Wrapping up the non-roster invitees

With the official start of spring training a week away, it looks like the Pirates may finally be set on their group of guys heading into camp. Everyone on the 40-man roster will obviously be there. However, let's take a look at the non-roster invitees and see if any of them have a shot at making the club.

Here's the list:

Pitchers:
Jimmy Barthmaier
Brian Bass
Brian Burres
D.J. Carrasco
Vinnie Chulk
Anthony Claggett
Neal Cotts
Craig Hansen
Steven Jackson
Jeff Karstens
Wilfredo Ledezma
Jean Machi
Jeremy Powell
Jeff Sues
Jack Taschner
Justin Thomas
Virgil Vasquez
Tyler Yates

Catchers:
Luke Carlin
Hector Gimenez
Erik Kratz
Tony Sanchez

Infielders:
Doug Bernier
Brian Friday

Outfielders:
Bryan Myrow
Jonathan Van Every

Obviously, a lot of these guys are simply there to round out the AAA roster. However, some are legitimate prospects worth watching for a bit and some have a shot to make the big league team. Out of the pitchers, the ones to watch are definitely Brian Bass, D.J. Carrasco, and Neal Cotts. Carrasco, in my opinion, is almost a lock to make the club in the bullpen as he is coming off a season where he led the AL in innings last year and posted a solid 3.76 ERA. Bass is the next best option as far as right handers go. Last season for Baltimore, Bass posted a 4.90 ERA in 86.1 innings. His K:BB ratio is pretty bad at 54:44, but he does have some experience.

Cotts simply has a shot because Javier Lopez looks to be the only lefty reliever on the staff as of now. The club may choose a 2nd reliever and Cotts is probably the next best option.

There are also some prospects worth watching thrown in the mix here. Obviously, last season's 1st round pick Tony Sanchez is the main guy on this list. It will be good to see him play a couple games and get some at bats against good competition. Jeff Sues, who was the team's Minor League Pitcher of the year in 2008 is someone to watch as he hopes to bounce back from a less-than-stellar '09 year. And then lastly, Brian Friday will be in camp, who is also coming off his worst season since being the club's 3rd round pick in 2007.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting pretty excited. Baseball is right around the corner!