The top 3 teams have made the playoffs.
The 4th and 5th seeded teams are battling for the right to face the #1 seed in the playoffs.
But, what about the three teams that are on the outside looking in. Let’s examine how the teams whose offseason began yesterday can address their concerns.
Purple Reign – 11-15
The team that almost wasn’t. Captain Ali Ahmedy brought a group of friends who were scattered on a bunch of different teams and brought them together. Players like Mustafa Bashir, Suliman Halimi, Omaid Halimi had been on other teams but weren’t given the true opportunity to play. This team brought youthful energy, taking extra bases, being loud and not afraid to slide. The results were great, they were able to outwork and out hit teams as they jumped to a commanding lead in the division. Eventually, they fell back down to earth but finished strong to fall within 2 runs of making it into the play in game.
Purple Reign 11-15
What do they need to do this offseason?
Purple Reign lost a lot of momentum with the night games. This team was built on crossover players.
- Ahmad Halimi
- Burhan Gorgani
- Majid Raufi
- Harvey Harding
- Ankit Ramchandani
Roster
Almost the entire veteran core of this team was playing somewhere else. At certain times this hurt them a lot. If they can convince them to stay with Purple Reign. This teams major problems have been resolved. Otherwise, they need to increase the ratio of core players who are dedicated to this team. Players like Ankit, Burhan, and Harvey who haven’t had as much playing time on their respective teams may be included to play full time with Purple Reign. In the second half of the season, these guys were basically full time with the Reign. With the family ties, can Ahmad Halimi be convinced to serve as the middle of the order bat and veteran leader that this team needs? A lot of possibilities. Otherwise, Ali can tie into his deep community to pluck up young athletes who can create terror for some of the older teams in the league.
Versatility
This weekend the young met the old as Purple Reign took on the Hit Squad. The Hit Squad used a defensive shift after shift to frustrate the young Reign. At one time the Purple Reign players were hitting into 6 people shifted onto the left side. They need to be able to keep teams honest. Broaden their game.
Management
The excitement this team has when they are winning can become brooding when they are losing. Finger pointing and shouting. An injection of veteran leadership can keep the team calm during these types of episodes.
Prognosis
This team had too much success to not succeed next season. A solid core, a great culture and a lot of energy. There was a buzz around this team all season. With some increased dedication and a few operational tweaks, this team can challenge the top teams in the league for the championship.
