Detroit Non Roster Invites

Below is the listing of the Detroit Tigers Non Roster Invitees, including the recently signed Matt Mantei

Pitchers
Tim Crabtree
Chad Durbin
Lee Gardner
Kevin Hodge
Colby Lewis
Matt Mantei
Hector Mercado
Bobby Seay

Catchers
Brian Peterson
Mike Rabelo
Chris Robinson
Danilo Sanchez
Max St. Pierre

Infielders
Mike Hessman
Kevin Hooper
Josh Phelps
Ramon Santiago

Outfielders
Alexis Gomez
Ryan Ludwick
Reggie Taylor

The list is a mix of familiar faces, and decent gambles. Guys like Bobby Seay and Matt Mantei are both low risk options who have had some success in the past. Mantei’s best season was in 2003 with the Diamondbacks when he had a 2.62 ERA and 29 saves. The best days may have past the 33 year old though as ast year he struggled and walked 24 hitters in 26 innings.

Most interesting among the list is Chris Robinson at catcher. Robinson was the Tigers 3rd Round Pick last year. It appears that Robinson will be the only member of last year’s draft class invited to the big league camp, despite struggling offensively at Oneonta (and in 4 games at West Michigan).

spring training, baseball

10 thoughts on “Detroit Non Roster Invites”

  1. Not a chance at all, I would guess. My bet is that he is there as an extra catcher for the early part of spring training and will be used as mostly in the bullpen and side throwing sessionsm. Especially with Pudge envolved in the World Baseball Classic (or whatever it’s called).

  2. I think the Phelps move is very interesting, and he could be quite a solid bench bat. Matt Mantei means we now have the best bullpen in the league… five years ago.

  3. Robinson is a Local Kid, he’s from London Ontario. Good work ethics. I’m sure he’ll just be there as an extra catcher in the pen, but it should be a good experience and may speed up his path to the show.

  4. I really hope Ryan Ludwick gets a fair shot. I think he has the ability to be better than Monroe, Thames and Logan if he’s healthy.

  5. How the soon-to-be-mighty have fallen: I remember when Josh Phelps was the Baseball Prospectus cover boy. Three years ago, I think. There’s a chance he could get his act together, but then again, he couldn’t make it in Tampa Bay last year.

  6. Is that the same Ramon Santiago the Tigers traded for Seattle for Carlos Guillen? Man, that trade just looks better and better for Dombrowski…

  7. Chad Durbin, one of the invitees to Tiger Camp at spring training could be a nice surprise. I saw him in AAA mid season last year after going through 2 years with Cleveland, after surgery from the over use by Kansas City, pitched an 8 inning shutout. His pitching coach from when he was with KC says he is pitching stronger and with much more control than his previous major league stint.
    Let’s hope they give him a fair shot.

  8. How about anybody’s opinion on Brian Peterson as catcher? Previously with the Reds. In Chattanooga AA. Check out his stats.

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