Kyle Newsom was the first overall pick in the 1972 draft out of Venice High School in L.A. He was considered the #5 prospect in the WPK entering the 1973 season but has seen his stock fall gradually since then. He was still at #29 to begin this season, but at this point there are questions about his ability to develop a strong enough third pitch to start. But he's doing a good job in the bullpen this season and has 19 saves so perhaps he has finally arrived, even if he never cracks the rotation.
The L.A. Spinners are generally an aging team, but they have also shown a good knack for developing some quality youngsters the past few seasons. One of the best is their slick-fielding 23-year old shortstop Pat Mercado who has thus far proven to be even a bit better hitter than expected. He profiles as durable, is considered very humble while also incredibly smart and has great raw foot speed, though he isn't great at turning that into success on the base paths.
