Yankees announce 44 non-roster invites
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 31, 2013 
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Here’s the release from the Yankees. Remember, every player on the 40-man is automatically coming to big league camp.
YANKEES SIGN FIVE PLAYERS TO MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS WITH INVITES TO MAJOR LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING;
INVITE A TOTAL OF 44 ADDITIONAL PLAYERS TO 2013 SPRING TRAINING
The New York Yankees today announced that they have signed five players to minor league contracts with an invitation to Major League Spring Training: OF Matt Diaz, INF Dan Johnson, OF Thomas Neal, OF Juan Rivera and C Bobby Wilson. The club has also invited 39 additional players to 2013 Spring Training, bringing the total number of invitees to 44 (20 pitchers, six catchers, nine infielders and nine outfielders). The total number of players now scheduled to report is 84 – 17 more than 2012’s total of 67.
The list of invites includes Yankees first-round draft picks OF Slade Heathcott (2009) and SS Cito Culver (2010), and 2012 South Atlantic League All-Stars OF Tyler Austin and C Gary Sanchez.
Diaz, who turns 35 on March 3, is a career .291 (543-for-1,863) batter with 211 runs, 97 doubles, 14 triples, 45 home runs and 225 RBI in 726 games over 10 seasons with Tampa Bay (2003-04), Kansas City (2005), Atlanta (2006-12) and Pittsburgh (2011). He is a career .324 (306-for-945) batter with 31 home runs against left-handed pitchers, and has appeared defensively at all three outfield position. Diaz grew up in Lakeland, Fla., played baseball at Florida State University and was selected by Tampa Bay in the 17th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. His last name is pronounced Dye-ez.
Johnson, 33, has appeared in 413 combined Major League games over parts of seven seasons with Oakland (2005-08), Tampa Bay (2008, ’10-11) and Chicago-AL (2012), batting .237 (313-for-1,320) with 59 doubles, 56 home runs and 194 RBI. He also played a season in Japan in 2009 with Yokohama. He spent most of the 2012 season with Triple-A Charlotte (.267, 127-for-476, 28 home runs), before appearing in 14 games with the White Sox as a September call-up (.364, 8-for-22). He hit three homers in the team’s regular season finale at Cleveland. He was originally selected by Oakland in the seventh round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft.
Neal, 25, made his Major League debut in 2012 with the Cleveland Indians, going 5-for-23 (.217) in nine games. He spent the majority of the season with Double-A Akron, batting .314 (127-for-405) with 77 runs, 24 doubles, 12 home runs and 51RBI in 117 games for the Eastern League champions. Among Eastern League leaders, he ranked third in on-base percentage (.400), fourth in batting average and tied for fifth in runs, appearing in games at all three outfield positions. Neal was originally selected by San Francisco in the 36th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, and acquired by Cleveland on 7/30/11.
Rivera, 34, batted .244 (76-for-312) with 14 doubles, nine home runs and 47 RBI in 109 games with the Dodgers in 2012. He made 30 starts in left field, 39 at first base, five in right field and one at DH. Originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 1996, Rivera appeared in 88 games with the Yankees over parts of three seasons (2001-03), hitting .262 (68-for-260) with eight home runs. He has collected 67 outfield assists in his career, tying for 12th-most among active players in the Majors since his debut in 2001.
Wilson, 29, has spent his entire career in the Angels organization, after being selected by the Angels in the 48th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Petersburg College. He hit .211 (36-for-171) with five doubles, three home runs and 13 RBI in 75 games in 2012 with the Angels, and caught 15-of-60 stolen base attempts (25.0%) – the seventh-highest percentage among AL catchers. A native of Dunedin, Fla., Wilson is a career .208 (81-for-389) batter in 191 Major League games with a .994 fielding percentage behind the plate, and catching 23.0% of potential base stealers (29-of-126).
2013 SPRING INVITEES
OF Abraham Almonte
C Francisco Arcia
OF Tyler Austin
INF Greg Bird
RHP Corey Black
LHP Juan Cedeno
RHP Preston Claiborne
INF Cito Culver
RHP Matt Daley
OF Matt Diaz
OF Adonis Garcia
RHP Shane Greene
RHP Nick Goody
OF Slade Heathcott
RHP David Herndon
C Kyle Higashioka
INF Walter Ibarra
INF Dan Johnson
RHP Tom Kahnle
INF Addison Maruszak
RHP Jim Miller
RHP Bryan Mitchell
RHP Mark Montgomery
INF Luke Murton
OF Ronnier Mustelier
C J.R. Murphy
OF Thomas Neal
INF Jayson Nix
RHP Zach Nuding
LHP Vidal Nuno
RHP Mike O’Brien
RHP Kelvin Perez
RHP Branden Pinder
INF Jose Pirela
RHP Ryan Pope
OF Juan Rivera
INF Kyle Roller
C Gary Sanchez
OF Rob Segedin
LHP Josh Spence
LHP Matt Tracy
INF Gil Velazquez
RHP Chase Whitley
C Bobby Wilson
I’m pretty interested in Maruzak – he could be an interesting utility infield guy
I’m a bit surprised Flores wasn’t invited. I hope MLB broadcasts some early Yankee games so we can see the young guys.
