Pitching phenom Tommy Hanson heads a list of 16 non-roster players invited to major league spring training by the Braves, a group that includes four of the organization's top five prospects.
Other top-rated prospects on the invitee list are outfielder Jason Heyward, first baseman Freddie Freeman and Jordan Schafer, a second-time invitee who's considered a candidate for Atlanta's center field job. Hanson, 22, was the first pitcher selected MVP of the Arizona Fall League. The right-hander is rated the No. 1 prospect in the organization by Baseball America.
Heyward and Freeman, both 19, were roommates last year at Class A Rome. Baseball America rates Heyward, a Henry County High graduate, as the No. 2 Braves prospect, with Schafer third and Freeman fifth.
Other non-roster invitees: right-handers Rafael Cruz, Emiliano Fruto and Kris Medlen; left-handers Francisley Bueno, Mariano Gomez and Juan Perez; catchers J.C. Boscan, Phillip Britton, Alvin Colina and Matt Kennelly; and infielders Brooks Conrad and Brandon Hicks.
Andruw mulls his options
Ex-Braves center fielder Andruw Jones likely won't sign with any team until late next week, agent Scott Boras said Thursday. The Braves haven't said if they intend to make him an offer.
Boras said again that eight teams expressed interest last week after the Dodgers released him. Boras said his client will not take a minor-league contract and would not have to sign with any team for the major-league minimum.
