Luke
Morgan

5/17/14 - Ranked No. 27 in the state and committed to Southern Alabama. 6-foot-2, 170 pound frame looked sturdy and projectable with room to add. Could be heavier than 170 pounds currently. Played centerfield in this game, normally West’s shortstop, but also their ace this year on the mound. Playing Morgan in center allows West to keep sophomore MIF prospect Adam Knerr on the field. Best player on the field, legitimately could probably play every position on the diamond. Possibly played centerfield to give arm a rest from pitching on Wednesday.  Arm strength is evident, was 85-87 off the mound consistently earlier in the year, and most recent reports have that a tick higher at 88-89 touching 90 mph. Offensively has shown power each time I have seen him, today was especially impressive. Was 3-for-5 on the day, 2-for-3 with two singles and a groundout to short off Bass.  First single showed a short swing hitting a hard groundball back up the middle, third at bat was a line drive up the middle. Fourth at bat was a no doubt homer to left on a first pitch breaking ball.  Impressive balance in swing, staying back on off speed pitch. Last at bat reached on an error on first pitch fastball driving pitch to deep left center. Aggressive early in the count, but recognizes off speed, not selling out for power. Will be interesting to see if he pitches in relief in college while also playing a position, because could have an extremely high ceiling based on velocity increase this season on the mound.

5/6/14 - Currently ranked No. 27 in Illinois’ 2014 class and No. 140 overall. Signed at South Alabama a true two-way talent. Came in from shortstop in fourth inning sitting 88-89, touching 90 once. Also throws a sharp 75-77 mph slider that has the makings of an excellent swing-and-miss pitch.

4/1/14 - Ranked No. 27 in the state and comitted to Southern Alabama. 6-foot-2, 170 pound frame looked sturdy and projectable with room to add. Showed command of two pitches. Fastball ran 85-87 and held velocity all four innings. Mixed in a curveball for strikes at 75-76. Mechanics are simple and repeatable.  Stays closed with lower half for late hip rotation. Arm action is short and quick 3/4 , no wasted movement. In pregame, Morgan showed loose actions at short, and good lateral movement. Solid body control on run-through balls. With his frame it’s easy to see 20 lbs and a move to 3B in his future.  Offensively showed a simple and balance approach. Showed power to right-center in his triple.  Ran 12.3 sec from home to 3B.

2/17/13 - The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Morgan should become one of the most heavily recruited prospects in Illinois’ 2014 class, for the simple fact that he is undoubtedly a legitimate two-way prospect at the next level. To be clear, Morgan was a top 30 prospect heading into the event, but he solidified himself as a high-level player in the Midwest. On the mound, the right-hander has excellent feel and command of three pitches. His delivery is simple, clean and athletic. He’s short on the backside and hides the ball well. His fastball sat in the 84-86 range, but topped at 90 mph on his final pitch. Previously, we saw Morgan at 86-88. His changeup, too, has the potential to be a go-to out-pitch, as it sat at 79 mph with arm-side sink. He threw his 74-75 mph curveball with confidence as well. Defensively, Morgan has the hands, feet and arm to play third base at the next level. He moves well laterally, plays through the baseball and, ultimately, showed true third base actions. He was clocked at 82 mph across the infield. Offensively, he is short, quick and quiet to the baseball. Morgan, who ran a 7.20 60, demonstrated solid bat speed with a level path, resulting in consistent line drives.

10/21/12 - Morgan was one of the biggest revelations at the Class of 2014 Showcase, as the 6-foot-1, 165-pounder proved to be a legitimate two-way prospect. On the mound, the right-hander comes from a high-3/4 angle, using a short and quick arm action. He’s clean, loose, balanced and repeats. Morgan’s fastball topped at 87 mph, sitting around 85, and demonstrated sink down in the zone. He also commanded a sharp 73-77 mph curveball with late 11/5 action. His changeup, too, was a solid pitch, as he pounded the zone with excellent arm action, in the 75-77 mph range. All three pitches Morgan locates with confidence. Positionally, Morgan continued to impress at third base. He moves well laterally, and showed soft hands and solid arm strength (79 mph) across the infield). Offensively, he has a simple, balanced approach. He demonstrated quick, quiet hands to the baseball as he barreled balls to both power alleys. Morgan showed a repeatable swing with excellent balance throughout. He also ran a 7.09 60. Overall, Morgan showed himself to be a higher-end prospect in the Class of 2014.