Category: Previews

2019 – Week 2 Preview

With one week in the books, we’ve had some injuries, some surprises, and some slow starts. Let’s try and take a look at what week two has in store! Make sure to check out the associated story on Instagram to make some predictions of your own.

Game 1: Lions vs Wolves

The Lions proved last week that they are up and ready for 8:30am games. With the team already at the field and warming up at 8am, the Wolves need be sure to get an early night sleep. Lions’ captain Miqdad Jaffer proved last week that he can be one of the top pitchers in the league, and we expect that to continue this week.

With the Wolves’ captain Imran Virji out 4-6 weeks, veterans Minhal Jaffer and Nadir Virjee will need to continue their hot starts. If Minhal is anything like his brother Maysum, he may not make the first early morning start against their brother Miqdad.

Look for the Lions to take game one.

Prediction: Lions 10-8

Game 2: Wolves vs Eagles

After plummeting to the bottom of the standings with two straight loses, the Eagles players are furious at their slow start. We are not sure if Captain Ali Manek knows this, because he is pretty sure that he is a champion right now, as he is busy lobbying Masai to have the Raptors parade pass by his house.

Look for the Wolves to bounce back from their game one loss and take this one.

Prediction: 9-7 Wolves

Game 3: Eagles vs Lions

This game has a little extra to it as it pits former 1A and 1B against each other for the first time this season. We expect the X-Factor of this game to be Riaz Champsi. He has impressed at the plate this year, and could potentially take over a few innings at pitcher. If the Eagles do, in fact, lose three straight, expect Asad Hussain to take the reins from Manek and carry the team on his back to hand the Lions their first loss of the season.

Prediction: 11-10 Eagles

Game 4: Bucks vs Falcons

Falcons’ captain Umair Ali is coming in hot with 9 RBI and 3 home runs already this season. The big question will be if and when the rest of his team will step up and contribute some offence. This might be difficult in game one as the Bucks are expected to field a full line up. How long will it take last year’s Most Improved Player, Damien Ramnauth, to regain his form? We think it will still be another couple of weeks.

Prediction: 9-6 Bucks

Game 5: Tigers vs Bucks

In a rematch of last week’s tie game, the Tigers are looking to pounce on the Bucks. With many of the Tigers already in mid-season form, we don’t expect Mahmood Kara to be too far behind. However, with a week of rust shaken off, we expect the Bucks hitters to be able to find open spaces in the field and let their youth and speed take over this game.

Prediction: 11-9 Bucks

Game 6: Owls vs Falcons

As the Falcons get ready to play their second game of the day, the Owls are looking to continue their undefeated streak. With Muzammil Jaffer a perfect 1.000 for the Owls, look for him to continue leading his team to win number three.

Prediction: 14-7 Owls

Game 7: Owls vs Tigers

The undefeated Owls seem to be the kind of team to fall into the dreaded trap game. With the Tigers getting a breather between games and the Owls on the back half of a back to back, this seems to be the perfect game for the Owls to take their foot off the gas. Asad Nasser always gets riled up playing against Abbasali Kermalli so look for the veteran team to have the mental advantage.

Prediction: 9-7 Tigers

2019 Season Preview and Power Rankings

Get warm, get stretched, get hydrated, it’s the time you’ve all been waiting for!  As the fifth season is about to begin, it’s time to take a look at and grade each team’s pitching, fielding, and hitting depth to see how we think the season will shape up.  

This year’s preview will also look at the teams power ranking going into the season.  As each week progresses we’ll see which teams rise and which teams fall until only one true champion will remain!

1st Place – Samarra Eagles

With gold glove potentials around the entire field, a formidable lineup, and two very strong pitchers, the Eagles are definitely the team to beat this year.

Pitching: A+

The Eagles drafted two potential pitchers, a former pitcher of the year in Abbas Allidina and the best alley-oop thrower in the league in Riaz Champsi.  Both pitchers are great at hitting the mat in various locations with spins. If one isn’t clicking, the other can sub in seamlessly while the other can hold their own on defence in the field.  

