MVP Race:
bnr_keen_shooter - 12-4 (7GP (BNR:4, T8B:3))
lpl_noobish.styles - 10-1 (7GP)
rm_spc_elite - 10-3 (5GP)
ss_soubanhx - 10-4 (8GP)
ica_UN_NATURAL - 9-2 (8GP)
pfn_Travis - 9-2 (6GP)
bp_i_hate_th1s_game - 9-6 (6GP)
pfn_xlx_bpk_xlx - 8-1 (5GP)
lpl_Xx_APOCALIPSYS_xX - 8-3 (7GP)
pfn_HAIRY_ANACONDA - 8-4 (7GP)
sp_ll_ketan_ll- 8-4 (6GP)
ss_poolist - 8-4 (6GP)
Average record per match:
rm_spc_elite - 2.0 - 0.6
bnr_keen_shooter - 1.7 - 0.6
pfn_xlx_bpk_xlx - 1.6 - 0.2
pfn_Travis - 1.5 - 0.3
bp_i_hate_th1s_game - 1.5 - 1.0
lpl_noobish.styles - 1.4 - 0.1
sp_ll_ketan_ll - 1.3 - 0.7
ss_poolist - 1.3 - 0.7
ss_xsoubanhx - 1.3 - 0.5
lpl_Xx_APOCALIPSYS_xX - 1.1 - 0.4
pfn_HAIRY_ANACONDA - 1.1 - 0.6
ICA_UN_NATURAL - 1.1 - 0.3
If these candidates played all 10 weeks at that consistent pace:
rm_spc_elite - 20 - 6
bnr_keen_shooter - 17 - 6
pfn_xlx_bpk_xlx - 16 - 2
pfn_Travis - 15 - 3
bp_i_hate_th1s_game - 15 - 10
lpl_noobish.styles - 14- 1
ss_xsoubanhx - 13 - 5
sp_ll_ketan_ll - 13 - 7
ss_poolist - 13 - 7
ICA_UN_NATURAL - 11 - 3
lpl_Xx_APOCALIPSYS_xX - 11 - 4
pfn_HAIRY_ANACONDA - 11 - 6
Useless information? Of course
Monday @ 6pm
Straight Shots vs Money in the Bank
While SS lost a game 9 match to Break and Run this past week, SS know they're in the playoffs (or now they do) due to having the tie break over SP, so worst they can finish is 3rd. But because they only have one more possible member to get eligible for the playoffs, the usuals should be at the match and barring any inside jokes to see who can bank the most, they'll be doing their usual destruction. Kris & co. were almost able to defeat SP last week, but almost isn't good enough these days. With a win here they wont be in the cellar when it's all said and done (foreshadowing a prediction?) but I don't see it coming, so if MIB were to win here, big way to finish out a season.
Prediction - 5-1 SS
Tuesday @ 7pm
International Cue Addiction vs Sexy Poolerz
With head to heads pretty messy for ICA, they know having destiny in their hands in terms of the number 1 seed is key. A free win over RM last week helped them stay atop the ladder and it seems there is a push to get Kevin eligible for playoffs, which would definitely be an upgrade over the withdrawn Nick, if Kev can actually show for the playoffs of course. Five weeks prior, SP were able to take ICA to the brink but fell short and have been on the skitz since. A win wont put them in directly, but without one, they wont be making it. A loss by both Break and Run & Straight Shots would be perfect for them, but highly unlikely. Pete will need his boys to show up against an ICA roster that should be geared up to go.
Prediction - 5-3 ICA
Tuesday @ 7pm
Break and Run vs Rank Monsters
A big game 9 win over SS last week just about guarantees them a spot in playoffs now, especially with this weeks match-up. RM & Brian were off to a great start, but now it's just sad. This may just be another exhibit for the "Anyone can captain" case.
Prediction - 5-0 Break and Run.
Tuesday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Dead Strokes
Both teams had promising starts but recent losing streaks have put their seasons in jeopardy. With DS being eliminated this past week, it's a win-and-your-in situation for Freedom once again. Last season they were able to defeat X8B in the final week to see PFN in round 1, which will be their fate once again should they win. While Freedom can still lose and make it, they'll need to come out firing against a DS squad that will look to avenge their UIC Championship loss to the very same squad. DS thumped Freedom 5 weeks prior, but expect a much different outcome this week, while Petey finishes getting his final players eligible.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Thursday @ 6pm
Brit Pool vs Extreme Cues
While BP lost once again to LPL this past week, and they know their fate is in the cellar, there is a touch of drama between the two leagues and while a win over the other doesn't do much, it would certainly feel quite sweet to the victor, and for Brandi & co., that would make a sour season worth it in the end. BP know a loss for EC would be the end of their short season so look for them to come out firing, for EC, Scott knows exactly whats at stake. Not only a sweet win over their roommate, but a shot at the playoffs after taking over a poor record. Paul & Aaron have been stand-outs for EC thus far and will need to continue their runs over the likes of Ben & James if they look to have any shot.
Prediction - 5-4 BP
Thursday @ 8pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Pool Fiction
A big, but meaningless match-up for both squads here. The top 2 in the Pacific face off in nothing more then a quick meeting before a probable round 2 match-up. Five weeks prior it was LPL who took the match in game 9, and even with Tino focusing on eligibility, I foresee another LPL late win as PFN like to have fun with nothing on the line.
Prediction - 5-3 LPL
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Week 9
Monday @ 6pm
Straight Shots vs Break and Run
After thumping SP this past week, Ben & co. have the opportunity to clinch the Atlantic Conference with a statement win here. Derrick & Pita have been the standouts for SS this season, and with SS' great record, you tend to look away from the depth Ben has to play with. Players like Lewis, Jon, Daz and even Chad have SS looking like the team to beat this late in the season. At this point last season Break and Run were sitting atop the standings controlling their own destiny, now? It's a bit different. If Dina & co. look to have any shot at re-capturing their regular season title, they'll need to win here, and big. Much like SS, you can look at Break and Runs roster and see their two standouts (Jase & Jordy) having stand out seasons, but with the rest of the roster having 3 wins or less, it's not hard to question the dependability of their depth. This will be a good test for Dina to see if she'll be able to have the depth needed to compete with the best and try and repeat as playoff champions.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Monday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs International Cue Association
RM no-showed last week, and ICA continued to fall apart, except this time the cookie may have crumbled to much to finish eating. Mr. KIA from WSOP has already written ICA off and it wouldn't be that hard to do here either. With players like Shan, Nick, Nish, Nigel & others leaving PRO for ICA, or ICA altogether, their core is gone. One may feel sorry for Mike, again. Mike was part of the MIB dream team last season that fell apart and tried to ride it out in the playoffs only to come up a touch short. Looking at ICA now, he may have to do the same. You never know if RM will show or not, but if ICA look to capture any hardware like they should have, they'll need to start sorting things out quickly.
Prediction - 5-0 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Money in the Bank
SP got thumped last week by SS, while MIB picked up their first win of PRO, and they didn't even have to play a game! MIB has been a rocky league for quite some time, but the squad they have now is a great one to play with. Great friends who are able to rip on each other (almost as much as SP) but take it all in stride and show no matter the weather. It hasn't been sunny for MIB in quite some time, but if its raining they'll throw on boots and come to play. SP will need to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, and they cant afford to take an under-performing MIB squad lightly, or else they'll pick up #2 and party that much harder..
Prediction - 5-3 MIB, in their first REAL win.
Tuesday @ 8pm
Deadstrokes vs Extreme Cues
When you have two teams sitting @ 3-5, 1 game behind the final playoff spot, you'd assume it would be a must win if they look to make a charge for the playoffs, but au contraire. With DS playing Freedom next week and EC playing last-place BP, it's still possible, for the loser, to somehow make the playoffs at 4-6, obviously it would be a super long shot with about as much chance as Pommy turning this season into a positive one. DS come into this on a bit of a slide and havn't been performing all that well in any interleagues, while EC are coming off a big win over PFN. While EC aren't all that consistent, the potential they have for a win is just too much to bet against it here.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 7pm
Brit Pool vs Latino Pool Legends
BP were able to make this season a bit less painful after a big win over DS. For BP to have any chance this week, Ben will need to continue his form he's had all season and Pommy will need to continue the form he's shown in the past few weeks, where he's actually had a winning record! LPL come in with nothing really to play for apart from continuing to rack up the wins. Tino should enjoy a slack week before a big meeting with PFN before the playoffs.
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Thursday @ 7:31pm?
Pool Fiction vs Freedom
Leave it up to Sean & Petey to come up with a time like this. While the two are able to throw a joke or two around during the week, when these two teams meet up on a table it's nothing short of intense. These two sides resemble any main sports rivalry where they take every match as seriously as possible, no matter the interleague, no matter the situation. While Freedom still need to get a few players eligible for the playoffs, it may be wise to come out firing on all cylinders against a PFN squad who have just about everyone eligible, and will no doubt be trying to make Petey & co. cry after this match is done. This match went the distance 5 weeks prior with PFN taking it, and with the loss of Corey for this match up I don't see the result differing all that much.
Prediction - 5-4 PFN
Straight Shots vs Break and Run
After thumping SP this past week, Ben & co. have the opportunity to clinch the Atlantic Conference with a statement win here. Derrick & Pita have been the standouts for SS this season, and with SS' great record, you tend to look away from the depth Ben has to play with. Players like Lewis, Jon, Daz and even Chad have SS looking like the team to beat this late in the season. At this point last season Break and Run were sitting atop the standings controlling their own destiny, now? It's a bit different. If Dina & co. look to have any shot at re-capturing their regular season title, they'll need to win here, and big. Much like SS, you can look at Break and Runs roster and see their two standouts (Jase & Jordy) having stand out seasons, but with the rest of the roster having 3 wins or less, it's not hard to question the dependability of their depth. This will be a good test for Dina to see if she'll be able to have the depth needed to compete with the best and try and repeat as playoff champions.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Monday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs International Cue Association
RM no-showed last week, and ICA continued to fall apart, except this time the cookie may have crumbled to much to finish eating. Mr. KIA from WSOP has already written ICA off and it wouldn't be that hard to do here either. With players like Shan, Nick, Nish, Nigel & others leaving PRO for ICA, or ICA altogether, their core is gone. One may feel sorry for Mike, again. Mike was part of the MIB dream team last season that fell apart and tried to ride it out in the playoffs only to come up a touch short. Looking at ICA now, he may have to do the same. You never know if RM will show or not, but if ICA look to capture any hardware like they should have, they'll need to start sorting things out quickly.
Prediction - 5-0 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Money in the Bank
SP got thumped last week by SS, while MIB picked up their first win of PRO, and they didn't even have to play a game! MIB has been a rocky league for quite some time, but the squad they have now is a great one to play with. Great friends who are able to rip on each other (almost as much as SP) but take it all in stride and show no matter the weather. It hasn't been sunny for MIB in quite some time, but if its raining they'll throw on boots and come to play. SP will need to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, and they cant afford to take an under-performing MIB squad lightly, or else they'll pick up #2 and party that much harder..
Prediction - 5-3 MIB, in their first REAL win.
Tuesday @ 8pm
Deadstrokes vs Extreme Cues
When you have two teams sitting @ 3-5, 1 game behind the final playoff spot, you'd assume it would be a must win if they look to make a charge for the playoffs, but au contraire. With DS playing Freedom next week and EC playing last-place BP, it's still possible, for the loser, to somehow make the playoffs at 4-6, obviously it would be a super long shot with about as much chance as Pommy turning this season into a positive one. DS come into this on a bit of a slide and havn't been performing all that well in any interleagues, while EC are coming off a big win over PFN. While EC aren't all that consistent, the potential they have for a win is just too much to bet against it here.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 7pm
Brit Pool vs Latino Pool Legends
BP were able to make this season a bit less painful after a big win over DS. For BP to have any chance this week, Ben will need to continue his form he's had all season and Pommy will need to continue the form he's shown in the past few weeks, where he's actually had a winning record! LPL come in with nothing really to play for apart from continuing to rack up the wins. Tino should enjoy a slack week before a big meeting with PFN before the playoffs.
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Thursday @ 7:31pm?
Pool Fiction vs Freedom
Leave it up to Sean & Petey to come up with a time like this. While the two are able to throw a joke or two around during the week, when these two teams meet up on a table it's nothing short of intense. These two sides resemble any main sports rivalry where they take every match as seriously as possible, no matter the interleague, no matter the situation. While Freedom still need to get a few players eligible for the playoffs, it may be wise to come out firing on all cylinders against a PFN squad who have just about everyone eligible, and will no doubt be trying to make Petey & co. cry after this match is done. This match went the distance 5 weeks prior with PFN taking it, and with the loss of Corey for this match up I don't see the result differing all that much.
Prediction - 5-4 PFN
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Week 8
Here is a short list of the top players so far, if your name isn't up here then don't worry, with a possibility of winning 15 more games (while highly unlikely), the MVP race is far from over.
bnr_xlx_skill_xlx 11-3 (not all with BnR)
rm_spc_elite - 10-3
ica_UN_NATURAL- 9-2
pfn_Travis - 9-2
ss_xsoubanhx - 9-3
bp_i_hate_th1s_game - 9-5
bnr_luckyslam4 - 7-1
lpl_noobish.styles - 7-1
pfn_xlx_bpk_xlx - 7-1
ica_nick_ownzz - 7-2
lpl_Xx_APOCALIPSYS_xX - 7-2
sp_king.2068 - 7-4
Seven of the 12 listed are from the Atlantic Conference.
Teams without a mention: MIB, FR, DS, & EC.
Monday @ 6pm
Extreme Cues vs Pool Fiction
They've been in the interleague for 3 weeks now and can field almost the largest playoff team if the playoffs were today, problem is, EC are 1-2 in their 3 weeks and they find themselves sitting at 2-5 overall with third place Freedom 2 wins more. With EC needing to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, Scott will need to not bring his best players, but who ever is playing the best pool. PFN were able to get past a pesky BP squad this past week and are now a win away from clinching a playoff berth. With Mina & Jamie carrying the team against BP, it's good to see PFN are multi-dimensional and Travis doesn't have to win all the time in order for PFN to grab a win. EC should be able to make it close but 9/10 it'll go PFN's way.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Monday @ 8pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Freedom
LPL have been on fire as of late going 10-1 in the past 2 weeks. Led by the duo of Gus & Daru, Tino has more then enough confidence heading into matches week in and week out. With a supporting cast that contains players like Luiz, Joe and Si, LPL head their near perfect record right into the playoffs, their only blemish? Their 5-1 loss at the hands of Freedom 5 weeks ago. Freedoms had a rocky season to say the least but find themselves third and while they still have LPL and PFN on the plate, they control their fate and Petey will be looking to rock LPL for a second time this season.
Prediction - 5-3 Fr
Tuesday @ 6pm
Dead Strokes vs Brit Pool
DS were thumped last week but look to get back into the win column, because well, they need to. If James falls 2 matches behind Freedom for that final spot then their season may end early, so I expect DS to come out firing at all cylinders for this match. Chuck and Alex are more or less obvious picks for James to play this match, and both will need to be on their game as Ben looks to keep some smiles going on in the BP camp. BP has had a poor season at best, when your best player has the second worst record in the interleague, you've got issues. Ben has been able to keep matches close, but he can't do it alone. I'm sure Brandi would love nothing more to spoil some playoffs hope but I just don't think it'll be enough.
Prediction - 5-2 BP
Tuesday @ 7pm
Break and Run vs International Cue Association
Huge match-up here with what could be the top 2 teams in PRO facing off this week. Break and Run have been 2-dimensional all season, with Jordy taking Luis' place as Jason's wing man. Returning players in Jim and James will help Dina out tremendously, but they'll need to return to their old form if they look to contribute positively. The biggest positive for ICA has been their captain who has led by example all season long with a 9-2 record thus far. Having a captain who can win every week he calls himself over a player takes more confidence then one can imagine. Trey has a great supporting cast in Nish and Nick, but ICA are lacking depth. They have had very few full-team efforts this season, and with one of the more in-experienced rosters, Trey will need to hope he gets that full-team effort, starting this week in what should be a great match-up, that'll come down to the top 2 players from each side.
Prediction - 5-4 Break and Run
Wednesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Straight Shots
SP got thumped last week and it doesn't get much easier this week coming in to play against the hottest team in PRO. Pete doesn't have much of a roster around him, and when his most active player has lost every week, he's going to need his small team to play big. If both Ketan & Ste can show up to play SP are in this without question, but if he's missing one or both, Pete will need to rely heavily on his team, much like how Pita has been of late. Pita along with Brian were the two hottest players out of the gate but recently Pita has been able to get help from his teammates, which ironically has kept SS on that 4 match winning streak. Pita will be the key man of this match though as he may be the one to play in that 4th game 9 of his season.
