The Oakland Athletics kicked off their 2011 Spring Training schedule with a 15-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs. As the A’s make their way through Cactus League play, they’ll have approximately 18 players in camp that are non-roster invitees. These players are not on the team’s 40-man roster and generally are considered relative long shots to make the team. The non-roster invitees include recent draft picks and players that have failed to catch on with teams in the past but have something the current team likes.
One game is not statistically significant, but a solid start to spring training can boost a player’s confidence, particularly if they’re a long shot to make the 25-man roster. The A’s received strong offensive contributions in yesterday’s Cactus League opener from 2010 first round draft choice Michael Choice, catcher Anthony Recker, OF Jai Miller, and shortstop Grant Green. Choice came on in place of LF Josh Willingham and went 2-for-3 while Recker was 2-for-2 in place of Kurt Suzuki.
Choice was selected in the first round of last year’s June draft and was quickly bumped up to short A Vancouver. I would imagine that barring an absolutely spectacular spring training that forces him onto the 25-man roster Choice will start the year at Stockton, which is in the more advanced California League. A lot is expected of Choice and the California League would provide a strong challenge for the up and coming Athletics outfielder.
The A’s 2011 non-roster invitees include:
P Joe Bateman
P Fernando Cabrera
P Vinnie Chulk
P Gabe DeHoyos
P Willie Eyre
P Danny Farquhar
P Yadel Marti
C Anthony Recker
C Max Stassi
IF Grant Green
IF Josh Horton
IF Andy LaRoche
IF Wes Timmons
IF Steve Tolleson
IF Jemile Weeks
OF Matt Carson
OF Michael Choice
OF Jai Miller