Every year in spring training, there are players who play themselves into a position to make the team out of camp. Here are five non-roster invites to keep an eye on that have a chance to make the big league squad.
Juan Cruz – Cruz, has been around for what seem an eternity. The 11-year veteran, got invited to spring training this year by the Pirates and has a chance, while slim, to make the team. Cruz still has good stuff and would be a veteran arm in the bullpen. The problem is that the Pirates are overloaded with right handed pitchers in the bullpen. Joel Hanrahan, Jason Grilli, Chris Leroux and Chris Resop are all out of options and thought to make the team, along with Evan Meek. Throw either Kevin Correia or Jeff Karstens into the mix, along with Daniel McCutchen, Cruz has a lot of competition to get through in order to make the team. It is possible if Cruz pitches lights out in spring training, they could have McCutchen start in AAA and only go with one lefty in the pen (Tony Watson).
Nick Evans – The Pirates need to find a spot for Evans. He has put up decent numbers for the Mets over the past few seasons and is a versatile player. Think of Evans as a Garrett Jones type player who can play corner outfield or first base. Evans, only 26-years old, struggles against righties, but hit .295 off lefties last year with a .360 OBP and .485 SLG. If the Pirates have an open spot, it could come down to Evans or….
Jake Fox – Fox, like Evans, is a versatile player that could add some pop off of the bench. Fox, who also plays catcher, caught the eyes of the baseball world in spring training last season as he belted 11 home runs. That play however, didn’t carry over to the regular season. Fox ended up hitting .246 with two home runs and six RBI in just 27 games played.
Jose Morales – Morales, who played with the Twins and Rockies last year, could make the team simply because he has an option in his contract to leave the organization if he wishes if he doesn’t make the team out of camp. Morales has a solid bat for a backup catcher and could fill in nicely for Rod Barajas. Fan favorite Michael “The Fort” McKenry is likely to win the backup job, but still has options available that he could start the season in Triple-A.
Matt Hague – I really liked Hague to make the team out of spring training this year if the Pirates didn’t sign Derek Lee. When Lee didn’t want to return to Pittsburgh, I thought Hague was in the clear. Instead, the acquisition of Casey McGehee, who the Pirates have been working out at first base a lot, may stand in the way of a promotion for Hague. Hague hit .309 last season in Triple-A Indianapolis with 12 home runs and 75 RBI, as well as a .372 OBP and a .457 SLG. While it doesn’t seem that Hague will make the team out of camp, you have to believe he will be up sooner rather than later.
Photo Credits: metsmerizedonline.com
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