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
Money in the Bank vs Rank Monsters
The final match of the week, and it's not really a high note. MIB have been struggling all season, and while we see the random outbursts of great play by individuals, we've yet to see it as a team effort, or an individual performance of biblical proportions. RM didn't show with enough players last week, and it seems the dreamy duo of Brian & Miz was more talk then walk. Even if Brian does show, MIB are playing pretty well, or well enough at least and it'd be hard to bet against a team on a 7 game losing streak in this match, somehow...
Prediction - 5-2 MIB
bnr_xlx_skill_xlx 11-3 (not all with BnR)
rm_spc_elite - 10-3
ica_UN_NATURAL- 9-2
pfn_Travis - 9-2
ss_xsoubanhx - 9-3
bp_i_hate_th1s_game - 9-5
bnr_luckyslam4 - 7-1
lpl_noobish.styles - 7-1
pfn_xlx_bpk_xlx - 7-1
ica_nick_ownzz - 7-2
lpl_Xx_APOCALIPSYS_xX - 7-2
sp_king.2068 - 7-4
Seven of the 12 listed are from the Atlantic Conference.
Teams without a mention: MIB, FR, DS, & EC.
Monday @ 6pm
Extreme Cues vs Pool Fiction
They've been in the interleague for 3 weeks now and can field almost the largest playoff team if the playoffs were today, problem is, EC are 1-2 in their 3 weeks and they find themselves sitting at 2-5 overall with third place Freedom 2 wins more. With EC needing to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, Scott will need to not bring his best players, but who ever is playing the best pool. PFN were able to get past a pesky BP squad this past week and are now a win away from clinching a playoff berth. With Mina & Jamie carrying the team against BP, it's good to see PFN are multi-dimensional and Travis doesn't have to win all the time in order for PFN to grab a win. EC should be able to make it close but 9/10 it'll go PFN's way.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Monday @ 8pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Freedom
LPL have been on fire as of late going 10-1 in the past 2 weeks. Led by the duo of Gus & Daru, Tino has more then enough confidence heading into matches week in and week out. With a supporting cast that contains players like Luiz, Joe and Si, LPL head their near perfect record right into the playoffs, their only blemish? Their 5-1 loss at the hands of Freedom 5 weeks ago. Freedoms had a rocky season to say the least but find themselves third and while they still have LPL and PFN on the plate, they control their fate and Petey will be looking to rock LPL for a second time this season.
Prediction - 5-3 Fr
Tuesday @ 6pm
Dead Strokes vs Brit Pool
DS were thumped last week but look to get back into the win column, because well, they need to. If James falls 2 matches behind Freedom for that final spot then their season may end early, so I expect DS to come out firing at all cylinders for this match. Chuck and Alex are more or less obvious picks for James to play this match, and both will need to be on their game as Ben looks to keep some smiles going on in the BP camp. BP has had a poor season at best, when your best player has the second worst record in the interleague, you've got issues. Ben has been able to keep matches close, but he can't do it alone. I'm sure Brandi would love nothing more to spoil some playoffs hope but I just don't think it'll be enough.
Prediction - 5-2 BP
Tuesday @ 7pm
Break and Run vs International Cue Association
Huge match-up here with what could be the top 2 teams in PRO facing off this week. Break and Run have been 2-dimensional all season, with Jordy taking Luis' place as Jason's wing man. Returning players in Jim and James will help Dina out tremendously, but they'll need to return to their old form if they look to contribute positively. The biggest positive for ICA has been their captain who has led by example all season long with a 9-2 record thus far. Having a captain who can win every week he calls himself over a player takes more confidence then one can imagine. Trey has a great supporting cast in Nish and Nick, but ICA are lacking depth. They have had very few full-team efforts this season, and with one of the more in-experienced rosters, Trey will need to hope he gets that full-team effort, starting this week in what should be a great match-up, that'll come down to the top 2 players from each side.
Prediction - 5-4 Break and Run
Wednesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Straight Shots
SP got thumped last week and it doesn't get much easier this week coming in to play against the hottest team in PRO. Pete doesn't have much of a roster around him, and when his most active player has lost every week, he's going to need his small team to play big. If both Ketan & Ste can show up to play SP are in this without question, but if he's missing one or both, Pete will need to rely heavily on his team, much like how Pita has been of late. Pita along with Brian were the two hottest players out of the gate but recently Pita has been able to get help from his teammates, which ironically has kept SS on that 4 match winning streak. Pita will be the key man of this match though as he may be the one to play in that 4th game 9 of his season.
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
Money in the Bank vs Rank Monsters
The final match of the week, and it's not really a high note. MIB have been struggling all season, and while we see the random outbursts of great play by individuals, we've yet to see it as a team effort, or an individual performance of biblical proportions. RM didn't show with enough players last week, and it seems the dreamy duo of Brian & Miz was more talk then walk. Even if Brian does show, MIB are playing pretty well, or well enough at least and it'd be hard to bet against a team on a 7 game losing streak in this match, somehow...
Prediction - 5-2 MIB
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Week 7
Monday @ 8pm
Freedom vs Extreme Cues
Freedom's newest and probably last addition to the team, seems to be the perfect one. Going off the daily results Freedom were never able to get the upper hand against a noobish BP squad but simple.deal was able to right the ship for his new team and start PRO off 3-0. Petey will need to start playing his big dogs like Adam and Matt if he wishes to get them eligible for the playoffs, and he'll need them to even get to the playoffs. EC got their Cinderella start to PRO stomped on last week as they suffered their first ohfer in PRO. EC have the talent to push Freedom far but I just don't see them being able to get over the hump.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Tuesday @ 6pm
Pool Fiction vs Brit Pool
After dropping their second straight, PFN will need to try and rebound against a super super happy BP squad, why are they super super happy? Pommy not only won his first game, but his second game in PRO! This must mean BP will win out the rest of the season surely! They'll have to get passed a strong PFN squad though who are n a bit of a slump, mainly because of their two work horses not being able to get that first win in the past 2 weeks, both Andy and Trav are 0-4 in the past 2 weeks (I think). Without these 2 winning, it's clear PFN struggle. I expect Pommy to play Trav as Chris isn't one to enjoy a tap game, it'll be close but I think PFN will snap their streak.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Tuesday @ 7pm
Dead Strokes vs Latino Pool Legends
Something of biblical proportions happened last week for DS, their old grasshopper in Roy not only won one game, he carried his team against one of the top leagues in PFN for a slick 3-0 record. We need to give this old guy props, look at his UIC record (0-5 on a team that lost 16 games over 14 weeks), and 1-5 in WSOP thus far. Never has the word biblical and Roy been used in a positive sentence before, but let it be known Mister Predictor smashes predicting boundaries once again! For the match itself, DS will need players like John, Ashton and Corey to play, and win their first match against a strong LPL squad if they look to have any shot at winning. LPL stomped all over EC last week winning with a clean sheet. DS will need to rely heavily on the trio, because Roy and biblical can't be used in the same sentence back to back weeks, can they?
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Wednesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Break and Run
Prior to last week, Ste and Ketan had been the work horses for SP. With records of 5-1 and 6-3 respectively, one would assume SP needed both those to show to win, but apparently not. Pete, yes the fan of the Boston Bruins who ironically lost 4 straight after going up 3-0 in the playoffs, Pete was able to do a bit of that himself pulling off 4 wins (& a credit I think) after falling behind RM 4-0. Certainly if we didn't have Moses himself pulling off 3 wins against PFN, Pete would be the biblical one this week. SP seem to be rolling right now and that will be key this week against a sputtering BnR team. Sure they beat MIB 5-1 last week, but who hasn't? With Jordy and Jason now being the main players for BnR this season, they'll really need others to start stepping up, especially if Pete can get both Ste and Ketan to show up to this match. This match will come down to the secondary players and not really so much who shows up, but who gets their game to show up the greatest.
Prediction - 5-4 SP
Wednesday @ 8pm
Rank Monsters vs Straight Shots
With playoffs almost out the door for RM, we can begin to wonder if they'll even show up, rather will Brian show up. Yes when Brian has shown up he's done his best to bring a team of people no one really knows, but will he continue all season long or will the teams that play RM late in the season benefit? Or will Miz show up and help carry RM to a playoff birth? Who knows but this will be a make or break week for RM. SS have relied heavily on Pita and his 9-2 record, and with a 4-way tie for first, they'll need to continue to do just that, but players like Drew, Jon & Ben will need to help him out. This week for SS could go quickly like their last match with ICA, or their 5th game 9 of the season..
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Money in the Bank
After getting thrown in the dryer to get beaten up for 40 minutes on high by SS last week, ICA will look to rebound and stay atop the conference with a big win here. While MIB certainly haven't had much to cheer about this season, they know they have the talent to upset teams who aren't careful. Eddie will need to pull a Pommy this week and crack open a can of whoop ass for his first win of the season if MIB look to have a shot at the upset this week. ICA seem to have the same roster week after week, so going off that MIB may be able to get close, but unless something of biblical proportions happen for Eddie or Stevie, it just wont be close enough..
Prediction 5-2 ICA
Freedom vs Extreme Cues
Freedom's newest and probably last addition to the team, seems to be the perfect one. Going off the daily results Freedom were never able to get the upper hand against a noobish BP squad but simple.deal was able to right the ship for his new team and start PRO off 3-0. Petey will need to start playing his big dogs like Adam and Matt if he wishes to get them eligible for the playoffs, and he'll need them to even get to the playoffs. EC got their Cinderella start to PRO stomped on last week as they suffered their first ohfer in PRO. EC have the talent to push Freedom far but I just don't see them being able to get over the hump.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Tuesday @ 6pm
Pool Fiction vs Brit Pool
After dropping their second straight, PFN will need to try and rebound against a super super happy BP squad, why are they super super happy? Pommy not only won his first game, but his second game in PRO! This must mean BP will win out the rest of the season surely! They'll have to get passed a strong PFN squad though who are n a bit of a slump, mainly because of their two work horses not being able to get that first win in the past 2 weeks, both Andy and Trav are 0-4 in the past 2 weeks (I think). Without these 2 winning, it's clear PFN struggle. I expect Pommy to play Trav as Chris isn't one to enjoy a tap game, it'll be close but I think PFN will snap their streak.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Tuesday @ 7pm
Dead Strokes vs Latino Pool Legends
Something of biblical proportions happened last week for DS, their old grasshopper in Roy not only won one game, he carried his team against one of the top leagues in PFN for a slick 3-0 record. We need to give this old guy props, look at his UIC record (0-5 on a team that lost 16 games over 14 weeks), and 1-5 in WSOP thus far. Never has the word biblical and Roy been used in a positive sentence before, but let it be known Mister Predictor smashes predicting boundaries once again! For the match itself, DS will need players like John, Ashton and Corey to play, and win their first match against a strong LPL squad if they look to have any shot at winning. LPL stomped all over EC last week winning with a clean sheet. DS will need to rely heavily on the trio, because Roy and biblical can't be used in the same sentence back to back weeks, can they?
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Wednesday @ 6pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Break and Run
Prior to last week, Ste and Ketan had been the work horses for SP. With records of 5-1 and 6-3 respectively, one would assume SP needed both those to show to win, but apparently not. Pete, yes the fan of the Boston Bruins who ironically lost 4 straight after going up 3-0 in the playoffs, Pete was able to do a bit of that himself pulling off 4 wins (& a credit I think) after falling behind RM 4-0. Certainly if we didn't have Moses himself pulling off 3 wins against PFN, Pete would be the biblical one this week. SP seem to be rolling right now and that will be key this week against a sputtering BnR team. Sure they beat MIB 5-1 last week, but who hasn't? With Jordy and Jason now being the main players for BnR this season, they'll really need others to start stepping up, especially if Pete can get both Ste and Ketan to show up to this match. This match will come down to the secondary players and not really so much who shows up, but who gets their game to show up the greatest.
Prediction - 5-4 SP
Wednesday @ 8pm
Rank Monsters vs Straight Shots
With playoffs almost out the door for RM, we can begin to wonder if they'll even show up, rather will Brian show up. Yes when Brian has shown up he's done his best to bring a team of people no one really knows, but will he continue all season long or will the teams that play RM late in the season benefit? Or will Miz show up and help carry RM to a playoff birth? Who knows but this will be a make or break week for RM. SS have relied heavily on Pita and his 9-2 record, and with a 4-way tie for first, they'll need to continue to do just that, but players like Drew, Jon & Ben will need to help him out. This week for SS could go quickly like their last match with ICA, or their 5th game 9 of the season..
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Money in the Bank
After getting thrown in the dryer to get beaten up for 40 minutes on high by SS last week, ICA will look to rebound and stay atop the conference with a big win here. While MIB certainly haven't had much to cheer about this season, they know they have the talent to upset teams who aren't careful. Eddie will need to pull a Pommy this week and crack open a can of whoop ass for his first win of the season if MIB look to have a shot at the upset this week. ICA seem to have the same roster week after week, so going off that MIB may be able to get close, but unless something of biblical proportions happen for Eddie or Stevie, it just wont be close enough..
Prediction 5-2 ICA
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Week 6
Half-way-through-the-season review:
Atlantic Conference
International Cue Association: They sit on top of the Atlantic, and while no one really expected such things in the pre-season, looking at their roster backs this record up with question and have them as a major title contender. If they can keep the consistency up in the second half they'd be my pick to rep the AC in the finals.
Break and Run: Dina & co. have been a real surprise though going 2-2 with a no-show win last week, the reason? The core that helped them win Season 14 of MLP just isn't there anymore and they're having to rely on their new members, lucky for them, the likes of Jase, Jordy and Steve can do just that. They'll need to perform well in the second half to stay in the playoff picture, and from there well, I'll talk about that in 5 weeks! :)
Sexy Poolerz: Coming in with minimal expectations, Pete & co have really performed well. Their only issue is their small roster, but it seems that those players have no issue showing any night of the week so that's good for Pete. SP have been in a lot of matches that have gone to game 7/8/9, they'll need to limit those and start winning games earlier because this conference has too many lethal players.
Straight Shots: SS are 2-2 in game 9's thus far and that's just too much for this squad. With the amount of talent Ben has at his finger tips, SS should be winning matches 5-2/5-3. While it's clear SS have a number of players that can win a game 9 match, I'm sure most teams would like it over before then.
Rank Monsters: Oh where art thou Sir Mizzington? If you wanted to carry every match, it'd help if you showed up. Brian is good, but on his own there is no way he can carry RM into the playoffs, not only does Miz have to start showing and winning, they'll need to bring others so I have something new to say.
Money in the Bank: While it's more then likely they aren't going to be making the playoffs, MIB still can cause issues for other teams. MIB is a lot better then what their record says, and with Emmitt back in pool, MIB should be able to do a lot more in the second half of the season.
Pacific Conference
Pool Fiction: While I thought the loss of Miz and then Conor would hurt Sean's squad, they go into the second half of the season just one win away from a perfect 5-0 record. Travis has taken the team and ran with it amassing a 9-1 record, his 10th not only would've been the first 10 of the season, but would've won PFN their 5th match thus far, either way with Travis and Andy having a combined 15 wins, teams know who they need to stop, but stopping those 2? "lawl"
Latino Pool Legends: The loss of Ant hurts obviously, but Gus and Daru have picked up the slack in his absence keeping LPL at the top. Nelson making his return will be good for LPL once he finds his touch, but until then Tino will be able to keep up with PFN and challenge for that round 1 bye.
Freedom: After a big week 1 for this side, it's been straight downhill from there. Beating LPL and taking PFN to game 9 was good, but they still sit with 3 losses. Petey will need to get the team sorted with the loss of Corey or this losing streak could go on too long.
Dead Strokes: DS started the season off poorly but have really picked it up in weeks 3-5, most notably the last 2 weeks where they won their first and second matches. Their scores have only gotten better as the weeks have progressed and now that they know the reigns of the carry system, they can really strut their stuff in the second half and more then likely finish above Freedom, especially with the addition of one of Freedoms best to their line up.
Extreme Cues: Newbies to PRO, but started off well with a win over BP, EC have talent and they very well could take down the likes of PFN and LPL if the likes of Paul and Scott catch fire in a match. I feel their team are just as good as DS and with a 3 way tie for third, EC could very well finish third but they'll have to learn quick and move even quicker.
Brit Pool: Just blame it on Pommy.
In the preds themselves I won't go into great detail since I just did the recap so if you want just read the 2 leagues listed above after reading the slack pred to balance it out :)
Monday @ 7pm Straight Shots vs International Cue Association
In their very first match Pita (great memory thanks alcohol) was able to win it in a match 9 over BigAssNegro from ICA, since then Mike hasn't shown and ICA has won 4 in a row. Both teams are coming in hot but SS just don't seem to be as on form as ICA.
