Morris Mercifully Given His Release

The Pirates finally released Matt Morris (0-4, 9.67 ERA, 2.15 WHIP). Morris came over from the Giants near the end of last year - it was one of the last moves from former GM Dave Littlefield. It didn't make any sense, even at the time, as Morris had a large contract (about $10 million a year), the Pirates are a non-competitive small-market team, and Morris wasn't pitching well (4.37 ERA, 1.47 WHIP for SFG). He's little more than Steve Trachsel at seven times the price. The money was a sunk cost at this point, so it was the right move by Frank Coonelly to recognize that Pittsburgh had many pitchers who could put up better numbers and let Morris go. I find it doubtful that any team will pick him up at this point, as Morris has a Fielding Independent ERA of over 7. He likely ends his career with 121 wins and a 3.98 ERA, and a couple of All-Star appearances. He did finish 3rd in the Cy Young voting in 2001 with the Cardinals, compiling a 22-8 record with a 3.16 ERA and 185 K's in 216 innings. He's fallen pretty far, but had a solid career. Good luck Matt, and thanks for shaving that soul-patch.