Round 10 - RHP - Akeel Morris - (updated)

6-10-10 from: - http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/4-v-i-baseball-players-tapped-in-mlb-draft-1.838936  - Akeel Morris, a 17-year-old CAHS pitcher, was picked by the New York Mets in the 10th round. James Sneed, a left-handed outfielder at St. Croix’s Educational Complex, was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 14th round. Canton said that Blash and Sneed have not decided whether they will sign, and Morris is planning to play this summer on a traveling team in Florida in hopes that his performance will attract a better offer. Players have until Aug. 15 to negotiate their contracts. Asked at a press conference Wednesday what would determine whether he signs, Morris said, “The money has to be good, and, really, the money has to be good.”

6-3-10 from: - http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/pro-teams-targeting-v-i-talents-1.828426  - Akeel Morris pitched a perfect game past season for the Charlotte Amalie High School baseball team, which is just one accomplishment on a baseball resume the 17-year-old is hoping will attract interest from a professional baseball team. Morris is one of a handful of baseball players from the U.S. Virgin Islands who should be selected during next week’s Major League Baseball Draft, V.I. Future Stars Baseball founder Darren Canton said. “The Virgin Islands isn’t exactly known for baseball, but right now, we’re developing a little name for ourselves,” said Canton, who started the baseball recruiting organization five years ago. “Nationally, we’re making strides. We are putting out talent that can compete and it’s just going to get better and better.” The MLB Draft starts Monday and goes through Wednesday, but Canton and the players involved should find out which team will draft them beforehand. As the players participated in daily workouts at the University of Virgin Islands this week to prepare for upcoming summer leagues, the excitement was starting to build. “I think I have a good chance to go in the middle rounds,” said Morris, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. “It’s been a long process as far as being scouted. I’ve been to so many tournaments and I’ve followed up on all the scouts and coaches I’ve met. It’s been quite a ride.” But just because a young player can throw a 94 mph. fastball — like Morris — getting drafted doesn’t guarantee a starting spot alongside Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees. Actually, getting drafted doesn’t guarantee much at all