Sean Newcomb was once a big deal. He'd been drafted in Round 1 by the Angels. He was a reason the Braves were willing to trade Andrelton Simmons, among the best defensive shortstops ever, in 2015. For one shining moment, Newcomb seemed the best of the ballyhooed lot of young arms.
The Braves designated him for assignment last week. Then they traded him to the Cubs for Jesse Chavez, who has been traded eight times. "I was kind of trapped there," Newcomb said on his Chicago arrival, proclaiming himself healthy and re-energized by the move.
Newcomb is 28. He's left-handed. It's often said that lefthanders require patience. (Check the first six seasons of Sandy Koufax's career.) Brian Snitker, who was 60 when he became a big-league manager, is a patient man. Newcomb tested those limits.
