Spring Training Preview: The Non-Roster Invitees Part 1

Pitchers and catchers finally reported yesterday for the first day of Spring Training. Every once in a while, a non-roster invitee with surprise everyone and make the roster, or at least get their name known. Last year it was Ramiro Pena. So let's take a look at the non-roster invitees in a mini-series. Today I'll start with Wilkins Arias, Jeremy Bleich, Grant Duff, Jason Hirsh, Kei Igawa, and Zach McAllister.

Wilkins Arias:

The 29 year old reliever has only been in professional baseball since 2006. He spent all of last year with Double-A Trenton. He's very unlikely to get many innings in Spring Training, and likely to be one of the first people down.

Last year in Double-A he had a 3.65 ERA over 61.2 innings; in that time he struck out 66 and walked only 22, with a 1.22 WHIP. He will probably get a shot at Scranton, but his Spring Training innings are likely to be at a minimum.

Jeremy Bleich:

Bleich, a 22-year old first rounder from the 2008 draft had an up-and-down disappointing first full season. After putting together solid numbers in A+ Tampa (3.40 ERA, 79.1 IP, 6.4 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 1.27 WHIP) he got bombed in Double-A Trenton (6.65 ERA, 1.82 WHIP).

Considering his inexperience, his chances of getting any innings is very unlikely. He should be one of the first to be re-assigned.

Grant Duff:

Duff, a 27 year old reliever, never really had great numbers in the minors, but his explosive fastball says that he may have some potential. He was left off the 40-man roster, allowing any team to select him in the Rule V Draft, but was unclaimed. I would not be surprised to see Duff get a good amount of innings for the team to see if he is near-Major League ready. He has a shot at a bullpen spot, but it's not likely.

Jason Hirsh:

The Yankees keep saying that the #5 spot is up for grabs, so maybe the 28-year old can sneak in as the underdog. Hirsh, who spent 2006-2008 in the Majors, has really fallen. With Houston's Triple-A affiliate he had a 6.66 eRA over 101.1 innings, and joined the Yankees in a mid-season trade. But with Triple-A Scranton he had a 1.35 ERA over 26.2 innings with 21 strikeouts and a 1.12 WHIP.

Hirsh, considering his intriguing 2009, will absolutely get a long look by the Yankees. If not for the #5 spot, he could try to take a long-relief role. Keep an eye out for him.

Kei Igawa:

Considering the number of starters in the upper-levels, his run as a starter may be over. However, this does not mean he is out of hope. He had very solid numbers against lefties last year in the minors, so I would not be surprised if they used him solely against lefties this Spring Training to see if he can be a LOOGY.

Zach McAllister:

Even more of an underdog than Hirsh for the #5 spot due to his youth and inexperience. He will likely only get a few innings and be one of the first down. But don't be surprised if he is one of the first guys called on if a starter is needed early on in the season.