Farina to extended ST, Cubs sign John Mark Sprowl

[Chris]

A roster move was made last night after the Jaxx game. Farina was sent to extended spring training and the Cubs signed John Mark Sprowl, the same John Mark Sprowl that was drafted by them in '98.

 

Sprowl made the drive from Florida to join the team and is in uniform.

[texascub]

DJaxx, do you have any insight into why this move was made? Farina is is 3 years younger and has just about the same amount of experience as Sprowl does. Farina only has 7ABs this year, so switching a backup catcher for a backup catcher doesn't make a whole lot on sense to me.

[Guest]

DJaxx, do you have any insight into why this move was made? Farina is is 3 years younger and has just about the same amount of experience as Sprowl does. Farina only has 7ABs this year, so switching a backup catcher for a backup catcher doesn't make a whole lot on sense to me.

The Cubs are catching on to the OBP revolution? Sprowl's best asset is his ability to draw a walk.

[texascub]

DJaxx, do you have any insight into why this move was made? Farina is is 3 years younger and has just about the same amount of experience as Sprowl does. Farina only has 7ABs this year, so switching a backup catcher for a backup catcher doesn't make a whole lot on sense to me.

The Cubs are catching on to the OBP revolution? Sprowl's best asset is his ability to draw a walk.

 

The ability to draw a walk is seems to be Sprowl's only asset. Outside of his all-star year in 2003, his minor league numbers have been horrible. He's already 26 and this is his first experience above the A-ball level. I just don't see the point in swapping someone who likely has no future at the ML level in Sprowl, for someone that has atleast a better shot at contributing in Farina. With Richie and Reyes already at C, Sprowl doesn't even really have a spot with the team. I guess he'll sit on the bench and come in every week or so and try to draw a walk.

[Quakers]

DJaxx, do you have any insight into why this move was made? Farina is is 3 years younger and has just about the same amount of experience as Sprowl does. Farina only has 7ABs this year, so switching a backup catcher for a backup catcher doesn't make a whole lot on sense to me.

The Cubs are catching on to the OBP revolution? Sprowl's best asset is his ability to draw a walk.

 

The ability to draw a walk is seems to be Sprowl's only asset. Outside of his all-star year in 2003, his minor league numbers have been horrible. He's already 26 and this is his first experience above the A-ball level. I just don't see the point in swapping someone who likely has no future at the ML level in Sprowl, for someone that has atleast a better shot at contributing in Farina. With Richie and Reyes already at C, Sprowl doesn't even really have a spot with the team. I guess he'll sit on the bench and come in every week or so and try to draw a walk.

 

 

Is coaching in Sprowl's future???

[weather2]

I could be wrong however, ...

 

I know you were only half-serious; however,

 

I believe the ability to hit is way down the list of priorities when the Cubs choose a backup AA catcher. They are looking for a catch and throw kind of guy who will not inhibit and will hopefully aid in the development of their young pitchers.

 

Wasn't Sprowl signed and then released by the Cubs earlier THIS year?

[rawaction]

Sprowl was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 47th round in 1998. He was released then had a big year for my then hometown, South Bend Silverhawks. Like has been mentioned, he walks almost exclusively and never strikes out. I really don't know why he hasn't moved up to AA in his 7-year career. He's not horrible defensively, is 26, and can take a walk. I would think some team would have him at AAA and have him right outside the 40-man roster in case a couple catchers went down.