Fielding: A+

Starting up the middle, the Eagles have the best shortstop in the league in Asad Hussain followed by a great centre fielder in Captain Ali Manek.  The infield has great depth with Hasanain Panju, Shane Worthington, and Abbas Nasser primarily manning the bases. The outfield also boasts great range with the likes of Safder Jaffer and Hussain Habib patrolling the left and right field.   There aren’t many gaps to hit in this field, so hitters will need to be precise to find some green on this side of the fence.

Hitting: A

While this lineup has great middle of the lineup power, the key to the success of this team is to get on base.  Riaz has proven to be willing to take walks, but the big question is: will the rest of the team be able to get on base enough for the bats of Ali and Asad to drive them in?  If there was one tiny potential for a team to stand a chance against the Eagles, it will be limiting the base runners.

2nd Place – Mashad Bucks

The returning champion Bucks have a solid all-around lineup which leaves them not too far behind the Eagles.  The questionable injury history of some of their key players leaves us wondering if they will free fall down the rankings as we inch closer to the playoffs.

Pitching: B

With the Bucks only using one pitcher last year, the captains decided to, once again, only draft one pitcher.  Azad Najfi has proven to be someone who can consistently hit the mat and his various stutter steps can throw off a hitter’s timing.  The big question will be if the rest of the league hitters have gotten used to his tactics now that he is in his sophomore year. If that does happen, who can the Bucks turn to as their number two?  The lack of depth hurt them in year’s past, will it hurt them again this year?

Fielding: A+

Captain Ali Raza Nasser leads a group of athletic fielders that can play multiple positions.  Starting in in the infield, we expect Nadim Rahemtulla and Irfahn Khimji to alternate between 3B and shortstop, while Hisham Ali and Arif Hirji are in contention to win gold gloves at 2B and 1B respectively.  If hitters can get the ball over the heads of this infield, they have to contend with outfielders that have incredible range with Ali Raza, Maysum Jaffer, and Hassan Abbas Kara leading the way. If defence truly wins championships, the league should keep an eye out.

Hitting: B+

While the Bucks boast some power with Ali Raza, Irfahn, and Arif, they face a similar question as the Eagles.  Will the rest of the lineup be able to continue to get on base for the big boys to drive in the runs. The Bucks have not historically been known for practicing, so it will be interesting to see if the hitters are able to consistently make good contact.  This team could have some break out innings, but could also put up some 0s.

3rd Place – Medina Owls

The Owls are a dark horse to win the championship this year as and something tells me that they will move up the power rankings sooner rather than later.  Here’s why:

Pitching: B

Similar to the Bucks, the Owls drafted a great pitcher in Asad Nasser.  While morning games can always be a question mark, there is no doubt that he is one of the top pitchers in the league.  The big question is exactly that, however. Beyond Asad, there isn’t much pitching depth. Hasnain Kara and Captain Kumail Meghani are potentials to sub in when required, but that leaves opens up gaps in the rest of the field.

Fielding: A

Kumail’s drafting philosophy has always been to draft multi-positional talent and that is on display yet again as we project the starting positioning for the Owls.  The infield looks very strong on the left side with Khizer Jamal and Noor Zia starting at 3B and SS while the right side can hold their own with Shahid Rahemtulla and Kazim Merchant are at 2B and 1B.   Hitters will have a very difficult time getting ground balls through this infield. In the outfield, there is speed with Kumail, Muzammil Jaffer, and Kabir Molu patrolling the grass. Once again hitters will have a difficult time as any pop flies will surely be caught.

Hitting: B

The Owls do not appear to have a lot of power on their roster beyond Kumail and Noor, but the team will surely run up the base hits.  Kabir Molu has proven to be a speedy lead off man, while Asad Nasser has vowed to come back as a new hitter. There is definitely a lot of balance throughout this line up so we shouldn’t see too many 0-run innings.

 

4th Place – Mecca Wolves

While the Wolves boasts power and youth, the big question is whether that will translate to success on the field.

