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It feels almost silly to have to mention that Kiko Calero is a non roster invitee considering he appeared in 67 games for the Florida Marlins and had a 1.95 ERA.

It’s not that those numbers were believed to be a fluke it’s just most teams (for unknown reasons to me) were scared off of the idea of signing Calero over concerns about the health of his arm.

Calero as a non roster invitee is a great move on the part of the Mets. Calero has proved to be a reliable arm out of the pen with only one season of an ERA abouve 4, and that same 2007 season being the lone time his WHIP topped 1.30.

In 7 big league seasons spent between St. Louis, Oakland and Florida he’s pitched 302.2 innings and has a 3.24 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Batters have combined to hit just .217 against him, again with the bulk of that being in 2007.

Calero has done nothing to prove he’s not ready for the 2010 season and all signs point to him being one of the key cogs in the Mets bullpen.

	Non-Roster Invitees
	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	90 Travis Blackley	L/L	6-3	205	11/04/82
	94 Kiko Calero	R/R	6-1	210	01/09/75
	64 Elmer Dessens	R/R	5-11	200	01/13/71
	36 R.A. Dickey	R/R	6-2	215	10/29/74
	93 Jack Egbert	L/R	6-3	220	05/12/83
	43 Josh Fogg	R/R	6-0	205	12/13/76
	68 Bobby Livingston	L/L	6-3	205	09/03/82
	32 Arturo Lopez	L/L	5-10	185	02/22/83
	76 Jenrry Mejia	R/R	6-0	160	10/11/89
	70 Carlos Muniz	R/R	6-1	190	03/12/81
	77 Eric Niesen	L/L	6-0	185	09/04/85
	47 Hisanori Takahashi	L/L	5-10	170	04/02/75
	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	72 Kai Gronauer	R/R	6-1	205	11/28/86
	73 Luke Montz	R/R	6-2	225	07/07/83
	71 Mike Nickeas	R/R	6-0	210	02/13/83
	74 Francisco Pena	R/R	6-2	230	10/12/89
	73 Shawn Riggans	R/R	6-2	200	07/25/80
	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	65 Russ Adams	L/R	6-0	200	08/30/80
	22 Jolbert Cabrera	R/R	6-2	205	12/08/72
	67 Mike Cervenak	R/R	5-11	195	08/17/76
	78 Ike Davis	L/L	6-4	215	03/22/87
	10 Andy Green	R/R	5-10	180	07/07/77
	80 Luis Hernandez	S/R	5-10	180	06/26/84
	66 Mike Hessman	R/R	6-5	215	03/05/78
	35 Mike Jacobs	L/R	6-3	215	10/30/80
	79 Ruben Tejada	R/R	5-11	160	10/27/89
	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	2 Frank Catalanotto	L/R	6-0	195	04/27/74
	62 Jesus Feliciano	L/L	5-10	190	06/06/79
	91 Kirk Nieuwenhuis	L/R	6-3	210	08/07/87

Popularity: 1% [?]

No no not that Mike Stanton, Mike Stanton the 20 year old outfielder who has wowed the Marlins organization the last month.

Stanton was expected to repeat Double-A this year but considering he’s hitting .316 with 3 homers in 19 at-bats this spring even manger Freddi Gonzalez is starting to wonder why the club isn’t looking to put him in the opening day lineup.

Had Dan Uggla been traded it’s likely Stanton would be in the lineup come opening day as Chris Coghlan probably moves back to second base leaving a whole in the outfield. Had Cody Ross been traded there would have been a hole in right field.

With both Uggla and Cody Ross remaining on the roster the Marlins simply cannot put the 20 year old talent on the team. Most expect Uggla or even Ross to be traded at some point this year which unquestionably opens up the spot for Stanton to play.

Here’s what you want/need to know about Stanton. He’s got big time power hitting 39 homers in A-ball in 2008 and then 28 between High-A and Double-A last season. He hits homers, he hits doubles, he’s even legged out a few triples and could swipe a base or two.

Of course he also manged just a .231/.311/.455 line in 299 at-bats at Double-A so maybe we are jumping the gun a bit based solely on his spring numbers. Like most young power hitters it’s tough for him to lay off pitches and he strikes out a lot.

But then again it’s not that every young power hitter has the ability of Stanton either.

I fully expect the Marlins to send Stanton down to start the season perhaps if the fish fall out of the NL East or Wild Card race they make a trade that opens up a spot for Stanton if he performs well. If not it’s likely that spot goes to someone else who is hitting well.

