The Cubs on Friday announced the names of 22 non-roster invitees to Spring Training, with top prospect Javier Baez headlining the list.
Baez, the Cubs' No. 1 pick in 2011, was ranked No. 16 overall on MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list released earlier this week. The 20-year-old shortstop hit .333 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles and 33 RBIs in 57 games at Class A Peoria last year, then posted a .188 average after being promoted to Class A Daytona.
Baez is one of five non-roster infielders invited to Spring Training, joining Alberto Gonzalez, Brent Lillibridge, Edwin Maysonet and Brad Nelson. The list of invitees also includes three outfielders -- Brian Bogusevic, Johermyn Chavez and Darnell McDonald -- and three catchers -- J.C. Boscan, Michael Brenly and Rafael Lopez.
As for the pitching staff, 11 non-roster players with varying degrees of Major League experience will arrive in Mesa, Ariz. on Feb. 12, when pitchers and catchers report. That list includes right-handers Drew Carpenter, Jaye Chapman, Casey Coleman, Dayan Diaz, Jensen Lewis, Barret Loux, Blake Parker, Zach Putnam, Nick Struck and Cory Wade, along with left-handed reliever Hisanori Takahashi.
Position players will report later that week, arriving Feb. 16, with the first full-squad workout scheduled for the following day.
Paul Casella is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @paul_casella. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.



