MTM: Pre-Spring Games Buzz (Non-roster invitees)

Making-the-Team Meter for Braves non-roster invitees

This is what everyone's saying (writers, players, coaches) about a non-roster player’s chances of making the squad prior to any spring games.

The marks to the left of the player's name indicates that their chances of making the team are moving up (▲), moving down (▼), or staying even (–).

▼ Kevin Barry, rhp / At age 27, he’s a career minor leaguer who has actually put up some decent numbers in the minors the past two years.
– Wes Obermueller, rhp / He is the Dan Kolb consolation prize. He’s bounced between AAA and the majors the last four years, and he hasn’t been able to post a major league ERA under 5.00 yet. He’s impressed a bit at camp so far.
▲ Chad Paronto, rhp / He’s a 4-A pitcher who was last in the bigs in ’03. But for a non-roster guy, he’s raising some eyebrows and may become the new Kevin Gryboski.
▼ Travis Smith, rhp / Another 4-A pitcher, he made some spot starts for the Braves in ’04.
▼ Sean White, rhp / Minor league starter getting a look.
▲ Mike Remlinger, lhp / Does he have one more year in him? He’s got a lot to prove, and he’s added a pitch to try and help his chances.
▼ Eddie Perez, c / He’s hoping some team needs an aging backup catcher, but we have Pratt and apparently no room for Eddie.
▼ Steve Pyzik, c / The pitchers need someone to throw to in the spring.
▲ Jarrod Saltalamacchia, c / Our number one prospect, this year’s Francoeur. Already has impressed many people.
▼ Clint Sammons, c / Solid young catcher, but we have a lot of those in the system.
▼ Cesar Crespo, 2b-ss / 4-A speedster, he’ll be what Esix Snead was to Richmond last year.
▼ Jonathan Schuerholz, ss / He’s got a chance to show if he can play, but he doesn’t have a high ceiling.
▲ Brian Jordan, of / Can he make the team again? He’s trying to add value by also being a first baseman.
– Dave Kelton, of / Has shown good power in the minors, but has never gotten a chance in the bigs.
– Michael Ryan, of / Cups of coffee each of the last four years with the Twins, he hit 31 HR in ’02 at AAA.

. . . I will probably have another MTM update on Friday or Saturday after several spring games are in the books. . .