Late last week the Yankees announced their list of non-roster invitees to Spring Training, a list that runs 20 players deep and includes top prospects like Estevan Florial and Justus Sheffield. It also includes journeymen like Danny Espinosa and Dave Hale. Non-roster players are always a mix of exciting youngsters and veteran retreads. Same story every year.
Given the sheer volume of players invited to big league camp each year — 20 is actually on the low side, there’s usually 24-26 invitees to Spring Training — there are bound to be some surprises. Players who weren’t necessarily expected to be in camp as non-roster players, but will in fact be there, even if only for a few weeks.