Newman?

[FBP]

He has been terrific the last month and has seemingly grabbed the SS job for the foreseeable future. SSS or is there something here?

[pitbull]

Yes he has. An owner in my league has him for $1. Don't know about his ability to continue to hit HR but the BA he might be able to continue to do well.

ROOKIE RECORD

Newman’s hitting streak ties him with Neil Walker (2010) and Rennie Stennett (1971) for the longest by a Pittsburgh rookie. Bryan Reynolds, another Pirates’ rookie, had a 17-game hitting streak earlier this season.

[Sharky]

Sure but Reynolds is top 20 in hard hit balls. Doesn’t look like a fluke.

[madducks]

Newman is a former first round pick with average speed, a good hit tool, and average defense. He hasn't shown much power in the minors so he's probably just taking advantage of the limited scouting report on him up to this point. The Pirates still view Cole Tucker as their SS of the future but will welcome the chance to delay Tucker's arbitration another year or two. Newman's future is most likely at 2B with Adam Frazier & Kevin Kramer being his main competition there. I believe Jung Ho Kang will be with another team next season. Their opening day SS Erik Gonzalez, who is injured will eventually assume a backup role where he belongs if he isn't DFA'd.

[revo]

Hello, Newman.

[onejayhawk]

What, me worry?

How did this guy get so far under the radar? Here is Podhorzer's quick take:

With above average speed, strong minor league strikeout rates, and a clear path to a starting job, Newman makes for a name to remember in deeper mixed and NL-Only leagues. Little fanfare means he should cost a minimal amount, offering some potential to earn a tidy little profit.

[Judge Jude]

.322 BA with .286 xBA - which is still really good.

87 pct contact rate, which feels like it's from another era - and it's 90 pct in the last month.

Gonzalez had another setback and now out for another month, not that it matters.