Bumps in the road for Rams

Success is often cyclical in high school sports. Programs can be world beaters for a few seasons, and then experience a lengthy down cycle. 

At West Hempstead, the baseball program has been stellar for the past two seasons. The Rams picked up a league title in 2008, and followed up with a 13-win season a year ago. 

But graduation was tough on the roster. Couple that with having to compete in a strong conference in 2010, and expectations aren’t very lofty for coach Mike Valentino and the Rams. “It’s definitely going to be a rebuilding year,” Valentino said. “We’re relatively young, and the league schedule is going to be very difficult. It’s going to be a struggle.” 

West Hempstead is off to a 1-3 start. The loss of ace Matthew Metz, who is now pitching at Molloy College, left a big hole in the rotation. Senior C.J. Davis is one of the key returnees. Davis will take the mound once each week. His ability to play nearly every position on the field will give Valentino some diversity. Junior Jason Arasmo will also be in the Rams’ starting rotation. Freshman Joe Palladino will see some time on the hill.

One of the real bright spots is Brandan Sherman. The freshman southpaw made his varsity debut in relief and closing out West Hempstead’s 4-2 opening day victory over Valley Stream Central. At the plate, Sherman, who will start in right field, was 2-for-3 with an RBI to help Davis get the win.

Anthony Misiano, who started in the outfield as a junior, takes over the catching duties for the Rams. Misiano will hope to provide some pop in the middle of the lineup.

In the middle infield, the Rams will start sophomore Brandan Ruiz at second base, and senior Roberto Reyes at shortstop. Reyes, who displayed some power at the plate as a junior with a few long balls, will bat clean up. Senior Robert Mosca will handle the first base duties. When he isn’t on the hill, Arasmo will play the hot corner. Joining Sherman in the outfield is junior left fielder Greg Cecere. Davis will roam center field. Junior Tom Valerio will see plenty of time in the outfield.

Valentino hope the Rams will be able to put across enough runs in Conference A-II, a league that includes the likes of Seaford, Valley Stream North, Lynbrook, North Shore, Manhasset and Jericho.

“We’re going to have to get men on base and find ways to score,” Valentino said. “We don’t have huge bats in the lineup, so we’re going to have to manufacture runs. Our pitchers are not going to blow anyone away, so the defense is going to have to be good. The pitchers need to be around the plate, and hope the defense can make plays.”