2004 Baseball Preview: Catchers

Heading into Oklahoma's first game against Gonzaga, we will be providing a preview of the upcoming season. Today we take a closer look at the catching position.

While the pitching staff boasts its experience, the hurlers' receivers will be looking to break in three inexperienced talents. After losing their regular starter last year to the Major League Baseball Draft, the Sooners will turn to a trio of junior Matt Bose, sophomore Brandon Lance and freshman Josh Stinson to fill the void at catcher this year.

“We feel confident that we have three quality players vying for the starting catching role this year,” said Cochell. “Each of the players presents different positives that we like. However, we like the competition that has been created at this position and feel that it can only benefit us.”

Of the three, Bose owns the most experience at the position at the Division I level. He was used as a spot starter (eight games) behind the plate last season while seeing the majority of his starting time at the corner infield positions. A career .296 hitter, he is also the most proven offensively of the three contenders.

As a freshman last year, Lance also earned starting time behind the plate. Although he went hitless in his five starts, Lance developed a reputation as solid defensive catcher.

Stinson arrived in Norman with the label of the Sooners' catcher of the future. He earned the characterization after receiving the distinction as one of OU's top talents in his recruiting class after garnering All-State and all-district honors during his prep career. The Port Neches, Texas, native didn't disappoint during the fall and enjoyed a solid fall practice. His prospects are especially bright offensively where he provides a much-needed lefthanded bat with some power to the lineup.

A fourth potential battery mate, freshman Michael Newland, will spend his first year on the team redshirting and serving as a valuable bullpen catcher while learning the game at the Division I level.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors