David Newhan released, doesn't take it well; Paronto hits The Rock

The Astros released David Newhan and reassigned Chad Paronto to minor-league camp today.

Coop said this about Newhan:
"The guy did a great job for us last year. He's a good pinch-hitter and great teammate, but he didn't fit this spring. We gave him some opportunities to play not only at second but the outfield, but we have six outfielders (in camp) right now. He just didn't fit.".

Newhan was less philosophical about it, however:
Kind of the only way that Coop's really communicated is through (the media)," Newhan said as he boxed his belonging at Osceola County Stadium. "It's just unfortunate. They've talked about needing a shortstop the whole time, but I wish I would have gotten a chance to at least screw that up. I never really got that opportunity. He told me I would, but the next day talking to (reporters) was like, 'You're like seventh on the list.' The way they communicated they made it clear I wasn't going to fit here and the guys they have in Triple-A, they have to play. I understand that."

I imagine it is terribly disheartening to read about yourself in the newspaper. I bet it's ridiculously frustrating to read about yourself in the newspaper after the guy who could have been talking to you man-to-man is one office over. So I feel bad for Newhan - Coop's right, he probably wasn't a fit for the Astros this season, but there's no need to wait until the end of Camp to make this move - especially when there are jobs across the league available.

The Chronicle has shifted its attention away from the Texans...again.

Here's the article, here are some nuggets:

-“If Felipe Paulino doesn’t win a spot in the rotation, he’s got options remaining. But we can’t walk past the possibility of considering him as a bullpen piece,” Wade said. “We’ve talked about Norris. De la Vara is a Rule 5 guy. We have guys like Danny Graves in camp. Chad Paronto is back in camp. All of these guys are going to be out there trying to put their best foot forward and see if they can impress somebody.”

-Norris and third baseman Chris Johnson top that list, but shortstops Edwin Maysonet and Tommy Manzella have realistic shots at earning one of the utility infield roles as the club seeks a true shortstop to back up Tejada.

-Jason Smith also will compete to be the backup shortstop, which also could be filled through a trade or free-agent acquisition. David Newhan performed well for the Astros last year in a backup infielder’s role, yet the club has made it clear to Newhan’s agent that his chances of making the club aren’t as strong as they would be if he were a true shortstop.

Astros resign David Newhan

The Astros signed utilityman David Newhan to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training yesterday.

And then of course the Chronicle's bulletin boards exploded with mean and hateful things. As do all bulletin boards - except this one, the home of clean, God-fearing, upright Astros fans who read blogs "The Right Way."

I'm not sure why everyone is panicking. Newhan hit .260 last year in a limited role (and .283 at home, mind you) - better than more than one regular starter - and is a lefty, and will provide some experience and competition for the younger guys coming up. Like Saccomanno, Johnson, Sutton, etc. He's got some pop. 9 of his 27 hits last year were for extra bases. No, he doesn't walk, but if you're a pinch-hitter, it doesn't pay to be too terribly patient.

When he was at second base, Newhan had a line of .304/.333./.449. When he led off the inning, which he did 29 times, he hit .448.

Jeesh, it's like everytime the Astros sign someone not named Manny Ramirez or Ben Sheets, everybody gets all bent out of shape...

"We can't wait to settle on a price you don't think you're worth."

Easy Eddie is hoping to get Wandy and Geary's Excellent Arbitration Adventure over by the beginning of next week - or it's going to Los Arbiters, anyway.

"We're having on-going dialogue with both guys, and we hope to get something done by early next week. If not, then they're more likely to go to hearings."

Within the same piece, David Newhan - who threw a titty-fit and wouldn't accept an assignment to Round Rock in November - has been offered a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The Astros are "awaiting his decision."