Prediction - 5-3 ICA
Monday @ 8pm
Rank Monsters vs Sexy Poolerz
RM no-showed last week I believe, or just never showed with 3 but will definitely need to bring a full team for this week. In the first week SP were able to win big against a team I thought wouldn't give up too many losses, and while they're on pace for a 6 loss season, Pete should be ready to fire on all cylinders just in case..
Prediction - 5-3 SP
Tuesday @ 7pm
Break and Run vs Money in the Bank
Dina & co are coming in slumping, and MIB have a new found hero in Emmitt, will he be able to carry MIB to the win over BnR? He sure could, but it all depends on who Dina is able to get to the tables, but with Jase back, and Jordy and Steve both active and in good form, it's hard to bet against the reigning champs.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Wednesday @ 6pm
Pool Fiction vs Dead Strokes
While in the first week PFN destroyed DS, DS have only gotten better as the weeks have progressed, and with the new pick-up of Corey from Freedom, Roy can finally sit so DS will have a full line-up. I do have a feeling this game will be close, and if Ashton shows for DS, Travis will have his hands full but without Ashton, PFN should end their short winning streak.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Extreme Cues
LPL have the consistent core of Tino, Daru and Gus, with Nelson coming back to help carry the load. Simon used to play a lot, and after winning the MLP TOC, Tino will hope he sticks around to keep up the play or he'll have to start recruiting or bringing back more old players because LPL are missing a number of players. One of those players? Now with EC, Marco is hoping to help lead this team into the playoffs with only a 6 week season to do so. EC have a solid group, and that crazy gut feeling of mine is acting up.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 7pm
Brit Pool vs Freedom
Two Canadian gay lovers meet up in what should be a fun match like always. BP havn't been able to get things going in PRO, and while they've clinched the DD in UIC, it seems only Ben has been able to win games for BP. On the flip side you have a squad that started the season off well, but have been super inconsistent. One could assume it's the fact Petey's been calling new players just about every week, he'll need to find a core and run with them if he looks to turn this season into something successful.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Atlantic Conference
International Cue Association: They sit on top of the Atlantic, and while no one really expected such things in the pre-season, looking at their roster backs this record up with question and have them as a major title contender. If they can keep the consistency up in the second half they'd be my pick to rep the AC in the finals.
Break and Run: Dina & co. have been a real surprise though going 2-2 with a no-show win last week, the reason? The core that helped them win Season 14 of MLP just isn't there anymore and they're having to rely on their new members, lucky for them, the likes of Jase, Jordy and Steve can do just that. They'll need to perform well in the second half to stay in the playoff picture, and from there well, I'll talk about that in 5 weeks! :)
Sexy Poolerz: Coming in with minimal expectations, Pete & co have really performed well. Their only issue is their small roster, but it seems that those players have no issue showing any night of the week so that's good for Pete. SP have been in a lot of matches that have gone to game 7/8/9, they'll need to limit those and start winning games earlier because this conference has too many lethal players.
Straight Shots: SS are 2-2 in game 9's thus far and that's just too much for this squad. With the amount of talent Ben has at his finger tips, SS should be winning matches 5-2/5-3. While it's clear SS have a number of players that can win a game 9 match, I'm sure most teams would like it over before then.
Rank Monsters: Oh where art thou Sir Mizzington? If you wanted to carry every match, it'd help if you showed up. Brian is good, but on his own there is no way he can carry RM into the playoffs, not only does Miz have to start showing and winning, they'll need to bring others so I have something new to say.
Money in the Bank: While it's more then likely they aren't going to be making the playoffs, MIB still can cause issues for other teams. MIB is a lot better then what their record says, and with Emmitt back in pool, MIB should be able to do a lot more in the second half of the season.
Pacific Conference
Pool Fiction: While I thought the loss of Miz and then Conor would hurt Sean's squad, they go into the second half of the season just one win away from a perfect 5-0 record. Travis has taken the team and ran with it amassing a 9-1 record, his 10th not only would've been the first 10 of the season, but would've won PFN their 5th match thus far, either way with Travis and Andy having a combined 15 wins, teams know who they need to stop, but stopping those 2? "lawl"
Latino Pool Legends: The loss of Ant hurts obviously, but Gus and Daru have picked up the slack in his absence keeping LPL at the top. Nelson making his return will be good for LPL once he finds his touch, but until then Tino will be able to keep up with PFN and challenge for that round 1 bye.
Freedom: After a big week 1 for this side, it's been straight downhill from there. Beating LPL and taking PFN to game 9 was good, but they still sit with 3 losses. Petey will need to get the team sorted with the loss of Corey or this losing streak could go on too long.
Dead Strokes: DS started the season off poorly but have really picked it up in weeks 3-5, most notably the last 2 weeks where they won their first and second matches. Their scores have only gotten better as the weeks have progressed and now that they know the reigns of the carry system, they can really strut their stuff in the second half and more then likely finish above Freedom, especially with the addition of one of Freedoms best to their line up.
Extreme Cues: Newbies to PRO, but started off well with a win over BP, EC have talent and they very well could take down the likes of PFN and LPL if the likes of Paul and Scott catch fire in a match. I feel their team are just as good as DS and with a 3 way tie for third, EC could very well finish third but they'll have to learn quick and move even quicker.
Brit Pool: Just blame it on Pommy.
In the preds themselves I won't go into great detail since I just did the recap so if you want just read the 2 leagues listed above after reading the slack pred to balance it out :)
Monday @ 7pm Straight Shots vs International Cue Association
In their very first match Pita (great memory thanks alcohol) was able to win it in a match 9 over BigAssNegro from ICA, since then Mike hasn't shown and ICA has won 4 in a row. Both teams are coming in hot but SS just don't seem to be as on form as ICA.
Prediction - 5-3 ICA
Monday @ 8pm
Rank Monsters vs Sexy Poolerz
RM no-showed last week I believe, or just never showed with 3 but will definitely need to bring a full team for this week. In the first week SP were able to win big against a team I thought wouldn't give up too many losses, and while they're on pace for a 6 loss season, Pete should be ready to fire on all cylinders just in case..
Prediction - 5-3 SP
Tuesday @ 7pm
Break and Run vs Money in the Bank
Dina & co are coming in slumping, and MIB have a new found hero in Emmitt, will he be able to carry MIB to the win over BnR? He sure could, but it all depends on who Dina is able to get to the tables, but with Jase back, and Jordy and Steve both active and in good form, it's hard to bet against the reigning champs.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Wednesday @ 6pm
Pool Fiction vs Dead Strokes
While in the first week PFN destroyed DS, DS have only gotten better as the weeks have progressed, and with the new pick-up of Corey from Freedom, Roy can finally sit so DS will have a full line-up. I do have a feeling this game will be close, and if Ashton shows for DS, Travis will have his hands full but without Ashton, PFN should end their short winning streak.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Extreme Cues
LPL have the consistent core of Tino, Daru and Gus, with Nelson coming back to help carry the load. Simon used to play a lot, and after winning the MLP TOC, Tino will hope he sticks around to keep up the play or he'll have to start recruiting or bringing back more old players because LPL are missing a number of players. One of those players? Now with EC, Marco is hoping to help lead this team into the playoffs with only a 6 week season to do so. EC have a solid group, and that crazy gut feeling of mine is acting up.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 7pm
Brit Pool vs Freedom
Two Canadian gay lovers meet up in what should be a fun match like always. BP havn't been able to get things going in PRO, and while they've clinched the DD in UIC, it seems only Ben has been able to win games for BP. On the flip side you have a squad that started the season off well, but have been super inconsistent. One could assume it's the fact Petey's been calling new players just about every week, he'll need to find a core and run with them if he looks to turn this season into something successful.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Week 5
Monday @ 7pm
Sexy Poolerz vs International Cue Association
Both find themselves coming off massive wins and atop the Atlantic Conference. With an RM squad clearly flawed and a Break and Run crew whom are trying to cycle through players to keep themselves at the top, these two squads have taken advantage of such and rightly so. SP certainly have their days in interleagues, but in a carry system, all it takes is one great night for one person. Players like Ste have already carried SP showing that rust isn't a factor for this SP side. For ICA, rust has never been an issue but consistency has, which they're now getting. Players like Trey, Jamie, Nick and even Nish have yet to lose a game this season, and we all know those 4 are capable of some serious business when they get going. This match honestly comes down to who is playing the best, it can go either way with an off night by anyone, but I'll go with ICA here simply because..
Prediction - 5-4 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Money in the Bank vs Straight Shots
MIB weren't able to do much in last weeks match with SP falling 5-1 and this season is shaping up to be a long one for them. The reason? It's simple, no one is stepping up for them like they should, players like Eddie and Stevie are capable of knocking down 2-3 even 4 wins a match but they just cannot seem to find their groove in PRO. SS, seem to have finally found their groove. After back to back game 9 defeats in the first 2 weeks, they have followed them up with well, back to back game 9 wins. Pita has been a workhorse for SS thus far, playing in what I believe are 3 game 9's. With or without Pita, SS should be able to take this match unless someone from MIB breaks the trend.
Prediction - 5-2 SS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs Break and Run
In the pre-season this was geared up to be a 4-0 vs 4-0 match up, not a match up where we'd see the loser below the .500 mark. For RM, it is a bit expected with how this seasons gone for them, they really are a 2 man team, and at that only one has really shown up to play well. Brian failed to win last week and Miz didn't show, so that explains the blanking ICA put on them. For BnR, who really knows what it is. Their core from years ago seems to have vanished with all the big names coming in, and when players like Stu retire and others like Josh just never seem to show up, where do you go from there? BnR have kept the recruiting going though bringing back Jordy and acquiring Steve from LPL. The two didn't fair that well last week as fell to SS in a game 9. If RM can show with Miz, Brian and at least 2 others they'll stand a good chance at beating BnR, unless of course BnR bring the powerhouse team we're used to seeing.
Prediction - 5-3 RM in a Miz breakthrough.
Tuesday @ 7pm
Dead Strokes vs Freedom
Sitting 3-4 as expected, these two squads meet up in what should be a great match-up. Having started a bit of a rivalry in UIC, DS get to try and cement their "hey we're better then you" status over Freedom. DS received a bye last week when T8B withdrew, and we saw the credits go to players who have already played, make me wonder how deep DS really is. Freedom on the other hand lost another game 9, this week to PFN. Freedom have a top 5 that is one of the best in PRO, as featured last week against PFN taking them to the wire, but consistency as a team is their issue. With such an expanded roster for Petey, picking the right players will be tough, but as long as one is right, that's all you need.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Thursday @ 6pm
Extreme Cues vs Brit Pool
Welcome to PRO EC! First up for you? The league you share lobbies with! Hilarious? I think so. EC come into PRO with mixed expectations, certainly a league that took interleagues by storm with their MLP performance, but with many of those players from ICA, one wonders how the true EC will fair. Players like Paul (sleepyman) and Aaron (acemacer) are great players who can win 2-3 on any given week. Led by a veteran captain in Scott (BBM anyone?), EC are capable of making a run in their 6 week tenure and possible cracking the top 3. For BP, it was another tough loss as they fell to LPL 5-3. The player that is supposed to be putting in an MVP performance has done nothing but stink, tossing up an 0-3 record that wouldn't even pass if UO was here. With EC's mixed expectations, and BP's faltering season, I do see what some would call an upset, but I'll try and call it early and call it the start of something cinderellic.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 8pm
Pool Fiction vs Latino Pool Legends
Not a bad way to finish the week off. PFN sit atop the standings after a dominating first 4 weeks, including the 5-4 win over Freedom this past week. Sitting right below them? LPL at 3-1, but their win loss seems a bit weak, due to their lone loss where they only gathered one win. Trav has been a downright allstar for PFN picking up for Conor & Miz, and with a 7-0 record he jumps right into the MVP talk, even though there's 6 weeks to go. While Ant left, LPL didn't too much trouble with BP, even though they only won by 2 games, but what hurts more is both Steve and Marco leaving for other leagues, most notably Marco who stays in the conference. Tino will need players like Si to keep it going and as long as Daru and Gus keep showing, LPL shouldn't have too much trouble, but they'll need to be firing on all cylinders if they look to take down PFN this week.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Sexy Poolerz vs International Cue Association
Both find themselves coming off massive wins and atop the Atlantic Conference. With an RM squad clearly flawed and a Break and Run crew whom are trying to cycle through players to keep themselves at the top, these two squads have taken advantage of such and rightly so. SP certainly have their days in interleagues, but in a carry system, all it takes is one great night for one person. Players like Ste have already carried SP showing that rust isn't a factor for this SP side. For ICA, rust has never been an issue but consistency has, which they're now getting. Players like Trey, Jamie, Nick and even Nish have yet to lose a game this season, and we all know those 4 are capable of some serious business when they get going. This match honestly comes down to who is playing the best, it can go either way with an off night by anyone, but I'll go with ICA here simply because..
Prediction - 5-4 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Money in the Bank vs Straight Shots
MIB weren't able to do much in last weeks match with SP falling 5-1 and this season is shaping up to be a long one for them. The reason? It's simple, no one is stepping up for them like they should, players like Eddie and Stevie are capable of knocking down 2-3 even 4 wins a match but they just cannot seem to find their groove in PRO. SS, seem to have finally found their groove. After back to back game 9 defeats in the first 2 weeks, they have followed them up with well, back to back game 9 wins. Pita has been a workhorse for SS thus far, playing in what I believe are 3 game 9's. With or without Pita, SS should be able to take this match unless someone from MIB breaks the trend.
Prediction - 5-2 SS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs Break and Run
In the pre-season this was geared up to be a 4-0 vs 4-0 match up, not a match up where we'd see the loser below the .500 mark. For RM, it is a bit expected with how this seasons gone for them, they really are a 2 man team, and at that only one has really shown up to play well. Brian failed to win last week and Miz didn't show, so that explains the blanking ICA put on them. For BnR, who really knows what it is. Their core from years ago seems to have vanished with all the big names coming in, and when players like Stu retire and others like Josh just never seem to show up, where do you go from there? BnR have kept the recruiting going though bringing back Jordy and acquiring Steve from LPL. The two didn't fair that well last week as fell to SS in a game 9. If RM can show with Miz, Brian and at least 2 others they'll stand a good chance at beating BnR, unless of course BnR bring the powerhouse team we're used to seeing.
Prediction - 5-3 RM in a Miz breakthrough.
Tuesday @ 7pm
Dead Strokes vs Freedom
Sitting 3-4 as expected, these two squads meet up in what should be a great match-up. Having started a bit of a rivalry in UIC, DS get to try and cement their "hey we're better then you" status over Freedom. DS received a bye last week when T8B withdrew, and we saw the credits go to players who have already played, make me wonder how deep DS really is. Freedom on the other hand lost another game 9, this week to PFN. Freedom have a top 5 that is one of the best in PRO, as featured last week against PFN taking them to the wire, but consistency as a team is their issue. With such an expanded roster for Petey, picking the right players will be tough, but as long as one is right, that's all you need.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Thursday @ 6pm
Extreme Cues vs Brit Pool
Welcome to PRO EC! First up for you? The league you share lobbies with! Hilarious? I think so. EC come into PRO with mixed expectations, certainly a league that took interleagues by storm with their MLP performance, but with many of those players from ICA, one wonders how the true EC will fair. Players like Paul (sleepyman) and Aaron (acemacer) are great players who can win 2-3 on any given week. Led by a veteran captain in Scott (BBM anyone?), EC are capable of making a run in their 6 week tenure and possible cracking the top 3. For BP, it was another tough loss as they fell to LPL 5-3. The player that is supposed to be putting in an MVP performance has done nothing but stink, tossing up an 0-3 record that wouldn't even pass if UO was here. With EC's mixed expectations, and BP's faltering season, I do see what some would call an upset, but I'll try and call it early and call it the start of something cinderellic.
Prediction - 5-3 EC
Thursday @ 8pm
Pool Fiction vs Latino Pool Legends
Not a bad way to finish the week off. PFN sit atop the standings after a dominating first 4 weeks, including the 5-4 win over Freedom this past week. Sitting right below them? LPL at 3-1, but their win loss seems a bit weak, due to their lone loss where they only gathered one win. Trav has been a downright allstar for PFN picking up for Conor & Miz, and with a 7-0 record he jumps right into the MVP talk, even though there's 6 weeks to go. While Ant left, LPL didn't too much trouble with BP, even though they only won by 2 games, but what hurts more is both Steve and Marco leaving for other leagues, most notably Marco who stays in the conference. Tino will need players like Si to keep it going and as long as Daru and Gus keep showing, LPL shouldn't have too much trouble, but they'll need to be firing on all cylinders if they look to take down PFN this week.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Week 4
Monday @ 6pm
T8BReturns vs DeadStrokes
As expected against PFN, T8Bs match came down to Jordy and he started off well winning his first 2 games, but fell short in his third leaving PFN to breath a sigh of relief. While I'm sure Jordy loves to play and wouldn't mind having to carry every now and then, it also gets to a point where you would like to have some support to reach the playoffs. DS fell last week in what was the first of three 9-game matches for PRO. DS do have the talent to finish in the top 3, they'll just need to start winning, and while last week I said they were getting used to the carry system still, and followed it up with another progressive week, I believe that they'll be able to pull through this week..
