Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
1-on-1 with new Giants LF Michael Morse
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 - 1:00pm
Follow @RaelEnteenCSN

Programming note: Get up to date on all the latest offseason Giants news on the Hot Stove Show, Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

Before last season, Brandon Belt provided some bulletin board material when he told the FanFest crowd in San Francisco that “you can’t buy team chemistry.” 

Free agent acquisition Michael Morse is new to the Giants-Dodgers rivalry, but that didn’t stop him from weighing in with a comment that Belt would be proud of.

“Sometimes having big pockets doesn’t always necessarily factor into winning,” Morse said in an exclusive interview with CSN Bay Area. “The Giants, they know how to win. The players on the team have World Series rings. I think that is an edge on a lot of teams in this game.”

[RELATED: Bochy on Morse: 'It's certainly what I wanted']

Morse signed a one-year deal with the Giants despite reportedly receiving a better offer from the Houston Astros. The chance to contend was more important than the total value of the contract, according to Morse.

“They won two World Series in the last four years so it’s a team that I can be a part of that has experience,” he said. “They want to win and they have a chance of winning. Everyone on the team has done something very special in their career.”

The Giants are coming off a disappointing 76-86 season, but Morse is optimistic that last year’s failures will only fire up the 2014 team.

“The feeling of winning and then the feeling of not winning, it really chews up your stomach,” Morse said. “It makes you want to play even harder the next year to win again. So especially coming off the year they just had, this is – I think for me – a great time to be a Giant.”

Morse said he is looking forward to meeting many of his new teammates, but has spent time with Pablo Sandoval on a 2011 MLB All-Star team Bruce Bochy managed that played five games in Taiwan.

[RELATED: Michael Morse career stats | 2013 game logs]  

“I got to see what kind of guy Bochy is; he’s incredible, one of the great managers in the game.”

Morse’s respect for his new skipper will help him as he adjusts to his role with the Giants. While the promise of a starting job was one of the factors that lured him to San Francisco, Morse doesn’t have an idea where he’ll hit in a lineup that will include plenty of middle-of-the-order candidates like Sandoval, Buster Posey, Hunter Pence and Brandon Belt. For the 31-year-old slugger, his slot in the batting order is not important.

“Especially a lineup like we’ve got, it doesn’t matter to me,” Morse said.

Morse owns a .316/.435/.632 slash line in 23 at-bats at AT&T Park and isn’t concerned about the move to a pitcher-friendly ballpark.

[REWIND: Winter Meetings -- Giants agree with OF Michael Morse]

“I stick with the same approach. To me, it’s one of those things where if you hit the ball good, it’s going to go out, no matter what park. Especially here, if you hit the ball good to right and it doesn’t go out, it’s going to hit off the wall and might be a triple or something very special.”

Morse, who is 6’5” and 245 pounds, is an intimidating presence in the batter’s box. That makes his walk-up song selection, A-ha’s ‘Take on Me,’ especially curious. But as a self-proclaimed fan of everything 80s, especially the music, Morse said the choice was easy.

“A lot of people play for their walk-up songs either what’s in style or something crazy,” he said. “I always thought I need something to put me in a good mood, make me connect with the fans. ‘Take on Me’ is a song that just relaxes me no matter what. So I started playing it for my walk-up song and every time they would turn it off, the fans would keep singing it. So it started being like a cult following kind of thing. It got really crazy. It’s pretty cool.”

Morse expects the tradition to live on at AT&T Park thanks to Giants fans, a group he expressed respect for.

[RELATED: Giants working trade angle to free roster spot for Morse]

“The fans here, one thing I notice is, they know their baseball. They’re not there just to watch and to eat hot dogs. They actually know what’s going on; they’re rooting for their team. They’re the 10th man.”

 In line image of Michael Morse provided by USA Today Sports images 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Harbaugh on Texas rumors: 'Beware of unnamed sources'
Collinsworth: 49ers back in Super Bowl discussion
Collinsworth: McKenzie, Allen deserve at least one more year
Dykes rejects Kline's transfer request

Giants

Giants poised to sell Brett Pill's rights to Korean club
Report: Rakuten will not allow Masahiro Tanaka to come to U.S.
San Jose Giants extend lease for five years
Japanese hurler Tanaka wants to pursue career in MLB
Read More

Athletics

A's position-by-position breakdown: Starting rotation
Court: MLB can depose A-Rod's cousin in drug suit
A's acquire OF Brown from Nationals for cash
Report: Lacob, Guber interested in buying A's from Wolff
Read More

Sharks

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (12.19.13)
Sharks get their chance against rookie phenom Jones
In the Crease: Sharks look to end LA losing streak
Sharks hope to build confidence at Staples Center
Read More

49ers

49ers injury report: Gore takes part in limited practice
Harbaugh, Gore express confidence in Dixon
Harbaugh 'absolutely' wants to remain with 49ers long term
Saints add Shayne Graham
Read More

Raiders

Raiders-Chargers matchup No. 3: Adams vs. Allen
Raiders injury update: Walker passes initial concussion test
How does McFadden fit into Raiders' rushing attack?
Collinsworth: McKenzie, Allen deserve more time
Read More

