Angels announce spring training non-roster invitees for 2017

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. No, not Groundhog’s day or February 2nd, but rather, the day the Angels announced the non roster guys that get to go play in Tempe alongside Mike Trout, Garrett Richards, and Albert Pujols (too soon?). Anyway, it’s an excited day and we get to take a look at who will be rubbing shoulders with the big boys in a few short weeks.

Pitchers (with highest level in 2016)

Manny Banuelos, 24, RHP, AAA
Trying to get past a series of arm issues over the past few years

Abel De Los Santos, 24, RHP, AAA
Threw a whole 5.2 innings for the Reds last year

Cody Ege, LHP, 25, MLB
Familiar face for Angels fans

Drew Gagnon, RHP, 26, AAA
Angels picked him up in the Maldanado/Bandy trade with the Brewers

Kevin Grendell, LHP, 23, AA
Signed at the start of last season, had a good minor league year for the Angels

John Lamb, LHP, 26, MLB
Also from the Reds, and a has a good hair game (someone has to replace Wilson)

Justin Miller, RHP, 29, MLB
Signed as a free agent, last with the Rockies. Beard game might make Shoemaker jealous

Osmer Morales, RHP, 24, A+
Picked up as a free agent back in November

Bud Norris, RHP, 31, MLB
Former Angels killer circa 2012-2014, looking to make it on the big league roster

Blake Parker, RHP, 31, MLB
Angels claimed him off waivers in October from the Yankees

Jose Valdez, RHP, 26, MLB
Exxon Valdez is back and hopefully less Exxon-y

Catchers

Francisco Arcia, 27, AAA
Signed to a minor league contract in November after becoming a free agent

Michael Barash, 22, A
Youngest invitee who actually caught games last year

Jose Briceno, 24, AAA
Came over from the Braves in the Simmons trade back in 2015

Jack Kruger, 22, Rok
Didn’t catch a single game in his first pro season (DH only)

Tony Sanchez, 28, AAA
Signed to a minor league contract in December after becoming a free agent

Taylor Ward, 23, A+
Our closest to major league ready regular catcher

Infielders

David Fletcher, SS, 22, AA
#12 on our HH top prospect list

Sherman Johnson, 2B, 26, AAA
Former? Halos Heaven favorite back for more

Rey Navarro, SS, 27, AAA
Angels acquired him in 2015. Been floating around the minors for a long time

Matt Thaiss, 1B, 21, A
#2 on our HH top prospect list and the youngest invitee

Matt Williams, SS, 27, AAA
Picked up off waivers in December from the Redbirds (Cardinals AAA)

Outfielders

Ramon Flores, 24, MLB
Signed to a minor league contract in November after becoming a free agent

Michael Hermosillo, 22, A+
#14 on our HH top prospect list and future starter next to Mike Trout?

Shane Robinson, 32, MLB
Look who’s back!

Do you have favorites on this list? Anyone you think SHOULD have been invited??