....................it's Gametime!!!!
Tonight at 8:10 pm, the Desi Nationals embark on their 2nd season in the San Jose City League. The team has had quite the turnover since the inaugural season. But, with renewed focus and determination, Coach C-Cube has promised that this year's version will be exciting to watch.
"One of the exciting things about last year was the evolution of the team. We were very raw at the beginning, but you could clearly see everybody coming into form and incorporating best practices on the field. We were peaking at the end of the season and we were right there with the city champions last September in the playoff round. We gained confidence and learned how to win and that's something that will carry over to this year."
There are a number of key free agent acquisitions that will help this year's squad. Heavy hitters Sharath Shankar and Ashok Vittal join the team to add some much needed punch to a team that averaged only 5.7 runs last year. "They've developed quite a bit in Spring Training. Clearly, they will help us out in the outfield and I look forward to them smacking the ball around at the plate", says Cube.
Their spouses, Sumitra and Reshma, have also signed multi-year deals and have made huge strides in pre-season workouts. Scouts are projecting both of them to see plenty of game action. "I don't think they knew how to hold a bat before our first practice and now they attack the ball with reckless abandon!!", says one Scout.
Another husband and wife tandem to join are JR and Karen Sudre. This particular free agent acquisition articulates the far-reaching capability of the Desi National scouting system. Touring the world, they landed on a farm in France where they found this couple running circles around their competition in the local vin et fromage leagues. Quickly coming to terms with a deal, they both inked their future with the Desi Nationals in March. Karen is immediately being appointed the steady 3rd baseman, which was an obvious void last year for the Nationals. JR brings a solid work ethic and 'can run like the wind'. Learning of the opportunity with the Nationals, Timothee Dargnies - a much heralded rookie in the 'vin et fromage' league, consulted with JR and Karen to assess the opportunity. After a quick meeting at C-Cube's house, he signed on as well!! "We have searched the world for talent in re-shaping our team and have discovered France to be a haven for softball talent", says Cube. Another burner, Timothee will definitely help the Nationals on the offensive front, as well.
To close out the transformation of the 2006 Nationals, the Management team secured two more potential studs - Sapna and Manish Babladi. Both have pure and raw athletic talent and are quick learners according to the Assistant Coaches. "Both are a bit banged up, but very excited to play through the pain. I think they bring much-needed energy and eagerness to the squad", says Cube.
So, with all the new acquisitions......where do the veterans fit in, you ask?? Well, not to worry - there are still many familiar faces joining in the fun. Amit and Anjali Rele went through some heated contractual discussions before ending their holdout. "It was important find their price point and ensure their long-term commitment to the team," says Cube. Now that they're fully on board, they are ready to make a difference. Anjali will assume primarly duties at 1st Base and continue to rake the ball at the plate. "I'm going for League MVP this year," says Rele. Her hubby, Amit, is working on some nasty stuff as he preps to take the mound this year and bring home some awards, as well.
Helping Amit on the mound is another Cy Young candidate in Karthik Vugane. Last year, Karthik helped solidify the rotation with his superb control and speedy work. Opposing batters are sure to wince when they see this stalwart take the rubber. Also, his off-season work looks like it is paying off at the plate and he is learning how to go the opposite field.
Rounding out the infield is breakout candidate Leena Janardanan. After ending her holdout in early March, the regular 2nd baseman has come to practice with a thirst to get better. Although tiny in stature, she has fulfilled her rigorous offseason workouts and surprised the team with her arm and bat. "I'm expecting big things, really big things this year from LJ," says Cube. She'll look to warrant the big contract re-structuring with her double play buddy, Apurva Chandra. AC had an MVP-like season last year and really is the ignition of the batting lineup. For OBP, there was no one better on the team than AC last year. His ability to take the 'walk' and score runs will continue to determine how successful the Nationals are on offense. His pending free agency is a concern to coach, but will inevitably be motivation for him to perform well this year.
Another position that will be anchored for most of the season is Left Field. Naveen Javarappa has worked relentlessly during the Winter season on his fielding techniques and came to pre-season 10 pounds under his 2006 playing weight. "I wanted to be more swift on the bases and track down every ball in the outfield. I believe I can do that now!!", says Javarappa. Well, the Nationals will need that ability since they are still projected to finish below the top-tier teams of the league.
The Nationals will begin their season at Calabazas Park in San Jose tonight. Gates open at 7:30. It promises to be an exciting season for all ticket holders.
Let's Play Ball!!!
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