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2009 Team Preview:
Last Season: 0-12
Playoffs: None
(Courtesy of manager Juslin John)
In the inaugural season the Sluggers had a much needed learning experience. Although their record was 0-12 many improvements could be seen towards the end of the season. Last year was a season of fun for most the players but its clearly seen that this year their intentions are different. Many changes were made from last year to turn the sluggers into a winning team. First, managers Juslin John and David Cheruvelil stepped down to be just players and Danny Joseph stepped in as the new manager. Second, players were reassigned to new positions. 3B Noble Kallukuzhy who had a phenomenal year last year was moved from 3B to RF to add more speed to the outfield. RF Sujil Joseph had his ever so solid glove moved to 1B and Danny Joseph was moved from 1B to 2B. Aakash Lulla was moved from 2B to C and Johnny Cheruvelil fills in the 3B role. Joe Job, George Jolly, and David Cheruvelil stay in the outfield where they excelled last year. New players have also joined the Sluggers this year in order to help make this a different season. Infielder’s Sandeep Ellankiyil and Rahul Gandhi intend to add solid defense and big bats while new Outfielder Jerin Jacob will use his speed and athleticism to make plays in the outfield. The Sluggers mean business this year and are ready to surprise any team that expects them to lay down.
2009 Projected Starting lineup:
- Aakash
- Sujil
- Danny
- Juslin
- Johnny
- George
- Joe
- Noble
- David
2009 Team Preview:
Last Season: 6-6 (#4 seed)
Playoffs: Won World Series
(Courtesy of Manager Mickey Patel/Nimesh Patel)
Normally, when a team wins 6 games during the regular season, there isn’t a lot to celebrate. However, the Titans’ 6 wins last season were enough to earn them the #4 seed. Their season turned when they entered the first round of the playoffs against the # 1 seed Badmash in which they were 0-3 during the regular season. Having fun with no expectations and playing loose, they stunned Badmash in a very tough five game series which included a back and forth Game 5. The victory clinched a berth in the World Series for the first time in franchise history. As the team was peaking during these playoffs, their opponent was the defending champions the Ikonz. In the same fashion as they disposed of Badmash, they did the same with the Ikonz outlasting them in a classic 5 game series. Although this Game 5 was in hand from the beginning, it was because they pounced on the Ikonz knowing how dangerous that team is. This was the first championship in team history and it was nothing less than a dream season. Unfortunately for the Titans, they’re going to have to wake up from that dream season and realize that they’ve got a new year ahead of them and there is now a big target on their back.
While most of the team returns, the Titans SS Kunal Sharma will not be playing full time this season. They also lost infielder Bido Patel for the season due to injury. Joining the party however in Titansland is former GN/Rebels manager/player Vineet Arora in a move that surprised everyone in the league. He should provide added pop to a lineup that is already potent but more importantly, good defense in the infield. Another key player the Titans management picked up was infielder Melvin Abraham formerly of the Bengals. He will definitely provide depth in the infield and is an above average hitter with good defensive skills. Former Brown Hornets player Vishal Shah has been added to the mix as well. He definitely has raw talent and will only get better as the season goes on but judging by his display from two years ago, he will fit in perfectly in this offensive lineup.
The left side of the infield for 2009 looks to be revamped possibly. Depending on availability, the regulars at 3B/SS look to be Melvin Abraham and Vineet Arora. Dan quite possibly could be moving to 2B and Vid will remain at 1B. This infield would definitely have a different look from a year ago. With the infield defense being top priority going into the offseason, Mickey and Nimesh seem to have rectified the concern nicely. As the season goes on and this group gets their chemistry down, this infield shouldn’t take a backseat to any other team in NIBL defensively.
Outfield wise you have a very steady group of players defensively. Left fielder Mayur Patel took the next step defensively as he continues his progress as an elite outfielder, and he will concentrate on his offensive a bit more this year. On the other side of the outfield you have another steady and very speedy player Keval Patel who looks to improve defensively this season. He also provides a spark for the a team filled with heavy hitters with his slap style hitting and turning singles into triples! Nihar will be floating around from infield to outfield this season as the team sees fit. With certain voids and the fact that he will be leaving half way through the season, Nimesh and Mickey thought it best that we have other players at regular positions. Offensively his average was good but power numbers were low so look forward to Nihar having a monster year. Looking to improve from an average regular season with the bat (to his standards) is outfielder Shreed Sista. Even though he had a ridiculous post season, even he would admit that he needs to become more consistent at the plate like he was in his rookie season. But hitting 11 HRs and producing 42 RBIs is not shabby and there are a lot of players in the league who would take that. With the new additions, it should relieve some pressure for him to take off. Finally you have the current MVP in Mickey Patel. He probably had the best season of his NIBL Career and to say that he could duplicate that would be unfair. But if he does, the Titans will be in very good shape.
