Marlins Announce Non-Roster Camp Invitees
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Marlins have revealed 22 non-roster players the team will invite to its 2014 training camp in Jupiter, Florida.
The Marlins will invite the following pitchers to camp: Jesus Sanchez, Kevin Slowey, Josh Spence, Anthony DeSclfani, Bryan Evans, Colby Suggs, Rett Varner, Nick Wittgren, Adam Conley, Andrew Heaney, James Leverton, Greg Nappo, and Justin Nicolino.
The team will also bring in infielders Danny Black, Mark Canha, Colin Moran, Austin Nola, and Juan Diaz.
Finally, the team will bring in outfielders Matt Angle and Joe Benson along with catcher Austin Barnes and Kyle Shipworth.
Of all the players the Marlins are inviting, Moran and Heaney may be the biggest keys for the team's future.
The former first-round draft pick plays third base and was a solid hitter for the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Marlins have a glaring need at third base and are waiting for Moran to be ready for the Major Leagues.
Heaney pitched well between High-A and Double-A ball last season and has a career minor-league ERA of 2.21 in 122.1 innings pitched.
If Heaney and Moran are ready sooner rather than later, both will give an immediate boost to the lineup and rotation.
Heaney could eventually slot anywhere from second to fifth in the rotation behind ace Jose Fernandez and possibly Nathan Eovaldi.