It may not be this season but Stanton will certainly be making a splash as a Marlin sooner then later.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Truth be told it’s probably not going to happen for Chad Cordero this spring. He’s given his all but considering he missed all of last season it’s tough to believe the Seattle Mariners would be thrilled about including him on their opening day roster.

For what it’s worth he’s regained much of his velocity and has been pitching well but alas this is spring training.

Mike Sweeney is in a similar position as he’s hit the cover off the ball and despite a .750 average there doesn’t appear to be any way the Mariners could sneak him no the roster for opening day.

Both players would be options later on but for Sweeney I don’t know if he sticks around with the club.

As for Cordero this is a guy who turns 28 in a few hours and picked up 128 saves in six seasons with the Washington Nationals. He has a career 2.78 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and despite not being the hardest throwing proved to be quite an asset to the Nationals at the end of games.

I figure the Mariners run him though Tacoma for a bit and personally I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Seattle rather quickly should he pitch well and his arm hold up.

If not then I guess you can could me as wrong on this one.

	Non-Roster Invitees
	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	37 Jesus Colome	R/R	6-2	240	12/23/77
	33 Chad Cordero	R/R	6-0	220	03/18/82
	76 Josh Fields	R/R	6-0	185	08/19/85
	65 Nick Hill	L/L	6-0	190	01/30/85
	39 Mike Koplove	R/R	6-0	165	08/30/76
	66 David Pauley	R/R	6-2	210	06/17/83
	71 Mauricio Robles	L/L	5-10	205	03/05/89
	63 Chris Seddon	L/L	6-3	220	10/13/83
	64 Steven Shell	R/R	6-4	215	03/10/83
	30 Levale Speigner	R/R	5-11	180	09/24/80
	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	41 Eliezer Alfonzo	R/R	5-11	220	02/07/79
	26 Josh Bard	S/R	6-3	225	03/30/78
	72 Steven Baron	R/R	6-0	200	12/07/90
	74 Luis Oliveros	R/R	6-1	225	06/18/83
	48 Guillermo Quiroz	R/R	6-1	215	11/29/81
	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	59 Tommy Everidge	R/R	6-0	275	04/20/83
	60 Brad Nelson	L/R	6-2	260	12/23/82
	16 Josh Wilson	R/R	6-0	175	03/26/81
	6 Chris Woodward	R/R	6-0	190	06/27/76
	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	17 Corey Patterson	L/R	5-10	180	08/13/79
	61 Mike Wilson	R/R	6-2	245	06/29/83
	Designated Hitters	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	5 Mike Sweeney	R/R	6-3	225	07/22/73

Popularity: 1% [?]

He’s a regular in this piece! Jamey Wright, two years and running for a third term.

Jamey Wright would obviously rather have been signed to a guaranteed deal but the 35 year old right hander is probably happy to be in camp. Last season he appeared in 65 contests with Kansas City amassing a 4.33 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP.

While those numbers aren’t great they aren’t that bad and considering no one would use Wright as a late inning option his durability is more of a plus then some of the other options being considered by the Indians. With a reported two openings in the tribe’s pen it’s at-least possible that the journeyman could crack this club out of spring training.

It’s hard to believe that Wright has been in the majors for 14 years and yet somehow despite not being left handed he’s been able to compile a career line of 82-115 with a 5.03 ERA and somehow still be around looking for a 15th season.

Wright is best used as a long reliever where his ability to go though a lineup a few times doesn’t wear him down. He’s not much of an option as a starter and hasn’t been dating back to 2004. His still possess a decent sinker-ball which can induce ground balls.

Plus if he makes the Indians my wife will be happy. For some reason she likes the guy. I guess he’s an alright fellow myself. Best of luck Jamey. Sorry I didn’t exactly give you the ravest review like I have the last two years. It’s just these NRI reports are well behind schedule and I haven’t been as interested

in them this year.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Todd Wellemeyer reports to Giants camp hoping to return to 2008 form. Thus far it’s been a success and while Madison Bumgarner, 20,  is currently listed as the teams fifth starter his stats this spring have done nothing to etch that into stone.

Two years ago Wellemeyer, 31, won 13 games for the St. Louis Cardinals with a 3.71 ERA. Wellemeyer stands to earn up to $1.5 million should he win the spot as the teams fifth starter.

Thus farn the right hander has allowed 2 runs and 10 hits over 9 innings of work. Not known for being a strike out artist he’s amassed just one K but has also allowed just one walk.

