New York Yankees Invite 20 to Spring Training

Aside from the 40 players on the roster, the Yankees will bring 20 players as non-roster invitees to spring training this February bringing the total number of players reporting to camp to 60.

Fans will get a chance to see Montero this spring

The 20 additional players include four pitchers, five catchers, seven infielders and four outfielders. They are: C Kyle Anson, 25, INF Doug Bernier, 28, INF Angel Berroa,31, C Kevin Cash, 31, OF Colin Curtis, 23, INF/OF Shelley Duncan, 29, LHP Kei Igawa, 29, OF Austin Jackson, 21, RHP Jason Johnson, 35, INF Justin Leone, 31, OF Todd Linden, 28, RHP Mark Melancon, 23, RHP Sergio Mitre, 27, C Jesus Montero, 19, INF Eduardo Nunez, 21, INF Ramiro Pena, 23, C P.J. Pilittere, 27, OF John Rodriguez, 30, C Austin Romine, 20, and INF Kevin Russo, 24.

This must mean Duncan cleared waivers and is staying with the Yankees for now.

Jackson is one of the players to keep an eye on. He probably won’t be with the team out of spring no matter how well he does. He could, but he should be with the team as a late-season call up and with the team for good by 2010. Melancon would be another good one to watch as he will likely come out of the bullpen later this year.

Montero and Romine are my two favorite prospects among this group. Neither is likely to make the Yankees' roster this season or next, but these are two of the top prospects in the entire system. Montero especially has a special bat.

Berroa and Johnson are probably the only two with a real chance of making the team. Keep an eye on Igawa to see some monster homers.