Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
4:56 p.m.
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com
Braden Looperwho has started 97 games and saved 103 more in his 12-year career, but did not pitch last seasonis among the 21 non-roster players the Cubs have invited to major-league spring training.
The Cubs agreed to minor-league deals with the 36-year-old Looper and infielder Augie Ojeda on Thursday, and they are part of the group that will gather in Arizona next month. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 13, and the teams first full workout will be Feb. 19 in Mesa.
Several of those invited are ex-Cubs trying to work their way back to Chicago, including pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, outfielder Reed Johnson and reliever Angel Guzman, who is recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Some of the organizations top prospects will also be given a longer look in camp. First-round picks Josh Vitters (2007) and Brett Jackson (2009) will be there, along with pitchers Chris Carpenter, Jay Jackson and Trey McNutt.
PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.