While spring numbers can be hard to read due to the sample size and the questionable talent of the opposition there’s another thing working in Wellemeyers favor this spring.

Team officials see Wellemeyer as a potential long reliever if he does not win a rotation spot, but he wants to start. He said his contract includes a clause that requires the Giants to tell him by a certain date toward the end of spring training what his role will be. If he does not like what he hears, he can opt out and sign with another team.

With that card in hand Wellemeyer almost certainly fits into the Giants plans for 2010 in some capacity. While it’s looking like it may be as the fifth starter I don’t know how much interest there would be in Wellemeyer by other clubs as an end of the rotation option should he opt out of his contract just before the season starts but it’s likely someone would pick him up should he keep up his current line.

Wellemeyer probably isn’t the be all end all solution for the Giants but we’re talking about the fifth starter here so he doesn’t have to be. He simply needs to go out every fifth day give the club five to six innings, not be a bullpen killer and hopefully he keeps them in the game.

In seven professional seasons he’s 29-29 with a 4.74 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP in 195 games including 64 starts.

	Non-Roster Invitees
	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	53 Denny Bautista	R/R	6-5	190	08/23/80
	46 Santiago Casilla	R/R	6-0	200	07/25/80
	63 Craig Clark	L/L	6-2	200	07/09/84
	64 Rafael Cova	R/R	6-2	175	03/05/82
	65 Steve Edlefsen	S/R	6-2	180	06/27/85
	66 Eric Hacker	S/R	6-1	210	03/26/83
	56 Osiris Matos	R/R	6-1	200	08/06/84
	59 Guillermo Mota	R/R	6-5	235	07/25/73
	51 Tony Pena	R/R	6-2	180	03/23/81
	70 Felix Romero	R/R	6-2	200	06/18/80
	71 Clayton Tanner	R/L	6-1	200	12/05/87
	71 Daniel Turpen	R/R	6-4	230	08/17/86
	37 Todd Wellemeyer	R/R	6-3	225	08/30/78
	74 Craig Whitaker	R/R	6-4	210	11/19/84
	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	32 Steve Holm	R/R	6-0	205	10/21/79
	76 Johnny Monell	L/R	5-11	205	03/27/86
	77 Hector Sanchez	S/R	6-0	185	11/17/89
	73 Jackson Williams	R/R	5-11	200	05/14/86
	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	78 Ehire Adrianza	S/R	6-1	165	08/21/89
	79 Brandon Crawford	L/R	6-2	200	01/21/87
	84 Jesus Guzman	R/R	6-1	215	06/14/84
	80 Nick Noonan	L/R	6-0	180	05/04/89
	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	81 Wendell Fairley	L/R	6-2	195	03/17/88
	82 Roger Kieschnick	L/R	6-3	215	01/21/87
	83 Thomas Neal	R/R	6-1	225	08/17/87

Popularity: 4% [?]

Garret Anderson comes back to Los Angeles. It just happens to be with the Dodgers instead of the Angels. The 16-year veteran played for the Angels the first 15 years of his career before heading to Atlanta last year. With the change to Dodgers Anderson is also trying new things the most notable one being a first basemen glove.

The Dodgers also have Doug Mientkiewicz trying to make the team again this year and it may ultimately come down to which player has the hot hand this spring for what appears to be one roster spot.

The Dodgers biggest concern is whether to keep Blake DeWitt in the majors or to send him back to Triple-A. DeWitt, 25, has yet to show he’s worthy of a big league roster space for the course of a season. Chin-lung Hu on the other hand is almost certainly headed back down and it’s unclear if the Dodgers are serious about keeping Jason Repko on the 25 man roster or not. Should all three go down it’s likely both Anderson and Mientkiewicz find themselves on the opening day roster.

Anderson’s one year in Atlanta was more of a jail sentence for both sides. Never known for drawling a walk and with knees that have already faded away Anderson’s time in Atlanta is more likely a reflection of things to come rather then a hiccup. His batting average tumbled 25 points last year down to a career low of .268 and just 8 times in his career has his OBP topped .330 (and two of those times consist of 1994 in which he had 13 at-bats and 1995 in which he had 374).

If Anderson makes the roster it’s because he makes contact this spring and his past contributions. He’s not a regular option in the outfield and his acceptance of playing first base from time to time only allows for the occasional off day for James Loney.

At 37 years of age it’s clear there’s not much left in the tank but there are certainly worse options out there for a roster spot.

