Non-roster Invitees

According to the Detroit News, the Tigers have invited 21 players to spring training in addition to the 40 man roster. Included on the list are some of their top prospects: infielders Michael Hollimon, Jeff Larish, Scott Sizemore, Danny Worth, outfielder Matt Joyce and catcher James Skelton. Those players are not likely to head north with the team but will be there so the Tigers can get a closer look. One possible exception could be Hollimon who could make the 25 man roster as a backup infielder if he has a good spring but I think they'd like him to spend some time in Toledo. The rest of the list appears below:

Pitchers: Francis Beltran, Freddy Dolsi, Jeff Gerbe, Chris Lambert, Preston Larrison, Aquilino Lopez, Matt Mantei.

Catchers: Joe Bowen, Dusty Ryan, Dane Sardinha, Max St. Pierre, Nick Trzesniak.

Outfielders: Timo Perez, Wilkin Ramirez, Clete Thomas.

Of that group, Sardinha, St. Pierre or Trzesniak might have an outside chance to make the team as a backup catcher if Vance Wilson is not ready and Brandon Inge gets traded. In that scenario, I would expect them to try to pick up a veteran backup catcher elsewhere though. Realistically, the odds of any of the 21 invitees making the 25 man roster are not good.

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training on February 14 and others will report on February 19.