March 25th, 2019 at 10:00 am 
by 0799291000348 Evaluating the Dodgers 2019 Non-Roster Invitees
The Dodgers had 24 “non-roster invitees” (NRIs) at Camelback Ranch this spring, including late arrival Brad Miller and de facto invitee Cody Asche. Considering the team’s veteran roster, the chance of making the 40 man roster was slim-and-none; odds were much less to make the opening day active roster. So how did this group perform?
Outstanding Spring Training
- Utility Brad Miller – .385/.429/.615/1.044 was so impressive that the 29- year-old veteran opted out of his minor league contract with the Dodgers and just signed a major league deal with the Cleveland Indians.
- Catcher Josh Thole – .412/.522/.412/.924 for the left hand hitting, 32 year old journeyman. Performed so well that roster catcher Rocky Gale was optioned to the minors on March 11 while Thole remained in major league camp. Thole has an opt-out clause in his contract that he can exercise on July 1 if not on the active roster.
- Shortstop Daniel Castro – 26 year old impressed with the bat (.367/.387/.467/.854) and glove.
- Pitcher Tony Gonsolin (age 24)
- Pitcher Dustin May (age 22) – Both Gonsolin and May would be on most MLB teams’ Opening Day roster. Expect to see both called up at some point this season.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Pleasant Surprise
- Middle infield prospect Omar Estevez – 21 year old made a statement with the bat.
- Relief pitcher Stetson Allie – 28 year old transitioning from position player to pitcher; great arm, but too many walks.
Status Quo Prospect
- Catcher Will Smith
- Pitcher Mitchell White
- Outfielder DJ Peters
- Outfielder Kyle Garlick
- Shortstop/second baseman Gavin Lux
OKC Roster Fillers
- Second baseman Jake Peter
- Outfielder Paulo Orlando
- Outfielder Ezequiel Carrera
- Pitcher Daniel Corcino
- Outfielder Cameron Perkins
- Outfielder Shane Peterson
May Not Make OKC Roster
- Corner infielder Cody Ashe
- Pitcher Kevin Quackenbush
- Pitcher Joe Broussard
- Pitcher Josh Smoker
Incomplete
- Pitcher Jessen Therien (rehabbing from Tommy John surgery).
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Posted in 
I remember Josh Thole from his Met days.
I asked Roberts who his number three catcher would be if (Heaven forbid) Martin or Barnes got hurt. Without hesitation he said Rocky Gale, and then Smith or Ruiz. Thole (or T-hole, as his teammates call him) may be able to hit spring training pitching, but he can’t catch a cold.
As for Stetson Allie, throwing 100 MPH means nothing if you can’t throw strikes.
Let’s hope that Smith starts to hit at OKC sooner than later. Gale can’t hit, Thole not much of a catcher — not an ideal situation. Allie? As I noted, too many walks.
We will see if and or when an injury takes place but Thole is yet another LH hitter. But I too agree that Gale “could not hit water if he fell out of a boat”
I almost used that old Tommy Lasorda quote about Gale’s hitting. The 31 year old Gale still qualifies for rookie status; that speaks volumes. Destined to be a coach, perhaps a very good one.