Spring Training Non Roster Invitees Set

As we draw closer to Spring Training, the Cubs have announced the full list of non-roster players who will be invited to big league camp in Mesa. These 21 players will be in Dale Sveum's camp, along with the entire 40-man roster.

• Marco Carillo, RHP
• Manny Corpas, RHP
• Jay Jackson, RHP
• Rodrigo Lopez, RHP
• Trey McNutt, RHP
• Trever Miller, LHP
• Blake Parker, RHP
• Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP
• Chris Rusin, LHP
• Michael Brenly, C
• Jason Jaramillo, C
• Blake Lalli, C
• Alfredo Amezaga, INF
• Edgar Gonzalez, INF
• Jonathan Mota, INF
• Bobby Scales, UTL
• Matt Tolbert, INF
• James Adduci, OF
• Jae-Hoon Ha, OF
• Brett Jackson, OF
• Joe Mather, OF

This year's set of invitees includes a good balance of veteran signings and up-and-coming prospects. Brett Jackson will receive the most attention among hitting prospects, while a lot of hype surrounds Trey McNutt on the pitching side. Jae-Hoon Ha, Dae-Eun Rhee and Jay Jackson are all players to keep an eye on as well.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Roster Cuts & Breakdown

The first large rounds of roster cuts were announced after the Cubs completed their final split squad of the spring on Tuesday. Here are the 18 players that have been sent to minor league camp:

• Chris Carpenter
• Jay Jackson
• Brett Jackson
• Josh Vitters
• Steve Clevenger
• Trey McNutt
• Bryan LaHair
• Marquez Smith
• Jim Adduci
• Luis Montanez
• Brad Snyder
• Scott Rice
• Chris Robinson
• Roberto Coello
• Kyle Smit
• Rafael Dolis
• Alberto Cabrera
• Thomas Diamond

There are now 40 players left in camp competing for 25 spots. The following players are locks to make the pitching staff, in now particular order:

• 1. Carlos Zambrano
• 2. Ryan Dempster
• 3. Matt Garza
• 4. Randy Wells
• 5. Carlos Marmol
• 6. Sean Marshall
• 7. Kerry Wood
• 8. Andrew Cashner

The following guys are "on the bubble" for the final 4 spots on the pitching staff.

• 1. Jeff Samardzija
• 2. Carlos Silva
• 3. Todd Wellemyer
• 4. Braden Looper
• 5. Casey Coleman
• 6. James Russell
• 7. John Grabow
• 8. Casey Coleman
• 9. Scott Maine

Little/no chance to make the staff:

• 1. Angel Guzman
• 2. Jeff Stevens
• 3. Justin Berg
• 4. Marcos Mateo

Position Player Locks

• 1. Marlon Byrd
• 2. Kosuke
• 3. Alfonso Soriano
• 4. Geovany Soto
• 5. Tyler Colvin
• 6. Carlos Pena
• 7. Jeff Baker
• 8. Blake DeWitt
• 9. Starlin Castro
• 10. Aramis Ramirez
• 11. Koyie Hill

Players "on the bubble" for the final two spots on the bench:

• 1. Fernando Perez
• 2. Reed Johnson
• 3. Darwin Barney
• 4. Augie Ojeda
• 5. Scott Moore
• 6. Matt Camp

Guys with little to no chance to make the club:

• 1. Bobby Scales
• 2. Welington Castillo
• 3. Max Ramirez

That's it for now, I'll have more this weekend as we creep closer to Opening Day

Non Roster Invites Released

With Spring Training report dates and Cactus League games approaching, the Cubs have released their list of 21 non-roster players that will be in big league camp.

They have announced the signing of Braden Looper and Augie Ojeda to minor league deals that include invites to camp. The pattern of ex-Cubs returning continues as Ojeda joins a group that also includes Johnson, Wood, Montanez and Wellemyer.

Looper did not pitch in 2010, but it was not injury related. He last put on a big league uniform in 2009 with the Brewers. Augie Ojeda is a switching hitting infielder that played for the Cubs from 2000-2003 and most recently with the D'backs from 2007 to 2010.

Here are the other 19 NRIs:

• Chris Carpenter
• Angel Guzman
• Jay Jackson
• Trey McNutt
• Todd Wellemyer
• Scott Rice
• Steve Clevenger
• Chris Robinson
• Matt Camp
• Brian LaHair
• Scott Moore
• Bobby Scales
• Marquez Smith
• Jim Aducci
• Josh Vitters
• Brett Jackson
• Reed Johnson
• Lou Montanez
• Brad Snyder

17 days until pitchers and catcher report to Mesa, AZ!

