New York Yankees Announce Spring Training Invitees

Mar 16, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman

(center) scores on a sacrifice fly during the third inning as Chicago White Sox catcher

(left) waits for the throw at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

One of the signs that you know you’re getting close to spring training is when the list for non-roster invitees for spring training comes out. Today, the New York Yankees released that list.  The Yankees will now have a total of 66 players report to the major league training camp. This list includes players signed to minor league deals, as well as minor league players who aren’t on the 40-man roster. Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the list.

Pitchers: Bruce Billings, Chris Leroux, Robert Coello, Brian Gordon, Matt Daley, Jim Miller, David Herndon, Yoshinori Tateyama, Danny Burawa, Chase Whitley, Fred Lewis, Mark Montgomery and Francisco Rendon

Catcher: Peter O’Brien, Francisco Arcia, Jose Gil

Infielder: Russ Canzler, Scott Sizemore, Yangervis Solarte, Zelous Wheeler, Corban Joseph and Jose Pirela

Outfielder: Antoan Richardson, Mason Williams, Tyler Austin and Adonis Garcia

Out of all those players, the players with the best chance to make the roster at this time are Sizemore and Canzler. The infield is full of question marks. Sizemore can play second or third and Canzler may be the best option to back up Mark Teixeira at first base if he’s injured. The pitchers to watch are Montgomery and Herndon. If they impress, the could potentially steal a 40-man roster spot from someone. The Yankees need an arm in the bullpen, and one of those guys could be the answer.

From a prospect perspective, obviously WIlliams and Austin are guys to watch, but keep an eye on O’Brien. He caught and played third in the Arizona Fall League and put up good numbers in the minor leagues last season.