Morton regarded by those in the industry as a "scouts pitcher"

Charlie Morton, in the estimation of one major-league general manager, is "a scout's pitcher."

"He's one of those guys that the scouts love because he lights up the radar gun and has so much raw ability," the GM said. "Put him in a game against major-league hitters, though, and he can't get anyone out."

That was certainly the case with the Pirates right-hander at the beginning of the season when he went 1-9 with a 9.35 ERA in 10 starts before being placed on the disabled list with what was described as shoulder fatigue then eventually being optioned to Indianapolis.

Of course, if either general manager Neal Huntington or manager John Russell was Pinocchio, their noses would have started growing when they tried to pass off Morton's ailment as shoulder fatigue. He did not have an arm problem. Instead of spending time in the trainer's room, Morton had extensive meetings with the team's sport psychologists in an effort to rebuild his confidence.

As the GM who spoke under the condition of anonymity said,