Sunday, August 25, 2013

Week Three

Straight Shots [2-0] at Beer Ball masters [2-0]
Last week: SS def. FR 5-1, BBM def. PHP 5-2
After a pair of game 9 victories, including a come from behind for BBM, last week was a simple time for both sides as they destroyed their opponents, and this week could very well be another destruction. There's no question BBM deserve to be 2-0, they are a great team, and there is no knock on the great start by SS, but the big question they face is whether or not they have the ability to hang with BBM. The likely hood of Sid or Dante carrying is unlikely, so the likes of Pita and JJ will need to step up if they look to be the lone team at the top of their conference. Brent has done great work for BBM so far, and while it's unlikely he can go undefeated every match, it is even more unlikely that the rest of the BBM squad suffers like they have thus far, I expect a couple of them to turn it around and unless SS is ready, it could be a quick match.

Prediction - 5-2 BBM

Pool Hall Pros [0-2] at Freedom [0-2]
Last week: PHP lost to BBM 2-5, FR lost to SS 1-5
After both sides fell just one game away from being 1-0, they now find themselves tied at the bottom both winless, thankfully one side will get their first win and with these two, it's likely the loser won't be able to catch up the rest of the way. Neither side was able to get any momentum last week, as they fell behind early and just watched the match slip away. The one bright side for Freedom is that Scotty is back, and his talents will be needed against the likes of Cam and Candi.

Prediction - 5-3 FR

For The Win [2-0] at Break and Run [2-0]
Last week: FTW def. DP 5-2, BNR def DS 5-1
By far the match of the week and really gets my head spinning about the implications of the week 10 match between these two sides, much like how the two faced off during the last week of last season with the push for Ant to get MVP. With the pressure of so many all-star players, and an ego or two, it's likely there will be more trash-talk than usual, whether they stay within the lines is another story. There isn't much to say about the match because both line ups will be stacked, notably Break and Run with Jordy back already. For The Win have had Ross & co's number for the past few matches, will the addition of Ash to the roster be enough to get Break and Run over the FTW hump or will the streak continue?

Prediction - 5-4 FTW

Dead Strokes [0-2] at Deep Pockets [0-2]
Last week: DS lost to BNR 1-5, DP lost to FTW 2-5
One of these two sides are going to have a record in PRO that most of the players have ever faced. Both sides were blown out last week and will need a win this week if they look to stay within the reach of the top two. Brice will need his big guns to not only show, but to play like big guns if they look to get past another stacked DS squad whom are just sputtering out of the gates. After blowing a 4-1 lead, DS got thumped last week and it makes this week that much harder to predict for them. In a perfect world, this is where they turn it around and get their first win but if the history of DS shows us anything, it's that DS are unpredictable.

Prediction - 5-3 DS

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Week Two

Deep Pockets [0-1] @ For The Win [1-0]
Last week: DP lost 4-5 vs BNR / FTW def. DS 5-4

Last week DP changed the way we view them with a great (albeit) loss against a strong BNR squad. They did so without _supafly_ who was outstanding in the first tournament, and with Marco and niqqasinparis under the DP banner, I'm already happy for them as they can easily make my pre-season prediction look silly, if they do indeed do anything with the talent they have. On the other side, we have a FTW squad who stumbled and fell down, only to have Brian carry each one up the the stairs to victory. In all honesty, DP could go up 4-0 and still lose, not because they aren't as good, but because of the depth FTW possesses and can show on any given night. Whether it's Brian again, or Roy, or Ant, or Stephen, or anyone, beating all 5 members is a monumental task. I doubt they'll allow another team any time soon to get to 4, whether quickly or late in the match, we'll see just how strong this new looked DP squad is.

Prediction - 5-3 FTW

Break and Run [1-0] @ Dead Stokes [0-1]
Last week: BNR def. DP 5-4 / DS lost 4-5 vs FTW

After narrowly escaping a shocking start, Ross & co. look to get back to their dominating ways against a strong DS squad. With Mina back, Ross is blessed with talented depth that will be needed in this conference, especially with the loss of Jordy. Jordy was by far Break and Runs best player, being an MVP candidate, if not MVP, season after season. The face of the league has gone, but thankfully for Ross he has many players that can fill the void on any given week. For Dead Strokes, it was a missed opportunity. One win away from defeating the back to back champs, and they couldn't close it. On the bright side (not so much for those who have to play DS), they looked to be stacked once again. Other than the O duo, with Sean and Luis being active on the roster, DS have the depth that can beat any team. Playing FTW and BNR back to back is tough to start the season, but despite the loss, it's easy to say DS are still feeling good about their chances, especially facing a BNR squad with no Jordy for the first time in years...