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Pool Fiction
The two big winners of last week from the Pacific Conference meet up this week in what should be a heated battle as per the usual. PFN have had a superb start to the season, but looking at who their opponents have been, is it still superb? Their first real test will be this week if Freedom can keep their consistency going. Freedom are a tricky team, sometimes they'll be nothing short of great, other times they'll be flat out embarrassing, and it seems that it all depends on the day of the week. Player availability seems to be the key factor for Petey. With players in Matt and Safdar being introduced to Freedoms line-up last week in their big win over LPL, they definitely have the talent to compete with Pool Fiction, but will they show? Pool Fiction has oodles have talent so it doesn't really matter who shows as they'll have a top notch team any day of the week. Travis and Andy will need to continue their hot starts to the season to avoid this match from slipping away.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 6pm
Money in the Bank vs Sexy Poolerz
MIB could be a lot better, if they had a captain that knew what was going on. Thomas has played ineligible player after ineligible player (apparently) and when your starting matches 3-2/2-3, those DQ's hurt more then your eyes after bringing home "that girl" the night before. Hopefully these players have gotten themselves straightened out so Thomas' inability to call eligible players will be waived so MIB can play with 5 players. SP had a bit of controversy last week, but lucky for Pete, Ste was there to pick up 4 wins to lead SP over SS. It's good to see Ste's still got it, because he'll need to keep it going for SP to reach the playoffs this season. If Pete takes this match lightly he'll be burned, but my predictor senses are tingling towards a break-out week for the young MIB squad.
Prediction - 5-3 MIB
Thursday @ 6pm
Break and Run vs Straight Shots
Dina & co. were brought back down to earth after a thumping at the hands of ICA restoring parity in the Atlantic Conference. Missing the likes of Luis and Josh, Dina depended on the rusty players in Chip and Tan to try and carry her squad but they just couldn't get past their first games. SS have played 27 games thus far this season, which is the maximum and this week could be their 4th straight 9-game match. Players like Pita, Ben, the_pool_prof and Drew have expected to be better, but with them all having 2/3 losses thus far, Nicki will need her boys to break out of their slump, or at least stop losing late in the match to get them that 9th game victory. Dina will need her boys to show up and deliver this match, or Break and Run could be on a losing streak for the first time in what seems like forever.
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Rank Monsters
What a massive win for ICA this past week, not only beating the reigning champs, but by a healthy margin at that. Players like Nick, Trey and Jamie have been pulling through the past 2 weeks bringing ICA back on the happy side of par this season, and will need those 3 and others to show up and provide depth against an RM side, that has produced an unlucky hero. When you think of RM, you think of Miz, you think of his 13-1 record from last season. He sits at 2-3 thus far and when 5 others have 2 wins between them, how is RM still afloat let alone sitting at 2-1? The reason is Brian, who is on pace for a 30 win season. Yea, 30, wtf? First off, if a man gets 30 wins in a 10 week interleague, he needs a room named after him, second off, will Miz not be a factor? Doubtful, while Brians 9-1 start has really helped RM not sit in the basement, one wonders when Miz will actually break out, and until Brian loses 2 in a row in PRO, if I was Miz I wouldn't really care.
Prediction - 5-4 ICA
Thursday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Brit Pool
Here's something no one knows about or has talked about with fellow players. Didja know Ant has left pool? Withdrawing from LPL and cam comps this past weekend has proven the end of a storied career, and until he says his vacation is done, we welcome Maldito's back to interleagues. Yes while LPL was formed from MLD to be more or less just an interleague league, Ant's presence in LPL really took them to the next level, and with Ant gone we get to see good old Tino back at the helm and boy oh boy does Tino get to have some fun this week. BP are coming off their first win of the season all because of the little Canadian kid in Drew. His 3 wins helped carry BP out of the cellar and into the win column (With help from Brandi and James of course). One absentee from BP's first win was Pommy, are BP better off without him? YEA THEY SURE ARE! Kidding, Pommy will need to show to help BP get passed the likes of Gus and Daru, because Drew cant carry again, can he?
Prediction - 5-3 LPL
T8BReturns vs DeadStrokes
As expected against PFN, T8Bs match came down to Jordy and he started off well winning his first 2 games, but fell short in his third leaving PFN to breath a sigh of relief. While I'm sure Jordy loves to play and wouldn't mind having to carry every now and then, it also gets to a point where you would like to have some support to reach the playoffs. DS fell last week in what was the first of three 9-game matches for PRO. DS do have the talent to finish in the top 3, they'll just need to start winning, and while last week I said they were getting used to the carry system still, and followed it up with another progressive week, I believe that they'll be able to pull through this week..
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Pool Fiction
The two big winners of last week from the Pacific Conference meet up this week in what should be a heated battle as per the usual. PFN have had a superb start to the season, but looking at who their opponents have been, is it still superb? Their first real test will be this week if Freedom can keep their consistency going. Freedom are a tricky team, sometimes they'll be nothing short of great, other times they'll be flat out embarrassing, and it seems that it all depends on the day of the week. Player availability seems to be the key factor for Petey. With players in Matt and Safdar being introduced to Freedoms line-up last week in their big win over LPL, they definitely have the talent to compete with Pool Fiction, but will they show? Pool Fiction has oodles have talent so it doesn't really matter who shows as they'll have a top notch team any day of the week. Travis and Andy will need to continue their hot starts to the season to avoid this match from slipping away.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 6pm
Money in the Bank vs Sexy Poolerz
MIB could be a lot better, if they had a captain that knew what was going on. Thomas has played ineligible player after ineligible player (apparently) and when your starting matches 3-2/2-3, those DQ's hurt more then your eyes after bringing home "that girl" the night before. Hopefully these players have gotten themselves straightened out so Thomas' inability to call eligible players will be waived so MIB can play with 5 players. SP had a bit of controversy last week, but lucky for Pete, Ste was there to pick up 4 wins to lead SP over SS. It's good to see Ste's still got it, because he'll need to keep it going for SP to reach the playoffs this season. If Pete takes this match lightly he'll be burned, but my predictor senses are tingling towards a break-out week for the young MIB squad.
Prediction - 5-3 MIB
Thursday @ 6pm
Break and Run vs Straight Shots
Dina & co. were brought back down to earth after a thumping at the hands of ICA restoring parity in the Atlantic Conference. Missing the likes of Luis and Josh, Dina depended on the rusty players in Chip and Tan to try and carry her squad but they just couldn't get past their first games. SS have played 27 games thus far this season, which is the maximum and this week could be their 4th straight 9-game match. Players like Pita, Ben, the_pool_prof and Drew have expected to be better, but with them all having 2/3 losses thus far, Nicki will need her boys to break out of their slump, or at least stop losing late in the match to get them that 9th game victory. Dina will need her boys to show up and deliver this match, or Break and Run could be on a losing streak for the first time in what seems like forever.
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Thursday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Rank Monsters
What a massive win for ICA this past week, not only beating the reigning champs, but by a healthy margin at that. Players like Nick, Trey and Jamie have been pulling through the past 2 weeks bringing ICA back on the happy side of par this season, and will need those 3 and others to show up and provide depth against an RM side, that has produced an unlucky hero. When you think of RM, you think of Miz, you think of his 13-1 record from last season. He sits at 2-3 thus far and when 5 others have 2 wins between them, how is RM still afloat let alone sitting at 2-1? The reason is Brian, who is on pace for a 30 win season. Yea, 30, wtf? First off, if a man gets 30 wins in a 10 week interleague, he needs a room named after him, second off, will Miz not be a factor? Doubtful, while Brians 9-1 start has really helped RM not sit in the basement, one wonders when Miz will actually break out, and until Brian loses 2 in a row in PRO, if I was Miz I wouldn't really care.
Prediction - 5-4 ICA
Thursday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs Brit Pool
Here's something no one knows about or has talked about with fellow players. Didja know Ant has left pool? Withdrawing from LPL and cam comps this past weekend has proven the end of a storied career, and until he says his vacation is done, we welcome Maldito's back to interleagues. Yes while LPL was formed from MLD to be more or less just an interleague league, Ant's presence in LPL really took them to the next level, and with Ant gone we get to see good old Tino back at the helm and boy oh boy does Tino get to have some fun this week. BP are coming off their first win of the season all because of the little Canadian kid in Drew. His 3 wins helped carry BP out of the cellar and into the win column (With help from Brandi and James of course). One absentee from BP's first win was Pommy, are BP better off without him? YEA THEY SURE ARE! Kidding, Pommy will need to show to help BP get passed the likes of Gus and Daru, because Drew cant carry again, can he?
Prediction - 5-3 LPL
Monday, June 21, 2010
Week 3
A late blog is OK because the site went down and that made me late in turn, somehow..
ONWARDS!
Tuesday @ 6pm
Brit Pool vs Dead Strokes
Both sides are coming off losses for the second straight week and while BP's second straight blanking is shocking, how much more shocking is DS' 5-3 loss to LPL? Many people either counted them out or thought nothing of them since they've never heard of them. But with players like Tanz, Ash and John, you better start thinking of them more often. James is new to captaining, sort of. He's had experience else where and it shows, else where. PRO is something different though, ask any of the great players or captains, and they'll tell you getting a game plan for PRO is different then anything else (Unless you're BNR and you just toss out 5 superstars and BAM!). James is starting to get used to it though, not playing for 3 wins but now 5. BP it seems would love 3 wins, maybe this entire season. How a team with Ben, James and Pommy manages to go 0-10 is beyond me, but welcome to PRO. This match is a big match for BP here, a third loss here and it'll be a long 7 weeks to finish up. For DS yes they're 0-2 as well, but I see them having less trouble in the future then BP..
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Pool Fiction vs T8BReturns
Sean & co. come into this week with the top record thus far and it really shouldn't change. After early week wins over DS and BP, they get Jordy and his backpack. Jordy as you may know won 4 games to carry last week (God bless this system huh?) over Freedom. Will Jesse make his first appearance in his old interleague? Will a third player win a game for T8B this season? Or will PFN just continue to roll? Players like Conor, Trav, Andy and Chris are just simply too much for Jordy. Yes there is that small chance Jordy has the great night and they dont, and the break falls in Jordys favor, but there is also that chance that PFN just use T8B as toilet paper and continue their great start.
Prediction - 5-2 PFN
Wenesday @ 6pm
Straight Shots vs Sexy Poolerz
SS lost a lengthy match to RM in game 9 last week and look to rebound against a team that were able to knock off a few wins from Break and Run. SS have had a weird start to their season. Only 6 players have been used in their first 2 matches, one of whom is a transfer and was DQ'd in his debut match for SS. You could say after their win over ICA, why fix it if its not broke, but its broke now, so we'll see what kinda depth SS have. SP have the hardest start to PRO10, and havn't done that bad with it. Candi has stepped up nicely for SP with a solid 3-1 start, and will need that to continue if Pete look to do some damage later in the season. Players like Adam & Shaun having a debut to PRO this week will help Pete out a ton, otherwise this this match could be over quick.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Wednesday @ 7pm
International Cue Addiction vs Break and Run
ICA ran into early troubles with MIB last week but were able to get out of it real nicely cruising to the win. If they get into a hole this week, they might as well help their opponents bury them. Minus the DQ on Josh that seems to be half reversed, BnR faired well this past week with a 5-2 victory over SP. While Break and Run don't have the best record in PRO this early, you can't argue against how they are still the best team. The only players to have lost this season in PRO for Break and Run would be more then welcomed to play every week on any other team. Playing every week, is a hot topic in ICA these days. But it shouldn't hurt them too much as ICA are looked at as a team that can beat anyone, including Break and Run. Mike and Nick will be the two key fixtures in this match, and if Nish ever gets to play, these 3 should be able to do damage to BnR, but how much?
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs Money in the Bank
RM clearly dont have support, but clearly-er they don't need it apparently. Brian carried RM after Miz fielded another 1-1 effort and a samboli character went 0-1 in his debut. Straight-up, RM can't win a season like this let alone the playoffs. These other MSC & SPC players need to show up, or the real Sir Mizzington needs to show up. While MIB havn't produced on the score sheet, they have produced someone to take the PRO site and so far keep it hosted and update the random pages our ADD takes us too. MIB do have good players, and if it's the usual Miz, Brian and a random or two vs MIB, it could easily be 3-2 MIB heading into extra's and anything could happen..
Prediction - 5-4 MIB
Thursday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Latino Pool Legends
Interesting match-up ends the week as we see these two sides square off [obviously]. Freedom are coming off a loss vs Jordy as they just couldn't find anyone to stop him, now they must find a team that can stop a bunch of Jordy-esque players from LPL. LPL ran into trouble with DS but of course with Ant and his serious face >> O.O << then how can you lose? I've been wrong lots so far this season, but most impressively enough has been LPL's early depth, do they have anyone else or is this it now? Players like Adam and Matt will match up nicely with the likes of Si and Ant (If any of the 4 beyond Ant decide to show up) and I have no doubt this will come down to the wire, and since I seem to be on crack, lets turn O.O into :(
Prediction - 5-4 Freedom
ONWARDS!
Tuesday @ 6pm
Brit Pool vs Dead Strokes
Both sides are coming off losses for the second straight week and while BP's second straight blanking is shocking, how much more shocking is DS' 5-3 loss to LPL? Many people either counted them out or thought nothing of them since they've never heard of them. But with players like Tanz, Ash and John, you better start thinking of them more often. James is new to captaining, sort of. He's had experience else where and it shows, else where. PRO is something different though, ask any of the great players or captains, and they'll tell you getting a game plan for PRO is different then anything else (Unless you're BNR and you just toss out 5 superstars and BAM!). James is starting to get used to it though, not playing for 3 wins but now 5. BP it seems would love 3 wins, maybe this entire season. How a team with Ben, James and Pommy manages to go 0-10 is beyond me, but welcome to PRO. This match is a big match for BP here, a third loss here and it'll be a long 7 weeks to finish up. For DS yes they're 0-2 as well, but I see them having less trouble in the future then BP..
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Tuesday @ 7pm
Pool Fiction vs T8BReturns
Sean & co. come into this week with the top record thus far and it really shouldn't change. After early week wins over DS and BP, they get Jordy and his backpack. Jordy as you may know won 4 games to carry last week (God bless this system huh?) over Freedom. Will Jesse make his first appearance in his old interleague? Will a third player win a game for T8B this season? Or will PFN just continue to roll? Players like Conor, Trav, Andy and Chris are just simply too much for Jordy. Yes there is that small chance Jordy has the great night and they dont, and the break falls in Jordys favor, but there is also that chance that PFN just use T8B as toilet paper and continue their great start.
Prediction - 5-2 PFN
Wenesday @ 6pm
Straight Shots vs Sexy Poolerz
SS lost a lengthy match to RM in game 9 last week and look to rebound against a team that were able to knock off a few wins from Break and Run. SS have had a weird start to their season. Only 6 players have been used in their first 2 matches, one of whom is a transfer and was DQ'd in his debut match for SS. You could say after their win over ICA, why fix it if its not broke, but its broke now, so we'll see what kinda depth SS have. SP have the hardest start to PRO10, and havn't done that bad with it. Candi has stepped up nicely for SP with a solid 3-1 start, and will need that to continue if Pete look to do some damage later in the season. Players like Adam & Shaun having a debut to PRO this week will help Pete out a ton, otherwise this this match could be over quick.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Wednesday @ 7pm
International Cue Addiction vs Break and Run
ICA ran into early troubles with MIB last week but were able to get out of it real nicely cruising to the win. If they get into a hole this week, they might as well help their opponents bury them. Minus the DQ on Josh that seems to be half reversed, BnR faired well this past week with a 5-2 victory over SP. While Break and Run don't have the best record in PRO this early, you can't argue against how they are still the best team. The only players to have lost this season in PRO for Break and Run would be more then welcomed to play every week on any other team. Playing every week, is a hot topic in ICA these days. But it shouldn't hurt them too much as ICA are looked at as a team that can beat anyone, including Break and Run. Mike and Nick will be the two key fixtures in this match, and if Nish ever gets to play, these 3 should be able to do damage to BnR, but how much?
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm
Rank Monsters vs Money in the Bank
RM clearly dont have support, but clearly-er they don't need it apparently. Brian carried RM after Miz fielded another 1-1 effort and a samboli character went 0-1 in his debut. Straight-up, RM can't win a season like this let alone the playoffs. These other MSC & SPC players need to show up, or the real Sir Mizzington needs to show up. While MIB havn't produced on the score sheet, they have produced someone to take the PRO site and so far keep it hosted and update the random pages our ADD takes us too. MIB do have good players, and if it's the usual Miz, Brian and a random or two vs MIB, it could easily be 3-2 MIB heading into extra's and anything could happen..
Prediction - 5-4 MIB
Thursday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Latino Pool Legends
Interesting match-up ends the week as we see these two sides square off [obviously]. Freedom are coming off a loss vs Jordy as they just couldn't find anyone to stop him, now they must find a team that can stop a bunch of Jordy-esque players from LPL. LPL ran into trouble with DS but of course with Ant and his serious face >> O.O << then how can you lose? I've been wrong lots so far this season, but most impressively enough has been LPL's early depth, do they have anyone else or is this it now? Players like Adam and Matt will match up nicely with the likes of Si and Ant (If any of the 4 beyond Ant decide to show up) and I have no doubt this will come down to the wire, and since I seem to be on crack, lets turn O.O into :(
Prediction - 5-4 Freedom
Friday, June 11, 2010
Week 2
Monday @ 7pm
Money in the Bank vs International Cue Association
Going into their first match this season, Thomas knew the odds were stacked against him playing against Break and Run, but if he was able to take anything away from the match, it was this: The way to beat the other teams top player, is to play a girl. Whether it holds true not, MIB were facing a 4-0 hole with Luis up to close it out but lost to the Goddess from Iowa. While she couldn't do anything else, the 5-1 defeat for MIB definitely shows Thomas & co. the kind of talent they'll be facing this season. With MIB's most controversial player withdrawing from MIB, brighter days could be ahead for Thomas & co., but they wont come easy. ICA are coming into this match off a tough game 9 loss in which Mike wasn't able to win for his 4th of the night. With players like Shannon, Cam and Craig all losing in their first game, Trey knows that having a talented trio all fall will be rare in occasion, so the loss shouldn't hurt all that much. ICA definitely have a better team then MIB, but you never know with either league. ICA fall in more matches then they should, and with MIB having little to no expectations week in and week out, they definitely surprise us every now and then.
Prediction - 5-2 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Break and Run vs Sexy Poolerz
Coming off a dominating showing this past week, Dina still has plenty of talent to showcase this season and it may be needed this week. Break and Run sport both tournament winners thus far and with players like Stu, Tan, Palp, Sean and even Josh still to play, it gets you wondering if they can be stopped in their conference as the pre-season pick to be their challenge had a rough first week and may not provide that challenge. SP may be lucky to have taken advantage of RM's first match. Coming off a solid win that other leagues may not be able to pull off, SP started their season on the right foot, which is good because it may turn out to be a long season for them. Even though SP had MLP the same night, the talent at the table for PRO was lacking and with players like Ketan showing less and less, is the trio of Ketan, Ste and Shaun all over? Pete will hope it's not and he gets his top 5 to the table for this match or this match could be all over real quick.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Tuesday @ 7pm
Straight Shots vs Rank Monsters
Nicki & co. had a solid first week, squeaking past a talented Mike who almost beat SS single handily. Pita did his part winning the final 2 games for a total of 3. SS have great talent and looking at the 5 who played, any one of other 4 players could do what Pita did on any given night, which they may need this week. More often then not, a leagues first match in years proves to be their worst as its hard to be able to expect what will happen. Brian was only able to show with 4 players against SP, and when your start player in Miz knocks in an early 8 ball, its hard to win. Beyond Miz and himself, Brian didn't have much talent relying on Jess to try and carry the load but she only managed 2 wins against the remaining Sexy Poolerz players. Brian will need to have his talented players show up to this match because while himself and Miz are capable of beating SS themselves, they were also capable of it beating SP themselves as well..
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Tuesday @ 7pm
T8BReturns vs Freedom
After their first matches, these two sides find them selves on opposite ends of the spectrum. T8B ran into a forceful side in LPL failing to win a game. With players like Jase and Jordy losing, Paul & co. never really had a shot at winning. This week they play a Freedom squad that teams may not be able to crack this season like last. Freedom ran through a BP squad last week without losing a single game, and with great new additions like Adam, Corey and Sean, Freedom should have an easier season then last season.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Thursday @ 6pm
Brit Pool vs Pool Fiction
Last weeks 5-0 loss for BP shouldn't be taken too seriously. Players like Pommy, James, Ben and Jeremy will rarely lose on the same night. Coming in this week they do look to take it to PFN who have added some new key players for this season. With players like Chris, Trav and Conor now in their line-up, it'll take quite a lot to take down such a talented team. Sean's biggest worry will need to be Pommy as he is capable of taking down the entire PFN roster. PFN do have a better top to bottom line-up then BP and should be able to take this without question, but BP are certainly capable of the upset.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Thursday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs DeadStrokes
The third and final match from the pacific conference faces yet another big winner vs another big loser. LPL rolled through T8B last week with yet another solid roster, and showing a new addition in Steve. Steve is one of those guys who always starts seasons off really well, but then just stops showing after mid season, Ant will hope PRO is a different case for him as Steve provides him with much needed depth. DS on the other hand will look to rebound and try to crack LPL. If DS are able to bring their top 5 to this match including Ashton, I do see this match going deeper then their last match, but I just can't see DS being able to top all the stars on LPL's squad.
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Money in the Bank vs International Cue Association
Going into their first match this season, Thomas knew the odds were stacked against him playing against Break and Run, but if he was able to take anything away from the match, it was this: The way to beat the other teams top player, is to play a girl. Whether it holds true not, MIB were facing a 4-0 hole with Luis up to close it out but lost to the Goddess from Iowa. While she couldn't do anything else, the 5-1 defeat for MIB definitely shows Thomas & co. the kind of talent they'll be facing this season. With MIB's most controversial player withdrawing from MIB, brighter days could be ahead for Thomas & co., but they wont come easy. ICA are coming into this match off a tough game 9 loss in which Mike wasn't able to win for his 4th of the night. With players like Shannon, Cam and Craig all losing in their first game, Trey knows that having a talented trio all fall will be rare in occasion, so the loss shouldn't hurt all that much. ICA definitely have a better team then MIB, but you never know with either league. ICA fall in more matches then they should, and with MIB having little to no expectations week in and week out, they definitely surprise us every now and then.
Prediction - 5-2 ICA
Tuesday @ 6pm
Break and Run vs Sexy Poolerz
Coming off a dominating showing this past week, Dina still has plenty of talent to showcase this season and it may be needed this week. Break and Run sport both tournament winners thus far and with players like Stu, Tan, Palp, Sean and even Josh still to play, it gets you wondering if they can be stopped in their conference as the pre-season pick to be their challenge had a rough first week and may not provide that challenge. SP may be lucky to have taken advantage of RM's first match. Coming off a solid win that other leagues may not be able to pull off, SP started their season on the right foot, which is good because it may turn out to be a long season for them. Even though SP had MLP the same night, the talent at the table for PRO was lacking and with players like Ketan showing less and less, is the trio of Ketan, Ste and Shaun all over? Pete will hope it's not and he gets his top 5 to the table for this match or this match could be all over real quick.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Tuesday @ 7pm
Straight Shots vs Rank Monsters
Nicki & co. had a solid first week, squeaking past a talented Mike who almost beat SS single handily. Pita did his part winning the final 2 games for a total of 3. SS have great talent and looking at the 5 who played, any one of other 4 players could do what Pita did on any given night, which they may need this week. More often then not, a leagues first match in years proves to be their worst as its hard to be able to expect what will happen. Brian was only able to show with 4 players against SP, and when your start player in Miz knocks in an early 8 ball, its hard to win. Beyond Miz and himself, Brian didn't have much talent relying on Jess to try and carry the load but she only managed 2 wins against the remaining Sexy Poolerz players. Brian will need to have his talented players show up to this match because while himself and Miz are capable of beating SS themselves, they were also capable of it beating SP themselves as well..
Prediction - 5-4 SS
Tuesday @ 7pm
T8BReturns vs Freedom
After their first matches, these two sides find them selves on opposite ends of the spectrum. T8B ran into a forceful side in LPL failing to win a game. With players like Jase and Jordy losing, Paul & co. never really had a shot at winning. This week they play a Freedom squad that teams may not be able to crack this season like last. Freedom ran through a BP squad last week without losing a single game, and with great new additions like Adam, Corey and Sean, Freedom should have an easier season then last season.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Thursday @ 6pm
Brit Pool vs Pool Fiction
Last weeks 5-0 loss for BP shouldn't be taken too seriously. Players like Pommy, James, Ben and Jeremy will rarely lose on the same night. Coming in this week they do look to take it to PFN who have added some new key players for this season. With players like Chris, Trav and Conor now in their line-up, it'll take quite a lot to take down such a talented team. Sean's biggest worry will need to be Pommy as he is capable of taking down the entire PFN roster. PFN do have a better top to bottom line-up then BP and should be able to take this without question, but BP are certainly capable of the upset.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Thursday @ 7pm
Latino Pool Legends vs DeadStrokes
The third and final match from the pacific conference faces yet another big winner vs another big loser. LPL rolled through T8B last week with yet another solid roster, and showing a new addition in Steve. Steve is one of those guys who always starts seasons off really well, but then just stops showing after mid season, Ant will hope PRO is a different case for him as Steve provides him with much needed depth. DS on the other hand will look to rebound and try to crack LPL. If DS are able to bring their top 5 to this match including Ashton, I do see this match going deeper then their last match, but I just can't see DS being able to top all the stars on LPL's squad.
Prediction - 5-2 LPL
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Week 1
Atlantic Conference:
Monday @ 7pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Rank Monsters
What a great way to kick off a new season, a league with a storied history for all the right reasons with lower then usual expectations against a league with a storied history for all the wrong reasons, but with some of the highest expectations around. We all know the talent Sexy Poolerz can possess, so I feel no need to dwell on that, but its RM that will be the main focus for the first few weeks. Many people doubt them, will they show? How will they act? Will they be as good as everyone thinks? Well with Brian running the show, you can expect a full team every week. Their sportsmanship? Brian's a great guy and will lead by example, there will be a few flare-ups without question but I don't see any big drama situations coming up. As for their talent, it is a mystery, for me at least. I know Miz is good, I know Brian is good, but I have no clue who these other MSC and SPC guys are. The "MVP" clan guys are superb, are the "MSC" and "SPC" clans similar? Someone tell me! lol. This will be a great match for RM to get their feet wet as the first time this group will play together, as well as for SP to see how well they'll be to fair this season. I do see Pete coming into this match firing on all cylinders, but I'm going to have to ride the hype in this match-up.
Prediction - 5-3 RM
Tuesday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Straight Shots
Does ICA come into this match with high expectations? Do they think they'll make playoffs? How can you compete without believing you'll make the playoffs? ICA are a group who had high expectations all around interleagues when they were formed with the cream of the crop of both MP and SS coming together as one, plus another odd veggie or two. ICA have underperformed in interleagues around, but have picked up a few more sluggers for PRO. ICA took a big hit with the loss of Conor, and may have another player or two on their way out, but Trey and Shan have brought a few more key players into their line-up in the hopes they'll be able to push ICA over the hump and reach the hype they were given. For SS, it's simple, they're a very talented squad who have a top 5 core that will do extremely well in this carry system. I had explained earlier why they had troubles in MLP but do so well in other leagues, and it's just the format. The 5v5 carry format really does stretch the good teams from the bad, and while some teams rely on one or two to keep them at the top. While SS have no pre-season stand out player, their team as whole will stand out 10 weeks from now.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Wednesday @ 7pm
Money in the Bank vs Break and Run
Two teams that should be on opposite ends of the spectrum start their seasons off with two different mindsets. For MIB, Rich will be giving Thomas a shot at leading his squad, Thomas is young and people have their thoughts about him, but he does have the potential once he learns the ropes. MIB don't have the best team, but they do have a good team that can pose problems for just about any team. For BnR, Dina will be giving Stu a shot at leading a squad she has built up from basically nothing. Stu hasn't had a whole lot of experience captaining, but it doesn't take someone with a Ph. D to captain a team with well, too many weapons. Break and Run shouldn't have much issue topping their conference this season, but it doesn't mean it'll be a walk in the park..
Prediction - 5-2 BnR
Pacific Conference:
Wednesday @ 6pm
Dead Strokes vs Pool Fiction
A very underrated team in DS may be looking to make a big splash against a team that may just be trying to stay afloat. DS come into this match with very few people know, who's on DS, or what is (a) DS, but James (got it this time) leads a squad that has an array of talent that will finally be able to showcase themselves on a grand stage. DS has in a nutshell made the Emerald Division weep with such destruction, and will finally be able to meet competition here in PRO. A team I would like to compare to SS, DS have the lone stand out in Ashton, but beyond him have no clear stars, just solid shooters. DS wont be able to rely on Ashton since he more or less lives on the other side of the world and wont be able to make many matches, but DS are not a team to be taken lightly, many of their players are good for at least one win a night, which brings them to their inexperience of having to carry and win more. Something exciting to learn, but may not be fun at the beginning. A team that has too much experience in PFN will be looking to stay afloat after putting together a sub par PRO9 season in which they would've been down in the cellar with the likes of SPS and EPC if it wasn't for Miz carrying PFN to 3 matches himself. While he's gone, Conors in, along with the likes of Chris and choke. Two vet's of the game should give Sean that extra fire power to make the "likes of SPS and EPC" comment look like complete foolery. A great match-up for both sides as they get a feel for how the season may go for them, but for the score itself, you can't go wrong with experience.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 7pm
T8B Returns vs Latino Pool Legends
T8B had returned a while ago, and while many of the new faces in pool are asking what returned, many of the elder ones are welcoming back a great group of people who compete hard. T8B have had limited competition since their return, a few weeks in MLP after replacing MIB. They havn't done all that bad, apart from an 0-7 loss to LPL over a month ago, but PRO is much different then MLP and all it takes is one win for the train to start rolling in PRO. T8B do have good players that can help push T8B up the standings, but that all depends on if they show. T8B have an array of players who have no issue playing in interleagues, but some are much better then others. For LPL, they're all damn good, they just have an issue with their lack of players who can show. Steve will be a great addition as he is on more often then not and adds solid depth to a great team, but it seems he is the only addition to this roster. LPL wont have an issue during the season reaching the top of the standings, but they'll need to pull a player or two out of a hat to avoid only having 5 eligible for the playoffs like last season.
Prediction - 5-1 LPL
Thursday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Brit Pool
To round up the first week we see two Canucks square off. I must admit, both leagues have great stories behind them and in the past I've written more about Drew & Petey then J.K. Rowling has for Mista Potta, but for either team to succeed this season, both Drew & Petey will need to depend on others. Freedom definitely has a larger supporting cast, but it's Y!Pool so who knows how long this team can stick together, but Freedom definitely has improved since last season. While Ash more or less retiring will hurt Freedom as his 10 win season will be dearly missed, key players from X8B (theme of this match) in Corey, Adam, Dan and Mikey as well as other pick-ups gives Petey depth, something that he was without last season. Whether having his roster size double in the off season is a good or bad thing, it's a step in the right direction. The other part of X8B, the duo that brought them all together, could play directly against those players on Thursday night. Ben & James will hope that keeping the majority of UIC's best team together, will translate into the same here in PRO. One of the best captaining duo's bring much needed leadership and experience to Brandi & Drew's squad, making sure last-minute eligibility runs will not be an issue for this season. Much like DS, BP has no choice but to rely on their big gun from the other side of the world in the Pomster. BP will instantly become much better when he shows his face at the table, but how many tables he'll see this season is a big question. This match should be entertaining as usual as both Drew & Petey will look for any way to gain bragging rights, the match itself though will come down to who Petey will be able to play and if the Pomster will make an appearance.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Monday @ 7pm
Sexy Poolerz vs Rank Monsters
What a great way to kick off a new season, a league with a storied history for all the right reasons with lower then usual expectations against a league with a storied history for all the wrong reasons, but with some of the highest expectations around. We all know the talent Sexy Poolerz can possess, so I feel no need to dwell on that, but its RM that will be the main focus for the first few weeks. Many people doubt them, will they show? How will they act? Will they be as good as everyone thinks? Well with Brian running the show, you can expect a full team every week. Their sportsmanship? Brian's a great guy and will lead by example, there will be a few flare-ups without question but I don't see any big drama situations coming up. As for their talent, it is a mystery, for me at least. I know Miz is good, I know Brian is good, but I have no clue who these other MSC and SPC guys are. The "MVP" clan guys are superb, are the "MSC" and "SPC" clans similar? Someone tell me! lol. This will be a great match for RM to get their feet wet as the first time this group will play together, as well as for SP to see how well they'll be to fair this season. I do see Pete coming into this match firing on all cylinders, but I'm going to have to ride the hype in this match-up.
