Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Grand Junction Gold Sox on Wednesday named SP/RP Harold Newbold as their Pitcher of the Year for the 2044 season. Grand Junction is the Class A affiliate of the Chicago Black Sox.
Harold Newbold
As a reliever, they grade his overall potential as 35/55 with 9/10 stuff; 6/7 pitch movement; and 6/7 control and velocity that ranges between 95-97 mph. As an SP, his overall potential grades as a 35/45.
“He projects to have a 3-pitch arsenal which includes a wicked fastball (9/9), a wicked curveball (6/9; and a wicked changeup (9/9),” says his most recent scouting report. “His stuff has explosiveness and could become elite when he fully develops.”
Frank H. Pabodie, Chicago’s director of scouting, said the team still believes Newbold has potential as a starter, however.
“He reminds me a little of Bernie Stuart, who pitched in AA for us last season. Bernie was grading out as a 55/80 as a reliever, but we kept using him in the rotation, too, and our guys now think he has ace potential as a starter. They grade him as 45/80 out of the rotation, now.
“Well, Harold looks an awful lot like Bernie at this point – he’s got three damn good pitches and his skill ratings and velocity are all on the rise. We’re not going to close any doors for Newbold at this point – whether he’s in the rotation or the bullpen, we think he’s going to be a good one.”
Newbold says he’s comfortable in either role.
“Starting and relieving both have their challenges, and I enjoy them both,” he said. “I can hardly wait to get up to the majors and show what I can do.”
The majors, of course, are still a ways away for the 18-year-old right-hander from Australia, but he appears on track.
Newbold joined the Sox organization in 2042 after going undrafted and signing a minor league free agent contract.
Pabodie laughs to think of that now.
“That may be one of the best minor league signings we’ve ever made,” he said.