David Newhan

Newhan broke his leg for the Orioles after a quick start and missed an extended period of time in 2006, never really getting into the swing of things. He’s a capable major league back-up outfielder and left-handed bench bat, but isn’t likely to earn an opportunity to start regularly in 2007.

The slipper didn’t fit for Newhan in 2005, as he hit so poorly after a magical half-season in 2004 that the Orioles demoted him to Triple-A Ottawa for part of the season. He still has life in his bat, as evidenced by his .366 average in Ottawa (as compared to his .202 average in Baltimore), but if Newhan manages to stick in the majors in 2006 it will be in a utility role.

Newhan was one of the better feel-good stories of the 2004 season, a mid-season free agent signing who found his way into the starting lineup due to injuries and hit better than .400 during his first month with the team. He cooled off significantly over the last couple months of a season, however. With Rafael Palmeiro expected to be the everyday DH and the Orioles expected to sign a big-name free agent outfielder, Newhan will assume a super-utility role. Barring injury, he won’t see regular playing time.

Minor-league deal with Texas for 2004.