The Reds signed veteran Corey Patterson are invited to the spring training camp as a non-roster player. Patterson remained as an experienced free agent without being signed with big league camps.

The Cubs had Patterson for the time period 2000-05 and the last two seasons were spent with the Orioles. During last season, in 132 games, he batted .269 with 45 RBIs, 8 home runs and a .304 OBP. After the All-Star break he batted .313 even though his first half was .235. Patterson stole 37 last season and 45 in 2006.

Patterson will be fighting for the center starting spot along with Ryan Freel, Norris Hopper and Jay Bruce. However, Bruce’s chances can be affected with Patterson signing the deal. Bruce is presently day to day with a strained quadriceps muscle.

Infielder Jerry Hairston, another veteran, was also signed to a Minor League contract and will be in the big league camp.