Improving production at catcher a key for Auburn

AUBURN | Butch Thompson is expecting better play out of the catcher position heading into his second season at Auburn.

The addition of a junior college transfer and the improved play of two seniors has increased the production at the position during fall practice and sparked a tight competition.

“I feel like we've got three catchers,” Thompson said. “That was always a revolving door for us last year and to have three guys play this well this early has been a positive for us. They've got some skills and are playing well. They've just got to keep learning our pitchers everyday.”

Sophomore Mike Rojas, a transfer from Chipola (Fla.) Community College, has impressed during the first portion of fall drills. He hit .339 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI as a freshman at Chipola last season.

“Mike Rojas, the new guy, has an incredible arm,” Thompson said. “He's showed that everyday to be his skill set. He actually hit a big home run in a ballgame (last week).”

Opposing teams had a 79.1 percent success rate stealing bases against Auburn last season, which ranked 13th in the SEC. The Tigers also allowed an SEC-worst 14 passed balls.

Improving those numbers are a big priority this fall and seniors Blake Logan and Kyler Deese have taken steps forward in both areas.

“Kyler Deese is catching the baseball better than he ever has currently,” Thompson said. “Blake Logan has returned to probably how he threw early in his career. He's throwing the baseball well.”

Logan hit .274 last season with 15 doubles, two home runs and 36 RBI. He threw out seven of 31 base runners and had eight passed balls in 28 starts at catcher.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself but now I'm to the point it's my last go around and I might as well have fun and enjoy it,” Logan said. “I feel like I've been throwing well. There's always room for improvement. I'm always hard on myself but it's been good so far.”

Deese hit .221 with four doubles and 20 RBI. He threw out 7-of-15 base runners and had four passed balls in 13 starts behind the plate.

“The competition kind of brings out the best in everybody and it's been fun,” Logan said. “We're a close-knit group of guys and we really push each other and pick at each other and have fun so it's been good.”