Enter White Sox top prospect Brent Morel, who won the Arizona Fall League’s batting title last season. Recently the September was promoted to the big leagues. Morel took the time to talk with myself, and a few other White Sox bloggers recently.
By Paul M. Banks
Morel, a 3rd round pick in ’08 out of Cal Poly was named defensive third basemen of the Carolina League last year.
“They (the Sox organization) just seem really pleased with me defensively right now. They’ve been telling me that defensively, I’m ready to play in the big leagues. It’s just getting my ABs in the minor leagues and developing a good approach to help me be successful when I get to the big leagues,” Morel told us on conference call..
When asked what he needs to improve upon most Morel answered: “My hitting approach and staying consistent at the plate. I think my defense is there, but developing a consistent approach, and trying to stay with the same approach every day.”
With Mark Teahen signed until 2012, you would conceive that Teahen’s an obstacle in Morel’s big league path. But that probably won’t be the case. Teahen saw time at multiple positions in Kansas City, and last year’s 3B, Gordon Beckham moved over to second base this season. According to what the organization has told Morel, it’s a good bet he won’t have to change positions in order to make the parent club.
“I had a good talk when I got invited to big league camp there for a while. And when we got a sitdown, we had meetings with Kenny Williams. He said whenever you’re ready, we’re gonna make room for you, don’t worry about this and that and guys in front of you and contracts. If you’re ready to play, you’re gonna play,” Morel said.
He’s gotten off to a slow start at Charlotte (hitting .114 in 34 ABs, after batting .324 in 182 ABs at AA Birmingham), but he could be ready for the show by this time next year. Baseball America rated him as the “Best Hitter for Average” and “Best Infield Arm” in the Sox system.
It will be interesting to see what effect hitting instructors have on his development through the ranks. I asked him just how much influence hitting coaches have had on his progress.
“Hitting coordinators have all helped me, but as far as the impact they have made, it’s more approach based and what to look for. Usually the roaming instructors only meet with you on a limited basis, so there isn’t a ton they can do aside from talk to you about situations and approach,” he responded.
One instructor who’s impacted Morel is Buddy Bell, and he discussed Bell’s influence on him:
“I have been privileged to have him as minor league coordinator. Hearing his take on the little things, stuff you don’t get coached on, he has really helped me a lot. He played the position at a high level, so when he talks about stuff like positioning, it’s a huge help, and something not a lot of guys see.”