Then you have the role players on this team that comprise of a very good bunch. The reason this team did so well late last season was due to the fact that people were stepping up whenever called upon. SP, Niraj, Jignesh and Ali all contributed at such a high level allowing the Titans to succeed in the postseason. Nimesh and Mickey have made it clear to all on the team that one day you can be a starter, the next day a bench player and the next day just a sub. Either way, everyone bought into their system and they continue to make that clear going into this upcoming season. Titans ball is playing FOR the team in whatever capacity you are asked upon!
For all of their troubles last year (injuries and chemistry issues), the Titans still won the World Series. Now, factor in the new additions they brought in that will help them offensively and defensively there is no reason why this team cannot win 8-10 games and be in a position to repeat. That said, their rivals in Badmash and Ikonz are still very good and the Rebels will not go down without a fight. Don’t count out the Sluggers surprising a team or two this season.
2009 Team Preview:
Last Season: 9-3 (#2 seed)
Playoffs: Eliminated in 4 games in first round.
(Courtesy of Manager Neil Patel)
The Rebels were a force to be reckoned with in 2008. They finished with a 9-3 record and were the #2 seed in the playoffs. Even with a stellar regular season in which many might say they exceeded expectations, they were easily handled by the Ikonz in the first round of the playoffs.
2009 brings some serious changes within the Rebels organization. The new-look Rebels have high expectations for the upcoming campaign even after the exits of Manager/SS Vineet Arora, RV/P Nadeem Haq and CF Ashish Patel. With the addition of Bengals OF Henry Joseph, Sandy Thomas and Abilash K., the Rebels look to their returning players to step up to a new challenge and avoid another quick first-round exit. The left side of the Rebels infield keeps two solid gloves in All-Star 3B Sunny Arora and Anuj Patel, who returns to his most familiar position at SS. Sunny welcomes a stronger role as run producer while Anuj looks to bring the pain and be the team's primary difference maker after a disappointing 2008 season. With an impressive rookie season, 2B Raj Sengupta looks like he will avoid the sophomore slump with his agility and improved skills. Two other bombers include 1B Setul Patel and Catcher Shine G., who welcomes the challenge to unleash their raw power and elevate their games to a level never, expected of them on past teams.
Neil Patel looks to keep a consistent bat and flash more leather in LF while RV Sandy Thomas brings invaluable defensive skills that will keep him as one of the best at his position. With the loss of CF Ashish Patel, All-Star Henry Joseph will take over as a 5-tool player hawking over CF and Ambesh S. looks forward to a NIBL return with his solid contact hitting and a great combo of defensive skills needed for a RF. All-around dependable LF Abilash is expected to make his return later during the season and utility player Dipul Patel stays ready on the bench to provide a powerful bat partnered with an even more powerful arm when needed. Manu Gupta is continuing his shoulder recovery and will hopefully be ready by season start. The Rebels are unsure of Tejas Patel's status, whom the team hopes will return to Houston soon.
The 2009 Rebels have already handled their two primary losses from last year- pitching and leadership. Shine and Anuj have willingly stepped up to take over the crucial pitching role and with the loss of valuable leadership, manager Neil Patel, along with Anuj and Henry, have developed strategies to lead the team in a new direction with a renewed aggressive attitude. The 2009 Rebels are already cooking up the proper mix of chemistry, consistency and attitude to make a stronger push through the playoffs.
Projected Starting Lineup:
1. Neil
2. Ambesh
3. Henry
4. Sunny
5. Anuj
6. Raj
7. Setul
8. Sandy
9. Shine
2009 Team Preview:
Last Season: 10-2 (#1 seed)
Playoffs: Eliminated in 5 games in first round.