Prediction - 5-3 DS

Beer Ball Masters [1-0] @ Pool Hall Pros [0-1]
Last week: BBM def. FR 5-4 / PHP lost vs SS 5-4

With names like Tyler, Coma, Conor and Kevin all linked to BBM, it was an unlikely and surprising start to the season for Brent who won all 5 against Freedom in the opener to send these alcoholics to the bar happy. There's no question it was a fluke where one player on this squad was forced to win all 5, and while it is unlikely for it to happen again, there's no question it can be done again. But chances are, the other 4 are out for revenge looking to get their records back to positive, rough week for Cameron ahead. Cameron almost was the third player to 5-0 a team in the first week, but feel short against Sid in SS. Cameron will need help, whether it's from Candi, Raj or Steve, but him carrying against BBM just isn't something possible despite the crazy start to the season.

Prediction - 5-1 BBM

Freedom [0-1] @ Straight Shots [1-0]
Last week: FR lost 4-5 vs BBM / SS won 5-4 vs PHP

Missed opportunity is the easiest way to explain the situation Freedom are now left with. Coming into the season with mixed expectations, the win that got away, may very well come back to haunt them. On the bright side, their roster looks as talented as seasons past where they had no issue rolling through the seasons. Looks can be deceiving though, and while it's early, this is a big, big match for Freedom to try and rebound. Straight Shots would be in the same boat as Freedom, but their captain and ex-Freedom player sealed the deal in game 9 against Cameron. Sid will need the same kind of start if they look to make it 2 in a row to start the season. The likes of Sergio and JJ will help out plenty with the work load, and with Pita winning once again, the form looks to be back and if they are able to round up a solid 5th player for this week, it could be happy times ahead for SS!

Prediction - 5-3 SS

Monday, August 12, 2013

Week 1

Beer Ball Masters @ Freedom
One of two matches to kick off the season, seems like poor scheduling on the behalf of Pete/Nish. As previously opinionated, this Freedom squad could go in either direction, meaning they can start this season off with a bang, or come out completely flat and whimpering into the second week. Tyler & co. will come out strong, with everyone on his roster looking to carry as everyone on his roster is capable of. Even if Freedom is able to bring an all-star calibre team, it'll be tough to get past one of the pre-season favs, as long as they show.

Prediction - 5-3 BBM

Pool Hall Pros @ Straight Shots
The second match this week will paint a good picture for both these sides. Both these sides should match up evenly, but with Straight Shots you'll never know if they are able to completely blank PHP or be blanked by them. For Candi & co., we know who will show. The likes of herself, Tommy and Raj, along with Bev and others will all be crucial to how this season plays out. Straight Shots has always had a history of starting slow (sometimes rebounding and sometimes not), so if history has anything to do with anything, this is a crucial match for PHP to be able to get started on the right foot.

Prediction - 5-4 SS

Deep Pockets @ Break and Run
A tough way to start your PRO career as DP faces the defending regular season champions, but Brice and Joe will no doubt be coming in confident that they can slay the dragons. Apart from Steve, it'll be interesting to see who else Brice and Joe are able to bring to the table, they had a good showing in the weekly tournament, so hopefully that is able to carry over and translate into some success. For Break and Run, it'll be the same ol same ol. Expectations are to win, every week, and with a supporting cast of Mike, Paul and Lisa who have carried in the past, it's easy to see why their expectations are, and should be sky high.

Prediction - 5-1 BNR

For The Win @ Dead Strokes
While George had a great showing in the seasons first tournament, and Omar is no push over, who else will DS be able to bring to be able to compete and try and stick with FTW? If Luis is able to show, it sure gives DS a fighting chance as a couple of early wins could snowball into a match victory for them. This season for FTW is more about who gets to sit. Trying to pick from Ant, Stephen, Travis, Brian, Roy, Danielle, Carlos and others might be the toughest thing they have to deal with all season. Tough life there champs.

Prediction - 5-2 FTW

Season 16 Predictions

Welcome back to PRO everyone for another season. Sure seems like every off season is longer than the last. Congrats to FTW on repeating as champions as it seems, like Roy said, the usual for FTW. Welcome to the new leagues who are not new to interleagues at all, which should set up for a great season.

Atlantic Conference

1st - Beer Ball Masters
Any time an old league is created that has had a lot of history (sorry Thomas re-creations), there comes a lot of pressure that the league, while usually containing talented players, can maintain their historic past over the course of many season. While Tyler & co. got off to a rough start in the timers interleague, it's safe to say they'll be here all season, and most of the playoffs this season. Led by Tyler, he is joined by the likes of Coma, Kevin, Matt, Brent, Jason, with the possibility of MJ and Conor among others. Safe to say, the cream of the crop in the Atlantic. They have shown some consistency in UIC, the only other interleague they've played in as a group, and while there was the one no-show and one week without a full team, it pains the active leagues to see that this is one team that can bring 3 on a night and probably win with ease. As PRO does have more prestige than its counterparts, I don't see an issue of Tyler & co. not making an effort to get here week after week, and it'll be a quick path to the playoffs for them.

Key players: Kevin, Conor.

