Ramon Morla
| IP | 56 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.821 |
| WHIP | 1.375 |
| BB/9 | 4.179 |
| SO/9 | 10.607 |
- Full name Ramon Antonio Morla
- Born 11/20/1989 in Ramon Santana, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2006, Morla has moved slowly and wasn't able to handle full-season pitching until 2012, his sixth pro season. His best tool is his plus-plus raw power. He has a short, balanced swing with strong wrists and forearms. The ball screams off his bat, and while he'll likely be a below-average hitter, he should make enough contact to hit at least 15 homers a year. Pitch recognition will determine how much Morla will produce at the plate. He's an aggressive hitter who strikes out a lot and doesn't draw many walks. His speed and defense are both fringy. He doesn't have good footwork at third base and made 34 errors last season, the fourth-most in the Midwest League. He does have well above-average arm strength, which would still be an asset if he has to move to an outfield corner. He'll spend 2013 in high Class A at age 23. Because Morla has been slow to develop, the Mariners haven't protected him on their 40-man roster even though he became eligible for the Rule 5 draft after the 2010 season. -
No Mariners farmhand took a bigger leap forward in 2010 than Morla. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2006, he made his U.S. debut three years later, when a broken hand limited him to 102 at-bats. Fully healthy in 2010, he led the Rookie-level Appalachian League with 17 homers while finishing second in batting (.323), hits (81) and RBIs (49). Morla has five-tool potential but stands out mostly for his bat. He has simple swing mechanics and exceptional balance at the plate, though his stroke can get too big at times. He has strength in his wrists and above-average bat speed, so the ball really jumps off his bat. He can drive the ball out to all fields and hit several homers to straightaway center last year. He's also an above-average runner with good athleticism. Morla played shortstop before moving to third base full-time in 2010. He has good range and agility, along with a strong but erratic arm. Most of his 21 errors last season came on throws. He also shows strong leadership skills, frequently going to the mound to settle down Pulaski pitchers when they got rattled. Morla's development path could speed up if he handles his first full-season assignment in Clinton with aplomb in 2011.
Minor League Top Prospects
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With 17 home runs, Morla went deep more often than any Appy Leaguer since Danville's Eric Campbell hit 18 in 2005. Morla resembles '05 vintage Campbell in that he's a 20-year-old third baseman with solid supporting tools. Campbell quickly wore out his welcome with the Braves and ultimately earned his release in August 2009, but Morla won over the entire league with his intelligent play, leadership qualities and well above-average power to all fields. "He can hit the ball out anywhere," Pulaski batting coach Rafael Santo Domingo said, "even to deepest straightaway center field." Far from a one-dimensional slugger, Morla maintains balance at the plate and barrels the ball well. His swing got big and the strikeouts piled up when he tried to overpower pitches. To his credit, he finished (a distant) second in the batting race to Arcia while running well enough to steal 13 bases and lead the league with 60 runs scored. Morla should slow down as he matures, but he shows good range and soft hands at third base, with first-step quickness to both sides. He completes the defensive picture with a strong, accurate throwing arm.
