Russ Morgan ready for Triple-A
By CRAIG MUDER Observer-Dispatch

August 30, 2000 PEORIA, Ariz. - Russ Morgan never figured he'd be pitching in Triple-A so soon.

But for the former Adrean Post Alumni and Purdue University left-hander, the promotion to the Tacoma Rainiers couldn't come soon enough.

Morgan, who signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners in June after being passed over in the 2000 Amateur Draft, will join the Tacoma Rainiers Friday in Salt Lake City. Morgan has spent the summer with the Peoria Mariners of the Arizona Rookie League - meaning he will be making a four-step jump in the Mariners' system once he lands in Triple-A.

And though the move is more of a temporary reward than a permanent promotion, Morgan is ready to take advantage of his opportunity.

"We play for the Arizona League championship against the Rockies' team (Thursday)," Morgan said. "Then I fly to Salt Lake City to join Tacoma. To be honest, I was pretty surprised when they told me."

In 12 games with Peoria as a middle reliever, Morgan has posted a 1-0 record with one save and a 2.70 ERA. In 20 innings, Morgan has struck out 29 batters and walked just three.

"The promotion is a reward for a good season," Morgan said. "But it's also because Tacoma had four pitchers called up to Seattle and three others who are going to pitch on the Olympic team. So they need bodies."

Morgan will spend about four days with Tacoma before the Rainiers end their season Monday. In that time, Tacoma plays four games against the Salt Lake Buzz in Utah.

"It's got to be better than (Arizona)," said Morgan, who will get a raise during his four days with Tacoma. "It's hot every day, like an oven. And no fans - nobody, not even a scoreboard.

"I just have to go out and try to do the job. If you put numbers up, you should get rewarded. I know I won't be on the Triple-A roster next year, but hopefully I'll get promoted to the Mariners' Midwest League team (the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers). That's all I can ask."