A.J. Puk among Athletics' spring training invites

Left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk was one of nine Oakland Athleticsnon-roster spring training invitees announced Thursday.

Puk, 21, was a first-round pick (No. 6 overall) in this year's draft out of the University of Florida. Although he went 0-4 in 10 starts for Class A Short Season Vermont, the 6-foot-7 southpaw posted a 3.03 ERA in 10 starts and struck out 40 batters in 32 2/3 innings.

Other players invited to Athletics' spring training include:

• Third basemen Mike Chapman andJermaine Curtis, who signed a minor league free-agent deal with the A's on Thursday.


• Right-handers Trey Cochran-Gill,Heath Fillmyer and Daniel Gossett. In addition, Oakland signed right-handed pitcherSimon Castro to a minor league deal Thursday and invited him.



• Catcher Sean Murphy


• Shortstop Richie Martin


• Second baseman Max Schrock