Seminole Ridge Depending On Sophomores To Lead Them

Kyle Farjad is one of three sophomores expected to lead the Hawks this year.

Following a banner year a season ago, Seminole Ridge is counting on a trio of sophomores to lead them in 2014.

The Hawks went 10-5-1 down the stretch en route to the Class 8A regional semifinals and finished with a 14-13-1 overall record. They upset Palm Beach Gardens in the district quarterfinals, before falling to Jupiter.

“Obviously, every coach tries to get them as hot as they can at the end of the year,” said Pendergast. “At the beginning of the year, we try to mix a lot of guys in and use a lot of guys and see how everything’s going to play out. At the end, we get them in the mindframe to compete everyday and I try to stick with my best guys.”

The team’s talented sophomore tripod also figures to factor into two of the main positions on the field. Kyle Farjad is their ace, while Keaton Baird and Brooks Aristy are competing for the starting catcher position.

Farjad went 4-4 with a 2.23 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 44 innings as a freshman. He was brought along slowly, working mainly in relief early, but when senior Zach Berry was hurt late in the season, Farjad assumed that role.

“He’s a left-hander who can throw strikes and throws pretty hard,” said Hawks manager Trent Pendergast. “So that combination really helps out a lot. Lefties usually just have to get it across the plate and they’re successful. He’s pretty close to 90 miles an hour right now.”

But Farjad doesn’t just rely on his fastball, according to Pendergast.

“He’s got a pretty good curve ball, and he’s really improved with his mechanics and his command of the strike zone,” said Pendergast. “I think he’s going to throw multiple pitches in the game for strikes. And that only enhances his stuff, makes him even more difficult to hit.”

Farjad said he feels he has gained more trust with his teammates and isn’t afraid to speak up now that he’s a seasoned sophomore.

“My game has changed a lot (since last season),” said Farjad, who has made subtle changes such as moving his position on the rubber and staying on top. “I have more command. I have more velocity.”

He also improved his slider over the summer to complement his curve and is working on a changeup.

“He’s a phenomenal kid, a good worker; he really has a passion for the game and a very bright future in the game of baseball,” said Pendergast.

The Hawks immediate future also relies on Baird and Aristy. Aristy was on the varsity as a freshman and saw limited action behind senior starter Jason Moore. Baird was the starting catcher for the junior varsity.

“They’re really neck and neck competing who will get the bulk of the playing time,” said Pendergast. “Both receive really well. Brooks has a little bit better arm. Keaton might be a little bit better hitter at this point. It’s a nice mix of talents, so it will be interesting to see how it shakes out in the spring.”

Pendergast knows what he’s looking for in his catcher, whom he calls the quarterback of the defense. And expect both to see extended playing time in the outfield when they aren’t behind the plate.

“Who ends up competing more, being a better leader back there (will start),” said Pendergast. “Whoever is the better communicator and can handle the pitchers the best is probably going to get the most playing time.”

Baird, a 5-10, 155-pounder who throws right and bats left, is looking to improve between now and the spring.

“I feel comfortable with the varsity,” said Baird, who is trying to add 10 pounds of muscle before the season. “I’m hitting more doubles and getting on base more.”

It’s not all sophomores for Seminole Ridge.

Tommy Dulin, a junior, gets in some extra work while head coach Trent Pendergast watches closely.

Senior Jake Paez, a lefty, joins Farjad in the starting rotation. He was 1-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 28.2 innings. Nick Martinez, a senior, had three saves and struck out 20 in 27.1 innings as the Hawks main reliever.

Paez batted .304 and Farjad hit .296 to complement their pitching.

Middle infielders David Moss (.293 average), a junior, and Tyler Murley (.284), a senior, add stability to the defense while senior Alex Aristy (.286) will have one of the outfield spots covered.

Pendergast usually spends the early part of the season continuing to teach his players and get them the repetitions needed to improve.

“It takes a little bit of time for them to go through that teaching stage and get the reps and really improve,” said Pendergast. “Last year was a great example of that. Usually after spring break we start playing a little bit better.”

Even with a stellar sophomore class and plenty of returning talent, Pendergast knows it doesn’t always go according to plan.

“You can’t really tell what’s going to happen until five or six games in,” said Pendergast. “You never know. You can have all these great plans, and it just never works out how you plan it. Sometimes it’s way better, sometimes it’s not. I just try to go in with an open mind and get them ready to the best of my ability and see what happens.”

He wants to have the Hawks ready to compete in a tough district immediately, while keeping an eye on the season-ending tournament.

“What happened to us last year worked out great,” said Pendergast. “Hopefully, we can do that again.”

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