Brandon Morrow: Unfulfilled Potential

When you think of Brandon Morrow, one of the first words that springs to mind is "potential."  It was there for everyone to see during his first career start against the New York Yankees in 2008.

I was lucky enough to be at that game and watch Morrow come within four outs of a no-hitter.  He ended the game with just one hit against him and, more importantly, the win. 

Mariners fans left Safeco Field that night, excited about what they had witnessed and what the future might bring.  Given that the quality performance had come against the high-powered bats of the Yankees, everyone was convinced that they had seen the birth of a new star.

Now fast forward to what turned out to be Morrow's final start for the team, against the Oakland A's at the backend of this season.  Once again, the right-handed pitcher allowed only one hit in eight innings and earned another win.

Unfortunately, it is the erratic performances Morrow has displayed in between his first and final starts that explain why he is no longer with the team.  You see, the word "potential" has a double-edged meaning.

On the positive side, it can refer to someone who has all the talent in the world; someone who is on the verge of breaking out and showing the world what he is capable of. 

However, it can also be a negative; someone who frustrates you before you finally realise that they will never fulfill the promise of their undoubted talents.  In sport, this type of person is often referred to as a "coach-killer."

Morrow isn't at the point yet where he will never blossom into the front-end pitcher that his talent merits.  However, he is infuriatingly inconsistent, often fluctuating between a world-beater and a run-of-the-mill player from game to game. 

This is summed up by the fact that while the California native's strike rate is high, but so is his walk rate; not surprising, given that while he has a high-90s fastball, he often struggles with his command.

There is no doubt that the enigmatic Morrow is still young enough (25) to be able to turn into a star pitcher.  However, it will no longer happen in Seattle.

While it's disappointing that he is leaving, sometimes it's best to cut your losses.  Who knows? Maybe the change of scenery will turn out to be the kick up the backside that Morrow needs to finally fulfill his potential.  

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