Sunday, September 29, 2013

Week Eight

Dead Strokes @ For The Win
Last week: DS lost to FR 4-5, FTW def. SS 5-4
Dead Strokes let one slip away last week as they had a chance to move into second spot in the Pacific but failed to do so, and now they face a must win against the back to back champions. While Danielle & co went the distance with Straight Shots, there may never have been much question if they could finish it off as they took several stabs at Sid and finally their last attempt was the one that won it. While Dead Strokes were able to get up early last week, the chances of taking down a more talented line-up seems unlikely, look for Ant and Brian to get back to their early-season MVP ways.

Prediction - 5-2 FTW

Break and Run @ Deep Pockets
Last week: BNR lost to BBM 4-5, DP def. PHP 5-0
Ross was unable to right the ship his players wronged when a valiant effort ended on the wrong side, but thankfully for them they are still a game up for the playoffs with a tie breaker in hand. This week they face a DP side that got their first ever win in PRO, convincingly too. Joe & co. came up big last week and show they are a viable threat to play the role of spoiler in the final 3 weeks of the season. While DP could win, I don't see BNR not turning their poor play around.

Prediction - 5-2 BNR

Freedom @ Beer Ball Masters
Last week: FR def. DS 5-4, BBM def. BNR 5-4
Both sides are coming off nail-biting victories and while early on BBM had Brent do all of the work, including a clean sweep over Freedom, in the middle part of the season we saw Pete come back to do his best Brent impression, and now they meet. But the two of them are just a minor part in this match as both squads feature great depth and another 5-4 match could very well be on the horizon. Freedom need the likes of Sergio, Andy, Cam, Ben and others need to step up as they'll be up against studs like Kevin, Tyler, Coma, Matt and JT who just seem to be playing better as a unit, and with being home, it looks like it is theirs to lose.

Prediction - 5-3 BBM

Straight Shots @ Pool Hall Pros
SS lost to FTW 4-5, PHP lost to DP 0-5
The final match of the week is the biggest mismatch as we see a strong SS squad led by Sid and Dante who despite a loss last week against the back to back champs, are firing on all cylinders and are looking more and more like a legit threat to take the title. The only thing holding them back is depth which is unusual for Straight Shots, but alas. This week they take on PHP who weren't able to take a single game away from the other win-less team as they see their record sink to 0-7. The lone bright spot was Collin who made the finals in the tournament and has done well in tournaments prior, so if he's able to make a match, it'll be interesting to see if some of that success is able to carry over because there might not be much else in this match.

Prediction - 5-1 SS

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Week Seven

Deep Pockets [0-6] vs Pool Hall Pros [0-6]
Last week: DP lost vs SS 4-5, PHP lost to BNR 0-5
In the first match of the week, we will see one of these two cellar dwellers get their first win. Both sides are too talented to be 0-6 yet that is where they both find themselves. DP have been in some late matches though, recently a game 9 last week vs SS and a game 8 against FR but couldn't finish it off. PHP have taken a top team to the wire as well but couldn't get it done in game 9 vs FTW. The issue for PHP is that they have no consistent players as only Candi seems to show regularly. DP are not that much more consistent, but have more consistency with players like Matt and Will. This really is a toss up as both Matt and Will could pose a big threat to Candi & co., but if she can get her newest addition Ash to show up, he should be the deciding factor.

Prediction - 5-4 PHP

For The Win [4-2] vs Straight Shots [5-1]
Last week: FTW lost vs FR 4-5 , SS def. DP 5-4
Both sides are coming off matches that went the distance but different results. FTW let one slip away against Freedom but are still a game ahead for the first overall seed with a current tie break over BNR. Danielle & co. are -2 for the first time possibly ever in PRO, but with the likes of Ant, Brian and Carlos leading the way, should the times ever get tough for them, those 3 are the first to make it easy once again for FTW. This week may be a tough task though as SS have been picking up momentum with their marquee player, Dante finally hitting his stride as the wins keep coming in. The issue for Straight Shots though is beyond Dante and their captain Sid, no one else has broken through this season, so with the likes of Danielle, Roy and Stephen backing their top three up, Straight Shots' streak should finally see the end.

