Chris Morris

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #26 prospect in 2003
  Another late-season pickup, Morris came from the Cardinals in the Jamey Wright deal. He's a more talented version of Chad Green, another speedster who was a bust as Milwaukee's 1996 first-round pick. Unlike Green, Morris knows he's not a power hitter, has developed into a decent bunter and appreciates the value of a walk. Though he still whiffs far too often, Morris capitalizes on his blazing speed, which rates a 75 on the 20-to-80 scouting scale. He led NCAA Division I with 84 steals in 94 attempts in 2000, and he topped all minor leaguers with 111 swipes in 135 tries in 2001. Despite his wheels, Morris' outfield defense isn't a significant asset. He lacks strength and got the bat knocked out of his hands too often in 2002. He's going to have to adjust and become an on-base machine to warrant big league playing time.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #19 prospect in 2002
  The Cardinals drafted Morris out of The Citadel because of his speed. He led NCAA Division I with 84 steals in 94 attempts in 2000, and finished one off the New York-Penn League lead with 42 after signing, despite batting a paltry .170. That made him look like the second coming of Esix Snead, who stole 109 bases in 2000 and was lost on waivers to the Mets after the 2001 season because he never developed a good approach to hitting. But Morris showed potential with the bat in 2001, raising his overall average 60 points after ending May with a .234 average. In addition to leading the Midwest League with 111 steals (and 24 failed attempts), he also topped the low Class A league with 83 walks. He's a 75 runner on the 20-to-80 scouting scale even though he's short and stocky. Morris is a go-getter and developed into a strong bunter when he hurt his thumb in instructional league after the 2000 season and had to bunt nearly every time at bat. He was able to get on base then though everyone knew what was coming. Morris has no power to speak of and still needs to hone his swing and put the ball in play more. He has the speed to play anywhere in the outfield, but he needs work on other aspects of his defense, such as his routes to balls. He'll move up to high Class A and could move faster if he can handle better pitching.