66.0°,
Overcast and Breezy Young Rams looking to improve
After two solid seasons, West Hempstead struggled through a difficult spring on the diamond in 2010. A young team, led by a new head coach, will look to right the ship. The Rams will face Great Neck North, Valley Stream South and Glen Cove in league play, with crossovers against Lynbrook, Plainedge, Bethpage and Lawrence.
Head coach Bill Cloghessy, a 1998 graduate of West Hempstead, hopes the Rams are set to turn things around. “The idea is to forget about what happened last season,” Cloghessy said. “We’re a different team and we’re playing different opponents. A lot of this season will be about developing the kids, especially the young arms, but I still expect to shoot for a playoff spot.”
Sophomore Brandon Sherman will be the ace for the Rams. The southpaw has as an above-average fastball, and a good curveball and knuckle drop. When he’s not on the mound, Sherman will be patrolling center field. Expect Sherman to occupy a spot in the middle of the West Hempstead batting order.
Senior captain Jason Arasmo also features three effective pitches. When he’s not pitching, Arasmo will play catcher and bat second or third. Sophomore Joe Palladino rounds out the starting rotation. Palladino, who had four extra base hits in West Hempstead’s first two games, non-league losses to Valley Stream North and West Hempstead, will play right field.
Junior captain Brandon Ruiz will bat either first or second. The West Hempstead shortstop will also see time on the mound out of the pen, and he’ll hit in one of the top two slots in the batting order. When he gets aboard, Ruiz is a speed demon capable of wreaking havoc on the bases.
Senior captain Tom Valerio plays first base and will hit at the top of the order. Valerio, who throws and bats lefty, was 2-for-5 in a loss to Valley Stream North March 28. With Valerio and Ruiz setting the table, Arasmo, Palladino and company should have plenty of RBI opportunities. Valerio will also handle relief duties.
Freshman second baseman Hardvis Batista is a contact hitter with a good glove in the middle of the infield. Vying for time in left field are juniors Austin Slamowitz and Albert Amiel. Slamowitz will catch when Arasmo is on the hill. Sophomore Erickson Flores handles the hot corner.
With absence of power hitters, Cloghessy will not be able to sit back and watch the Rams take a grip and rip approach. “We’re going to have to be aggressive if we want to score runs,” Cloghessy said. “I’m expecting us to have to make things happen on the bases, squeeze when necessary, and manufacture runs. We’re a young team, so we’re going to make some mistakes. The key right now is to cut down on errors.”
The Rams host Lawrence on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
