Phillies extend four spring invites

The Phillies have begun planning for spring as news dropped today that they've requested the presence of four non-roster invitees, two of which are new additions, at camp in February.

Outfielder Leandro Castro and lefty hurler Cesar Jimenez are two talents who spent this past season in the organization that will be with the big league club when spring training begins next year. Additionally, newly signed veterans Shawn Camp, a righty pitcher, and outfielder Clete Thomas will be included in the Phillies' early plans in Clearwater as well.

Castro, a right-handed hitter who was signed as an amateur free agent in 2007, has steadily been criticized for his focus and cockiness during his time in the Phillies' organization. This year in the regular season, the 24-year-old posted a .256 batting average with eight homers and 55 RBI in 117 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Jimenez, 29, has a 2-3 record with a 4.96 ERA and a 6.47 K/9 mark in 62 big league games. The Venezuela native was originally signed by the Phillies last December as a minor league free agent and appeared in 19 games with the team in 2013.

Camp, who will be 38 years old soon, was originally a 16th round draft choice of the Padres in 2007. In 538 big league contests, the Virginia native has a 29-33 record with 12 saves and a 4.40 ERA. A year removed from leading the National League in appearances with 80 in 2012, Camp sported a 7.04 ERA in 26 games with the Cubs last season.

Thomas, 30, was a sixth round draft choice of the Tigers in 2005. In 249 career games in the majors with Detroit and Minnesota, Thomas sports a .233 average with a .664 OPS.

Phillies pitchers and catchers are set to report on February 12th while the first full squad workout is slated for February 18th.

This post was also featured on PhilliesNation.com.

Comments

Watch Out For the Bat Boy

Stop ice grillin' the Phillies players, bat boy. I am watching YOU. I don't know what is on your mind, bat boy, but don't even think about doing something slick. You might wear the Phillies' uniform, but it is clear that you are a Yankees fan. It's all over your pale little "I wanna grow up to be like the Robert De Niro character in The Fan " face. The World Champs should be cautious around this kid. He could be dangerous. ------------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

What the hell else was I going to write about...?

It will be too late for many people's liking, but it's really about time to NEVER USE BRAD LIDGE IN A SAVE SITUATION ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Lidge in 2009 road games- 0-6, 8.10 ERA, 15 saves, 10 blown saves. One of my favorite statistics that I regularly update here on PhoulBallz is the percentage of games that Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in this season, compared to the 18% he allowed in 2008. This year, Lidge has allowed earned runs in 43% of his outings. And, as a reminder, in 2007 Brett Myers allowed earned runs in just 21% of his relief appearances. Considering Lidge's season-long struggles, what is the solution when Brett Myers is ailing with a back muscle/shoulder injury, when Chan Ho Park has an injured hamstring, when Ryan Madson looks just as inept in the 9th inning as Brad Lidge seems and when JC Romero is still unavailable to pitch due to a forearm injury? Well, on Wednesday night, with Hanley Ramirez batting with two outs and the tying run on 3rd base, your an...

Greatest Comeback I've Ever Witnessed

I was lucky enough to be in the building for the Phillies' game 4 NLCS walk off victory. I would like to write about it as though I'm reporting on it. I'd love to be able to jot down a story and go off to bed, like I did after game 3, but I don't think that is possible. I feel like I did last year following game 5.2 of the World Series. I was up all night, unable to come down off of that Phillies high. I have the same feeling right now. You all know what happened. I don't need to tell you all a story about the game. It's very likely you've got the image of Jimmy Rollins lacing that double off Jonathan Broxton burned in you brain, frame by frame already. I know I do. With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, my lady began to collect her things, strapping her purse on across herself. I shot her a quick look as though to convey, "What are you doing?" She shot back, "I'm getting ready to go." I replied, "I'm getting ready to...

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