As the winter begins to turn into spring, slowly but surely, we’re getting a better idea of what the Cubs’ roster is going to look like in April.
But there is plenty to still be figured out, and it’s a cloudy picture sure to be made even less clear by the 21 non-roster invitees that will be joining the Cubs at spring training this year.
Overall, the Cubs invited nine pitchers, three catchers, five infielders, and four outfielders to camp this year.
The pitchers begin with Trever Miller and Manny Corpas. Miller was signed on Monday, adding a veteran presence to a bullpen that also needed another lefty. James Russell is likely to take over Sean Marshall‘s role towards the back of the ‘pen, but another lefty in there at some point couldn’t hurt, should he make the team out of camp.
Corpas agreed to a deal earlier this offseason, but fell off of the 40-man roster when the Cubs signed Kerry Wood earlier this month. He signed a one-year, incentive packed deal with the Cubs after not pitching at all in 2011 because of Tommy John surgery.
Also among the hurlers joining the Cubs this spring is Rodrigo Lopez. Chicago brought him back on a minor league pact, after a pretty solid 2011 season in which he tossed 97 innings for a 4.42 ERA.
Other pitchers include Marco Carillo, Jay Jackson, Blake Parker, Dae-Eun Rhee, Chris Rusin, and Trey McNutt.
Behind the dish, Jason Jaramillo ‘highlights’ the list of names that the Cubs are bringing to Mesa this spring. He’ll get a shot to battle for the backup spot to Geovany Soto. Michael Brenly and Blake Lalli also received invites.
On the infield, a there’s a familiar name in Bobby Scales to go along with Edgar Gonzalez, Jonathan Mota, former Twin Matt Tolbert, and Alfredo Amezaga, who could have a decent shot if the Cubs look to deal one of their other utility guys.
In the outfield, all eyes will be on Brett Jackson. It’s widely assumed that Jackson will break into the bigs at some point this season, it’s just a matter of when. Of course, there’s still plenty to be decided regarding the outfield. The Cubs could still trade Alfonso Soriano or Marlon Byrd, and don’t forget about Yoenis Cespedes.
Add Jim Aducci, Jae-Hoon Ha, and Joe Mather to the list of guys that will be joining him in the outfield.
There are also guys on the 40-man roster that will be seeking spots on the team this spring, including Josh Vitters. Not all of these guys are expected to get long looks in the spring, but some just might surprise us when camp gets underway towards the end of February.
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