Padres Finalize Non Roster Spring Invites

The Padres will begin full squad workouts next week, and they will have some intriguing roster spot decisions to finalize. Adding to the intrigue they have invited 19 non roster invites including top prospect Hunter Renfroe and veteran infielder Skip Schumaker as reported by the San Diego Union Tribune. These players aren’t on the major league roster but this allows the Padres to get a longer look at certain players who might be needed later on in the season.

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The Padres will begin camp with 59 players including the 40 man roster. Persons of intrigue include starter Brandon Morrow, reliever Frank Garces, and a slew of middle infielders fighting for the final bench spots on the team.

While the Padres seem to have their infield solidified after adding shortstop Alexei Ramirez, they did add some veteran depth in case Yangervis Solarte or Cory Spangenberg aren’t ready after all for full time roles in the infield. Infielders Jemile Weeks, Adam Rosales, and recently Nick Noonan was added on a minor league contract to compete for spots.

I would expect Schumaker or Rosales to battle each other for essentially the veteran pinch hitter role that Mark Kotsay filled for the 2014 team and Schumaker seems to have the upper hand in that regard.

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Noonan played with the Giants in 2013 and 2015 and could provide additional insurance at first or second base if Wil Myers gets hurt. Other interesting names on the invite list include former perfect game finisher Philip Humber and Daniel McCutchen who had a good season at AAA last year.

Every year there seems to be someone in Spring Training who steps up beyond expectations and makes the team. Tommy Medica did so in 2014 but was unable to sustain his momentum. This is assuming that A.J. Preller doesn’t make any more moves before the season starts. Who is your guess to this years Spring Training surprise?