
  Morla didn't make it to Augusta until mid-May last year because his entry into the United States was delayed after it was learned that he had been playing under a false identity. Previously known as Denny Tussen, he also turned out to be a year older than previously believed. Because he has the best sheer velocity in the system, his prospect status was unaffected. There's some Pedro Martinez in Morla, who's a 6-foot Dominican with long fingers, a quick arm, a low three-quarters arm slot and lively 93-97 mph heat. But the similarities end there, as Morla is a one-pitch guy with shaky command. The Red Sox think he'd be more effective at a higher arm angle, and it varies so much that it's hard for him to be consistent with his pitches. He's in love with his fastball and hasn't developed his other pitches. At times he'll get bite on his curveball, but when he doesn't stay on top of the pitch it becomes a less effective slurve. He rarely throws his changeup. Morla missed all of 2001 with elbow problems but has been healthy since. He projects as a reliever but still needs at least one more pitch for that role. He'll move up to high Class A in 2004.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #24 prospect in 2003