Cubs invite 19 non-roster players to major league spring training

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today announced the club has invited 19 non-roster players to major league spring training, which begins Feb. 17 when pitchers and catchers are invited to report in Mesa, Ariz.

Their first workout will take place Feb. 18. Position players report to camp Feb. 22 with the team's first full workout Feb. 23.

Overall, 12 of the 19 invitees are homegrown players either drafted or originally signed by the Cubs.

Additionally, each of the club's last four first-round draft picks will be in camp: outfielder Tyler Colvin (2006, now on the club's 40-man roster), infielder Josh Vitters (2007), righthander Andrew Cashner (2008) and outfielder Brett Jackson (2009).

Seven pitchers - lefthanders J.R. Mathes and James Russell and righthanders Cashner, Casey Coleman, Thomas Diamond, Jeff Kennard and Vince Perkins - have been invited to major league camp, as well as catchers Robinson Chirinos, Steve Clevenger, Blake Lalli and Chris Robinson.

Infielders Darwin Barney, Matt Camp, Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair, Bobby Scales and Vitters have also been invited, along with outfielders Jackson and Brad Snyder.