Jimmy
Morris

Morris, a 2017 right-handed hitting middle infielder, stands at 6-foot-1 and and weighs 175 pounds, ran a 7.72 60. Offensively- Starts from a square lower half, weight slightly shifted to the back side with the hands held above the back shoulder while the barrel of the bat is parallel to ground resting on the back shoulder. Initiates the swing with a lifting of the front foot, with the lead hip angling up a bit, striding forward while the hands are loaded straight back slightly outside the back shoulder and barrel of the bat wrapped around the back of the head. Barrel of the bat stayed compact and tight during batting practice, displaying an ability to drive the ball well from the pull side gap to the opposite field gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 MPH which was a personal best. Defensively- Approaches the ball a bit tentatively, however gets the feet set with the right foot slightly behind the left foot. Fields the ball with both hands in front of the body, transferring quickly from the waist which helps the upper and lower half in sync.Throws could show more velocity than the 72 MPH shown, if more leg drive could be established.  Pitching- Starts from the third base side of the rubber with both hands held chest height. Gets to the gathered position using a heavy step to the first base side of the rubber while the pivot foot drags center rubber and hands are lowered well below the waist before elevating above the chest area and lead knee getting well above the waist with an inward rotation of the lead hip. Sticks the landing with the lead toe pointed towards the catcher, however the hand separation is a bit late causing some arm drag with the lead elbow getting loose well outside the body. The fastball  topping out at 71 MPH, thrown from a mid ¾ arm slot, quality arm side run but could get better extension on release which would help work the ball to the outer third of the plate. The curveball, showed 11-to-5 shape, staying in the lower third of the zone and topping out at 61 MPH. The changeup showed quality but inconsistent depth and could use more of a differential in speed off the fastball at 65 MPH.

Pitching- On the mound, showed a slightly higher than ¾ arm slot with a loose arm swing. The delivery needs to be smoothed out, as its rigid right now. The post foot is on top of the rubber, causing forward lean, and his arm to be stretched out and late. Would like to see his foot evenly placed in front of the rubber, starting balance at lift. The shoulders need to be tracked to foot strike allowing him to get into his proper arm slot. The glove pull on the front side and misdirection cause for lower velocity and minimal command of the ball. The fastball sat in the 67-71 mph range, the breaking pitch is 59-61 mph. The changeup is a work in progress at 63 mph. The frame is good and with some tweaking he could add  to his pitches. Offensively- Has a tee exit velocity of 84 mph. Starts with an even base and even handed setup. The path is in and out of the strike zone, as it needs to be flattened. With a flatter path comes a better contact point and the ability to cover the strike zone. The bottom half has a pick up and put down of the front foot, causing a small amount of forward lean to it.Defensively- Threw 69 mph from the infield, prep steps needs to be cleaned up to help him work through the ball as he stops his feet and has to restart them. The glove is solid on the ground balls.