Pitching: B+

The Wolves have ace Mikael Ratansi to lead the way but an interesting thing to note is that he faded come playoff time in 2018.  With fatigue a factor and another consistent pitcher, Aman Nasser, as a reserve, could the Wolves try to sponsor a vacation or two so they could call Aman up during the season?

Fielding: B

The infield for the Wolves is shaping up to be fairly strong with gold glove candidate Minhal Jaffer projected to be starting at shortstop, Nadir Virjee at 3B, and Shane Nasser at 2B.  The big question will be who will seize the opportunity to run with the starting job at 1B? The outfield is where things get interesting as beyond Captain Imran Virji, there isn’t a whole lot of experience to carry the team.  Look for the twins Aadil and Irfaan Jaffer to carry the bulk of the load as hitters try to test the Wolves’ outfield.

Hitting: B-

It will be interesting to see how the hitting lineup of the Wolves is constructed.  Beyond Minhal and Shane, there does not seem to be a lot of power. Look for the Wolves to try to string together multiple hits to carry their offence throughout the season as they try to put it all together come playoff time.

5th Place – Kadhmain Falcons

This Falcons team boasts a great all around line up.  For those who pick Mario in Mario Kart, this is the team for you.

Pitching: B

Hussein Allidina will be the primary pitcher for the Falcons and is coming off a great 2018 campaign.  The big issue was that hitters finally got to him in the playoffs. Was it fatigue? Was it that hitters finally figured him out?  This preview thinks it was the former, which could spell trouble as there is not much depth beyond Hussein. Ali Reza Merali or Damien Ramnauth could provide an inning or two, but this could spell trouble for the Falcons.

Fielding: B

Defensively, the Falcons have speed and tenacity spread throughout their lineup.  Captain Umair Ali is expected to get the bulk of the starts at shortstop while Hasnainali Walli and Salim Champsi man the bases.  In the outfield, Damien Ramnauth and Ali Reza, and Mohamed Railey will catch pretty much anything that flies out onto the grass. Teams will need to yard or hit some hard ground balls through the infield to get passed this defence.

Hitting: B

Speed is the name of the game as the Falcons boast some of the league’s fastest in Damien, Ali Reza, and Mo Mo.  With Umair always a threat to hit one over the fences, look for him to structure the lineup so that the bases are loaded each time he is up to bat.  

6th Place – Qum Tigers

While some are referring to this team as the “retirement club” they are, in reality, looking to teach the league a thing or two about what experience can do for you.

Pitching: B

Altaf Champsi headlines the pitching of the Tigers as someone who can consistently hit the mat and someone who does not get phased in tense situations.  This will be needed as there aren’t many options behind him. Sarfaraz Karmali could provide some spot innings, but there isn’t a lot of depth behind Altaf.

Fielding: C+

The infield of the Tigers has some questions to be answered.  Will Mahmood Kara start at shortstop or rover? Will Bobby Bharwani be able to repeat his gold glove performance at 2B with an ailing back?  Will Abbasali Kermalli be able to throw accurately across the diamond with his ailing…everything? The good news is that Ray Noormohamed has proven that he can pick up a variety of throws at 1B.   The outfield, on the other hand, has some strong presence. Vick and Shelly Vij along with Moe Abdalla should be able to cover a lot of ground.

Hitting: A

The team with the likelihood to have the most mercy innings is, in fact, the Tigers.  They boast some great historical OBP along with a formidable middle of the lineup in Abbasali, Vick, and Mahmood.  Each of them are a threat to go deep in any at bat so the question will be whether they spread them out to get some base runners on in between, or leave them together to prevent teams from intentionally walking them.

7th Place – Najaf Lions

Ranking the teams in the pre-season is one of the most difficult things to do.  Someone has to start at the bottom, and the honour this year goes to the Lions and Captain Miqdad Jaffer who is on his victory lap as the commissioner – shout out to a job well done! – He has his eye on a championship but will require him to coach his team of potential stars all the way to the top.

Pitching: B

At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be a natural pitcher on the roster.  However, Miqdad himself has been honing his skills as a pitcher over the last few months as will likely take the reigns himself.  Boasting a number of spins and mat placement, he does have the ability to keep hitters guessing. Backing him up is veteran Imtiyaz Kara.  He can hit the mat, but is more of an infielder than a pitcher.

