PEORIA, Ariz. -- While the odds generally remain long on making a Major League team as a non-roster invitee, it isn't impossible.
The Padres know this about as well as anyone.
In recent years, the team has had success with players who were originally inked to Minor League contracts impacting their big league roster.
Reliever Dale Thayer (signed in December of 2011), catcher Rene Rivera (2012), and outfielder Chris Denorfia (2009) are examples of players who have done as much after signing Minor League deals.
Last season, it was infielder Brett Wallace, who came to Spring Training with few promises -- other than the team would take a good look at him.