	Non-Roster Invitees
	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	26 Luis Ayala	R/R	6-2	190	01/12/78
	88 Scott Dohmann	R/R	6-1	200	02/13/78
	79 Francisco Felix	R/R	5-11	205	07/28/83
	38 Eric Gagne	R/R	6-0	240	01/07/76
	70 Josh Lindblom	R/R	6-5	240	06/15/87
	45 Justin Miller	R/R	6-2	200	08/27/77
	35 Ramon Ortiz	R/R	6-0	175	05/23/73
	48 Russ Ortiz	R/R	6-1	220	06/05/74
	78 Juan Perez	R/L	6-0	180	09/03/78
	28 Josh Towers	R/R	6-1	185	02/26/77
	36 Jeff Weaver	R/R	6-5	200	08/22/76
	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	77 JD Closser	S/R	5-10	180	01/15/80
	81 Gabriel Gutierrez	R/R	5-11	190	11/24/83
	82 Justin Knoedler	R/R	6-2	210	07/17/80
	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	30 Angel Berroa	R/R	6-0	195	01/27/77
	21 Nick Green	R/R	6-0	180	09/10/78
	76 John Lindsey	R/R	6-1	245	01/30/77
	13 Doug Mientkiewicz	L/R	6-0	210	06/19/74
	72 Russ Mitchell	R/R	5-11	205	02/15/85
	63 Argenis Reyes	S/R	5-10	180	09/25/82
	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	– Alfredo Amezaga	S/R	5-10	180	01/16/78
	00 Garret Anderson	L/L	6-3	225	06/30/72
	66 Brian Barton	R/R	6-3	190	04/25/82
	61 Prentice Redman	R/R	6-3	185	08/23/79
	29 Michael Restovich	R/R	6-6	240	01/03/79

Popularity: 6% [?]

The Diamondbacks are hoping to do better then last year and while the biggest question this spring may be whether Brandon Webb is ready for the start of the season my biggest question is can any of their non roster invitees crack the roster this season?

Rodrigo Lopez is perhaps the best NRI bet to see time in the rotation, while Collin Cowgill is the teams highest prospect to appear in camp. Wes Roemer could see some action with the team this year but in what role I am not sure. Roemer, the 50th overall pick in 2007, has been a starter for his whole minor league career yet the Dbacks opted only to use him in rare late innings this spring before reassigning him.

Perhaps the best bet of those invited to break camp with the team is reliever Josh Ellis. At worst Ellis seems destined to start the 2010 season in Triple-A, a level he reached late last year and struggled at. Ellis was as good as there was in Double-A Mobile compiling a 1.94 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 48K/14BB ratio in 41.2 innings. In Triple-A things were pretty ugly as in 15 appearances he was torched to a 7.91 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP but he did manage 19K’s in his 19.1 innings of work.

Ellis isn’t highly thought of around baseball and most have him well away from the Dbacks top prospects which is usually the case with guys who project as middle relievers who aren’t considered closing material.

If Ellis can continue to improve his control, which was the biggest knock against him as his minor league career began, then he has a great chance to make the majors at some point this season. Though right now I’ll have to say he’s destined to start the season in Reno.

Popularity: 2% [?]

You’re probably wondering what would possess me to select Starlin Castro as the Chicago Cubs non roster invitee. It’s not a lack of talent but the lack of a roster spot and the fact he’s been reassigned that would have prompted the aforementioned question.

Perhaps it’s keeping with the new, exciting instead of the old and washed up. Perhaps I’ve sipped some alcohol or maybe I just didn’t want to write about Kevin Millar or Chad Tracy again this year.

Hmmm.

Castro came to camp with a big buzz but mainly it’s his age that’s done him in. The Chicago Cubs are to be careful witch Castro and will do what it takes to delay his service clock from ticking. The best way (and only way) to do that is to send him to the minors.

Almost immediately he became a talking point on Chicago Sports Radio as the media hyped the Cubs top prospect while manager Lou Pinella pretty much implied he had no knowledge that even such a player existed.

While I’m more likely to believe Pinella was being coy, you can’t deny that starting the season in the majors was never an option for Castro. While the Cubs failed to upgrade their middle infield just about everyone knew that they would ultimately go with Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot up the middle with Jeff Baker in tow.

To be fair Theriot isn’t nearly as bad as he’s been portrayed by Chicago Sports radio following a dismal 2009, while Fontenot is simply holding down a position for now. Theirot is by far the better bet of the two to get on base, his ability to steal makes him an asset while Fontenot’s big advantage between the two has been a slightly better ability to connect with doubles.

