Spring Training is in the air with a number of Italian names all set to lace up their cleats.

From the 18th through the 22nd of February all MLB teams will be making their way to their respective Spring Training camps for the preparation of yet another long 162 game schedule. Once the MLB camps get all settled in it will then be time for their Minor League affiliates to join the party. 

You don't have to look to far to find an Italian presence (either Italian born or Italian National Team representatives) among the names of those taking part in both the Cactus League (Arizona) and Grapefruit League (Florida).

40 Man Roster

Pittsburgh Pirates - Francisco Cervelli

Los Angeles Angles - Drew Butera

Chicago Cubs - Anthony Rizzo, Chris Denorfia

Atlanta Braves - Jason Grilli

Colorado Rockies - Adam Ottavio

SPRING TRAINING BIG LEAUGE CAMP INVITES

Arizona Diamondbacks - Nick Punto, Tim Crabe

Oakland Athletics - Pat Venditte

MINOR LEAGUE CAMP

Kansas City Royals - Alex Liddi, Marten Gasparini

Chicago Cubs - Alberto Mineo

Los Angeles Dodgers - Federico Celli, Federico Girodani

Toronto Blue Jays - Chris Colabello, Tiago Da Silva

Baltimore Orioles - Federico Castagnini

Atlanta Braves - Mattia Mercuri

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PRE-SPRING TRAINING 

 Boston Red Sox - Nicolò Clemente

NPB - JAPAN

 In Japan the right handed pitcher out of Emilia Romagna, Italy, Alessandro Maestri (now veteran to the NPB) has already thrown in two preseason games for the Orix Buffaloes. Maestri hopes on making the club for a 4th consecutive year.