Nyjer Morgan: Should He be Here?

by Charlie Wilmoth on May 5, 2008 6:18 PM EDT

Neal Huntington on Nyjer Morgan:

"If we're beginning to slow Nyjer's development process, we're going to have to look at a move," Huntington said. "I don't want to say Nyjer's going to be optioned out in the near future, but the reality is we've got to do the right thing for him."

I won't beat a dead horse here; regular readers already know that I don't think the 27-year-old Morgan is still a developing player. Yes, he used to play hockey, but he's had five years in the minors to get used to carrying a bat instead of a stick.

So the question, to me, is not his "development" but, instead, exactly what he's doing on the team. Morgan has posted just four hits in just 28 at bats despite being on the roster since the beginning of the season. With his questionable baserunning so far and the speedy Brian Bixler also on the roster, what's the point of having Morgan on the roster just to pinch-run?

Meanwhile, the Pirates' bench has sorely lacked hitting of any kind. (Seriously, look at it -- it's sad.) Why shouldn't the Pirates send Morgan down and see if they can improve their bench by adding someone who can hit? Kevin Thompson is hitting .350/.409/.575 at Indianapolis so far. He isn't anyone's idea of a great player, but he wouldn't have to be great to be the Pirates' best bench guy by a mile. There's literally no downside here to moving him up.

A couple quick notes:

-P- The Tigers designated Jacque Jones for assignment; I suppose Detroit's sluggish start was all Jones' fault. I'm no fan of Jones, but I can't believe he can't still be a good bench player; he's not a terrible defensive corner outfielder, and he's only two years removed from hitting 27 homers for the Cubs. He won't be suiting up for the Pirates, obviously.

-P- The Worst GM finals will close tomorrow, so get those ballots in.

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Comments

Just thought I'd correct you on this

“The Bucs also have three spots open on their 40-man roster. There’s literally no downside here to moving him up.”

Since the Mighty Meek was DFA’d that opened up another spot on the 40-man roster. So now there are FOUR open spots on the 40-man roster.

by Bad Andy on May 5, 2008 6:43 PM EDT reply actions

Actually incorrect

they had add Burnett to the 40 man, so it is 37.

by Thunder on May 5, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

don't blame me

blame the P-G

by Bad Andy on May 5, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not worried about the Bucs signing Jones

I am concerned that they will sign Jason Michaels, who the Indians are DFA’ing. He’s no improvement over what we have, other than maybe Morgan, who is utterly replaceable.

by Thunder on May 5, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

Speaking of the Tigers

I like my chances with the beer bet I made on Dontrelle Willis.

by bucdaddy on May 5, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions

BTW Charlie

40 man roster isn’t an issue…Thompson’s already on it.

by Thunder on May 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

Ah, you’re right! I’d forgotten he was a waiver claim, not a minor league FA. Thanks.

by Charlie Wilmoth on May 5, 2008 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Thompson/Morgan

I haven’t seen Thompson play, either live or on TV, but, just going by the numbers, it seems grindingly obvious that he should replace Morgan, who seems helpless at the plate right now. What’s the word on Thompson? Do they think he’s just AAAA player, who will be just as bad as Nyjer in the bigs?

by brooklynpirate on May 5, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

Nyjer Morgan`s Future:

An imminent return to Indy followed by months of hard work to improve his game. He will be recalled in September for a little “excitement” off the bench and in the field, and his million-dollar smile while brighten the clubhouse. In 2009, he will be given every opportunity to make the team, but will come up short, resulting in another trip to Indy, where he can excite the fans of the Midwest. He will not play in the bigs in 2009. After the season, the Pirates will release him. In 2010, when he will turn 30, he will fail to make a big-league roster out of spring training with one of the 30 teams and will find his options to be on any AAA roster to be virtually nil. Then he will sign with some independent league team and bounce around here and there for a few years before calling it quits as a player. Because he is such an exciting guy, after he retires around 2012/3, someone in the Pirates` organization will recommend him for some kind of “job”. If a job can be found for John Wehner, they will be able to find a post for Morgan in the organization. Something like “Minor League Coordinator For Excitement Development.”

by patthatt on May 5, 2008 11:10 PM EDT reply actions