Two Central grads likely to see plenty of playing time

~ Eight players from local high schools joined the Redhawks.

Mark Hogan has had his share of local products during his first 13 years as the Southeast Missouri State baseball coach.

That share is bigger than usual for Hogan's 14th season, thanks to an influx of area newcomers.

"We've had quite a few very good local players over the years," Hogan said. "It depends from year to year, but it just so happens that last year's senior class was very strong."

Eight players from local high schools have joined the Redhawks this season, including three from Cape Girardeau Central and three from Scott City.

While some of them likely will redshirt, a few already have been targeted for early playing time.

That includes two freshmen from Central, outfielder Blake Slattery and pitcher Brad LaBruyere.

Slattery might start Friday's season opener at Arkansas-Pine Bluff in left field. Even if he doesn't, he figures to receive his share of starts, either in left or center.

"Blake is pretty much ready to go," Hogan said. "He's very talented."

Slattery, the Southeast Missourian player of the year in both baseball and football as a Central senior, said he's ready to help out wherever the Redhawks need him.

"It's pretty exciting," Slattery said of receiving quality playing time early in his college career. "I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like."

Slattery said he had no expectations when he decided to join the Southeast program.

"I was just hoping to work hard and do what I'm supposed to do," said Slattery, who primarily played shortstop in high school, but also saw time in the outfield.

Hogan said LaBruyere, a right-hander, will see action out of the bullpen to start the season.

"I'm ready to get out there," LaBruyere said. "I figure my first appearance will be really exciting."

Hogan said a third freshman from Central, outfielder Matt Hester, is not in the early plans to receive playing time and possibly will redshirt, although that could change during the season.

"We still like Matt a lot, just like Blake and Brad," Hogan said.

Two Scott City freshmen, walk-on outfielders Blake Dirnberger and Rynn Eskew, also likely will redshirt because of the crowded situation in the outfield.

A third Scott City newcomer, sophomore lefty pitcher Andy Stephens, will be used situationally against left-handed hitters, Hogan said.

Stephens played last season at Meramec Community College in St. Louis.

One more local freshman will receive playing time this season, Hogan said. Trenton Moses, an infielder from Advance, can play either first base or third base.

"He won't redshirt. He'll play," Hogan said. "He can help us."

The final newcomer from the area, junior walk-on infielder Trevor Irwin from Oran, also will try to battle for playing time. He came to Southeast from Shawnee (Ill.) Community College.

Another Cape Girardeau native already is a key member of the Redhawks, as junior Matt Wulfers from Notre Dame started 54 of Southeast's 56 games last season. He opens as the squad's designated hitter.

Two other returning players from nearby high schools, senior Lance Rhodes from Sikeston and junior Mike Taylor from Shawnee (Ill.), pitched out of the bullpen last year.