Prediction - 5-3 RM
Tuesday @ 7pm
International Cue Association vs Straight Shots
Does ICA come into this match with high expectations? Do they think they'll make playoffs? How can you compete without believing you'll make the playoffs? ICA are a group who had high expectations all around interleagues when they were formed with the cream of the crop of both MP and SS coming together as one, plus another odd veggie or two. ICA have underperformed in interleagues around, but have picked up a few more sluggers for PRO. ICA took a big hit with the loss of Conor, and may have another player or two on their way out, but Trey and Shan have brought a few more key players into their line-up in the hopes they'll be able to push ICA over the hump and reach the hype they were given. For SS, it's simple, they're a very talented squad who have a top 5 core that will do extremely well in this carry system. I had explained earlier why they had troubles in MLP but do so well in other leagues, and it's just the format. The 5v5 carry format really does stretch the good teams from the bad, and while some teams rely on one or two to keep them at the top. While SS have no pre-season stand out player, their team as whole will stand out 10 weeks from now.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Wednesday @ 7pm
Money in the Bank vs Break and Run
Two teams that should be on opposite ends of the spectrum start their seasons off with two different mindsets. For MIB, Rich will be giving Thomas a shot at leading his squad, Thomas is young and people have their thoughts about him, but he does have the potential once he learns the ropes. MIB don't have the best team, but they do have a good team that can pose problems for just about any team. For BnR, Dina will be giving Stu a shot at leading a squad she has built up from basically nothing. Stu hasn't had a whole lot of experience captaining, but it doesn't take someone with a Ph. D to captain a team with well, too many weapons. Break and Run shouldn't have much issue topping their conference this season, but it doesn't mean it'll be a walk in the park..
Prediction - 5-2 BnR
Pacific Conference:
Wednesday @ 6pm
Dead Strokes vs Pool Fiction
A very underrated team in DS may be looking to make a big splash against a team that may just be trying to stay afloat. DS come into this match with very few people know, who's on DS, or what is (a) DS, but James (got it this time) leads a squad that has an array of talent that will finally be able to showcase themselves on a grand stage. DS has in a nutshell made the Emerald Division weep with such destruction, and will finally be able to meet competition here in PRO. A team I would like to compare to SS, DS have the lone stand out in Ashton, but beyond him have no clear stars, just solid shooters. DS wont be able to rely on Ashton since he more or less lives on the other side of the world and wont be able to make many matches, but DS are not a team to be taken lightly, many of their players are good for at least one win a night, which brings them to their inexperience of having to carry and win more. Something exciting to learn, but may not be fun at the beginning. A team that has too much experience in PFN will be looking to stay afloat after putting together a sub par PRO9 season in which they would've been down in the cellar with the likes of SPS and EPC if it wasn't for Miz carrying PFN to 3 matches himself. While he's gone, Conors in, along with the likes of Chris and choke. Two vet's of the game should give Sean that extra fire power to make the "likes of SPS and EPC" comment look like complete foolery. A great match-up for both sides as they get a feel for how the season may go for them, but for the score itself, you can't go wrong with experience.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Wednesday @ 7pm
T8B Returns vs Latino Pool Legends
T8B had returned a while ago, and while many of the new faces in pool are asking what returned, many of the elder ones are welcoming back a great group of people who compete hard. T8B have had limited competition since their return, a few weeks in MLP after replacing MIB. They havn't done all that bad, apart from an 0-7 loss to LPL over a month ago, but PRO is much different then MLP and all it takes is one win for the train to start rolling in PRO. T8B do have good players that can help push T8B up the standings, but that all depends on if they show. T8B have an array of players who have no issue playing in interleagues, but some are much better then others. For LPL, they're all damn good, they just have an issue with their lack of players who can show. Steve will be a great addition as he is on more often then not and adds solid depth to a great team, but it seems he is the only addition to this roster. LPL wont have an issue during the season reaching the top of the standings, but they'll need to pull a player or two out of a hat to avoid only having 5 eligible for the playoffs like last season.
Prediction - 5-1 LPL
Thursday @ 7pm
Freedom vs Brit Pool
To round up the first week we see two Canucks square off. I must admit, both leagues have great stories behind them and in the past I've written more about Drew & Petey then J.K. Rowling has for Mista Potta, but for either team to succeed this season, both Drew & Petey will need to depend on others. Freedom definitely has a larger supporting cast, but it's Y!Pool so who knows how long this team can stick together, but Freedom definitely has improved since last season. While Ash more or less retiring will hurt Freedom as his 10 win season will be dearly missed, key players from X8B (theme of this match) in Corey, Adam, Dan and Mikey as well as other pick-ups gives Petey depth, something that he was without last season. Whether having his roster size double in the off season is a good or bad thing, it's a step in the right direction. The other part of X8B, the duo that brought them all together, could play directly against those players on Thursday night. Ben & James will hope that keeping the majority of UIC's best team together, will translate into the same here in PRO. One of the best captaining duo's bring much needed leadership and experience to Brandi & Drew's squad, making sure last-minute eligibility runs will not be an issue for this season. Much like DS, BP has no choice but to rely on their big gun from the other side of the world in the Pomster. BP will instantly become much better when he shows his face at the table, but how many tables he'll see this season is a big question. This match should be entertaining as usual as both Drew & Petey will look for any way to gain bragging rights, the match itself though will come down to who Petey will be able to play and if the Pomster will make an appearance.
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
I'm a PRO, not retired!
Apologies to the playoffs last season in PRO where it may have seemed I had vanished for good but alas, just like Slim Shady, guess who's back?
Thus far it seems PRO has been doing everything right coming towards their 10th season. With a revamped site, with a massive admin list, there will be expectations for PRO10, and high ones at that. With now 4 weekday interleagues, it does seem a bit strenuous to find leagues and have an active interleague, with MLP having 10 teams (9 for the last portion with UO dropping out), WSOP containing 10 leagues that seem to be in interleagues everywhere, and WPC whom will be starting up again in due time. For PRO to have 12 leagues is a daring feat. The now largest interleague can say they are the largest, but as we've seen in the past, any of those 12 can drop from an interleague and it may be hard to replace it. So why is there so much more interest in PRO then any other interleague today? Is it the exciting type of match play? Is it the charisma of the leadership team to attract so many leagues? Or are some of the leagues, only joining on the basis they think they will be able to show rather then the ability to know they can. Either way, with 12 teams jammed in a 10 week season, PRO has definitely taken a stride or two in the right direction.
Atlantic Division
1st - Break and Run
The returning champs shouldn't have a problem this season either. With no one from their previous team changing leagues, and the addition of CK (even if it's in only MLP for now), Dina seems confident enough to allow Stu to captain. Stu definitely doesn't have as much experience as Dina, but he's more and more active these days so he's getting to know the leagues better, so as long as he thinks out his decisions, Break and Run shouldn't have any trouble with an 8-9 or even 10 win season.
2nd - Straight Shots
Shocking? Hardly. Look at the difference between the 5v5 interleagues that SS compete in compared to their MLP one. SS have an amazing core 5 in Jon, Pascal, Pita, Chris and Kazi. But after that you have talented but inconsistent players. SS should thrive here even if their top 5 doesn't compete for an MVP title, it's the fact that even if one or two mess up and have a horrible week, Nicki knows she has another 3 capable of snagging 2-3 wins each.
3rd - Rank Monsters
Will RM be PRO's biggest mistake? Or will RM become PRO's best accomplishment? We already see the HA jumping on to ref their first match, but what if there is a snow storm this summer for him and he cant make it to ref? Will whoever ref them be capable of keeping them under control? Or will Brian keep his team under control himself? Either way, RM have great talent in Miz and Brian, but beyond that are too many unknowns, so we'll have to see.
4th - International Cue Association
With the departure of Conor to PFN, ICA take a really big hit in losing an MVP candidate and will now have to play along the line of SS, in the way they need their top 5 every week to show since they don't have a true player who can 5-0 on any given week. Shannon will need to step up and try to take that roll for Trey.
5th - Sexy Poolerz
SP's team has been similar over the years, winning all the time and not changing a thing, but now for some reason they've been faltering. With players like Ketan, Ste, and Pete not being as good as they once were, or not adapting to the new way of interleague gaming, SP haven't been winning as they once were. SP are one of the most active leagues in PRO so having 5 to the table wont be an issue, and while they have players like Shaggy who can come in and get 3-4 wins, it'll be up to the newer guys to help the vet's out here.
6th - Money in the Bank
With no dream team, Rich enters this season with no expectations, apart from the ones I'll give them. MIB have recovered long ago from that Dream Team disaster and have found some gems with a few players. While they haven't been doing so well in other interleagues, PRO is different in the sense that one good day by one or two players could mean a win, rather then a loss in the other interleagues. Players like Stevie, Eddie, FLASHTOO, and pool.hall are all capable of winning 2-3 on any given night, PRO is very competitive this season and while I show them in 6th, a 4th place finish isn't out of the question. Hell, if they take it to ICA and SP and put in great efforts against RM and SS, a 3rd place finish would be a Cinderella run indeed, but in their capabilities.
Pacific Division
1st - Latino Pool Legends
Last season's runner-ups in both the season and the playoffs should have no problem putting together another solid season and going deep into the playoffs once again. Their only loss it seems from this past season is Craig, and it will be a big hit. Last season LPL had depth issues with a small roster and with an active Craig gone, LPL may have a few weeks with a player short. Even with such a talented group of players, LPL shouldn't have an issue finishing in the top 2 of this group.
2nd - Pool Fiction
Miz gone, Conor in. Comparable? Sean has done very well in replacing Miz, but without many other changes, Conor will have to put in a similar season to Miz if PFN looks to do better then last seasons rough finish. PFN almost missed the playoffs due to the lack of skilled depth in their team, but with mr_camtasia's return, PFN will have that extra support and should avoid making the playoffs in the final week of the season.
3rd - Freedom
So here it gets interesting, with the next 4 teams all capable of replacing one another, I don't have too much confidence in any of these placings. Freedom came into last season 1 week behind (their second week a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the champions), but were able to put together a great season to make the playoffs. Freedom pick up a few X8B players to help replace Ash (unless he makes a miraculous return), so Freedom seems to be the best fit for this spot. Last season they had the most amount of game 9's, so with the additions I see many of those game 9's either being avoided or won in their direction.
4th - DeadStrokes
Ashton. Will their marquee player be on enough to help DS out in PRO or is it just too late for him? DS have just destroyed the emerald division in UIC thus far and it's not due to a lack of talent in the other teams. Players like Chuck, J, Alex and xXxGx0xDxXx will be enough for DS to compete with the likes of Freedom, PFN and even LPL. DS are a surprising force who I can see finishing in second without an issue, but many of these players are new to the carry format, so it'll be interesting to see how Chuck approaches captaining this interleague.
5th - Brit Pool
Their captain sounds like a stripper, I like these guys already. With X8B out, BP get to basically carry their UIC roster over to PRO. Good news for them, bad news for the rest. Pommy will no doubt be the key player for BP and with BP having the majority of their matches @ 6pm, Pommy will be a key player for them, so why are they predicted so low? Player support, and how competitive this division can be. The majority of BP's players are good for one win most of the time, but it's games 6-9 (lol 69) that make or break teams. Pommy will be looked upon for those late games, but he cant do it alone, or can he?
6th - T8BReturns
Who? Well if you don't know, you live under a rock. The old PRO HA makes his return to PRO as a player of T8B. An active league that contains a few old PL players have made a splash in MLP picking up a few wins there, and now get to wet their feet in PRO. If Jordy chooses not to play with T8B in PRO, then T8B will be without a true stand out player. T8B have the skill to take 3rd, but like BP, it'll be the late games that will make or break this side.
Thus far it seems PRO has been doing everything right coming towards their 10th season. With a revamped site, with a massive admin list, there will be expectations for PRO10, and high ones at that. With now 4 weekday interleagues, it does seem a bit strenuous to find leagues and have an active interleague, with MLP having 10 teams (9 for the last portion with UO dropping out), WSOP containing 10 leagues that seem to be in interleagues everywhere, and WPC whom will be starting up again in due time. For PRO to have 12 leagues is a daring feat. The now largest interleague can say they are the largest, but as we've seen in the past, any of those 12 can drop from an interleague and it may be hard to replace it. So why is there so much more interest in PRO then any other interleague today? Is it the exciting type of match play? Is it the charisma of the leadership team to attract so many leagues? Or are some of the leagues, only joining on the basis they think they will be able to show rather then the ability to know they can. Either way, with 12 teams jammed in a 10 week season, PRO has definitely taken a stride or two in the right direction.
Atlantic Division
1st - Break and Run
The returning champs shouldn't have a problem this season either. With no one from their previous team changing leagues, and the addition of CK (even if it's in only MLP for now), Dina seems confident enough to allow Stu to captain. Stu definitely doesn't have as much experience as Dina, but he's more and more active these days so he's getting to know the leagues better, so as long as he thinks out his decisions, Break and Run shouldn't have any trouble with an 8-9 or even 10 win season.
2nd - Straight Shots
Shocking? Hardly. Look at the difference between the 5v5 interleagues that SS compete in compared to their MLP one. SS have an amazing core 5 in Jon, Pascal, Pita, Chris and Kazi. But after that you have talented but inconsistent players. SS should thrive here even if their top 5 doesn't compete for an MVP title, it's the fact that even if one or two mess up and have a horrible week, Nicki knows she has another 3 capable of snagging 2-3 wins each.
3rd - Rank Monsters
Will RM be PRO's biggest mistake? Or will RM become PRO's best accomplishment? We already see the HA jumping on to ref their first match, but what if there is a snow storm this summer for him and he cant make it to ref? Will whoever ref them be capable of keeping them under control? Or will Brian keep his team under control himself? Either way, RM have great talent in Miz and Brian, but beyond that are too many unknowns, so we'll have to see.
4th - International Cue Association
With the departure of Conor to PFN, ICA take a really big hit in losing an MVP candidate and will now have to play along the line of SS, in the way they need their top 5 every week to show since they don't have a true player who can 5-0 on any given week. Shannon will need to step up and try to take that roll for Trey.
5th - Sexy Poolerz
SP's team has been similar over the years, winning all the time and not changing a thing, but now for some reason they've been faltering. With players like Ketan, Ste, and Pete not being as good as they once were, or not adapting to the new way of interleague gaming, SP haven't been winning as they once were. SP are one of the most active leagues in PRO so having 5 to the table wont be an issue, and while they have players like Shaggy who can come in and get 3-4 wins, it'll be up to the newer guys to help the vet's out here.
6th - Money in the Bank
With no dream team, Rich enters this season with no expectations, apart from the ones I'll give them. MIB have recovered long ago from that Dream Team disaster and have found some gems with a few players. While they haven't been doing so well in other interleagues, PRO is different in the sense that one good day by one or two players could mean a win, rather then a loss in the other interleagues. Players like Stevie, Eddie, FLASHTOO, and pool.hall are all capable of winning 2-3 on any given night, PRO is very competitive this season and while I show them in 6th, a 4th place finish isn't out of the question. Hell, if they take it to ICA and SP and put in great efforts against RM and SS, a 3rd place finish would be a Cinderella run indeed, but in their capabilities.
Pacific Division
1st - Latino Pool Legends
Last season's runner-ups in both the season and the playoffs should have no problem putting together another solid season and going deep into the playoffs once again. Their only loss it seems from this past season is Craig, and it will be a big hit. Last season LPL had depth issues with a small roster and with an active Craig gone, LPL may have a few weeks with a player short. Even with such a talented group of players, LPL shouldn't have an issue finishing in the top 2 of this group.
2nd - Pool Fiction
Miz gone, Conor in. Comparable? Sean has done very well in replacing Miz, but without many other changes, Conor will have to put in a similar season to Miz if PFN looks to do better then last seasons rough finish. PFN almost missed the playoffs due to the lack of skilled depth in their team, but with mr_camtasia's return, PFN will have that extra support and should avoid making the playoffs in the final week of the season.
3rd - Freedom
So here it gets interesting, with the next 4 teams all capable of replacing one another, I don't have too much confidence in any of these placings. Freedom came into last season 1 week behind (their second week a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the champions), but were able to put together a great season to make the playoffs. Freedom pick up a few X8B players to help replace Ash (unless he makes a miraculous return), so Freedom seems to be the best fit for this spot. Last season they had the most amount of game 9's, so with the additions I see many of those game 9's either being avoided or won in their direction.
