ATL All Day
Fansided

Atlanta Braves: The Case for Sean Newcomb

By Matthew Brothers

Mar 8, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb (76) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb (76) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

One of the prize lefties in the system, Sean Newcomb should make his major league debut now.

I’ll start by admitting my bias. I believe Sean Newcomb is ready to make his debut now. Newcomb has worked through some early struggles in the organization and is finally poised to succeed. As Braves fans, we all remember the trade for Sean Newcomb. The deal sent Andrelton Simmons (and his contract) in his prime to the Angels in return for Erick Aybar, Newcomb, and Chris Ellis. Newcomb is the last piece remaining of course in the trade. I’ll admit, I was wary to begin with. However, after watching Sean for over a year now, Braves fans should be excited.

The facts.

Sean Newcomb finished his Mississippi Braves 2016 season with an 8-7 record and a 3.86 ERA. He also ended with 71 walks and 152 strikeouts. In 2017, his seven starts have resulted in a 2-2 line with a 2.89 ERA. Sean’s last three starts have been excellent in addition. I have seen consistent improvement from Sean, which leads me to believe he is ready. The 23 year old has major league stuff without a doubt, and I say it’s time to let that loose.

Some Braves fans have their concerns. Especially in the case of what happened with last years team. The Braves were forced to turn to young guys like Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair who quite simply were not ready. In turn, these two especially have regressed with ugly numbers so far this year. To combat this, Atlanta turned to veteran guys like Bartolo and Jaime Garcia who certainly are not helping the Braves win or pitching quite deep into games. I certainly do not see Sean Newcomb pitching nearly as bad as Bartolo Colon, honestly. Give him a chance. Skip a Bartolo start if you have to. All in all, calling Newcomb up could give the lefty a confidence boost seeing as the organization would show faith in the young guy. I really do not see a downside.

All in all, what do the Braves have to lose? We are losing anyway, with the worst ERA in baseball. Giving Newcomb a shot now would allow him great veteran pitching presence as opposed to later in the year when all these guys might not be around. The ball is in the Braves court, Sean Newcomb should be the first of a wave of Braves to get the call, and it should be now.

Home/ATL News