The Astros announced that they've reached a deal for a minor league contract with David Newhan. There's no news on the size of the contract, but I'm sure it's insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
The important thing to consider is that this creates a lot more competition for Drew Sutton, not just this Spring, but all year. I like that for a lot of reasons; primarily because I want to see how Sutton fairs at AAA for at least two months before he gets a whiff of the big leagues (this may be jaded by my proximity to Dell Diamond). I can say this because I genuinely think that Newhan is adequate enough as Kaz's injury platoon mate to bide time for the proper level of seasoning for Sutton. Further, I hope the idea of having a proven veteran that will force Sutton to really do something special before he gets to come up to the big leagues pushes him to really come to Spring Training hungry.
So while this is another thoroughly uninspring Astros off season acquisition, I think this one will have a little bit more zeal in about a month.
0 recs | 12 comments
Christ, I can't wait until Spring Training starts.
The last interesting thing to happen with the Astros was their failure to offer anyone arbitration. And, before that, it was signing Mike Hampton.
Only_A_Lad - January 29, 2009
Newhan can't play shorstop.
He can play other infield positions, like 2d base, plus corner outfield. I think that means one of the Astros’ minor league infielders will have to make the major league roster. Maysonet, Manzella, and Sutton can all play shortstop; so (unless a free agent is picked up) I expect one of these three guys will have to be on the roster. Otherwise, Blum is the only back up for Tejada…and that doesn’t seem sustainable, particularly since he will be a semi-starter at 3d base.
clack - January 29, 2009
Awwww
But this is the same organization that played Blum at SS, so I think that they think they’re good. But you do make an excellent point.
Stephen Higdon - January 29, 2009
Still waiting for that Ben Sheets signing
entropic soul - January 29, 2009
I think you'll be waiting until you're dying day
But stranger things have happened.
…
I hate this team.
Stephen Higdon - January 29, 2009
We should put together a Ben Sheets proposal for Drayton.
We can get Oswalt and Berkman in on it. :)
entropic soul - January 29, 2009
I've got $20 and a jar full of change that I'll throw in!
AstroAndy - January 29, 2009
We should just get all our money together
And go to Vegas and turn into Ben Sheets money. I’ll drive.
Stephen Higdon - January 30, 2009
Wrong.
You love this team. It’s just that sometimes Love Hurts.
AstroAndy - January 29, 2009
agreed,
c’mon, DQ! Astros fans have been through a hell of a lot worse than “offseason of shitty signings.” I just wish that Drayton would stop feeding us the “champion” nonsense.
Only_A_Lad - January 29, 2009
This is true
But this is pretty low and the championship rhetoric is just a slap in the face.
Stephen Higdon - January 30, 2009
HAHAHA
So true. It also stinks sometimes too.
Stephen Higdon - January 30, 2009
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