Warriors

Kobe likely to miss six weeks with fracture in knee
Fast Forward: Warriors must take advantage of Spurs' subs
Curry's Warriors jersey cracks NBA's top-selling list
VIDEO: Drawing up the the Warriors’ elevator screen play
Read More

NCAA

Stanford goes on road and stuns No. 10 UConn
Epic tirade includes tax breaks, snipers and mama's boys
Stanford travels to No. 10 UConn
Stanford's hot shooting leads to 83-56 victory
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Giants poised to sell Brett Pill's rights to Korean club
(4)
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Report: Rakuten will not allow Masahiro Tanaka to come to U.S.
(3)
San Jose Giants extend lease for five years
(9)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Duane Kuiper gets sandwich named after him
Duane Kuiper gets sandwich named after him
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Japanese hurler Tanaka wants to pursue career in MLB
NL West: Dodgers re-sign lefty reliever Howell

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Giants poised to sell Brett Pill's rights to Korean club
  • Giants check on Mark Mulder, still out on Masahiro Tanaka
  • Michael Morse hopes to fit right in with Giants
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's position-by-position breakdown: Starting rotation
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Court: MLB can depose A-Rod's cousin in drug suit
(1)
A's acquire OF Brown from Nationals for cash
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Report: Lacob, Guber interested in purchasing A's
Report: Lacob, Guber interested in purchasing A's
See more >

A's TALK

Report: Lacob, Guber interested in buying A's from Wolff
Will A's regret choosing Johnson over Balfour?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (12.19.13)
(1)

More Stories

Sharks get their chance against rookie phenom Jones
(3)
In the Crease: Sharks look to end LA losing streak
(3)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Sharks expect physical showdown vs. Kings
Sharks expect physical showdown vs. Kings
See more >

Features

Sharks hope to build confidence at Staples Center
Sharks' Kennedy reacts to getting healthy scratched

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Cardinals leaning on surgically-repaired Carpenter in Game 2
  • Instant Replay: Giants' comeback falls short in Game 1 loss
  • Kelly to miss first two NLCS games, at least
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Kobe likely to miss six weeks with fracture in knee
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Fast Forward: Warriors must take advantage of Spurs' subs
(2)
Curry's Warriors jersey cracks NBA's top-selling list
(4)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Jackson wants to build off momentum from Pelicans win
Jackson wants to build off momentum from Pelicans win
See more >

Features

VIDEO: Drawing up the the Warriors’ elevator screen play
Rodman arrives in North Korea on heels of political purge

MONTE POOLE

There is no data to display.

  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Jordan, Clippers spoil Anthony Davis' return
(2)
Associated Press

More Stories

Kings fail to defend Korver, fall to Hawks in Atlanta
Kings look to bounce back from ugly loss in Atlanta
(1)
See more >

Watch

Malone: We showed pride in our defense against Rockets
Malone: We showed pride in our defense against Rockets
See more >

Features

Gay struggles in Kings' 95-87 loss to Bobcats
Kings beat Rockets behind 26 from Rudy Gay

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

49ers injury report: Gore takes part in limited practice
(5)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

Harbaugh, Gore express confidence in Dixon
(10)
Harbaugh 'absolutely' wants to remain with 49ers long term
(24)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Harbaugh on Texas rumors: 'Beware of unnamed sources'
Harbaugh on Texas rumors: 'Beware of unnamed sources'
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: 49ers handle business with 33-14 thumping of Bucs
(26)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders-Chargers matchup No. 3: Adams vs. Allen
Scott Bair

More Stories

Raiders injury update: Walker passes initial concussion test
(5)
How does McFadden fit into Raiders' rushing attack?
(1)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Collinsworth: McKenzie, Allen deserve at least one more year
Collinsworth: McKenzie, Allen deserve at least one more year
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: Raiders hit a wall in embarrassing loss to Chiefs
(32)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Who got off easy in the World Cup draw?
Associated Press

More Stories

US to play Ghana, Portugal, Germany at World Cup
World Cup stadium in Brazil partially collapses
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants poised to sell Brett Pill's rights to Korean club
(4)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Fast Forward: Warriors must take advantage of Spurs' subs
(2)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers injury report: Gore takes part in limited practice
(5)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders-Chargers matchup No. 3: Adams vs. Allen
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks get their chance against rookie phenom Jones
(3)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Spurrier's revenge on those who doused him with Gatorade

TOP STORIES

  • Giants poised to sell Brett Pill's rights to Korean club
  • Report: Rakuten will not allow Masahiro Tanaka to come to U.S.
  • San Jose Giants extend lease for five years

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

TEXT ALERTS

Be the first to know. Sign up for breaking news text alerts!

NCAA

Stanford's hot shooting leads to 83-56 victory
Florida State freshman Jameis Winston wins Heisman

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Harbaugh on Texas rumors: 'Beware of unnamed sources'
Harbaugh on Texas rumors: 'Beware of unnamed sources'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers Insider
  • Scott Bair - Raiders Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks Insider
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California