Sox Name Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees

[Foulke You]

The White Sox agreed to minor-league contracts Wednesday with veteran catchers Raul Casanova and Chris Widger, infielders Pablo Ozuna and Jorge Toca and outfielder Tony Alvarez.

All five players, in addition to 12 players within the White Sox system, have received non-roster invites to the club's spring training camp in Tucson, Ariz., next month.


Outfielders Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney, pitcher Brandon McCarthy and third baseman Josh Fields -- four of the top prospects in the White Sox organization -- are among the players invited to major league camp.


http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-050119soxmoves,1,851161.story?coll=cs-whitesox-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true


Just me speculating here but Toca and Ozuna will probably challenge Wilson Valdez for the backup infielder role. Both of them have a bit of MLB experience according to the article. Hopefully, we can get a surprise guy to step up for that infielder spot and maybe even challenge Willie Harris for the starting job. Anybody know anything about these two guys?

[rmusacch]

The White Sox agreed to minor-league contracts Wednesday with veteran catchers Raul Casanova and Chris Widger, infielders Pablo Ozuna and Jorge Toca and outfielder Tony Alvarez.

All five players, in addition to 12 players within the White Sox system, have received non-roster invites to the club's spring training camp in Tucson, Ariz., next month.


Outfielders Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney, pitcher Brandon McCarthy and third baseman Josh Fields -- four of the top prospects in the White Sox organization -- are among the players invited to major league camp.


http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-050119soxmoves,1,851161.story?coll=cs-whitesox-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true


Just me speculating here but Toca and Ozuna will probably challenge Wilson Valdez for the backup infielder role. Both of them have a bit of MLB experience according to the article. Hopefully, we can get a surprise guy to step up for that infielder spot and maybe even challenge Willie Harris for the starting job. Anybody know anything about these two guys?

Yeah this was posted two days ago. I still have not been able to find out who the other eight minor leaguers are.

[Foulke You]

Doh...didn't see it posted earlier. Sorry Mods. Feel free to merge or delete.:redface:

[soxwon]

is raul casanova related to PAUL CASANOVA?

you oldies should remember paul- he was a catcher with the indians, and i think i
think but arent positive the WHITE SOX!!!

[MikeW]

Yes, Raul is Paul's son. Paul caught for the Washington Senators and Atlanta Braves. 1965-76.

[MHOUSE]

is raul casanova related to PAUL CASANOVA?

you oldies should remember paul- he was a catcher with the indians, and i think i
think but arent positive the WHITE SOX!!!

"My friends call me Nova, as in Casa...Nova." - American Pie

[maurice]

[H]ere is a full list of the 17 that will be at Major League camp in Tucson.


Pitchers (6): Brandon McCarthy, Ryan Meaux, Enemencio Pacheco, David Sanders, Josh Stewart and Eduardo Villacis.

Catchers (5): Jonathan Aceves, Jamie Burke, Raul Casanova, Gustavo Molina and Chris Widger.

Infielders (3): Josh Fields, Pablo Ozuna and Jorge Toca.

Outfielders (3): Tony Alvarez, Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney.

Linky (http://whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/cws/news/cws_news.jsp?ymd=20050124&content_id=933758&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp)

[rmusacch]

Linky (http://whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/cws/news/cws_news.jsp?ymd=20050124&content_id=933758&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp)

Thanks. I appreciate it. Wonder if the guy dropped off the 40 man after the Iguchi signing will get an invite to camp?