Mike Morse

2013

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2012

Morse put up fantastic numbers in his first full season in the majors, and was the Nationals' best overall hitter in 2011. While not a high OBP guy, his power numbers have been hard to ignore. Morse’s .247 ISO ranked 10th in baseball in 2011 and he has a career 18.9 percent HR/FB ratio during his major league career. Strikeouts have always been a problem for him, but his .344 BABIP during the 2011 season was not out of the ordinary (.346 career BABIP). In terms of defense, he ranks below average in both left field and first base, but is more suited to play first in the long run. If Adam LaRoche makes it back from shoulder surgery, Morse will likely serve as the Nats' primary left fielder this season.

2011

Of all the players who got a look in right field for the Nationals in 2010 Morse was the only one who impressed, putting up fairly massive numbers as Roger Bernadina's nominal platoon partner. He killed lefties to the tune of .295/.374/.625, but his numbers against right-handers were solid too and at the very least he's solidified his spot on the bench. The Jayson Werth signing shuts the door on any right field at-bats, but Morse offers some defensive versatility and could be a utility option if he's unable to secure regular at-bats in left field this spring.

2010

Just as he did in 2007, Morse put up big numbers at Triple-A, but as yet he's never been able to duplicate that performance over the long haul in the majors. He may never get the chance, as he seems to be typecast as a jack-of-all-trades bench player, but the Nationals are still thin enough talent-wise that a couple of injures could give Morse one last chance to prove he can be a lineup regular and not a spare part.

2009

Morse made the lineup out of spring training last year only to dislocate his shoulder in early April, ending his season. Where he fits with the new front-office regime in Seattle remains to be seen. Morse can play a variety of positions, including infield and outfield, which could help him land a utility role. Through 29 games in the Venezuelan Winter League, Morse hit .309 with six homers and seven doubles, showing that his timing is back after missing so much action. He likely need another big spring training to turn heads.

2008

Morse likely has an opportunity to win a bench spot this season after the Mariners traded Ben Broussard. Morse can play a variety of positions, including infield and outfield, which could help him land a utility role. He parlayed a good year at Triple-A Tacoma (26 doubles, .828 OPS) into a September callup, but didn't see much action in Seattle.

2007

Morse's flexibility could land him a bench spot with the Mariners in 2007—he can play infield and outfield. He doesn't look to be much more than a utility player, though, since his bat isn't that strong. A mid-season knee injury cost him about a month, but he returned at full strength.

2006

Morse converted to left field late last season because Yuniesky Betancourt put a hammerlock on shortstop with superior fielding. Morse likely earned a bench spot as the fourth outfielder with a strong 2005 debut. He hit .322 in a combined 155 at-bats in June and July, before cooling off considerably in August and September (.197 in 71 at-bats). He'll go as far as his bat takes him.

2005

Morse joined the Mariners organization last year as part of the mid-season deal for Freddy Garcia. He's 6-4 and an athletic shortstop who can also play third. The Mariners have Adrian Beltre at third base for the foreseeable future, so while Morse might be better suited for third, his future would seem to be at shortstop—at least with the Mariners. His bat was slow to develop at Double-A San Antonio.