As we continue to wait for the Phillies to do something--ANYTHING--news is out today that the team has issued 19 non-roster invites to training camp in Clearwater this February. As usual, the invitees include a mix of prospects on the rise, quad-A types and who-dats. Here's the list:
Catchers:: Tuffy Goosewich, Tim Gradoville, Paul Hoover, Lou Marson
Infielders:: Mike Cervenek, Jason Donald, Brennan King, Casey Smith, Andy Tracy
Outfielders: Greg Golson, Valentino Pascucci, Brandon Watson
Pitchers: Carlos Carrasco, Ron Chiavacci, Vic Darensbourg, Gary Knotts, Brian Mazone, Josh Outman, Joe Savery
Who might make the team? I don't see any of the catchers or infielders stealing a spot--either Chris Coste or Jason Jaramillo will be the backup backstop behind Carlos Ruiz, and barring trades the trio of Greg Dobbs, Wes Helms and Eric Bruntlett are your third basemen/backup infielders. Pascucci, an itinerant slugger who can play a little first base, and the speedy Watson could challenge for the last outfield spot, though it probably would take a Chris Snelling injury (not exactly a longshot) to create a vacancy. Darensbourg or, I guess, Mazone could emerge as a second lefty in the bullpen, though they'd need to out-pitch Shane Youman and the two Rule 5 guys for that to happen. Carrasco, Outman and Savery all might be mid- to late-season additions; they'll get a couple weeks in camp and maybe an exhibition appearance or two to leave a good impression in the minds of Charlie Manuel, Rich Dubee and Pat Gillick.