By ANDREW McCLURE
The two-time Nassau Class B finalists find themselves in Conference ABC-III with the likes of Cold Spring Harbor, Oyster Bay and South Side.
The Mules, who won 34 games over the past two seasons, also play crossovers against Valley Stream South, New Hyde Park, Manhasset, Locust Valley and Lynbrook.
Despite losing three All-County players and his entire starting pitching rotation, coach Kevin Spellman remains optimistic. "It's going to be a real challenge, but I can't ask for more than the boys are giving," Spellman said. "The guys are very committed. They don't miss practice and really are looking to be successful."
One player Spellman leans on is Matt Sabino, the starting shortstop since his freshman year. Fully aware that the pitching staff would need to be rebuilt, Sabino, an All-League performer in 2007, volunteered to pitch for the first time in his varsity career. The senior captain has done a nice job on the mound. After defeating Lynbrook last Thursday, 8-5, Sabino was 1-1 with a respectable 3.00 ERA. At the plate, Sabino has hit two homers and leads the team with a .512 batting average.
Malverne also returned senior Jeremy Bowden, who replaced All-County catcher Dan Wakeford behind the plate. Bowden has a strong throwing arm and has good knowledge of the game. Bowden will be pressed into pitching duty as well. Spellman expects to use Bowden at the top of the Malverne batting order. When Bowden is on the mound, sophomore first baseman B.J. Michaels is behind the plate. Michaels, who has opened some eyes with both his offense and defense, has been impressive enough to earn the two spot in the order.
Senior center fielder Rob Onorato is another player the Mules need to hit if they're going to be successful. Onorato, a three-year varsity starter, will likely bat cleanup all season. Fellow senior Mike Cardenas, who has also been a starter since his sophomore year, pitches and plays third base.
Another pair of sophomores will see plenty of time between the lines for the Mules. Max Henry pitches and plays third base. Frank Puma is currently starting in left field, but will also see some time in the infield.
While replacing an entire rotation and some big bats won't be easy, Spellman believes this team will get better as the year progresses. "It's a credit to the junior varsity program and the work ethic of the boys," Spellman said. "We're not looking at wins and losses as much as we're looking at how the guys are improving. We've lost a few one-run games, and have been in nearly all of the games."
The Mules have an important three-game series against South Side this week. The finale is at home on Thursday at 4 p.m.
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