Contrary to what the thermometer may be telling you, today is the first day of spring! Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training, kicking off the beginning of the 2015 baseball season.
As the hot stove cools off and the season approaches, teams prepare to prove that the off-season buzz can turn into regular season success. To beef up their chances, though, each team invites Non-Roster Invitees to take a crack at joining the Major League roster. Each year, you see youngsters making their first attempt at the league alongside older veterans who will have to prove that they still have what it takes to contribute at the highest level. Teams have, in past years, found major contributors hidden in their NRI list.
This year in particular, there are a litany of diamonds in the rough, especially those with prior years of ML service. Some will pan out, while others will be sent to the minors, maybe never to be seen again.
The Zoot Perspective: Left Fielder looks at 10 Non-Roster Invitees who could make a significant impact on their new ball club:
- Ryan Ludwick, OF - Rangers
Ludwick spent most of his time with the Reds either looking over his shoulder waiting to be replaced, or on the DL. Now that he’s free of that contract, he has the chance to go to the relatively depleted Rangers and stake a claim on the left field gig currently held by...well, nobody. - Wandy Rodriguez, SP - Braves
After coming into the league as a highly anticipated prospect with the Astros, Rodriguez’s time with the Pirates was relatively lackluster. He has the chance to fight his way into the Braves rotation, and could return to form. This is a great example of a player with nothing to lose, fighting for a spot that actually does exist. - Franklin Gutierrez, OF - Mariners
After a pair of years in 2009-2010 that left Mariners fan with cautious optimism about the young Gutierrez, he caught the injury bug and has struggled to be a major contributor. He sat out the 2014 season, and the Mariners have the chance to buy low on a player who, if healthy, could put back together the pieces of his career. - Jeff Francoeur, OF - Phillies
Frenchy is a long-time fan favorite, and a journeyman, having spent time on six different teams. He now has the chance to maybe add some excitement to a Phillies team that otherwise looks like it will experience a long summer. Famous for treating the fans in the bleachers to pizza and beer, Francoeur better provide some off-field fun to combat the on-field disaster. 
Ryan Madson, RP - Royals
Madson is another former star who was hampered by injury. He spent time with the Reds and Angels, never having thrown a pitch for either Major League squad. The Royals don’t need a closer, so Madson doesn’t have the same degree of pressure. He can, however, fill the role of swing man, getting the ball from the starting pitchers to the stout Three-Headed Monster. This could be a great chance for him.- Andrew Bailey, RP - Yankees
Every year, a former Rookie of the Year makes himself known on this list. This time around, it’s Andrew Bailey, who couldn’t keep up his Oakland magic after he was shipped off by Billy Beane. Bailey can play a supporting role as Dellin Betances inserts himself into the closer role. You can never have too many good late-inning arms. - Reed Johnson, OF - Marlins
The Marlins are trying to add to the success of last year, and need some veteran guidance to get them there. Enter Reed Johnson, who has been a supporting cast member of many young teams, and continues to get quality at-bats year after year. I’m a biased HUGE Reed Johnson fan, but he could be a vital supporting cast member in getting the Marlins to the next level. - Chris Parmalee, OF - Orioles
The Orioles spent most of this off-season watching helplessly as free agents fled to greener pastures, including Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz. Chris Parmalee has an opportunity to bring the big bat and provide some of that pop that the Orioles will surely miss. 
Bryan LaHair, 1B, OF - Red Sox
As if the Red Sox needed another outfielder, LaHair came back from a year in Japan to take a crack at the Boston roster. LaHair is a former all-star who lost his job to Anthony Rizzo, leading to a sharp decline in production. He was one of the worst all-stars in recent memory, but when he gets hot, he’s a force. If the Red Sox can find a spot for him, he will be in the Majors this year.- Geovany Soto, C - White Sox
The White Sox makeover did not extend to the catcher position, where they are trusting a newly beefed up staff to Tyler Flowers. Soto, meanwhile, caught a playoff game last year, and is another former Rookie of the Year. Could he be a major piece of the Chicago puzzle? I think so.
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