Fielding: C+

The infield for the Lions may lack in range, but the craftiness of Imtiyaz at shortstop can lead to a lot of great positioning for the infielders.  We expect Farhan Ratansi to return to 3B with Hussein Jiwan and Mehboob Ajwani at 1B and 2B respectively. The outfield is really where the Lions come alive.  Speed, agility, and high softball IQ man the outfield with Imran Nasser, Yasser Malik, and Mohamedabbas Walli patrolling the grass. The big wildcards in the defence will be Ranko Cupovic and Ahsan Raza.  In their first season with JMS, it’ll be interesting to see where Miqdad places these relative unknowns.

Hitting: C+

Slo-pitch softball is definitely an offensive game and this is where coach Miqdad shines.  With practices already under way, Miqdad can turn this group of relatively unknown hitters, into a solid churning wheel of singles and doubles.  The innings are going to be long against this team as they wear down opposing pitchers.

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Agree?  Disagree?  Let us know what you think in the comments here or on our Instagram post!  See you on Sunday!

 

2019 Draft Day Preview

The countdown has started, and Draft Day is right around the corner! In less than a week, all the players will be drafted to their respected teams, and when the dust settles, Asad Hussain and Ali Manek will still be playing on the same team. I have no clue how we let this happen, but it did, and it’s time to face the music. To try and keep up with our counterparts at TSN and Sportsnet, we will focus today’s article on predicting the first round of this draft.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the draft order has been confirmed, and here it is:

  1. Tigers – Captain: Vick Vij Assistant Captain: Mahmood Kara
  2. Wolves – Captain: Imran Virji Assistant Captain: Mikael Ratansi
  3. Owls – Captain: Kumail Meghani Assistant Captain: Noor Zia
  4. Bucks – Captain: Ali Raza Nasser Assistant Captain: Nadim Rahemtulla
  5. Eagles – Captain: Ali Manek Assistant Captain: Asad Hussain
  6. Falcons – Captain: Umair Ali Assistant Captain: Ali Merali
  7. Lions – Captain: Miqdad Jaffer Assistant Captain: Imran Nasser

Each team clearly has their strengths, and they have some glaring weaknesses as well. Fortunately, the draft gives them the opportunity to fill these holes in their roster, and their selections can make or break their team. With a quick look at each team, we can forecast who’s going to be taken with the first 7 picks of this draft.

 

 

 

Captain: Vick Vij

Assistant Captain: Mahmood Kara

Synopsis: Vick had the last pick in the Assistant Captain Draft, and he couldn’t have done much better than Mahmood Kara. They have natural chemistry from playing with each other last year, and they feel that this is their year (not like the Toronto Blue Jays of 2015, more like the Chicago Cubs of 2016). Power seems to be the theme for this team, and there are a lot of players available who fit that criteria.

Prediction: Looking to keep the team’s average age over 40, the Tigers will select Abbasali Kermali with the 1st overall pick. He seems like the clear option for this team, and as per his official statement, Abbasali is sure of it too:

I batted .650 in the last 6-7 games and I’m awesome in the playoffs and I’ve been training all off season. Whoever skips me will feel mega wrath during the year.

A bold statement from Abbasali, as he wants to ensure that his abilities should not be discounted.

 

Captain: Imran Virji

Assistant Captain: Mikael Ratansi

Synopsis: Imran decided on Mikael with his 4th overall pick, and that pick can be one of the biggest sleepers in the Assistant Captain Draft. Mikael is a highly talented pitcher with tons of confidence and leadership skills. Now Imran will be looking for an infield commander who can swing for the fences. There are not many players available who match what they are looking for, but fortunately there is the perfect player available for this team.

Prediction: With the 2nd overall pick, the Wolves will take Minhal Jaffer. Minhal is exactly what Imran and Mikael are looking for with this pick. A shortstop with an above-average glove and home-run power, Imran should feel very happy if he were to land Minhal.

