A Snowball's Chance In Hell. Or Arizona.

Every year, major league baseball teams invite about 20 players to Spring Training who have little to no chance of making the team. They are called non-roster invitees.

The group usually consists of three distinct types:

Phenoms: Top minor-league prospects considered too young to make the squad. On rare occasions, a phenom will play so well in exhibition games he makes the team, as did a 19-year-old Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989.

Career Minor Leaguers: In their late 20s, they've bounced around baseball for a decade, looking for their big break. Usually they don't make the team, but sometimes an injury or a hot bat gets them there. Rich Amaral made the Mariners in 1991 as a 29-year-old rookie, and ended up spending eight seasons with them.

Homer: You know, boy, some of the players you see tonight may make it to the big leagues someday.

Bart: What? Aren't we going to see any washed-up major-leaguers?

Homer: Sure! We get a nice mix here.

Washed-Up Major Leaguers: Yes, they're here as well. Last year, they played sparingly, or in the minors, or not at all. This is their last chance to stay in the bigs. Otherwise, it's back to the wife and kids. But, again, sometimes they show a glimpse of their glorious past. 42-year-old Dennis Martinez made the M's as a non-roster invitee in 1997. He won 1 game in 9 starts.

The Mariners' list of non-roster invitees came out Friday and with the 22 players on the way, they've covered all their bases:

Phenoms: C Jeff Clement, IF Matt Tuiasosopo, IF Asdrubal Cabrera, OF Adam Jones

Career Minor Leaguers: Scott Atchison, Francisco Cruceta, Rich Dorman, Lindsey Gulin, Jeff Harris, Jeff Heaverlo, Chris Jaile (pitchers), Corky Miller, Andrew Dominique, Rob Johnson (catchers), Greg Dobbs, Rayon Lampe, Jose Morbon, Cody Ransom, Todd Sears (infielders)

Washed-Up Major Leaguers: P Kevin Appier, P Dave Burba, IF Fernando Vina