Non-roster invitees announced.

Former Defenders Steve Holm and Brian Horwitz, as well as former Binghamton Met Bret Harper, have been invited to Spring Training.

Good luck to them.

I do want to comment on Harper. His addition to the organization seems to be a continuation of the the Giants signing players who have been more of the career-minor league type (see Randy Ruiz). It wouldn't shock me if Harper is one of the Defenders outfielders this season.

Speaking of Ruiz, he is going to be in Twins camp.

New skipper

If you haven't read it on NorwichBulletin.com yet, be sure to check out the story of the Defenders' new manager.

The team announced Thursday that Bien Figueroa will be the 10th manager in franchise history. He comes to the Defenders and their parent organization, the San Francisco Giants, after serving as the bench coach for the Bowie BaySox in 2007.

Figueroa will be joined by pitching coach Bob Stanley, hitting coach Victor Torres and trainer Dustin Luepker.