4th - DeadStrokes
Ashton. Will their marquee player be on enough to help DS out in PRO or is it just too late for him? DS have just destroyed the emerald division in UIC thus far and it's not due to a lack of talent in the other teams. Players like Chuck, J, Alex and xXxGx0xDxXx will be enough for DS to compete with the likes of Freedom, PFN and even LPL. DS are a surprising force who I can see finishing in second without an issue, but many of these players are new to the carry format, so it'll be interesting to see how Chuck approaches captaining this interleague.
5th - Brit Pool
Their captain sounds like a stripper, I like these guys already. With X8B out, BP get to basically carry their UIC roster over to PRO. Good news for them, bad news for the rest. Pommy will no doubt be the key player for BP and with BP having the majority of their matches @ 6pm, Pommy will be a key player for them, so why are they predicted so low? Player support, and how competitive this division can be. The majority of BP's players are good for one win most of the time, but it's games 6-9 (lol 69) that make or break teams. Pommy will be looked upon for those late games, but he cant do it alone, or can he?
6th - T8BReturns
Who? Well if you don't know, you live under a rock. The old PRO HA makes his return to PRO as a player of T8B. An active league that contains a few old PL players have made a splash in MLP picking up a few wins there, and now get to wet their feet in PRO. If Jordy chooses not to play with T8B in PRO, then T8B will be without a true stand out player. T8B have the skill to take 3rd, but like BP, it'll be the late games that will make or break this side.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Week 9
Last week rules seemed to be changing daily, and while the rules seem to be ironed out, the standings may very well change night after night in this final week of season 9.
While this season is still "far" from finished, it isn't hard to look ahead. While this season had hiccups, it has definitely set PRO up to succeed just like Jesse wanted. Jack, Petey & the rest of the admins have all put in more time into this interleague then expected and it's paying off. With the rumours of next season going back to a two division system, among other classic-pro characteristics, PRO 10 should be much anticipated.
As for the MVP race, it's really up in the air as to who gets it as games played differs week to week for every individual. Will how their team finished be a deciding factor? Will win %, number of team carries, etc make a difference? Who knows, but here are my top candidates for the regular season MVP:
bnr_luckyslam4 (7-3) - Jason has been consistent as ever being one of Dina's favoured players week after week. "Unfortunately" for him BnR havn't been going deep into games like everyone else so the opportunity for extra wins just havn't been there.
bnr_zl_stu_lz (6-2) - Not as good of a record, but Stu has been there when its counted and could do some damage if he's playing late this week.
fr_exquisite.ashie (9-4) - If Ash is able to crack the double digit club in wins this week and help Freedom get into the playoffs, he should be one of the top-top candidates. His carry against LPL shouldn't be taken lightly, but his inconsistency may be his downfall.
lpl_mvp_sicc (9-4) - Has carried LPL to a few wins this season, including one 4 win carry I do believe.
mib_ReallyBigAssNegro (10-5) - Mike has been the only consistent thing for MIB this week and if he shows this week he should be able to add another win or two to his total. He has had a few bad losses though which may put him a step back.
pfn_msc_masta (10-2) - Probably the front runner as he has put PFN on his back lately and has carried the load. With a few clinches already and a carry already, his 4-1 vs LPL this past week pushes him right up the list.
tc_safdarbandali (7-0) - Responsible for TC's only two wins this season, has been a lights out new comer to interleagues and is TC's jewel.
x8b_boo420man (9-3) - In my opinion the most consistent player in this field, Robby has been clutch for X8B when it has counted most and while he has played his bad shots at times, it is the great shots that get him out of the mess that we remember him for. If Rob is playing late in the match this season and is the deciding factor as to whether or not X8B get in, he may very well have my meaningless-vote.
With tie breakers going off the head-to-head system, this week we can see a new #1, as well as spots 5, 6, & 7 being entirely wide open for the 3 teams currently holding them. Seeds for a first round bye are still wide open, and quite frankly as Trey posted, not much is secured in terms of where a team will find themselves.
Monday @ 6pm - Pool Fiction [#6 - 4-4] @ Latino Pool Legends [#3 - 5-3]
While LPL sit third and can stay there without a problem, and PFN can jump as high as fourth going into the playoffs, the loser of this match will have a tall task in the playoffs, should they make it. Miz was unable to go the distance against BnR as his 4 wins just weren't enough against such a strong squad. PFN play MLP an hour after this match starts so while they will have to multi-task late in this match, Sean & Kerry are more then capable of steering both ships and with a deep roster, they wont have to worry about players getting their match in, apart from Miz who looks to be a key man in both PRO and MLP this Monday night. Last week I noted Andy under PFN's predictions, and he corrected me, but I'll have to do the same this week. While Andy will be playing MLP for PFN on Monday, PRO will be a different story as now PFN watch and spend 2 hours watching Andy's miraculous shots and "attempts" at others. LPL are coming off a game 9 loss to X8B and seem to be heading in the wrong direction now. LPL on paper shouldn't have a problem against teams but it's the lack of care and focus some players have, most notably Craig who doesn't seem to care to play, but is there for more of the social focus. Ant will need a 5 that can focus tonight and with home, he shouldn't have a problem in taking this to a game 7/8/9 where from there it's just a matter of who gets break.
Prediction - 5-4 LPL
Monday @ 7pm - Money in the Bank [#4 - 5-3] @ Simply Pool Souls [#10 - 1-7]
A few weeks ago this would be a no brainer, now? With the majority of MIB's players just about done, Rich leads a team that has question marks around them until they show up. Mike and Conor were the only 2 MIB players from the first half of the season who played last week, and while they can carry if they try, if one of them goes down it could be a tall order. While SPS were blanked last week, the score doesn't do them total justice. Many of the games could have gone the other way if SPS were able to make a key shot. With MIB playing essentially its D team, if Jason & Heather are able to bring their best, this match should be pretty exciting and go deep.
Prediction - Lets go out on a limb and say 5-3 SPS
Tuesday @ 7pm - True Champs [#9 - 2-6] @ Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-6]
While both sides have been eliminated, pride is certainly at stake here. Safrad has been simply lights out for TC this season and if he is able to play the majority of next season, TC could very well be in the playoffs next season. The problem I see with this match is EPC not caring to show up, and if they do it may not be in full. They had more players then their opponents last week, but it seems they were just outmatched, concluding a rather tough season for Jack & company.
Prediction - 5-3 TC
Wednesday @ 7pm - Magic Pool [#2 - 6-2] @ Break n Run [#1 - 7-1]
Match of the week right here as the winner gets the better pixelated trophy for the regular season first place finish and is home throughout the playoffs (barring match 2 of the bo3 finals). MP have been coming on strong and have had some great wins, while their losses have been due to them just beating themselves. Last week MP had to deal with PRO & WPC at the same time, as well as many of their players playing in MLP, and this week it may be the same. MP start their WPC match for the #1 spot in WPC just an hour before the start of this. Last week they came away with two big wins, but they played SPS in PRO & Freedom in WPC, so this week will be a much tougher task. Jordy will be playing Break n Run for the second time in 3 days and should be able to give Trey much needed advice in beating such a tough team. Dina is known for getting as many people as she can eligible, and with 3 players needing one more match, you should expect her to get at least 2 of them to the table. The combined 5-2 record for the 3 isn't bad, but if Dina wants to keep that 1 seed after 8 weeks of hard work, she'll need to focus more on bringing the players to win rather then players for the post season. The duo's of Jason & Stu as well as Croz & Jordy should give us a great show, as both have a solid supporting cast and this match can go either way.
Prediction - 5-4 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm - Xtreme 8Ball [#5 - 4-4] @ Freedom [#7 - 4-4]
We've already had the match of the week, so how about the match of the season? If Pool Fiction lose their game, then its possible for both these sides to get in, but for Freedom it's a must win regardless of the Monday-night outcome. X8B were able to clinch a playoff spot last week with a big win over LPL, and Ben & James find themselves with 4 players with 2 matches each so far. Going with X8B's past year of play-off failures, one would think those 4 would be top priority, but Ben eats pickles before every match, so who knows what that guy will do next. What I do know though, is that his opposing captain will pick a peck of pickled peppers. (This got weird real quick huh?) Peter is no stranger to being on the playoff bubble as for almost every season in UIC it seems I wrote about Freedom needing to win out. Freedom were able to win big last week against EPC, and now it all comes down to this weeks match. Judging off Freedoms recent league activity they may have a few old timers back for this match, but will rust be a factor? Or will they even show at all? Ash has done a lot of talking this season about carrying, and his record doesn't disappoint, but he'll need to be at his best here. If Petey, Hope & Ash can all play like they can, the X8B dream team may be evaporating quicker then expected.
Prediction - 5-4 Freedom
Clinched a play-off spot / Holding a play-off spot / Chasing a play-off spot / Eliminated from play-offs
While this season is still "far" from finished, it isn't hard to look ahead. While this season had hiccups, it has definitely set PRO up to succeed just like Jesse wanted. Jack, Petey & the rest of the admins have all put in more time into this interleague then expected and it's paying off. With the rumours of next season going back to a two division system, among other classic-pro characteristics, PRO 10 should be much anticipated.
As for the MVP race, it's really up in the air as to who gets it as games played differs week to week for every individual. Will how their team finished be a deciding factor? Will win %, number of team carries, etc make a difference? Who knows, but here are my top candidates for the regular season MVP:
bnr_luckyslam4 (7-3) - Jason has been consistent as ever being one of Dina's favoured players week after week. "Unfortunately" for him BnR havn't been going deep into games like everyone else so the opportunity for extra wins just havn't been there.
bnr_zl_stu_lz (6-2) - Not as good of a record, but Stu has been there when its counted and could do some damage if he's playing late this week.
fr_exquisite.ashie (9-4) - If Ash is able to crack the double digit club in wins this week and help Freedom get into the playoffs, he should be one of the top-top candidates. His carry against LPL shouldn't be taken lightly, but his inconsistency may be his downfall.
lpl_mvp_sicc (9-4) - Has carried LPL to a few wins this season, including one 4 win carry I do believe.
mib_ReallyBigAssNegro (10-5) - Mike has been the only consistent thing for MIB this week and if he shows this week he should be able to add another win or two to his total. He has had a few bad losses though which may put him a step back.
pfn_msc_masta (10-2) - Probably the front runner as he has put PFN on his back lately and has carried the load. With a few clinches already and a carry already, his 4-1 vs LPL this past week pushes him right up the list.
tc_safdarbandali (7-0) - Responsible for TC's only two wins this season, has been a lights out new comer to interleagues and is TC's jewel.
x8b_boo420man (9-3) - In my opinion the most consistent player in this field, Robby has been clutch for X8B when it has counted most and while he has played his bad shots at times, it is the great shots that get him out of the mess that we remember him for. If Rob is playing late in the match this season and is the deciding factor as to whether or not X8B get in, he may very well have my meaningless-vote.
With tie breakers going off the head-to-head system, this week we can see a new #1, as well as spots 5, 6, & 7 being entirely wide open for the 3 teams currently holding them. Seeds for a first round bye are still wide open, and quite frankly as Trey posted, not much is secured in terms of where a team will find themselves.
Monday @ 6pm - Pool Fiction [#6 - 4-4] @ Latino Pool Legends [#3 - 5-3]
While LPL sit third and can stay there without a problem, and PFN can jump as high as fourth going into the playoffs, the loser of this match will have a tall task in the playoffs, should they make it. Miz was unable to go the distance against BnR as his 4 wins just weren't enough against such a strong squad. PFN play MLP an hour after this match starts so while they will have to multi-task late in this match, Sean & Kerry are more then capable of steering both ships and with a deep roster, they wont have to worry about players getting their match in, apart from Miz who looks to be a key man in both PRO and MLP this Monday night. Last week I noted Andy under PFN's predictions, and he corrected me, but I'll have to do the same this week. While Andy will be playing MLP for PFN on Monday, PRO will be a different story as now PFN watch and spend 2 hours watching Andy's miraculous shots and "attempts" at others. LPL are coming off a game 9 loss to X8B and seem to be heading in the wrong direction now. LPL on paper shouldn't have a problem against teams but it's the lack of care and focus some players have, most notably Craig who doesn't seem to care to play, but is there for more of the social focus. Ant will need a 5 that can focus tonight and with home, he shouldn't have a problem in taking this to a game 7/8/9 where from there it's just a matter of who gets break.
Prediction - 5-4 LPL
Monday @ 7pm - Money in the Bank [#4 - 5-3] @ Simply Pool Souls [#10 - 1-7]
A few weeks ago this would be a no brainer, now? With the majority of MIB's players just about done, Rich leads a team that has question marks around them until they show up. Mike and Conor were the only 2 MIB players from the first half of the season who played last week, and while they can carry if they try, if one of them goes down it could be a tall order. While SPS were blanked last week, the score doesn't do them total justice. Many of the games could have gone the other way if SPS were able to make a key shot. With MIB playing essentially its D team, if Jason & Heather are able to bring their best, this match should be pretty exciting and go deep.
Prediction - Lets go out on a limb and say 5-3 SPS
Tuesday @ 7pm - True Champs [#9 - 2-6] @ Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-6]
While both sides have been eliminated, pride is certainly at stake here. Safrad has been simply lights out for TC this season and if he is able to play the majority of next season, TC could very well be in the playoffs next season. The problem I see with this match is EPC not caring to show up, and if they do it may not be in full. They had more players then their opponents last week, but it seems they were just outmatched, concluding a rather tough season for Jack & company.
Prediction - 5-3 TC
Wednesday @ 7pm - Magic Pool [#2 - 6-2] @ Break n Run [#1 - 7-1]
Match of the week right here as the winner gets the better pixelated trophy for the regular season first place finish and is home throughout the playoffs (barring match 2 of the bo3 finals). MP have been coming on strong and have had some great wins, while their losses have been due to them just beating themselves. Last week MP had to deal with PRO & WPC at the same time, as well as many of their players playing in MLP, and this week it may be the same. MP start their WPC match for the #1 spot in WPC just an hour before the start of this. Last week they came away with two big wins, but they played SPS in PRO & Freedom in WPC, so this week will be a much tougher task. Jordy will be playing Break n Run for the second time in 3 days and should be able to give Trey much needed advice in beating such a tough team. Dina is known for getting as many people as she can eligible, and with 3 players needing one more match, you should expect her to get at least 2 of them to the table. The combined 5-2 record for the 3 isn't bad, but if Dina wants to keep that 1 seed after 8 weeks of hard work, she'll need to focus more on bringing the players to win rather then players for the post season. The duo's of Jason & Stu as well as Croz & Jordy should give us a great show, as both have a solid supporting cast and this match can go either way.
Prediction - 5-4 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm - Xtreme 8Ball [#5 - 4-4] @ Freedom [#7 - 4-4]
We've already had the match of the week, so how about the match of the season? If Pool Fiction lose their game, then its possible for both these sides to get in, but for Freedom it's a must win regardless of the Monday-night outcome. X8B were able to clinch a playoff spot last week with a big win over LPL, and Ben & James find themselves with 4 players with 2 matches each so far. Going with X8B's past year of play-off failures, one would think those 4 would be top priority, but Ben eats pickles before every match, so who knows what that guy will do next. What I do know though, is that his opposing captain will pick a peck of pickled peppers. (This got weird real quick huh?) Peter is no stranger to being on the playoff bubble as for almost every season in UIC it seems I wrote about Freedom needing to win out. Freedom were able to win big last week against EPC, and now it all comes down to this weeks match. Judging off Freedoms recent league activity they may have a few old timers back for this match, but will rust be a factor? Or will they even show at all? Ash has done a lot of talking this season about carrying, and his record doesn't disappoint, but he'll need to be at his best here. If Petey, Hope & Ash can all play like they can, the X8B dream team may be evaporating quicker then expected.
Prediction - 5-4 Freedom
Clinched a play-off spot / Holding a play-off spot / Chasing a play-off spot / Eliminated from play-offs
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Week 8
With the biggest 3 matches all on Thursday, this Monday really is going to suck to start a week..
Monday @ 7pm - Simply Pool Souls [#10 - 1-6] vs Magic Pool [#2 - 5-2]
After picking up a 2-0 lead vs a Freedom squad last week and making it seem like SPS were on to something, they squandered it away and lost the following 5 games. SPS have potential and should improve their records in interleagues around quite a bit over the next few months. MP on the other hand, have risen to the top of interleagues around and this match may become heated with how a few MP players have taken Heathers predictions. If there isn't much squabble and pool is played, MP shouldn't have much trouble here..