Really? Is that how linear time works?
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Yea and generally players on the wrong side of 30 get worse not better so it is, in fact, a point to be made about the team. As of now the only new blood is Hafner & Youkilis, both guys with upside but also huge injury/bust risks.
It would be one thing if the core of the Yankees hitting was in their prime, or entering it, where we can expect an increase in performance to offset losses, but across the board we should be expecting worse production from everyone!
I’m a bit surprised Flores wasn’t invited. I hope MLB broadcasts some early Yankee games so we can see the young guys.
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He is on the 40 man, so he gets an invite regardless I believe!
OF Tyler Austin
INF Greg Bird
OF Adonis Garcia
OF Slade Heathcott
RHP Bryan Mitchell
RHP Mark Montgomery
OF Ronnier Mustelier
RHP Zach Nuding
LHP Vidal Nuno
RHP Mike O’Brien
RHP Branden Pinder
INF Jose Pirela
C Gary Sanchez
OF Rob Segedin
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These are the guys I’ll really be watching for, for no reasons other than I want to see what they do this spring.
“It would be one thing if the core of the Yankees hitting was in their prime…”
Which is when the youth movement should have gotten underway.
Honestly, I’m a bit stunned by some of the names on this list. Not that they don’t have at least an outside chance of playing a role, but 44 is a lot of guys. Even with the WBC, I have no idea how they’re going to have enough innings and at-bats to make this worthwhile for everyone. It does, however, suggest the Yankees are seriously wanting to look at their internal options.
Jerkface January 31st, 2013 at 5:48 pm e
I’m a bit surprised Flores wasn’t invited. I hope MLB broadcasts some early Yankee games so we can see the young guys.
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He is on the 40 man, so he gets an invite regardless I believe!
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That’s true. Flores is on the 40, so he’ll be there. I assume Mason Williams and Angelo Gumbs weren’t invited strictly because of last year’s injuries (don’t want them pushing it too hard in camp trying to make a huge impression).
No Mason
What exactly does a non-roster invitee have to do in Spring Training to gain a spot on the 40 man or the 25 man? Hit 500 and slug 600?
If Mason Williams ever makes the team and hits a home run, there is no doubt that Sterling’s call will be “Classical Gas!”
Thanks, JF and Chad.
Non-Roster invitees ever make the Yankees right out of ST ?
Of the players I haven’t seen, I’m excited to see Bird and Bryan Mitchell. Cito can show off his D, and his new swing path. Hope to see improvement there. He spent the whole off season in Tampa. A lot of players have been there for awhile. Betances is already there. Fingers crossed. The young un’s are the best part of ST. #Hope!
Yankees would never add a non-roster invitee no matter how well he hit.
what would Montgomery have to do to make the 25 man?
or is he destined to be a September call-up
what would Montgomery have to do to make the 25 man?
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Be absolutely lights out and have an injury open a spot in the bullpen
austin, don’t know if you saw it but I responded in an earlier thread to some of your questions regarding my regard for Rusty Hardin an attorneys in general.
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Have a good night all.
Montgomery is still working on stuff–fb command and a change. But maybe we could see him in September.
Night, Trish.
Sweeny Murti ?@YankeesWFAN
OF Ramon Flores (on the 40-man) could be most intriguing player to watch this spring. High ceiling OF that scouts love.
@YankeesWFAN: OF Ramon Flores (on the 40-man) could be most intriguing player to watch this spring. High ceiling OF that scouts love.
Flores is very good. Abreu type. I was surprised by his pop when he had just been called up to AA. Amusing that he is getting love from the scouts.
It would be nice if some young guys make the club. The over 30 crowd is large.
will flores see aaa time this year? start in aa?
is he as patient as abreu?
We could use an Abreu type right now
The competition for the RH DH will be interesting.
Might be they would want Rivera to make it but Diaz is also a strong possibility.
Canzler is a darkhorse and Mustelliar is on the outside looking in.
Nunez will certainly lose AB’s…
The quick emergence of some young players with significant upside could really change the perception (and with it the potential enjoyment) of the season.
Jerkface January 31st, 2013 at 5:50 pm
OF Tyler Austin
INF Greg Bird
OF Adonis Garcia
OF Slade Heathcott
RHP Bryan Mitchell
RHP Mark Montgomery
OF Ronnier Mustelier
RHP Zach Nuding
LHP Vidal Nuno
RHP Mike O’Brien
RHP Branden Pinder
INF Jose Pirela
C Gary Sanchez
OF Rob Segedin
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These are the guys I’ll really be watching for, for no reasons other than I want to see what they do this spring.
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No Corey Black or Goody – your loss I guess – - – - guess the excel spreadsheet needs a new formula to include Black and Nicholas on it – - – - -
the lohud – where they mock what they do not understand – - – - -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePTZezN_Iw
4 IF’s, 3 Of’s, 2 C’s, 2 DH’s, 1 BUIF, 1 BUOF,
5 Starters, Mo, Robo, Logan, Joba,Phelps, Eppley/Aardsma, Rapada
seems like the BUOF will be a RH DH to make room for a 2nd BUIF (Nix and Nunez)
still think it costs Nunez AB’s.
