White Sox invite 18 to spring training

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The White Sox invited 18 players to spring training -- which begins in a month -- including prospects Trayce Thompson and Jake Petricka.

Thompson, who was ranked between Nos. 3-7 on a few White Sox prospect lists, hit 24 home runs with 60 walks and 172 strikeouts at Single-A Kannapolis in 2011. Petricka made 21 starts between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem last year, striking out 94 with 39 walks while allowing just three home runs in 109 13 innings.

Jared Mitchell, the Sox first-round pick in 2009, was also invited to camp as he looks to resurrect his prospect status. Mitchell suffered a devastating ankle injury during spring training in 2010 and struggled in his 2011 return, posting just a .304 OBP with 52 walks and 183 strikeouts with Winston-Salem.

Others in the Sox system who garnered invites include Brandon Short, Michael Blanke, Josh Phegley, Tyler Kuhn, Jim Gallagher and Jordan Danks. Of the players invited, Danks has the best shot at making the 25-man roster as a fourth outfielder, although that the Sox left him unprotected in December's Rule 5 Draft may be an indication as to how they feel about John's little brother.

The Sox also signed eight players to minor league deals and invited them to camp, a few of whom have a decent chance to win a bullpen spot with the major-league club. Brian Bruney, who appeared in 23 games with the Sox last season, should be a leading candidate to win a job, while Brian Omogrosso, Leyson Septimo and Eric Stults will all be considered as well.

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