Spring Training Preview: Non Roster Outfielders

We took a look at the infielders on Tuesday, so today we handle what's going on with the Cubs outfield non roster invites to Spring Training. This will round out our preview of non roster guys, but our Spring Training Preview will continue when we move in to looking at the 40 man roster.

Matt Camp

• Plays mostly CF, also has played 2B, 3B, SS, LF, and RF all during the 2009 season
• B/T: Left/Right
• Drafted by the Cubs in the 13th round of the 2006 June Draft
• Was up for grabs in the Rule V Draft in December, but was not selected
• Hit .284 in 113 games last season mostly with AAA Iowa
• Hit .329 in 59 Mexican Pacific League games this winter
• My prediction: Will start the year at AAA

Brett Jackson

• Drafted by the Cubs in the first round of the 2009 June Draft
• Centerfielder
• B/T: Left/Right
• Played 1 game with the Mesa Cubs Rookie Ball team going 2-2, which was good enough to get him the call up to Boise where he hit .330 in 24 games, which got him moved up to Class A Peoria where he hit .295 in 26 games
• Rated #2 prospect in the organization by Jim Callis of Baseball America
• Rated "Best Power Hitter" and "Best Athlete" in the system by Baseball America
• Rated "Best Footwork" (tie) and "Best Competitiveness" (tie) in the organization by Vineline
• My prediction: Will start the year with Class A Daytona

Bryan LaHair

• Signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on Jan. 9
• B/T: Left/Right
• Plays LF, RF, and 1B
• Played with Tacoma (the Mariners AAA club) in 2009
• More info on Bryan in my January 9 post
• My Prediction: Will be DFA or start the year at AA

Bobby Scales

• Utility guy, plays LF, RF, 2B, 3B, SS, 1B, and CF
• B/T: Switch/Right
• Only non roster invitee who played with the Cubs big league team in 2009
• Hit .242 with 3 HR and 15 RBI in 51 big league games last season
• Drafted by the Padres in the 14th round of the 1999 draft
• Hit .278 in 91 games for AAA Iowa last season
• 32 years old
• My Prediction: Will start the year at AAA

Brad Snyder

• Plays CF and RF
• B/T: Left
• Last season was first year in the organization
• Drafted by the Indians in the first round of the 2003 June Draft
• Hit .269 in 69 games at AAA Iowa last season despite dealing with a wrist injury
• Was Camp's teammate in Mexico this winter; hit .379 with 9 homers and 48 RBIs over 55 games
• My Prediction: Will star the year at AAA

For all position players...

Guy to Watch for in the Future: Starlin Castro

Best Chance to make the Cubs: Kevin Millar

Most underrated: Brad Snyder

I'm looking forward to seeing these guys in Spring Training games starting on March 4!