Smyly, Castellanos, Brantly highlight Tigers' major league invites

The Tigers announced the 18 non-roster players who will receive invitations to major league spring training camp this year. Several names will be familiar to you, doubtlessly, including pitcher Drew Smyly, third baseman Nick Castellanos and catcher Rob Brantly.

The entire list follows:

Righthanded pitcher: Chris Bootcheck

Lefthanded pitchers: Darin Downs, Drew Smyly

Catchers: Rob Brantly, Curt Casali, Bryan Holaday, Patrick Leyland, James McCann, Omir Santos

Infielders: Nick Castellanos, Audy Ciriaco, Argenis Diaz, Ryan Strieby

Infielders/outfielders: Justin Henry, Eric Patterson

Outfielders: Quintin Berry, Jerad Head, Matt Young

The first pitchers and catchers workout is set for Feb. 20, with the full squad working out on Feb. 24.

We'll have an update with quick bios on the players later today.

Updated with short profiles and links to stats.

Just a note here, but there's obviously a lot of catchers. For those who haven't followed closely in the past, that's because it takes a lot of catchers at spring training to make sure all the pitchers get their proper work.

RHP Chris Bootcheck (stats)

33-year-old roster filler who last pitched in the MLB in 2009. He has 90 MLB games under his belt, mostly in relief.

LHP Darin Downs (stats)

9 years in the minor leagues, 27-year-old left hander ... filler.

LHP Drew Smyly (stats)

Well on his way to making it to the MLB, what remains to be seen is if it's with Detroit or another team after a trade.

C Rob Brantly (stats)

2010 third round draftee. Likes to walk.

C Curt Casali (stats)

Last year 10th round draft pick, played at West Michigan briefly.

C Bryan Holaday (stats)

Hard-to-spell last-name. Minor league stats aren't as good as many BYB commenters kept saying they'd be.

C Patrick Leyland (stats)

Bats like his dad.

C James McCann (stats)

Excited Alli. 2011 second-round draft pick.

C Omir Santos (stats)

Bats like Gerald Laird

3B Nick Castellanos (stats)

Excites David. And every GM who talks trades with Dave Dombrowski, probably.

IF Audy Ciriaco (stats)

The 24-year-old hasn't spent much time above Double-A, but has found no success in the little time he's spent

IF Argenis Diaz (stats)

24-year-old infield filler

1B Ryan Strieby (stats)

Blocked in Detroit, had a letdown year in 2011.

2B/OF Justin Henry (stats)

Isn't he in that book The Art of Fielding? In his 5th year in the minor leagues, he sort of broke out in Erie and Toledo, showing power, patience and contact.

IF/OF Eric Patterson (stats)

Insurance piece, really. Doesn't really hit that well but has MLB experience

OF Quintin Berry (stats)

Six seasons in the minor leagues with other organizations. Finally hit for Carolina of the Double-A Southern League last year.

OF Jerad Head (stats)

Made it to the MLB with the Indians last year after 6 years of minor leagues. Has been hitting with power in Triple-A.

OF Matt Young (stats)

Made it to the MLB briefly in 2011 with the Braves. Has managed to find a way to get on base pretty well during his minor league career but doesn't hit for power. 2009 - Southern League Best Hustler