Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox invite 10 non-roster players to spring training

You know we're getting closer to spring training when teams begin sending out lists of non-roster minor leaguers who have been issued invites.

The Red Sox released their list today, after last week issuing a list of minor league free agents who were signed and invited to camp.

Those on the list from the minor league system today: catcher Austin Rei; pitcher Mike Shawaryn; outfielders Rusney Castillo, Bryce Brentz, Tate Matheny, and Cole Sturgeon; and infielders C.J. Chatham, Bobby Dalbec, Josh Ockimey and Chad de la Guerra.

At this point, it's highly unlikely that any of these players crack the 25-man roster to begin the season. But it's not out of the realm of possibility that one or more could contribute over the course of the season -- especially if injuries strike the big league roster.

Brentz (on his second tour of duty with the organization) and Castillo have both played in the big leagues before. It's hard to imagine Castillo getting a look-see during the year, since putting him on the 40-man roster will mean his salary will count against the Red Sox payroll and luxury tax figures.

Dalbec might be the most interesting name on this list. He's got the most power potential of all Red Sox prospects, though he needs to improve his contact rate. And, with Rafael Devers seemingly set at third for a while, Dalbec could be blocked at third base. He could always move across the diamond and learn to play first, where he might have a more direct path.

Either way, it should be interesting to see how the young players adapt to being in major league camp for the first time.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

Manny Machado would do well to emulate three other stars if he chooses the Yankees.

A bounce-back season is essential for Alex Cobb.

A closer look at some of the Rays' top prospects.

The Jays' new bench coach explains his role.

AL CENTRAL

Trevor Bauer got into a mess online.

Some advice for the Twins on how to spend some additional payroll cash.

Which Tigers pitching prospects outperformed expectations in 2018?

Some Royals employees had some fun with the giant scoreboard at Kauffman Stadium.

AL WEST

Big things are still expected from Tyler White.

The Rangers signed a starting pitcher for their rotation.

The Angels are still in search of some bullpen help.

Kyler Murray has apparently chosen football over the A's.

Former first-round pick Dustin Ackley is back with the Mariners.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

The Brewers signed catcher Yasmani Grandal to a one-year deal.

HOT TAKE THAT I MAY SOON REGRET

Every year, there's a free agent who makes a bad financial decision. This winter, that free agent would seem to be Grandal.

Grandal signed a one-year deal with the Brewers Wednesday for $18.25 million. That's good money, of course, and more than the one-year, qualifying offer for free agents.

But the Mets had offered Grandal four years and as much as $60 million earlier this offseason and he -- and his agent -- turned it down.

Grandal will make more in AAV (average annual value) this year, but he won't have the long-term security that he would have had with the Mets. And there's no guarantee that he's going to get the same long-term deal next winter.

Lesson to be learned: free agents (and their representatives) can't afford to overplay their hand in the changing free agent market.