December 14, 2015
J.P. Arencibia has 80 career homers in his six major-league seasons, but you might know him as the guy that does Tim Kurkjian impressions.
Arencibia is also married to the lead singer of The Band Perry, but now more importantly to us in Philadelphia (unless you’re a big country fan), he is a member of the Phillies organization heading into next season. The 29-year-old catcher is one of five non-roster invitees for 2016 Spring Training that the team announced on Monday.
A power hitter with only a .258 career OBP, Arencibia split time between Tampa and Durham in 2015. In 73 plate appearances with the Rays, he swung the bat well, posting a .310/.315/.606 line. Here are the other four players invited to spring training:
Ernesto Frieri, RHP: The 30-year-old reliever has recorded 73 career saves and submitted a 4.63 ERA in 23.1 IP for Tampa last season.
Greg Burke, RHP: Marlton native, spent time in the Blue Jays minor league system (AA and AAA levels) last year.
Gregory Infante, RHP: Like Burke, Infante found himself in the Blue Jays system last season. He only has five major appearances, all coming in 2010.
Angelys Nina, INF: The 27-year-old had a .735 OPS for Albuquerque (Rockies’ AAA affiliate) last season.
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