14 Former G-Stros in Big League Spring Training

With yesterday's snow here in Greeneville, thoughts of spring are in the forefront of my mind.  As of today, it appears 13 former Greeneville Astros players will be reporting to big league camp when spring training begins.

There are seven who will be in the Astros camp and seven others that are scattered among six other teams.  Players on a team's 40 man roster with have a (40) and those who have Non Roster Invites with be designated with a (NRI).

Astros:
Jose Altuve (40) - Altuve is one of the few former G-Stros assured of a starting spot when camp breaks.  He was expected to be on the provisional roster for Venezuela in the WBC but did not appear on it when rosters were released this week.  So he will be in camp full time.

Brandon Barnes (40) - Barnes will be battling for a spot on the big league club.  At this point in his career he has played in more big league games (46) in one season than big league spring training games (26) over three seasons.

Jordan Lyles (40) - Will be looking to solidify his spot in the rotation and spend the full year in the majors after spending time at AAA each of the last two years.

J.D. Martinez (40) - Will try to show the baseball world that his wrist is healed and his swing is back. 

Delino DeShields (NRI) - No chance to make the big league club but a chance to show his progress to the front office against very good competition. 

Rene Garcia (NRI) - Will be his third year to get a chance to play in a spring training game.  In six games so far, he hasn't had a hit yet.

Chris Wallace (NRI) - It will also be the masked marvel's third spring training.  In 11 games in the previous two years, he has a .250 average.

Braves:
Jordan Parraz (NRI) - Parraz had a great spring last year and then suffered hand injuries to each hand that shortened his best shot for a call up to the majors.

Orioles:
Troy Patton (40) -Coming off a successful season in the O's pen, Patton is a lock to make the team out of spring training. He avoided arbitration today, signing a $815,000 contract.

Royals:
Juan Gutierrez (40) - Was dominate out of the pen in the LVBP and appears to be recovered from shoulder surgery.

Felipe Paulino (40) - Will start the year on the DL as he continues to heal from Tommy John surgery.  He should be back before the all star break.

Brewers:
Arcenio Leon (NRI) - Recently removed from the 40 man roster, Leon will be trying to make the Nashville AAA club out of spring training.

Nationals:
Fernando Abad (NRI) - He will be fighting for a spot in a Nationals bullpen devoid of lefties.  He has a pretty good shot unless a FA signing occurs. 

Cardinals:
J.R. Towles (NRI) - Expect another year at AAA for J. R.

It is interesting to note that of the 14 players listed.  Only Barnes, Martinez, and DeShields  are not pitchers or catchers.