Three top prospects highlight Giants non-roster invitee list for spring training

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SAN FRANCISCO -- This year's list of non-roster invitees is highlighted by top prospects and players who already have seen plenty of time at AT&T Park. 

The Giants announced on Thursday that 16 players will be in camp as non-roster invitees, including center fielder Steven Duggar, who is vying for an Opening Day job, power-hitting outfielder Chris Shaw, and left-hander Andrew Suarez, who could win a job at the back end of the rotation. 

Six pitchers will be invited to camp, with right-handers Tyler Cyr, Jose Flores, Dereck Rodriguez, Jose Valdez and Madison Younginer joining Suarez. Two of the three catchers have already gotten plenty of experience behind Buster Posey. Hector Sanchez and Trevor Brown were invited and likely will make up the Triple-A catching tandem. Justin O'Conner is the third catcher joining camp. 

Orlando Calixte is among five infielders, along with Chase D'Arnaud, Alen Hanson, Kyle Jensen and Josh Rutledge. Duggar and Shaw are the only two non-roster outfielders, but they will be two of the most-watched players in camp.

Barring another trade, Duggar will head to Scottsdale with a legitimate chance of winning the starting job in center field. He also could end up platooning with Austin Jackson, who signed on Monday. The Giants anticipate Shaw spending most of the 2018 season in Triple-A, but the left-handed hitter could force the issue early in the season. He led the organization with 24 homers last year while playing in Double-A and Triple-A. 

The Giants have found plenty of success with veteran non-roster invitees over the years, but this spring's list is heavy on youth. Of the young players, Suarez should battle Duggar for the best shot at a significant role. Suarez and Tyler Beede will try and take rotation spots from Chris Stratton or Ty Blach when the Giants kick off Cactus League play in late February. 

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