Tuesday's game was a tough loss for the Blazers in more ways than one. The 13-1 beatdown by the Brooklyn Robins, coupled with a win by Charm City, clinched the division title for the defending champion Jimmies. Of likely more importance was the loss of Montreal center fielder,
Bill Morley. Morley attempted to throw out a runner at the plate in the first inning, and immediately began to clutch the elbow of his throwing arm, obviously in pain. He was removed from the game and sent to the clubhouse for evaluation by the Blazers' medical staff. It was later determined that he will require surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow, ending his season.
Bill Morley
At the age of 36, Morley has been enjoying a career year with the Blazers. He started 110 games, hitting .324 with a .363 on-base percentage that saw him batting leadoff against right-handed pitching. He stole 12 bases while only being caught twice. He recorded 3.4 wins above replacement, which ranked fifth in the Johnson League among center fielders. His zone rating in center field was +7.1, second in the league. His defense will be very difficult to replace.
Morley's contract expires at the end of the season, and sources say that his agent and the club are very far apart on an extension. He is expected to test free agency.