Prediction - 5-1 MP
Tuesday @ 7pm - True Champs [#9 - 2-5] vs Money in the Bank [#5 - 4-3]
Two leagues heading in completely different directions here. TC pulled off a massive upset thanks to their new addition safdarbandali. He was able to wheel in 4 wins against X8B shocking Ben & James quite a bit. For MIB, it's a season of what if. MIB were finally clicking in the form we had all hyped & expected from such a talented squad, but it seems they just couldn't hold together. The withdrawal of Pommy left Mike in charge who scraped a team together who just couldn't get a decent showing vs MP. Players in interleagues around from MIB are jumping ship before its too late, and while it's too late to switch leagues here, one wonders if we'll see Mike try and show with a good squad or we'll be seeing Rich & company for the final 2 weeks + playoffs.
Prediction - 5-3 TC
Thursday @6pm - Pool Fiction [#4 - 4-3] vs Break and Run [#1 - 6-1]
I anticipated a bit of heat between PFN & EPC last week and luckily nothing big enough to hit my ears happened, but Cubby will need to bring the heat in a new form against PRO's top team. PFN were able to come out with a solid 5-2 win over a talented EPC squad, but Sean will need his top players in Miz, Pita, Andy & Cam to all be there and be on form. It doesn't seem like BnR will come off form any time soon as they rolled right past LPL 5-2. Even with Luis losing in his second game (His first was, go figure a break n run), Dina was able to lead her team to a convincing victory. This week will be a big test as PFN are slowly getting their game and can be dangerous. Players like Stu, Luis, Jase & Tan will be key if they can show as a rare BnR-PFN match-up shouldn't fall short of intense.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm - Freedom [#7 - 3-3] vs Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-5]
Freedom has been led the past few weeks by Ash & the ladies. The trio of Ash, Hope & Eba have been carrying Freedom in the past few matches and should be recognized for it. For as long as I can remember Freedom havn't had as much support as they are having this season and with the falling of MIB, Freedom may be able to squeak into the playoffs with one less match played. For EPC their season is just about over. A talented squad with the likes of Chris, Jason, Mikey, Timm & even Jack himself, have fallen short of the mark this season. While it's still possible for them to make the playoffs, they have a long road ahead and has to start this week. Jack will need to use last pick to his advantage if he looks to win this one, not to mention a pairing of the current and past HA of PRO would always be a fun one for the books!
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Thursday @ 7pm - Latino Pool Legends [#3 - 5-2] vs Xtreme 8Ball [#6 - 3-4]
Both these sides are coming off bad losses, LPL are coming off a thumping by BnR and X8B loss a tough, tough game 9 match to TC, but both are looking to get back into the win column, one for their playoff lives, and the other to get back in a top 2 spot. While a first round bye in Y!Pool doesn't exactly give you rest like real sports, but no one would pass up a bye as it's one less match you have to worry about having a bad night in. LPL are in a close battle for 2nd with MP who should get an easy win this week, so Ant will have to earn it if he wants it. For X8B, its that time. Late in a season when you stop showing up. Please don't? While they're coming off a tough loss to a strong TC squad, X8B will need a win here otherwise they could very well be bumped from the post-season. While the rumours of will X8B have a squad next season are becoming more and more realistic, X8B still have a job to finish and hopefully James & company can do just that.
Prediction - 5-3 LPL
Holding a first round bye / Holding a play-off spot / Chasing a play-off spot / Eliminated from playoffs
Monday @ 7pm - Simply Pool Souls [#10 - 1-6] vs Magic Pool [#2 - 5-2]
After picking up a 2-0 lead vs a Freedom squad last week and making it seem like SPS were on to something, they squandered it away and lost the following 5 games. SPS have potential and should improve their records in interleagues around quite a bit over the next few months. MP on the other hand, have risen to the top of interleagues around and this match may become heated with how a few MP players have taken Heathers predictions. If there isn't much squabble and pool is played, MP shouldn't have much trouble here..
Prediction - 5-1 MP
Tuesday @ 7pm - True Champs [#9 - 2-5] vs Money in the Bank [#5 - 4-3]
Two leagues heading in completely different directions here. TC pulled off a massive upset thanks to their new addition safdarbandali. He was able to wheel in 4 wins against X8B shocking Ben & James quite a bit. For MIB, it's a season of what if. MIB were finally clicking in the form we had all hyped & expected from such a talented squad, but it seems they just couldn't hold together. The withdrawal of Pommy left Mike in charge who scraped a team together who just couldn't get a decent showing vs MP. Players in interleagues around from MIB are jumping ship before its too late, and while it's too late to switch leagues here, one wonders if we'll see Mike try and show with a good squad or we'll be seeing Rich & company for the final 2 weeks + playoffs.
Prediction - 5-3 TC
Thursday @6pm - Pool Fiction [#4 - 4-3] vs Break and Run [#1 - 6-1]
I anticipated a bit of heat between PFN & EPC last week and luckily nothing big enough to hit my ears happened, but Cubby will need to bring the heat in a new form against PRO's top team. PFN were able to come out with a solid 5-2 win over a talented EPC squad, but Sean will need his top players in Miz, Pita, Andy & Cam to all be there and be on form. It doesn't seem like BnR will come off form any time soon as they rolled right past LPL 5-2. Even with Luis losing in his second game (His first was, go figure a break n run), Dina was able to lead her team to a convincing victory. This week will be a big test as PFN are slowly getting their game and can be dangerous. Players like Stu, Luis, Jase & Tan will be key if they can show as a rare BnR-PFN match-up shouldn't fall short of intense.
Prediction - 5-3 BnR
Thursday @ 7pm - Freedom [#7 - 3-3] vs Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-5]
Freedom has been led the past few weeks by Ash & the ladies. The trio of Ash, Hope & Eba have been carrying Freedom in the past few matches and should be recognized for it. For as long as I can remember Freedom havn't had as much support as they are having this season and with the falling of MIB, Freedom may be able to squeak into the playoffs with one less match played. For EPC their season is just about over. A talented squad with the likes of Chris, Jason, Mikey, Timm & even Jack himself, have fallen short of the mark this season. While it's still possible for them to make the playoffs, they have a long road ahead and has to start this week. Jack will need to use last pick to his advantage if he looks to win this one, not to mention a pairing of the current and past HA of PRO would always be a fun one for the books!
Prediction - 5-3 Freedom
Thursday @ 7pm - Latino Pool Legends [#3 - 5-2] vs Xtreme 8Ball [#6 - 3-4]
Both these sides are coming off bad losses, LPL are coming off a thumping by BnR and X8B loss a tough, tough game 9 match to TC, but both are looking to get back into the win column, one for their playoff lives, and the other to get back in a top 2 spot. While a first round bye in Y!Pool doesn't exactly give you rest like real sports, but no one would pass up a bye as it's one less match you have to worry about having a bad night in. LPL are in a close battle for 2nd with MP who should get an easy win this week, so Ant will have to earn it if he wants it. For X8B, its that time. Late in a season when you stop showing up. Please don't? While they're coming off a tough loss to a strong TC squad, X8B will need a win here otherwise they could very well be bumped from the post-season. While the rumours of will X8B have a squad next season are becoming more and more realistic, X8B still have a job to finish and hopefully James & company can do just that.
Prediction - 5-3 LPL
Holding a first round bye / Holding a play-off spot / Chasing a play-off spot / Eliminated from playoffs
Monday, March 1, 2010
Week 7
An updated version of the standings is brought to you by this weeks inspirational quote: "Mike Jones" - Mike Jones
This past week, 3 of the 5 matches went to a 9th and final game with the obvious issue here and there, but this week may be the week of the fireworks. Hope you enjoy being our new Head Admin Pete!
Monday 7pm - Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-4] vs Pool Fiction [#6 - 3-3]
It's a good thing Pete picked this match to ref to start his first week as HA because this could be deadly. Jack & "company" had a real, real bad week this past week against MP which resulted in well, a new HA change to say the least. EPC are an up & down league for the most part, and while they've started to click in IPA, their PRO performance has faltered of late. PFN showed us last week they are very vulnerable as they almost fell 4-1 to Freedom before Miz lived up to his talk and carried PFN to victory. PFN do underestimate some opponents and have given up a fair amount of upsets in the past, so while Cubby wants to figure out a way to leap through the screen and hit Jack with whatever he's got laying around, he needs to know if Jack is able to show with a solid team, an upset wouldn't shock me.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Tuesday 6pm - Break n Run [#1 - 5-1] vs Latino Pool Legends [#2 - 5-1]
Our top two teams face off in a big week for both, not only because of their opponent, but because of their poor performances the week prior. BnR lost to MIB in a game 9 and while MIB is a great squad, BnR had chances to take it away, as for LPL they escaped a match with TC that went all the way as well. While BnR don't have another match this night, LPL have a big MLP match just an hour after the start of this (Unless Ant & Pommy can agree on a time), so LPL may be a bit back and forth, but I do believe because of MLP being the same night, Ant will have more talent to pick from and as long as they chose to take this seriously, Ant will be able to out-captain Dina and should come away with a win in the biggest match of the season so far, but with so many runners on both sides, either side could get very lucky with how the break plays out for each player in the second half of the matches. Both sides can snook well as shown by Jason & Stu in the Sunday tournament, and if players like Luis, Ant & Uriel cannot get the breaks to play their way, it'll come down to who wants to play longer.
Prediction - 5-4 LPL
Wednesday 7pm - Magic Pool [#3 - 4-2] vs Money in the Bank [#4 - 4-2]
I'm not entirely sure what MP would call their past week in PRO match-up wise, but they ended their losing streak and will need to return to early season form to get past an MIB squad that took care of Break n Run who seemed like they were in a class of their own until MIB lived up to their hype. Both sides have top class players like the match prior, with the duo of Croz & Jordy heading up against the likes of Connor & Mike being the biggest match-breaker here. All 4 can break n run without sweating, but in a snook match I would have to tip the hat in MIB's favour. Even without the 4 listed prior, both sides have immense talent that would make this a thriller to watch.
Prediction - 5-4 MP
Wednesday 7pm - Simply Pool Souls [#9 - 1-5] vs Freedom [#7 - 2-3]
SPS are slowly becoming a real threat in interleagues around, Jason seems to be doing the trick once again. Freedom failed to complete the (hat) trick this past week as they fell in game 9 to PFN. Freedom despite coming into the season in week 2 and having their first match an 0-5 blow out at the hands of BnR, have put together a solid season. With this past week being impressive after their 5-4 win over LPL and a close match to MIB, Freedom are capable of beating just about anyone, they also almost lost to TC so it goes both ways. SPS come in as the under dogs yes, but are quite capable of pulling off a win as Jason does know this team quite well, but Pete has shown himself as a smart captain lately and should come out with a good win.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Thursday 7pm - Xtreme 8Ball [#5 - 3-3] vs True Champs [#10 - 1-5]
Remember the first 3-4 weeks of the season and how this time slot was always the match of the week? This one sure does come close, yes even to the likes of BnR vs LPL & MP vs MIB. X8B had an easy week last week against SPS and will really need to go all out this week. X8B is known for losing players late in a season (Hey look at the time, it's late in the season!) and with Adam being right on the line for missing a week, Ben & company cannot afford any shenanigans (TC for some reason get many AA accusations [on cam] so Ben & James will need to make sure his players are quiet should an unknown beat them) this week as they have a solid shot at making the playoffs and going deep, though they need to get there first. TC were able to take LPL to the absolute limit last week. TC may be 1-5, but having game 9 losses against the likes of LPL, MP, FR in the past 3 weeks, you may want to look out. TC have found a great core once again, and its well deserved as Mike & Mario are two of the greatest people you can find once you get to know them. I'm not entirely sold on whoever TC has captaining (Changes every week) and if they are able to take advantage of the last pick, but if they do..
Prediction - 5-4 TC
| # | League | Wins | Losses | Record | Streak | |
| 1 | Break n Run | 5 | - | 1 | 29-10 | -1 |
| 2 | Latino Pool Legends | 5 | - | 1 | 29-18 | 1 |
| 3 | Magic Pool | 4 | - | 2 | 28-18 | 1 |
| 4 | Money in the Bank | 4 | - | 2 | 25-23 | 2 |
| 5 | Xtreme8Ball | 3 | - | 3 | 23-18 | 1 |
| 6 | Pool Fiction | 3 | - | 3 | 20-21 | 1 |
| 7 | Freedom | 2 | - | 3 | 17-23 | -1 |
| 8 | Extreme Pool Competitors | 2 | - | 4 | 15-23 | -1 |
| 9 | Simply Pool Souls | 1 | - | 5 | 11-26 | -3 |
| 10 | True Champs | 1 | - | 5 | 15-29 | -1 |
This past week, 3 of the 5 matches went to a 9th and final game with the obvious issue here and there, but this week may be the week of the fireworks. Hope you enjoy being our new Head Admin Pete!
Monday 7pm - Extreme Pool Competitors [#8 - 2-4] vs Pool Fiction [#6 - 3-3]
It's a good thing Pete picked this match to ref to start his first week as HA because this could be deadly. Jack & "company" had a real, real bad week this past week against MP which resulted in well, a new HA change to say the least. EPC are an up & down league for the most part, and while they've started to click in IPA, their PRO performance has faltered of late. PFN showed us last week they are very vulnerable as they almost fell 4-1 to Freedom before Miz lived up to his talk and carried PFN to victory. PFN do underestimate some opponents and have given up a fair amount of upsets in the past, so while Cubby wants to figure out a way to leap through the screen and hit Jack with whatever he's got laying around, he needs to know if Jack is able to show with a solid team, an upset wouldn't shock me.
Prediction - 5-3 PFN
Tuesday 6pm - Break n Run [#1 - 5-1] vs Latino Pool Legends [#2 - 5-1]
Our top two teams face off in a big week for both, not only because of their opponent, but because of their poor performances the week prior. BnR lost to MIB in a game 9 and while MIB is a great squad, BnR had chances to take it away, as for LPL they escaped a match with TC that went all the way as well. While BnR don't have another match this night, LPL have a big MLP match just an hour after the start of this (Unless Ant & Pommy can agree on a time), so LPL may be a bit back and forth, but I do believe because of MLP being the same night, Ant will have more talent to pick from and as long as they chose to take this seriously, Ant will be able to out-captain Dina and should come away with a win in the biggest match of the season so far, but with so many runners on both sides, either side could get very lucky with how the break plays out for each player in the second half of the matches. Both sides can snook well as shown by Jason & Stu in the Sunday tournament, and if players like Luis, Ant & Uriel cannot get the breaks to play their way, it'll come down to who wants to play longer.
Prediction - 5-4 LPL
Wednesday 7pm - Magic Pool [#3 - 4-2] vs Money in the Bank [#4 - 4-2]
I'm not entirely sure what MP would call their past week in PRO match-up wise, but they ended their losing streak and will need to return to early season form to get past an MIB squad that took care of Break n Run who seemed like they were in a class of their own until MIB lived up to their hype. Both sides have top class players like the match prior, with the duo of Croz & Jordy heading up against the likes of Connor & Mike being the biggest match-breaker here. All 4 can break n run without sweating, but in a snook match I would have to tip the hat in MIB's favour. Even without the 4 listed prior, both sides have immense talent that would make this a thriller to watch.
Prediction - 5-4 MP
Wednesday 7pm - Simply Pool Souls [#9 - 1-5] vs Freedom [#7 - 2-3]
SPS are slowly becoming a real threat in interleagues around, Jason seems to be doing the trick once again. Freedom failed to complete the (hat) trick this past week as they fell in game 9 to PFN. Freedom despite coming into the season in week 2 and having their first match an 0-5 blow out at the hands of BnR, have put together a solid season. With this past week being impressive after their 5-4 win over LPL and a close match to MIB, Freedom are capable of beating just about anyone, they also almost lost to TC so it goes both ways. SPS come in as the under dogs yes, but are quite capable of pulling off a win as Jason does know this team quite well, but Pete has shown himself as a smart captain lately and should come out with a good win.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Thursday 7pm - Xtreme 8Ball [#5 - 3-3] vs True Champs [#10 - 1-5]
Remember the first 3-4 weeks of the season and how this time slot was always the match of the week? This one sure does come close, yes even to the likes of BnR vs LPL & MP vs MIB. X8B had an easy week last week against SPS and will really need to go all out this week. X8B is known for losing players late in a season (Hey look at the time, it's late in the season!) and with Adam being right on the line for missing a week, Ben & company cannot afford any shenanigans (TC for some reason get many AA accusations [on cam] so Ben & James will need to make sure his players are quiet should an unknown beat them) this week as they have a solid shot at making the playoffs and going deep, though they need to get there first. TC were able to take LPL to the absolute limit last week. TC may be 1-5, but having game 9 losses against the likes of LPL, MP, FR in the past 3 weeks, you may want to look out. TC have found a great core once again, and its well deserved as Mike & Mario are two of the greatest people you can find once you get to know them. I'm not entirely sold on whoever TC has captaining (Changes every week) and if they are able to take advantage of the last pick, but if they do..
Prediction - 5-4 TC
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