Not sure Flores is Abreu-like as much as Abreu-lite. Though if he wants to explode next year and OPS near .900, that’d be awesome.
I like him because he has plate discipline and a chance to hit for avg.
Troll on, Stoney
What’s up with someone thinking that the mention of a spreadsheet is a diss. It’s anti-intellectual goofiness.
Jerkface January 31st, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Troll on, Stoney
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He was so much better weeks ago what happened??? He provided insight and good arguments
Flores will start at AA. Great plate discipline with some very decent pop. Hell definitely hit for average.
Wish we were smart like this;
“I don’t know why he would want to go through the pain of rehabbing and trying to play up to the caliber of player he was, and come back to a game where nobody wants him,” said a baseball official.
Cito Culver and not Mason Williams? Really? They were desperate for another SS?
Stone lburner 3 is definately kinda jumping the shark…..by Stoneburner 4 we may be looking at Jaws the revenge territory
jacksquat says:
January 31, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Cito Culver and not Mason Williams? Really? They were desperate for another SS?
Maybe they want somebody to make the pitchers feel good about themselves in live BP?
Oops, Wrong quote (on my phone) I was referring to Chapman:
“I hear the argument, ‘Why mess with something when it’s gone so well?’” Price said. “I get that. We have a really good team and the window of opportunity is now, and we may be better suited to Aroldis closing rather than starting because we already have a strong five-man rotation without him. I totally understand that.
“But I also have a feeling in my heart that he’s not going to be the best possible pitcher he can be until he throws enough innings to master his craft. I think this kid has untapped potential, but it won’t come out until we give him an opportunity to mature as a pitcher. Does he have a chance to be one of the better starters of his generation? The longer we wait, the less chance we have of ever finding out.”
Mason’s coming off an injury. Probably want to reward Cito for putting in the work in off season. They love his make up.
What’s up with the multiple handles?
As if the first and second wasn’t bad enough…now we have a trilogy.
As far as I know, Flores has never touched the RF wall in Yankee Stadium, so he’s kind of like Abreu in that sense.
Self-mythologizing?
Abreu should have worn a helmet in the field. Maybe shoulder pads too. And a catcher’s mask.
That said, I loved his patient, hit to all fields approach at the plate.
Aside from relief pitchers and perhaps backup catchers, the Yanks haven’t had much patience with their young internal options.
LH COF. Hits for average, has a high OBP, walks with decent pop and will show more I believe. Can steal bases
Abreu’s fielding was pretty bad.
Giuseppe Franco January 31st, 2013 at 7:11 pm
What’s up with the multiple handles?
As if the first and second wasn’t bad enough…now we have a trilogy.
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Maybe it’s like a new life/born again thing.
Nick in SF says:
January 31, 2013 at 7:11 pm
As far as I know, Flores has never touched the RF wall in Yankee Stadium, so he’s kind of like Abreu in that sense.
Lol
Jerkface January 31st, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Really? Is that how linear time works?
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Yea and generally players on the wrong side of 30 get worse not better so it is, in fact, a point to be made about the team. As of now the only new blood is Hafner & Youkilis, both guys with upside but also huge injury/bust risks.
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All the players the Yankees got rid of were on the wrong side of 30 as well.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think playing for a team that matters, playing games that matter – will be huge for Youk, Pronk and Ichiro.
LH COF. Hits for average, has a high OBP, walks with decent pop and will show more I believe. Can steal bases
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Flores is going to be really interesting to see as he makes his way to AA and beyond, because he is a guy with no great outstanding tool, but possesses above average tools in all areas. Not quite a 5 tool guy as normally defined, but with enough in each category that he may just beat out the more highly ranked guys when all is said and done.
Abreu was in AA already at the same age and really blew up, so Flores is a bit behind him, but breaking out at 21 in AA with a strong mid to high .800′s OPS is not out of the question.
Against All Odds January 31st, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Maybe it’s like a new life/born again thing.
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I’d probably buy that argument if he was pleasant and genuinely engaged in the discussion but he keeps returning as the same @sshole.
“Flores is going to be really interesting to see as he makes his way to AA and beyond, because he is a guy with no great outstanding tool, but possesses above average tools in all areas. Not quite a 5 tool guy as normally defined, but with enough in each category that he may just beat out the more highly ranked guys when all is said and done.”
A player like this was just traded for Justin Upton
All the players the Yankees got rid of were on the wrong side of 30 as well.
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Yea but Swisher was very good, so even if he declines in performance you can expect good. Same with Cano. If Granderson & Tex & Ichiro & Youk & Hafner stay the same or decline the Yankees are worse.
They have, in the end, returned a ‘lesser’ team than was fielded in 2012. Still room for some surprises and actually playing the games though!
I would say Bourne doing a one year deal is becoming more and more likely…,Boras could still pull a rabbit out of his hat though….Id love to have Lohse for one year too
Flores had a great start in AA last year but I wouldn’t overvalue his stats esp at home with the Trenton Park suppressing hits/SLG.