But Francona and most of his staff are gone. He is here as a non-roster player competing for a spot where Kevin Jordan holds the post position. He likes to play. I've played some third. I've played some left.
Versatility is nice.
But you need a really hot bat, luck, an injury or a trade to beat out a veteran with 2002 guaranteed. Newhan has options left, a wild card when rosters are trimmed. He needs to show he is better than .150 in 80 big-league ABs. Also, with Jordan filling in for Scott Rolen, he could represent some late-game flexibility to a lineup that had trouble manufacturing runs. Runner on third, nobody out, infield up, veteran righthander Ken Hill pitching in a 1-1 game.