Best case record: 10-0
Probable record: 8-2
Worst case record: 6-4


2nd - Freedom
Freedom and Straight shots are a toss up, as the reasoning is the same: Who will they have? With Pete's departure in the second half of the last season of PRO, and playing 0 times in 4orce, this team is squarely on the shoulders of Nish. The comeback of Travis was a no-go, and Carlos, the key player in this squads emergence to the 4orce finals is back in FTW. Their ladder has shrunk, dependables have all since evaporated, and it looks like Nish will have to rely on the old timers of Freedoms past to push them back into the playoffs. If Andy, Matt, Scotty, Adam and Ben can all last one more season, Nish won't have a worry in the world, but if only 1-2 from the aforementioned group can show, it'll be a long season for Freedom.

Key players: Nish

Best case record: 7-3
Probable record: 6-4
Worst case record: 3-7

3rd - Straight Shots
Like Freedom, who does Straight Shots have?! It's a question that is asked season after season, and sometimes they come through, while others they do not. It's a safe assumption Pita will be there for Nigel & Shelle, but as shown last season, it's not enough anymore. The addition of Sid is key, as it may open the door for other players to come in and if they can get 1-2 more play-off calibre players, the playoffs won't be a question for them. Straight Shots always go back and forth, up and down the ladders season after season, and based off their minor rump the past little bit, it's not an invalid assumption to call this a bounce-back season for them.

Key players: Sid, Nigel

Best case record: 8-2
Probable record: 6-4
Worst case record: 3-7

4th - Pool Hall Pros
Last, but certainly not least in this conference we see PHP, who last season were given the boost of Mike but to no avail in the playoffs. This season could very well be different though. With the shaky statuses of Straight Shots and Freedom, this could be the season Candi & Raj are able to get their league to the highest finish they've ever had. Last season they relied on Candi a bit too much, and were able to get into the playoffs purely based on their conference. This season will need to be different, and they will have to rely on their better players each week, as the schedule has shrunk, so lost matches multiply. This squad certainly has the potential to get into the top 2, they just need to seize the opportunity.

Key players: Candi, Tommy, Raj

Best case record: 7-3
Probable record: 5-5
Worst case record: 2-8

Pacific Conference

1st - For The Win
Congrats to Danielle & co. for going back to back. In celebration, they add one of the more dynamic interleague players around in Travis, while losing no one in the process. It makes sense that adding a player who starts with T in their quest to Three-peat. There isn't much to say about this squad as their records across the game speaks for itself. A near flawless record in UIC shows their current depth in how they should now never have to struggle to bring 5 to the table.

Key players: Ant, Trav, Brian, Roy

Best case record: 10-0
Probable record: 10-0
Worst case record: 8-2

2nd - Break and Run
Will people cheer for this squad to be the one to at least beat FTW once out of two attempts during the season? Who knows, but they do have a great shot at doing so. Last season they had the best record in PRO thanks to the likes of Jordy and Craig, names that are no where close to new as PRO vets. Last season Ross was a surprising addition to the 10-win club. He normally doesn't play enough to be able to reach that goal as carrying is scarce for this team, but hopefully this gives him the confidence to be able to count on himself in big matches as he is one of the more underrated players in the game. Depth will once again be a question of concern though, while in seasons past players like Lewis, Gus, Croz and poolscrub were counted on, it looks their departures or more than likely in stone, but with the return of Tanmay and the possibility of Ash, if they are able to play every week, Break and Run will once again have the chance to be at the top of the mountain.

Key players: Jordy, Craig, Ross

Best case record: 9-1
Probable record: 7-3
Worst case record: 5-5

3rd - Dead Strokes
Last season was another one to forget as DS once again held very high expectations and fell every bit short, luckily this season, DS carries very little expectation as the roster seems bare at best. Like last season, DS will count on George and Omar to do the heavy lifting, while the supporting cast has yet to be determined. Will the lack of expectations help DS? Will George be able to bring DS to heights Omar was unable to? Or will this once again be a long season for Dead Strokes? They, like always, have the capabilities through their network to bring back some studs like Sean (sparky), and be able to put together a great starting five to be able to make a push for the playoffs, but it's tough to believe in them when they've crushed so many hearts in the past that believed.

Key players: Omar, George

Best case record: 6-4
Probable record: 4-6
Worst case record: 3-7

4th - Deep Pockets
Led by Brice, and Joe DP will bring the experience needed to be able to compete, and while the addition of Steve is a good one for them, they'll need to do more, whether by picking up or as a team to compete with the best of them this season. Both Brice and Joe have led teams to upsets before, and good seasons, and they'll need to pull out all the stops this season to do so. Chances are it'll be a long season, but neither will quit and a good start could give them an early season push they need. Far from a push over though, so teams shouldn't be looking past them until the 8 ball has sunk.

Key players: Brice, Steve, Joe

Best case record: 5-5
Probable record: 2-8
Worst case record: 0-10