Jan. 26--The White Sox announced Tuesday 20 non-roster invitees to spring training, including nine players who join the club on minor-league contracts this season.
The nine free-agent minor leaguers are right-handed pitchers Phillippe Aumont, Colin Kleven, Matt Lollis and Josh Wall; left-handed pitchers Matt Purke and Nik Turley; catcher Hector Sanchez and infielders Steve Lombardozzi and Andy Parrino.
Seven of the club's top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America, also received invites to participate in major-league spring training -- right-handers Tyler Danish and Carson Fulmer, left-hander Jordan Guerrero, shortstop Tim Anderson and outfielders Adam Engel, Courtney Hawkins and Jacob May. Pitchers Peter Tago and Will Lamb, catcher Omar Narvaez and outfielder Jason Coats also were invited.
Of that group, Anderson, the club's top prospect, will be among the most watched as the Sox determine how close he might be to becoming a major-league shortstop. Fulmer, ranked No. 2, will participate in his first spring training less than one year after the Sox selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft. May (No. 5-ranked prospect) and Engel (No. 7) will also be newcomers to watch.
The minor-league signees bring depth and experience. Lombardozzi has played in 289 career games with the Nationals, Orioles and Pirates since 2011, and Sanchez has played in 244 games with the Giants since 2011. Parrino has played parts of five seasons with the Padres and Athletics.
Sox pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch on Feb. 19. The first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 23.
