Introduction to Sean Newcomb
The White Sox and left-hander Sean Newcomb matched up well because Newcomb wanted to pitch as much as possible and the Sox had a hole to fill on their pitching staff.
“I was just looking for a good opportunity to get the ball as much as possible, eat up innings,” Newcomb said over Zoom Wednesday. “That was really the main goal.”
The Attraction to the White Sox
Despite some promise from young players like Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth, the Sox still lost 102 games last season. They’re attractive to free agents because they can offer avenues to playing time.
Newcomb’s Background
Newcomb has started 67 games in his career, 30 of which came in 2018 with the Braves. Despite only starting 37 games over the next seven seasons, Newcomb said he still carried that starting mentality despite operating as a reliever mostly.
Competition for Rotation Spots
Manager Will Venable said the Sox will have an open competition for the final rotation spots after right-handers Shane Smith and Davis Martin, and left-hander Anthony Kay. Sox starters threw the fewest innings in the majors last season, which led to a taxed bullpen.
Newcomb’s Approach
“I’ll just be ready to attack a lineup once or twice, three times through if it gets to that point with five or six innings,” Newcomb said. “Just taking that mentality and also just starting to use all six pitches versus when I get stuck in the pen one to two innings [and] more just [use] my top few weapons.”
Conclusion
The White Sox’s decision to sign Sean Newcomb could be a strategic move to address their pitching staff issues. With Newcomb’s experience and mentality, he is ready to take on a significant role in the team. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Newcomb performs and how he contributes to the team’s success.
FAQs
Q: What is Sean Newcomb’s primary goal?
A: Newcomb’s primary goal is to get the ball as much as possible and eat up innings.
Q: How many games has Newcomb started in his career?
A: Newcomb has started 67 games in his career.
Q: What is the current state of the White Sox’s pitching staff?
A: The White Sox’s pitching staff has a hole to fill, and they are looking to fill it through open competition for the final rotation spots.
Q: What is Newcomb’s approach to pitching?
A: Newcomb is ready to attack a lineup once or twice, three times through, and use all six pitches if necessary.