(Courtesy of Manager Ali Raja)
BadMash will have to bounce back from the 5 game series loss to the TITANS in the 1st round of playoffs last year. BadMash! Dramatically were outspent by the Titans last year, but were only 1 game away from reaching the finals. BadMash decided to tweak their lineup by adding an excellent player in Nadeem to their roster. He has experience in the outfield and is considered one of the best pitchers in the league. He also brings in a lot of playoff experience which will help the BadMash team tremendously. With their old pitcher in Fatz being on the injured list Nadeem will still have some big shoes to fill. Ali Jivani is expected to have a breakout year in only his 2nd year in the league. He started a few games last year and should have gained the experience necessary to excel in this league.
BadMash will have all their regular starters from last year but expect a few minor changes here and there with positioning. Last year’s Rookie of the Year Casim will be in left field alongside his brother TI. TI is well TI and will probably have an outstanding year again both defensively and offensively. Star of last year’s playoffs for BadMash Suhail will once again be in the outfield with his remarkable defensive skills. BadMash expects Talib to have a breakout year this year as he will get a lot more playing time compared to last year. He was primarily coming off the bench but did a great job and delivered anytime he was called upon. Nadeem Haq will be sharing the duties with Talib in right field. With last years defensive specialist and timely hitter Riz not being able to play this year Talib will have his hands full.
One of the more reliable, dependable and one of the smartest players on the team 40oz will be taking over on 1st base to show off his excellent defensive skills with "Darkness" moving over to 2nd base with the departure of Agha Juice. Saif aka Darkness is right up there with the top notch players in the league. He's more of the quiet type as he lets his bat do most of the talking once he gets in the batter’s box. On 3rd base will once again be "THE WALL" taking over - showing off his defensive skills diving /jumping/ sliding and doing whatever it takes to stop the ball. Even though 9 times out of 10 the dives are unnecessary but still he gets the job done. At shortstop will be Ali Raja once again - let's just hope that his Game 5 performance from last year, defensively, is not stuck in his head still...
Projected Lineup:
Casim Tily
SunMan
TI
Raja
Suhail
Saif
Talib/Nadeem
40
Lamboo
2009 Preview: Ikonz
Last Season: 8-4 (#3 seed)
Playoffs: Eliminated in World Series in 5 games.
(Courtesy of Manager Mihir Patel)
The Ikonz are entering their 8th season in NIBL and are looking for another solid season in 2009. Like usual, they are loaded up for another run this season. They return the vast majority of their team from last year and have brought in a big stick which hopes them to get them back on top in “Big Tex” Tejas Sanghavi. They have been to the finals in each of the last 3 seasons having won the championship in 2007. They were one game short in winning it in 2008 and manager Mihir Patel hopes that the signing up Tejas Sanghavi puts them back on top. Their sights are set very high and they are looking to “bring it” once again next season! The leadership of Vinit will surely be missed in 2009, but it opens opportunities for other team members to step up and fill his shoes. There will be a few changes in the infield this year, Sohal and Miggy will remain in their respective positions at 2b and 3b, but Shalin will be making the jump from the OF to Shortstop.
This worked well for the Ikonz in the playoffs last year and it should pay huge dividends in the regular season as well. A combo of Rohith and Suketu will replace Vinit at 1b and Ashish, will continue to be used as a defensive specialist and help with pitching duties. The big free agent signing for the team, Tejas “Big Tex” Sanghavi will man the plate with Manish ready to step in anytime. The OF will be exactly the same with Tot taking over in RF permanently and the regulars: Manna, Jefey, and Mihir playing the CF, RV, and LF positions respectively. This is a cohesive unit that has played together for several seasons; look for solid defensive play out of all four of them this coming season. The Ikonz have always played small ball and used slap hitting to generate runs. They need similar seasons from all of their contact hitters and are excited about the addition of Tejas to the lineup as it gives them one more player that can hit for a high average and the consistent power threat they’ve been missing for several years. He will be the difference maker in this year’s team. Anything short of another appearance in the NIBL World Series would be a disappointment for this team. They’ve won it all before and with the right mix of defense, timely hitting, and a little luck, they are confident they can do it again in 2009!!!
2009 Projected Lineup:
1. Miggy
2. Shalin
3. Sohal
4. Tejas
5. Mihir
6. Tot
7. Jefey
8. Rohith
9. Manna |
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