Diamondbacks Spring Non-Roster Invitees

The Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers will report to Tucson for spring training on February 15th, with the remainder of the squad scheduled to report on the 20th. Along with the players on the 40-man roster that will be in Tucson, the club has announced the invitations of 17 non-roster players.

The breakdown of the Arizona Diamondbacks' spring training invitees includes eight pitchers, two catchers, three infielders, and four outfielders.

Pitchers (8): Right-handed pitchers Hector Ambriz, Brooks Brown, Barry Enright, Matt Green, Jarrod Parker, Connor Robertson, and Wes Roemer, and left-handed pitcher Mark Rosen.

Ambriz, Brown, Green, Rosen, and Robertson each played at Double-A or higher in 2007 and could factor in the makeup of the 2008 Diamondbacks.  Parker, Roemer, and Enright were the club's top three pitcher selections in last year's draft and will benefit from big league instruction.

Catchers (2): Frank Curreri and Ed Easley

These are interesting choices, as neither catcher has played above Single-A ball.  Still, strong spring showings could affect these backstop's minor league placement in April. 

Infielders (3): Jamie D'Antona, Donnie Kelly and Jesus Merchan

Kelly and Merchan are utility-type players that would only ascend to the major league roster in an emergency.  The Diamondbacks might add D'Antona to the 25-man roster with a strong spring showing if Chad Tracy is not healthy by opening day. 

Outfielders (4): Trent Oeltjen, Gerardo Parra, Chris Rahl and Tim Raines

Oeltjen and Raines were both signed as minor league free agents this winter.  They are table-setter types who will need strong showings to become the club's fifth outfielder at some point this year.  Parra has a higher ceiling than Rahl does, but Rahl has a more realistic chance of joining the big league club in 2008.

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