White Sox have 24 non-roster invites to spring training
Jun 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Jesse Crain (26) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Chicago won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox extended invitations to 24 players in their organization to spring training in late February and March on Thursday.
In a press release by the White Sox is says the following about the start of spring training:
"“Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Friday, February 20, including physicals and a workout. Position players will report and undergo physicals on Tuesday, February 24. The first full-squad workout also will take place on the 24th.”"
Listed are the 24 players who received non-roster invites to spring training from the White Sox:
Sep 2, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Brad Penny (33) takes the mound during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Anderson (INF)
Jairo Asencio (RHP)
Chris Beck (RHP)
Dan Black (INF)
Scott Carroll (RHP)
Tony Campana (OF)
Jesse Crain (RHP)
Tyler Danish (RHP)
Juan Diaz (INF)
Courtney Hawkins (OF)
Micah Johnson (INF)
Logan Kensing (RHP)
George Kottaras (C)
Andy LaRoche (INF)
May 11, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Joe Savery (50) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Nationals 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Arcenio Leon (RHP)
J.D. Martin (RHP)
Jared Mitchell (OF)
Brad Penny (RHP)
Zach Phillips (LHP)
Carlos Rodon (LHP)
Nolan Sanburn (RHP)
Joe Savery (LHP)
Geovany Soto (C)
Michael Taylor (OF)
This honestly isn’t a bad list of players, but most on this list most likely will not be a part of the Opening Day roster in 2015. There are a couple players who catch my attention, including Crain, Penny, Anderson and Rodon for varying reasons.
It will be interesting in what Crain still has left since he last played for the White Sox, and it will be interesting to see what exactly Penny has left in the tank as well, since he is a former All-Star-caliber starting pitcher.
Next: White Sox sign Geovany Soto
There is also Soto, who could possibly be the White Sox reserve catcher in ’15, or that could go to Brantly as well. Johnson could be the next starting second baseman for the White Sox, but he’s going in a battle with Carlos Sanchez most of the spring for that position as well.
Also, I like having Carroll back with the organization because of his story from last season when he finally reached the major leagues, but I just don’t see him making the Opening Day roster.
There are also the high draft picks on this list who will be fun to see in the spring, but just aren’t ready enough for a full-time MLB role on the White Sox’s “win-now roster.”
This spring training for the White Sox is one of the most highly anticipated springs I can think of in recent seasons. There won’t be many battles for starting roles, but the battles these players, and players currently on the White Sox roster, will have for bench positions will be the ones to keep an eye out for.
Now we just have to sit and wait to see what ultimately occurs.