The Cape Catfish have been the most successful organization in the Prospect League since the franchise's inception in 2019, so no one could blame the club leadership if it didn’t mess with its formula in terms of constructing a roster.
However, Catfish General Manager Mark Hogan has not been content, or fearful of, experimentation this off-season. Hogan not only has brought in an entirely new coaching staff, but the franchise has also signed several high school players to season-long contracts for the first time in team history.
“We have had some temporary players coming out of high school, who had just graduated,” Hogan explained, “but we actually have five guys this year, who are high school players that are coming out, and it started with (Jackson High School standout Caden Bogenpohl).”
Missouri State baseball coach Keith Guttin had signed Bogenpohl, along with Logan-Rogersville High School player, Curry Sutherland, and he spoke with Hogan about having the two play this summer for the Catfish.
“I’ve been friends with (Guttin) forever,” Hogan said, “and he said that he had signed ‘Two outstanding high school boys and I’d really like for you to give them a look.’”
Hogan did just that, and he liked what he saw from a talent perspective, as well as a physical viewpoint.
Sutherland is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound third baseman, while Bogenpohl is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound (projected) first baseman.
“They are both very physically blessed,” Hogan said.
Guttin said both players have potential as both pitchers and hitters.
“They can do both,” Hogan said. “They are exciting guys.”
When Hogan was watching Bogenpohl, he also got a glimpse of Indian third baseman Quinton Borders, who he has also signed for the 2023 season.
“I’ve known about Quinton for a while,” Hogan said.
The Catfish have also inked Pleasant Valley (Calif.) High School pitcher Jordan Riley, who will play at the University of Nevada in the fall.
“This is an option that we have,” Hogan said of signing high school players. “I guess that we will find out if it works, but I am excited about the abilities that these kids have. I don’t think that they will be overwhelmed by (the Prospect League).
“I do think that there will be some adjustments, just like there is for everybody.”
One positive, aside from helping the Catfish win games, that Hogan sees is that there are young athletes who can gain exposure to, and learn from, college-age players, as well as veteran coaches.
“It’s exciting to me,” Hogan said, “and a little different approach to what we have had. They are going to be around a lot of good, veteran players. Part of our mission statement is to give guys an opportunity to grow and learn the game, and being around veteran players has a lot to do with that.”
The Catfish begin the 2023 season on May 31 at O’Fallon, with their home debut at Capaha Field on June 3 against Jackson (Tenn.) at 7:35 p.m.
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