PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – One shortstop is hitting .400 with more power this spring, the other is hitting .727, how now does manager Derek Shelton decide between Erik Gonzalez and Kevin Newman as the Pirates starter?
"We said we were going to have a competition," Shelton said. "I think I said competition brings out the best in people. We are definitely seeing it."
"I would rather be on that side of the coin than the other side of the coin. Both have done a really, nice job. It's going to make for a very challenging decision."
At a position where you normally like to pencil someone in for 150 games, could they have co-starters at short?
"I don't know if a straight platoon is something we can do, but I think both guys will get reps there," Shelton said. "The difference between who starts Opening Day and who starts two days later. We are going to get reps for everybody. Our bench players will get reps."
How do you argue with the job Newman has done? You told him it would be a competition and he's hit for a number twice of what would make you a Hall of Famer. As the days draw closer to the start of the season, Newman has taken an average that was .600 and somehow made it better. He has 10 hits in his last 12 at bats with a trio of doubles and pair of RBI.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, has 5 hits in his last 11 at bats with a double and 2 RBI. He's hit the only homer between the two and has played quality defense as well. He said he's not trying to think about it being a battle between them.
"When it comes to the competition and how well Newman is doing," Gonzalez said. "I'm happy for him, but I focus on myself. I'm not caught up in my numbers. His numbers being a little better. I wasn't even paying attention to that. I want all of my teammates to do well."
"Newman is doing great. I feel like I'm doing great. At the end of the day, whatever helps the team. That is what matters."
Let's track back a little further to last year. After a hot start, Gonzalez,29, ended up hitting .227 with 3 HR, 13 2B and 20 RBI in 50 games. Newman,27, played in 44 games, hitting .224 with 1 HR, 5 2B, 10 RBI. Not much separation there.
Go back to 2019. Newman hit .308 with 20 doubles, 12 HR and 64 RBI in 130 games. Gonzalez played in just 53 games, hitting .254 with 4 doubles, a homer and 6 RBI.
Does this year's competition really go back to results from a couple of years ago?
"Couldn't be more proud of either one with how they've done their work," Shelton said. "The private conversation in terms of what they've done and how they do it will be the most important thing."
"That's my teammate," Gonzalez said. "That's a friend of mine. I don't allow the word competition get to involved in my mindset. At the end of the day, whatever helps the team. I'm ready to help this team win."
Gonzalez says it helps his mindset and consistency to be a starter rather than a bench player. He may not get that wish to start. Newman likely will start at short.
What Gonzalez is likely really waiting for is how long until the Pirates pull the trigger on an Adam Frazier trade. Then you'll see both get that opportunity.
