The Cubs officially announced their 21 non-roster invitees to spring training. Some of them you know already, but there are several additions as of today.
First, the Cubs signed former Cardinals, Brewers and Marlins pitcher Braden Looper to a minor league deal, as well as ex-Cub Augie Ojeda, who will be a good mentor for some of the young infielders. Looper provides some depth and may wind up at Iowa as injury protection.
In addition to several previously announced invitees, the Cubs will have several players from the system in camp. Here's the complete list of NRI's:
Seven pitchers – righthanders Chris Carpenter, Angel Guzman, Jay Jackson, Braden Looper, Trey McNutt and Todd Wellemeyer and lefthander Scott Rice – have been invited to major league camp, as well as catchers Steve Clevenger and Chris Robinson.
Seven infielders – Matt Camp, Bryan LaHair, Scott Moore, Augie Ojeda, Bobby Scales, Marquez Smith and Josh Vitters – have also been invited, along with five outfielders – Jim Adduci, Brett Jackson, Reed Johnson, Luis Montanez and Brad Snyder.
Pitcher & catcher reporting date is Feb. 13, which is only 17 days from now. It's getting closer, everyone -- baseball is almost back.