 

Captain: Kumail Meghani

Assistant Captain: Noor Zia

Synopsis: Kumail and Noor have a simple philosophy with their drafting strategy: pick the best player available. They have no regard for drafting based on position, as versatility is the trait they are looking for. Kumail is trying to bring a new wave of softball to this league, as he wishes to try new things to win ball games:

Like the trend in the NBA, we will attempt to play position-less baseball. The draft strategy will be to draft versatile players while also trying to draft the best available player. In the end, a catcher with the ability to call the game, frame pitches and throw out baserunners will be top priority. We also plan to use a 6 or 7 man infield or outfield – just because.

All jokes aside, there is a clear option, and they would be hard-pressed not to pass up on him.

Prediction: The Owls will use their pick on Irfahn Khimji, a shortstop who can punish you both defensively and offensively. Irfahn played with Kumail and the Owls last season, so it is a very real possibility that they come together and try for a championship once again.

 

Captain: Ali Raza Nasser

Assistant Captain: Nadim Rahemtulla

Synopsis: Fresh off of a championship last season, Ali Raza and Nadim are looking to repeat. Ali Raza will try to show that it wasn’t his brother Imran who led the team, but rather it was him who rallied the team to victory. On the other hand, Nadim will try to show glimpses of his old self by commanding the infield at shortstop. There is a lot of talent to choose from, but ultimately the Bucks will not stray too far from their comfort zone and take any risks.

Prediction: Ali Raza and Nadim will try to replicate their triumph from last season, and what better way than to draft Kabir Molu, an outfielder with whom the Bucks had success with last year. He is a calming presence on the grass and a steady hitter at the plate. This is a low-risk, high-reward option for the Bucks, and we don’t see them doing anything risky.

 

Captain: Ali Manek

Assistant Captain: Asad Hussain

Synopsis: This team has generated a lot of buzz, with quiet leader Asad Hussain teaming up with notoriously loud Ali Manek. Ali went viral with his video following the Assistant Captain Draft Lottery (follow our Instagram @jmsleague to see), boldly proclaiming Asad as his first overall pick. Needless to say, he did not divulge who he would pick with his 5th overall pick in this draft. There has been a Ali Manek vs Miqdad Jaffer duel brewing over the past couple of seasons, and Manek seemed to have won the last battle by getting the first pick in the Assistant Captain Draft. Knowing the competitive nature of Ali, he might be looking to deliver the knockout blow in this first round by selecting a player whom Miqdad undoubtedly wants.

Prediction: Manek and Asad go for Maysum Jaffer, as he is a player who ticks off many boxes for this team:

  1. Speedy outfielder capable of leading the outfield
  2. Above average lead-off man for Manek and Asad
  3. Related to Miqdad

If you thought the Eagles looked dangerous before the draft, they are gonna be outright scary afterwards.

 

Captain: Umair Ali

Assistant Captain: Ali Merali

Synopsis: Umair made a solid pick, going for Ali Merali, and he has some tough choices to make with his 6th overall pick. With Umair taking control of the infield, and Ali taking over the outfield, we believe that the Falcons will take the first pitcher in the draft.

Prediction: The Falcons will select veteran pitcher Hussein Allidina, an ex-captain who knows how to rally his team. He is extremely reliable, especially late in games, and he is able to land the ball on the plate with accuracy and spin. Umair and Ali can breathe easily knowing that they will have a great pitcher and a great leader.

 

Captain: Miqdad Jaffer

Assistant Captain: Imran Nasser

Synopsis: At first glance, it might look that Miqdad and Imran got unlucky with their pick in the first round. However they do have the next pick as well, and with lots of talent available, these picks are crucial. With none of his brothers available, Miqdad will look to another familiar face, someone who is extremely versatile and skilled.

Prediction: Miqdad and Imran will draft Imtiyaz Kara, a veteran in this league who can play a lot of different positions. He is able to get on base consistently, as his career OBP of .701 can attest to that. The Lions should be happy if Imtiyaz is available at the 7th overall pick.

 

This concludes our first round predictions. Let us know in the comments what you think is going to happen, and make sure you tune in on Saturday to see if we predicted correctly!