Tigers Invite 13 Players to Spring Training

The Tigers have added 13 players to spring training as non-roster invitees: pitchers Phil Dumatrait, Enrique Gonzalez, Josh Rainwater, Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt; catchers Robinson Diaz, Johm Murriam, Mike Rabelo, Eric Roof and Max St.Pierre; and infielders Kory Casto, Jeff Larish and Gustavo Nunez.

The best pitching prospects of the group are Robbie Weinhardt and Cody Satterwhite. Weinhardt had quite a bit of success pitching for single A Lakeland and AA Erie in 2009. In 63 innings combined, the 24 year old right-hander posted a 1.57 ERA and a 72/26 K/BB ratio. The 22 year old Satterwhite had a 3.47 ERA in 49 1/3 innings with Erie. Both have outside shots at making the 25 man roster.

Diaz has a good chance to come north as the Tigers back-up catcher. The other catchers will just be used to handle the large number of pitchers on the spring roster. It's something that all teams do every spring.

Kory Casto is a corner outfielder/infielder who has batted .194 in 239 PAs for the Nationals. He batted .271/.334/.378 for AAA Syracuse in 2009. I talked about Jeff Larish yesterday. Because the Tigers desperately need left-handed bats, either Casto or Larish could make the team as a role player with a strong spring. There is still a good chance they could add a veteran from outside the organization before the season though. Nunez is a good shortstop prospect but will only get a look. He's very raw and needs more time in the minors.