Choo Freeman Signed to Minor Contract

Outfielder Rafael "Choo" Freeman, Colorado's first pick in the 1998 draft and who was released last week by the Rockies, was signed to a Minor League contract by the Dodgers and invited to Major League training camp.

Freeman, 27, hit .225 with three homers and 29 RBI over 151 games and 285 at-bats during the 2004-2005 and 2006 seasons with the Rockies. He is basically a center fielder but he has played all three outfield positions.

He's the cousin of Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter.

He is the second non-roster outfield invitee, along with Larry Bigbie, invited to spring camp. Others invited are pitchers Scott Elbert, Joe Mays, Jon Meloan, Rudy Seanez, Travis Smith, Dario Veras and Matt White. Infielders include Tony Abreu, Chin-Lung Hu, Damian Jackson and Fernando Tatis. Catchers A.J. Ellis, along with Ken Huckaby and Sandy Martinez are catchers invited.