By Dylan Wolter
Syracuse University
June 14th, 2015
YARMOUTH- Stephen Alemais (Tulane) is a natural at shortstop. When he’s in the field he makes plays look effortless, smooth in every step he takes and ball he gloves. His range is tremendous, owns a cannon for an arm, and has delicate hands that were made to field ground balls. His instincts for the game are incredibly noticeable, always in the right spot at the right time. Even difficult plays, he makes look easy.
“It’s something as a shortstop, that’s the most important thing,” Alemais remarks on his defense, “defense first and then hitting later. I work a lot with Roberts on defense.”
On Sunday afternoon during a double header against the 2014 champions, the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (3-4), Alemais put all of his tools on display. In what was his first start of the season, the Bronx native looked comfortable and healthy. Manager Mike Roberts admitted after the game that Alemais has been dealing with a leg injury for some time but was brought into Cotuit to be the starting shortstop. Now that he is healthy, Kettleers fans can expect to see a lot more of Alemais both in the field and at the dish.
Stephen Alamais – a natural at shortstop. Photo by Brigitte Rec
The Tulane product was part of three double plays against the Red Sox, each one more impressive than the last. He corralled grounders to his left and right, made quick and easy shuffles to second baseman, Michael Paez (Coastal Carolina), and even showed the ability to take it himself. No player caught the attention of the crowd more than Alemais, there were tons of cheers in amazement that was paired with awe-inspired rumblings from scouts.
Alemais displayed phenomenal cohesiveness with Paez, even forming a handshake before every inning in the field. “It was fun,” mentioned Paez who moved from short to second base, a position he’s never played before, “Steph is a great player and him and I have good chemistry already.” The duo forms a dynamic middle infield that look to continue their stellar defense together.
Offensively, Alemais is only starting to become acclimated with Cape Cod League pitching. The injury hindered his ability to swing a bat so rust is naturally expected. Alemais owns a nice compact swing, hopefully it is just a matter of time before he hits his stride at the plate.
“I feel good” exclaimed an opportunistic Alemais, “I’m just getting more comfortable, I haven’t seen pitching in three weeks.”
He hit a single up the middle in his very first at bat which was an extremely positive sign. Alemais is certainly one of the more exciting players on the team and will be a joy to watch the rest of his season. His talent is through the roof and fans caught a glimpse of it on Sunday. Keep your eye on # 2.
The Cotuit Kettleers (3-4) have an off day on Monday followed by a home game against Hyannis (6-1).