Newsome fits right in after earning spring invite

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners manager Scott Servais calls him "The Silent Assassin," mostly because Ljay Newsome is one of the quietest characters in the Mariners' clubhouse.

But there's a reason for the reticence. Newsome isn't a big-name prospect or grizzled Major League veteran. The Maryland native was a 26th-round Draft pick in 2015 who pitched last year at Class A Clinton, where he went 8-9 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 25 starts.

Newsome got the Spring Training invitation by winning a season-long competition instituted by general manager Jerry Dipoto and director of player development Andy McKay to reward Minor League players for commanding the strike zone.

For hitters, the concept was…