Two Canadians Highlight Six More Signed for 2016
January 18, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Victoria HabourCats News Release
VICTORIA, B.C. - More Canadian content, but more importantly, more quality players have signed on for the 2016 West Coast League season.
RHP Josh Burgmann, University of Washington (Freshman in fall), Nanaimo, BC/Vauxhall, 6-2/200
RHP Will McAffer, South Dakota State (Freshman), North Vancouver, BC, 6-2/195
RHP Casey Costello, Orange Coast College (Junior), La Quinta, CA, 6-2/195
SS Cameron Cannon, University of Arizona (Freshman in fall), Chandler, AZ, 5-11/175
3B Dakota Dean, New Orleans (Senior), Crestview, FL, 6-1/195
C Chayce Ka'aua, University of Hawaii (Junior), Hilo, Hawaii, 5-10/190
"These are all players who raise the skill level of our team tremendously, and we're excited to have them as part of the 2016 HarbourCats," said General Manager Jim Swanson. "We look for impact Canadians who can help us reach the contender level, and we look for players at all positions who give us an edge. We think these six additions really address that and strengthen our roster."
Josh Burgmann is a product of the Nanaimo Pirates and the National Junior Team, spending three years with Team Canada. He has committed to the excellent University of Washington Huskies program to start this fall. The hard-throwing righty is completing high school at the Vauxhall Academy in Alberta. He has also appeared in the Area Code Games (for Kansas City Royals) and was a 2015 honorable mention All-American in Baseball America.
"Josh may be the best pitching prospect Vancouver Island has seen since Rich Harden, and he helps us soften the blow of losing Alex Rogers, who has been assigned to another program this summer by his school, unfortunately," said Swanson.
Will McAffer is another National Junior Team alum, and was drafted in the 32nd round in 2015 by the Cincinnati Reds. He rejected a contract offer to join the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. McAffer is a product of the North Shore Twins and had 65 punch-outs in 51 innings in 2015, going 7-2/1.35.
Dakota Dean is a dangerous left-hand hitter from UNO who led Northwest Florida State JC to the national JUCO (Junior College) championship last spring, driving in 39 runs and being named to the all-tournament team.
"McAffer is a premium arm, and Dean is a middle-of-the-order bat who can be a catalyst for us. He is versatile and is known for being a very hard worker, a leader, and a champion," said Swanson.
Casey Costello is projected as a top starter at OCC, teammates with returning HarbourCat Josh Walker and fellow signee Colin Ashworth. Costello appeared in 11 games as a freshman at OCC, including seven starts, going 3-4 and throwing 33 innings.
Cameron Cannon is a prized high school recruit from Mountain Ridge in Chandler, AZ, and will jump right to a top NCAA program at the University of Arizona. The slick fielder hits for power and brings speed to the game. He hit .412 with two home runs and 26 runs driven in, along with five doubles and a triple for Mountain Ridge HS.
Chayce Ka'aua became the starting catcher at Hawaii after redshirting his freshman season, starting 46 games and hitting .260. Ka'aua can play other positions, and notably was a teammate of former HarbourCats lefty (and now Milwaukee Brewers prospect) Quintin Torres-Costa (2014 team) on the Hawaii team that won the 2011 Senior Little League World Series.
More signings will be announced in the weeks leading up to the June 3 season-opening game in Walla Walla. The HarbourCats play their first regular season home game, the Drive for 5,000/Whiteout Game, on June 7 against the Wenatchee AppleSox.
Current roster for 2016 (27 players)
INFIELDERS (8)
*2B/SS Griffin Andreychuk, Seattle University
2B Rykker Tom, University of San Diego
1B/OF/LHP Matt Warkentin, University of San Francisco
IB/DH/Util Brayden Resch, North Dakota State
*IF/3B Michael Gretler, Oregon State
IF/SS Shawn Silva, Fresno State University
SS Cameron Cannon, Arizona
IF Dakota Dean, New Orleans
OUTFIELDERS (5)
OF Matt Smith, Sacramento State
*OF AJ Alcantara, UC-Irvine
*OF/IF PJ Floyd, Sacramento State
OF Ryan Anderson, UC-Davis
OF Jake Stone, Fresno State University
CATCHER (4)
*C Nick Meyer, Cal Poly
C James Outman, Sacramento State
C Joe Prior, Fresno State University
C Chayce Ka'aua, Hawaii
PITCHERS (10)
RHP Colin Ashworth, Orange Coast College
*RHP Austin Dondanville, Cal Poly
RHP Kyle Peeler, Colorado State-Pueblo
*RHP Josh Walker, Orange Coast College
*LHP Nick Wojtysiak, Paradise Valley CC
RHP James Kannenberg, University of San Francisco
RHP Mark Reese, Fresno State University
RHP Josh Burgmann, University of Washington
RHP Will McAffer, South Dakota State
RHP Casey Costello, Orange Coast College
*-- Returning player
SEASON TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
The HarbourCats have seen an uptick in season ticket purchases, and as corporate partnerships are completed the selection of season ticket locations and single-game walkup options is getting less and less. "We recommend, especially with our affordable prices, that people come in and secure their seats - the sooner, the better," said Swanson. "To buy a premium season ticket for the 2016 HarbourCats is less than the cost of travel, etc., to see one Mariners game in Seattle, and we work hard on all aspects of the program to keep our games affordable for everyone."
To buy season tickets, call the office (778-265-0327) or stop in at 101-1814 Vancouver Street.
OFFICE HOURS
With the off-season now upon us, the team's office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street will see reduced hours through the end of March.
MONDAY-FRIDAY - 9:30am-4:30pm
SATURDAY-SUNDAY - Closed (or by appointment)
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from January 18, 2016
- Larsen to Return to Bells for 2016 Season - Bellingham Bells
- Two Canadians Highlight Six More Signed for 2016 - Victoria HabourCats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
