Sleeper Watch

All fantasy owners know what it’s like to drop a player from their roster, only to see him put up huge numbers after being snapped up by another team. The Texas Rangers are certainly familiar with that awful feeling after parting ways with David Newhan one month ago.

After hitting .348 for AAA Colorado Springs in 2003 (with an OPS of .863), the versatile infielder was batting .328 with nine home runs and 38 runs batted in through 61 games at Oklahoma this year before being released by Texas. The Orioles, on the other hand, knew a good thing when they saw it and picked him up to fill in at third base during Melvin Mora’s absence. After all, players who put up .944 OPS scores at the AAA level don’t grow on trees. So far, the results have proven Baltimore right. In his first 26 big-league games with his new team, Newhan has hit an astonishing .412 with four round-trippers and 19 RBI.

How long can Newhan’s amazing success continue? Playing time certainly shouldn’t be an issue even after Mora’s return. Newhan can fill in at second, his primary position in the minors this season, first base, and the outfield as well as third, and may also see time at designated hitter. Whether he can keep performing at his current level is another question entirely. In four previous major league stints with San Diego and Philadelphia, his combined average was a lowly .163, with an OBP of .247. Also keep in mind that he turns 31 this September.

Yes, David Newhan seems to be playing well over his head. But as long as his current hot streak continues, he’s worth a look not only in AL-only leagues, but in deeper mixed formats as well.