This past Spring, I was lucky enough to con Brian Jeroloman into spending a couple of minutes after a game to chat a bit about training, about (then) new manager John Farrell, and about his hopes for the year.

Brian did get his wish; he was called up to Toronto last Tuesday August 22, in a puzzling move that has fans and analysts scratching their heads. Jeroloman makes the third catcher on the Jays’ active roster. According to John Lott’s report for the National Post, GM Anthopoulos said that Jeroloman would “rarely play”.

So. Why, with infield depth initially reduce by the departures of Hill and McDonald, would the Jays want 3 catchers?

My first thought was that either JP Arencibia or Jose Molina are in line to be traded. As much as I love Jose Molina, he would be a fine addition to a team looking towards the post-season. Perhaps the Giants?

Another option… would Travis d’Arnaud get the call up to Vegas? D’Arnaud, the Jays’ likely catcher of the future, has been heating up the eastern seaboard with a season .315 batting average and the honor of being chosen as a mid-season All Star.

But as time passes from the date of the callup, with no moves being made, the situation gets curiouser and curiouser.

Why bring up Jeroloman to have him sit in the bullpen? There’s been very little coverage in any media over the move, likely because of Anthopoulos’ comments that Jeroloman wouldn’t see much playing time, if any. It’s the kind of news that’s non-news… except that it doesn’t make sense.

Why waste space on the 25 man roster?

I enjoyed speaking with Brian in Spring Training. He’s a genuinely nice guy who seems to enjoy what he does. I only wish I’d had more than five minutes to come up with some better questions!

Next time!

Shane Farrell chats with Jerry Howarth before June 8, 2011 game in Toronto.

During the 46th round of the MLB Draft this afternoon, the Jays selected Shane Farrell; the middle son of John Farrell, and a pitcher at Marshall. Shane’s College Bio and this article from his local paper describes Farrell as having made 10 appearances this year, including 9 starts, with a 4.76 ERA.

Shane missed out on a round number by just 1 place; he was drafted 1,399th overall.

Way to go Shane!

Now, I don’t want to make any predictions of the likelihood of seeing Shane play here in Toronto any time soon, but should it happen (on a far, far, far outside chance), I seriously suspect the female (and male) fans who lean in his general direction won’t be too disappointed.

More likely, Farrell may end up as part of the organization using his soon-to-be-acquired business degree. He’s expressed an interest in front-office work, even (eventually), a GM position.

Shane missed out on most of his Junior year at Marshall after being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a nerve blockage in his neck that caused arm numbness for over a month.

Farrell had his 2010 collegiate season cut short to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which he described as a nerve blockage in the neck that caused his arm to go numb for more than a month. After mobility was restored, he had to go through physical therapy to regain his pitching strength.

He went on to have a good 2011 season, with regular Friday night starts through the first 9 games, before being plagued with injuries.

For more about Shane Farrell, read this charming story about his debut on the eve of his father’s debut managing the Jays this year: Marshall baseball: Farrell knows focus will be on dad, opening day.