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The 2015 Miami Marlins have a roster that almost entirely set, but that does not mean that a number of non-roster invitees may not get a chance to impress the brass and fill the final slots on the team. Last season, Reed Johnson got off to a hot Spring Training start and took advantage of Brian Bogusevic's difficulties en route to a roster spot. Will any of these following names do the same this season?
Here are the non-roster invitees to Spring Training according to MLB.com.
# Pitchers B/T Ht Wt DOB 70 Ryan Chaffee R-R 6'2" 195 May 18, 1988 83 Brian Ellington R-R 6'4" 200 Aug 4, 1990 46 Nick Masset R-R 6'5" 235 May 17, 1982 56 Vin Mazzaro R-R 6'2" 220 Sep 27, 1986 47 Pat Misch R-L 6'2" 200 Aug 18, 1981 45 Chris Narveson L-L 6'3" 205 Dec 20, 1981 53 Ryan Reid L-R 5'11" 210 Apr 24, 1985 67 Pat Urckfitz L-L 6'4" 200 Jul 21, 1988 79 Trevor Williams R-R 6'3" 228 Apr 25, 1992 77 Nick Wittgren R-R 6'2" 215 May 29, 1991 # Catchers B/T Ht Wt DOB 82 Sharif Othman S-R 6'0" 195 Mar 23, 1989 33 Vinny Rottino R-R 6'1" 215 Apr 7, 1980 8 Jhonatan Solano R-R 5'9" 210 Aug 12, 1985 # Infielders B/T Ht Wt DOB 80 Justin Bohn R-R 6'0" 180 Nov 2, 1992 12 Reid Brignac L-R 6'3" 215 Jan 16, 1986 30 Don Kelly L-R 6'4" 190 Feb 15, 1980 73 Austin Nola R-R 6'0" 190 Dec 28, 1989 84 Avery Romero R-R 5'8" 190 May 11, 1993 81 Viosergy Rosa L-L 6'3" 185 Jun 16, 1990 29 Scott Sizemore R-R 6'0" 185 Jan 4, 1985 1 Jordany Valdespin L-R 6'0" 190 Dec 23, 1987 # Outfielders B/T Ht Wt DOB 26 Tyler Colvin L-L 6'3" 210 Sep 5, 1985 28 Cole Gillespie R-R 6'1" 215 Jun 20, 1984 5 Reed Johnson R-R 5'10" 190 Dec 8, 1976 78 Austin Wates R-R 6'1" 180 Sep 2, 1988 71 Kenny Wilson R-R 5'11" 195 Jan 30, 1990
As always with these, the list is a combination of veteran additions looking to find their way back to the big leagues and deep minor leaguers getting a first look at big league camp. Johnson highlights the names as a repeat offender, as the Marlins re-signed him to a minor league deal with a chance for another roster spot. However, the Fish may not need Johnson's skill-set off the bench with Ichiro Suzuki already in the fold.
Other notable names among the veteran position player group include Tyler Colvin, Cole Gillespie, Scott Sizemore, and Reid Brignac. None of these guys stand much of a chance to crack the main roster, but the Marlins will give each of them a shot.
On the pitching side, Nick Masset and Vin Mazzaro figure to have the best chance at a main roster look. The Marlins are in search for a lefty reliever and second LOOGY for their bullpen. They are hoping that Rule 5 draft pick Andrew McKirahan will be that player. However, if he struggles and either Masset or Mazzaro do well, don't be surprised if Miami makes a move.
Among the prospects who made the non-roster invitee list, there are four big names to watch closely. Avery Romero is the best prospect who will get a chance to impress the big league team. Romero is still far away from the majors, but he has had good seasons at every promotion point and has a chance to make the all-important Double-A leap some time this year.
The most Major League-ready player among those prospect names is probably Austin Wates, who is in Triple-A. But among the legitimate prospects, Trevor Williams is at least close to the big leagues. The big righty is expected to begin the season in the Double-A rotation, and he has impressed since being drafted in 2013 of the second round out of Arizona State University.
Other prospects worth mentioning on the list include infielder Austin Nola, reliever NIck Wittgren, and first baseman Viosergy Rosa.
Who do you like among the non-roster invitees? Do you think any of the veterans or prospects can make the big league club out of Spring Training? Let us know in the comments!