The Cubs announced on Friday, along with the signing of utility man Ryan Roberts, they signed both outfielder Ryan Kalish and catcher John Baker to minor league contracts that includes non-roster invites to Spring Training.
John Baker played in 16 games for the Padres last season. Baker managed a .150/.261/.150 slash line in his second and final year in San Diego. The veteran catcher likes working with young pitchers and spent time with Brandon Hyde in 2010 and 2011 while he was with the Marlins.
Baker is 32 years old and over his six year big league career he put together a .258/.342/.364/.705 line.
When the Red Sox decided to non-tender Ryan Kalish, it was a given he would end up signing a contract with the Cubs. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod selected Kalish in the ninth round of the 2006 draft.
Ryan Kalish is only 25 years old but has dealt with injuries that has derailed his career. Kalish has had surgeries to his neck and shoulder within the last two years. Kalish missed the entire 2013 season and last played for the Sox in 2012. Kalish managed a .229/.272/.260/.532 line in 36 games in 2012.
Reports from the Boston media question if the lefty hitting Ryan Kalish will be healthy enough to play in 2014.
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