But what both of them being with the Cubs ultimately means is that there will be no way around calling up Castro at some point. One of the infield options may be productive but it’s not likely to be both. What Castro lacks in power at the plate he makes up for with speed and a keen eye.

Of course the biggest place for improvement in Castros game ultimately lies in the infield. Split between Daytona and Tennessee he committed 39 errors at short stop. While there is expected to be a high number for a 19 year-old, it’s nonetheless a number that needs to shrink if he’s to be a reliable major league infielder.

Castro may be the Cubs option at lead off in 2011 but in 2010 he’s got to get his game in order. A productive transition from Spring to Summer likely earns him a call up in July should Fontenot or Theriot struggle, else wise he may be looking more at late August or September but there’s little doubt in my mind he finds the majors this season.

***

I could have opted to go with Chad Tracy or Kevin Millar here and while both are hitting I’m having an awful hard time considering neither did that during the 2009 season and a quick look at the Cubs roster could provide cases that neither makes the club. I ultimately think they keep Millar for some reason but I think Tracy is the better player and ends up somewhere before the summer begins.

	Non-Roster Invitees
	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	70 Andrew Cashner	R/R	6-6	210	09/11/86
	79 Casey Coleman	L/R	6-0	180	07/03/87
	20 Thomas Diamond	R/R	6-3	240	04/06/83
	78 Jeff Kennard	R/R	6-2	220	07/26/81
	68 J.R. Mathes	L/L	6-3	210	11/09/81
	53 Vince Perkins	L/R	6-5	240	09/27/81
	76 James Russell	L/L	6-4	205	01/08/86
	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	71 Robinson Chirinos	R/R	6-1	195	06/05/84
	74 Steve Clevenger	L/R	6-0	195	04/05/86
	75 Chris Robinson	R/R	6-0	220	05/12/84
	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	65 Darwin Barney	R/R	5-10	180	11/08/85
	67 Starlin Castro	R/R	6-0	190	03/24/90
	73 Ryan Flaherty	L/R	6-3	200	07/27/86
	73 Blake Lalli	L/R	6-1	205	05/12/83
	15 Kevin Millar	R/R	6-0	215	09/24/71
	9 Chad Tracy	L/R	6-2	215	05/22/80
	61 Josh Vitters	R/R	6-2	200	08/27/89
	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	57 Matt Camp	L/R	6-0	200	05/29/84
	59 Brett Jackson	L/R	6-2	210	08/02/88
	4 Bryan LaHair	L/R	6-5	240	11/05/82
	15 Bobby Scales	S/R	6-0	185	10/04/77
	56 Brad Snyder	L/L	6-3	200	05/25/82

Popularity: 3% [?]

Entering March there were holes to be plugged in St. Louis. Last season the Cardinals were the NL Central Champions but alas weren’t around at the end. Much like everyone else they are looking at invited guests who could make an impact this season.

So to recap what has gone on in Cardinals camp thus far.

Kyle McClellan seems to have locked himself into the fifth starters spot and there doesn’t seem to be much room for additions in the infield. I know that Skip Schumaker is listed as the Cardinals second basemen but considering Felipe Lopez and Julio Lugo are both on the roster it’s quite likely that Schumaker will end up playing in the outfield as much or maybe more then he will be in the infield.

With all that being said I was still quite tempted to go with Rich Hill but I simply couldn’t over look the arm of Eduardo Sanchez. Sanchez has a big time arm and is the highest ranking prospect not on the 40-man roster to be invited to camp.

Sanchez can hit 100 on the radar gun and while that number doesn’t always mean success it’s clear it’s helped him thus far.

In four minor league seasons he’s really went to work. In 184 minor league innings he’s compiled 204 strike outs to 83 walks. He’s combined for a 3.42 ERA and a 1.217 WHIP during that time.

Last season between Palm Beach and Springfield he opened some eyes combining for a 2.28 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 75 innings of relief. There’s big time hope for Sanchez and some have suggested that he could even be the Cardinals closer as soon as this season should something happen to Ryan Franklin.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Looks like the NHL has suspended Alex Ovechkin for the incident on Sunday that left Brian Campbell of the Chicago Blackhawks sidelined. It’s the second suspension of the season for the Russian skater who will be out for two games and eligible to return March 20th.

Sooner or later I’m actually going to watch some hockey this year. Eh who am I kidding, I didn’t watch it last year or the year before that or the one before…. this could take a while.

Popularity: 2% [?]