In this edition we will take a closer look at the Rancho Rams.  Coach Manny Llamas and the Rams won the division a year ago.  The posted a 4-2 record in the playoffs before and were ousted by the state runner up, Basic. They return just one starter, leaving a lot of holes to fill.  Key losses include Edarian Williams. Williams hit .451 with 9 homeruns and drove in 38.  Too much to expect one person to fill those shoes, but Coach Llamas will be looking for a combination of newcomers to contribute and keep the Rams on top.

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Team: Rancho 

Nickname: Rams

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Northeast Division/Mountain Region

Head Coach:  Manny Llamas

2018 Overall Record: 29-8

2018 League Finish: 1st

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Rancho

2018 Postseason Finish: 4-2

Number of Returning Starters: 1

Number of Returning Pitchers:2

Top Returning Players: ’19 C Matthew Baughn; ’19 LHP Tanner Ray;

College Commits: ’19 C Matthew Baughn – Northeastern College

Top 2019 Players: C Matthew Baughn; LHP Tanner Ray; RHP/OF Cris Verdugo

Top 2020 Players: OF Donovan Gladney; OF Elijah Jordan; RHP Andrew Baughn;

Other Players to Watch: ’21 SS/RHP Jairo Verdugo; ’21 3B Ian Graph; ’22 1B/RHP Noah Tschopp

2019 Outlook: In 2019, the Rams would appear to be in rebuilding mode.  With just one returning starter in catcher, Matthew Baughn (.362/2/22) expectation will be tempered by everyone except the Rams.  Rancho is realistic, but they are also optimistic at the contribution some of their younger players will be able to make. Returning pitcher, Tanner Ray will be expected to shoulder a heavy load, the crafty left-hander made 12 appearances a year ago, posting 3.03 ERA with a 2-2 record.  In addition, senior,  Cris Verdugo, will have to contribute significantly. Verdugo was 2-0 with a 3.94 ERA in 3 appearances in 2018 and will look to build on that. Junior, Andrew Baughn is a capable hurler and could likely eat up some important innings as well.  Offensively, while Matthew Baughn is the lone returning starter, speedy centerfielder, Donovan Gladney should give him help produce runs. In limited varsity at bats, Gladney hit .364 with 11 stolen bases.  You can look for those numbers to likely increase with the upgrade in playing time.  A probable to accompany Gladney in the outfield, will be Elijah Jordan. Jordan is a strong-armed outfielder that also runs very well.  With Gladney and Jordan patrolling the same outfield, the opposition may have some trouble getting balls to fall.

With the many roles to fill, youngster like Jairo Verdugo, Ian Graph, and Noah Tschopp are sure to get opportunities to contribute. Verdugo is capable of playing the infield as well as pitch.  He has a solid arm, good range, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Graf is a solid infield defender who can drive the ball as well. Freshman, Noah Tschopp is a projectable right-handed pitcher, first baseman with a high ceiling and is expected to throw some varsity inning this upcoming season.

The Rams will likely be relying on a lot of young inexperience players to form their everyday lineup, but Coach Llamas believes strongly in their ability to pitch and thinks they have a great chance to defend their division title.