Breaking News: Todd Wellemyer Signs with the Cubs

Another ex-Cub will return to the team in Spring Training. Add Todd Wellemyer to the list that already included Kerry Wood, Reed Johnson and Lou Montanez.

Wellemyer is getting a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, where he will try to earn a spot in the rotation or middle relief. The one year deal is worth $800,000 and he could earn another $400,000 with incentives.

Todd was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2000 draft. He made his big league debut in May of 2003 and stayed with the team until being traded to Florida in March 2006. He appeared in 57 games during his first stint with the team, all in relief. Since then Wellemyer has played with the Marlins, Royals, Cardinals and most recently the Giants.

The right hander has been used mostly as a starter since 2008. He went 3-5 with a 5.68 ERA in 13 games (11 starts) for the World Champs last season.

I will update this post if I get any more information.

Cub Pre-Convention Roundup: Non Roster Guys, The Caravan, the Bullpen, and More

Non Roster Invites
The full list of Chicago Cubs non roster invites to Spring Training was released today. In addition to everyone on the 40 man roster, to following prospects will be in camp to try to impress manager Lou Piniella and his staff:

• Josh Vitters, 3B
• Andrew Cashner, RHP
• Brett Jackson, OF
• J.R. Mathes, LHP
• James Russell, LHP
• Casey Coleman, RHP
• Thomas Diamond, RHP
• Jeff Kennard, RHP
• Vince Perkins, RHP
• Robinson Chirinos, C
• Steve Clevenger, C
• Blake Lalli, C/1B
• Chris Robinson, C
• Darwin Barney, SS
• Matt Camp, INF/OF
• Starlin Castro, SS
• Bryan LaHair, 1B
• Bobby Scales, 2B/3B
• Brad Snyder, OF

Cubs Caravan Updates

The Cubs Caravan got underway today. Carrie Muskat provided us with some updated, include the info that Lou Piniella expects the Cubs to win the division. The team is still looking for a veteran right handed reliever and a 4th outfielder, but outside of that Lou feels the Cubs are "pretty set to go". Today Caravan stops included 4 schools for the Cubs Spotlight on Ready, 1 Boys & Girls clubs for the P.L.A.Y. program, a hospital visit, and the sold out Cubs Care Luncheon. Bruce Miles was at Harry Caray's for the lunch, and blogged on it afterwards. Randy Bush, Cubs assistant GM, told Miles that the Cubs haven't ruled out resigning Reed Johnson. I'll have more on the caravan as it continues tomorrow!

Coaching Swap

According to Cubs.com, Ivan DeJesus will serve as the Cubs first base coach in 2010. Matt Sinatro, who was the first base coach, will fill the role that DeJesus previously held as an assistant to Lou Piniella. Matt will still work with Cub catcher, but now will also be involved with the advance scouting reports.

Lilly Injury Update

Cubs lefty Ted Lilly could throw while in Chicago. Mark O'Neal checked up on Ted recently and Lary Rothschild hopes to see him pitch while they are in town for the Convention.

Updates from the Owners Meetings

According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs will decide on either Naples or Mesa next week. They are looking a 3 sites in Florida and two in Naples. Levine chatted with Crane Kenney about the situation. Jim Hendry told Bruce that his time was well spent at the meetings, and 27 of the 30 GMs were there. Hendry planned to talk to some teams about possible moves tonight.

Jason Bourgeois in Cubbie Blue?

Our friends over at Hot Stove Cubbies have a source that tells them that the Cubs are ready to acquire Jason Bourgeois from the Astros. This was posted at 11:30 this morning, and so far we have heard nothing from big league sources. If nothing else, something to keep an eye on.

Calero Still on Cubs' Radar, Bell Probably Staying Put

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Cubs are among the teams that have checked on Kiko Calero. The interest is "contingent" on how confident they are in the health of his shoulder. The Cubs are committed to Marmol as their closer, but would like to add another late inning guy. Today, I chatted with former Cubs broadcaster Andy Masur right here on Everything Cubs Blog. One of the many interesting things Andy told me was that he doesn't see the Padres moving Heath Bell this off season, but maybe at the trade deadline. While Masur thinks it would be "frustrating" for Bell to have to share time with Marmol as Cubs' closer, Heath could be an option in July if Marmol struggles in his new role in the first half. I would encourage everyone to click the link above and check out the full Q&A!

The Cubs Convention is the day after tomorrow!

I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always!