The KC Royals announced on Wednesday that they invited 21 players to spring training that are not on the current 40-man roster. There are nine pitchers, four catchers, four infielders, and four outfielders. Ten of those were members of the Royals organization in 2012.

Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona on Monday, February 11th with workouts for pitchers beginning the following day. The rest of the team reports on Thursday, February 14th with workouts beginning the next day.

Futures Game starter Yordano Ventura was invited, as he is one of the Royals top ten prospects. Sugar Ray Marimon and Michael Mariot put themselves on the map after successful 2012 seasons. Lefty Ryan Verdugo has been invited after being taken off the 40-man roster this offseason.

All four catching invitees were in the Royals organization in 2012: Adam Moore, Manny Pina, Max Ramirez, and Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the youngest and furthest from the big leagues, as he reached Double-A for the first time last season. Ramirez probably profiles as more of a DH than a catcher.

Christian Colon may be the answer to second base, but I’m not sure he is ready to start the season in the big leagues. I like him heading to Triple-A and then see what happens. Super utility guy Anthony Seratelli EARNED his spring training invite. He had a solid season for Omaha in 2012 (he hit .299), is a switch-hitter, plays just about everywhere, and stole 15 bases last season.

The new players consist of: pitchers Blaine Boyer, former Royal Brian Sanches, Atahualpa Severino, George Sherrill, and Dan Wheeler, infielders Miguel Tejada and Brandon Wood, and all four outfield invitees (Endy Chavez, Xavier Nady, Luis Durango, and Willy Taveras).

Is there anyone in this group that you think could slip in and make the Royals Opening Day roster?

I think there is a chance for one or more of the veteran relievers on this list to make the club, especially Sanches or Wheeler. I think one of the catchers could beat out Brett Hayes as Salvador Perez’ backup.