Yankees Release Spring Training Invitee List

The New York Yankees released their spring training invitee list today. Here is the list, and then i will have some thoughts about it after i list the names. The total number of players now expected to report to Tampa,Florida on February 14th for pitchers and catchers and February 19th for everyone else is 60. C-Kyle Anson INF-Doug Bernier INF-Angel Berroa C-Kevin Cash Of-Colin Curtis Inf/Of-Shelley Duncan P-Kei Igawa Of-Austin Jackson P-Jason Johnson Inf-Justin Leone Of-Todd Linden P-Mark Melancon P-Sergio Mitre C-Jesus Montero Inf-Eduardo Nunez Inf-Ramiro Pena C-PJ Pilittere Of-John Rodriguez C-Austine Romine If-Kevin Russo Why in the world is Kei Igawa on this list? The only thing he can be good for is to pitch BP. There are always a lot of catchers because this is needed in the spring for all the pitchers. Austine Romine and Jesus Montero are the most promising. Montero may still one day switch positions but for now he is a catcher and has improved defensively. Mark Melancon may make the team out of spring training, the Yankees view this guy as the eventual sucessor to MO, so keep your eye on him. OF Austin Jackson is the Yankees top prospect and is worth watching, he will be in AAA but depending on how he does could be a september call up and maybe could be with the team next year. Shelley Duncan must be on this list because he passed through waivers and was optioned outright to AAA, I hope he does well and makes the Yanks keep their eye on him again. John Rodriguez is a interesting name, he has done well in a couple of stints with the St Louis Cardinals and could come into play if the Yankees move any of the other OF's they have and if guys like Melky or Gardner fail. Jason Johnson is a veteran pitcher brought in for depth,as is veteran C Kevin Cash who was last with the Bosox. Angel Berroa has a chance of making the team as the utility infielder as he will be competing with Cody Ransom. If you look at this list and examine some of the other catchers, the Yankees probably have the best prospects at this position, they really look to be in good shape for when Jorge is done with catching in a couple of years. There is a chance this list grows but most of these guys will be in the minors to start the year.