Post-Gazette: Morris, Pirates could be parting ways

Hey, I thought we went through the Monty Hall problem already.

The Pirates will recall starter John Van Benschoten from Class AAA Indianapolis this morning and, thus, must make another move to clear roster space. And indications were very strong last night that, in some way, that will involve Morris.

Management met shortly after Morris’ latest implosion, six runs over 1 2/3 innings that led to an 8-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park, and two options were believed to have been laid out:

1. Move Morris to the bullpen and replace him in the rotation with reliever Phil Dumatrait.

2. Release Morris, even though it would mean eating the remainder of his $10,037,283 salary, as well as the $1 million buyout of his 2009 option, all of it guaranteed. That would be slightly more than $10 million.

...There is a third option, of course, but this one is in Morris’ court: He could elect to retire at age 33, allowing the Pirates to keep all or some of that money—depending on whether a buyout would be sought—and exiting with the same class he has demonstrated throughout what remains an exemplary career in Major League Baseball.

That scenario should not be ruled out.

SHAZAM! SHAZAM!...Matt Morris released.