White Sox third base prospect Brent Morel took some time recently to have a conversation with me. Morel was a third round pick of the White Sox in 2008 after spending three years at Cal Poly. The slick fielding Morel was named best defensive third basemen of the Carolina League, and has his sights set on Chicago.
the biggest key
to your success to this point?
I don’t know if I could point out one person… All the different
rovers and coaches have helped me with different parts of my game. I
feel like I have improved in every facet of the game since signing with
the White Sox.
Have you had any interaction with Buddy Bell?
Yes, I’ve been pretty fortunate to have Buddy Bell as my minor league
coordinator. Not only is he a nice, well-respected guy, he was a great
third baseman. He’s helped me out a lot with different things at third
base.
I read some of your pre-draft scouting reports the last few days. Some
mentioned you being able to possibly play catcher at some point? I know
you are considered a plus defensive 3B, but would a switch even be
realistic?
Before I was drafted, I heard some people talking about maybe
switching; but the White Sox were never a team that wanted to make me a
catcher and I haven’t heard anything from them about switching
positions.
That leads me to my next question. Have the White Sox given
you any indication on where they want to play you long term? Have they
sat you down and sort of drawn out a plan?
As far as I know, the Sox want me to stay at third. Every
conversation I have had with the rovers and coordinators is trying to
improve at 3rd.
How much improvement do you think you need? I know you were
voted best defensive 3B in the Carolina League this last year, which had
to be a nice honor.
Yes it was nice being honored that from the coaches in the league, but I
don’t think there is ever a time to stop improving. I’ll have this
off-season to help improve my speed and quickness, and on the field you
can never get too many reps to read hops.
Lets talk a little about the AFL. You replaced Dayan Viciedo, who went
down with an injury. What were you doing before then? Just normal
off-season stuff?
Ya I played in the Instructional League for about a month then I
drove back home and was relaxing and letting my body recover a little
bit. I was only home for a little over a week when Buddy Bell called me
and told me that I had a chance to come play in the AFL. It was nice
relaxing but I was really excited for the opportunity to come out here
and play.
How has the experience been?
I’ve really enjoyed myself out here. We have a real good group of
guys on our team that are fun to be around. It’s been nice getting to
play with some of the elite players in the minor leagues.
Anyone really stick out to you? Maybe one guy on your squad,
and one guy you have played against that you just say “Damn, this guy is
going to be a Major League All Star.”
There are a ton of guys in the fall league that will be future All
Stars but the guy probably having the best season is Grant Desme. I’ve
played against him in high school and with him at college so its been
nice seeing him do so well out here.
Any idea where you may be starting the year? Back in A ball, or do you
think you will be starting for the Barons in AA?
My goal is to start in AA but its really out of my control. I’m just
going to try and get in the best shape for spring training and go from
there
Being as “fair” as possible, what is an optimistic projection for
yourself in the majors? What kind of hitter do you see yourself as?
That is tough to answer. I still know there are some things that I need
to improve on in my swing before I will be able to contribute to the
major league club.
Anything in particular?
Well my whole life I’ve been a guy who hits for a pretty good average
and can drive in some runs so hopefully that’s the hitter I’ll be in the
major leagues too
You’re from Bakersfield, correct? Who did you grow up rooting
for? Still a fan of that team?
Ya, I grew up liking Cal Ripken Jr. so i followed the Orioles till he
retired. Since then I haven’t really had a favorite team.
Alright, now for the fun stuff. Top 3 favorite movies?
Shawshank, The Rock, and pretty much any comedy. It’s so hard to pick
just one.
Do you have a specific walk up music?
Not really.. I change it a lot. This year I had “Bring Sally Up” by
Moby from Gone In 60 Seconds and “8 second ride” by Jake Owen… I
pretty
much only listen to country music so anything country would work for a
walk up song.
I’ve heard you’re a big “Office” fan. Favorite character?
Ya my favorite TV show has to be Seinfeld but The Office is up there.
Dwight has to be my favorite from The Office for many reasons but I
don’t think there’s a better character on TV than Kramer.
That should just about do it Brent. Myself and everyone at FutureSox
would just like to thank you for your time, and look forward to seeing
you up with the big club soon.
Thanks, anytime guys.
FutureSox.com would like to again thank Brent for his time.