Prediction - 5-3 FTW

Dead Strokes [2-4] vs Freedom [4-2]
Last week: DS lost to BBM 0-5, FR def. FTW 5-4
A minor rivalry of old is renewed this week in what is shaping up to be this weeks best chance at a blow out. Dead Strokes got swept last week which doesn't bode well at all for George and Omar as they aren't able to take advantage of the early season falters by both BNR and FTW. They will need their best to show if they look to have any shot against an upbeat Freedom squad. Freedom have been on fire lately and seemingly only getting better as they were able to take FTW to the wire last week and beat them in 9. Pete hasn't lost since his return this season and the pick-ups of Cam and Sergio has added key depth to this squad. Freedom shouldn't have much issue with this match this week.

Prediction - 5-1 FR

Break and Run [3-3] vs Beer Ball Masters [6-0]
Last week: BNR def. PHP 5-0, BBM def. DS 5-0
Two sides that could both very well meet up in the finals meet up this week after coming off blow outs this past week. The win for BNR finally ended their longest losing skid in recent memory but unless they keep that momentum going, they'll start another one quick. Jordy and Craig are going to have to play like it's 2010 if BNR look to have a shot at the number one seed. On the flip side, it looks like BBM is on cruise control for the first overall seed, last week was a clean sweep who seem to finally have hit their stride as Brent is no longer the go to man, as all these men are. If Coma and Kevin are able to make this match and pick up a win in their first game, it should be lights out for Break and Run.

Prediction - 5-3 BBM

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Week Six

Half way through the season, we're able to get a good indication of where leagues may finish up, so let's take a quick peek back at the pre-season predictions and see how each league has done thus far.

Atlantic Conference

1st - Beer Ball Masters
So far, so good for Tyler & co. After escaping a week one upset, and last week getting past FTW in 9 games, they see themselves undefeated but in tough to finish first. They cannot afford any slip ups in their conference, but if Brent is able to stay on his MVP-like form, BBM are certainly the team to beat.

Current prediction - 1st

2nd - Freedom
After what was an atrocious start allowing a big upset to collapse, Nish has turned this ship around quickly. While they do sit in third currently, with the likes of Adam, Andy, Cam, DJ, Matt, Pete, Serena and Scotty having showed already when there were many question marks regarding whether or not they would play this season, gives Nish the depth necessary for yet another playoff run.

Current prediction - 2nd

3rd - Straight Shots
 The addition of both Sid and Dante has proven to be key for SS this season as they have gotten off to a great start, and with the pick up of Brice Straight Shots look to be a solid playoff team, and while they do hold a game and tie break over Freedom for second, I don't see this squad keeping it together all season long and if it comes down to the final week, they'll be in tough against BBM.

Current prediction - 3rd

4th - Pool Hall Pros
While they've yet to pick up a win, they've showed great promise keeping a few matches close with flashes of brilliance. While they have yet to be eliminated yet, a lot will have to fall in place for them to make the post-season. Hopefully this season acts as a learning experience for Candi & co. who should finish stronger than they started.

Current prediction - 4th


Pacific Conference

1st - For The Win 
While they suffered a tough loss last week, they still have a comfortable lead in their conference and with 2 of the top 3 players in PRO, Danielle & co. shouldn't have to worry the rest of the way. The only issue they may encounter is having a full roster, and while it may not be necessary now, they do have 5 weeks to try and find some depth for the playoffs.

Current prediction - 1st

2nd - Break and Run 
Currently on a 3 game slide which should end this week, but Break and Run have shown a different side this season. The last time Ross & co. endured a 3 match losing streak may be the last time I made up a stat, it's been a while, and in a 10 game season, that can make or break the season. While Jordy has been Jordy, Jim has stepped up to help but with DS right on their tails, it'll be a close one but with DS having to face both FR and BBM still in cross conference, that could be the difference.

Current prediction - 2nd

3rd - Dead Strokes 
 Yet another rough start for Dead Strokes in PRO, and while they are in a better position than seasons past, they still have two tough cross conference opponents to go but the ball is certainly in their court.Omar and Ogges will have to step up and lead the team as it seems no one else is, but it's tough to see them doing it by themselves.

Current prediction - 4th

4th - Deep Pockets
While the Brice and Joe marriage did not work out, they have shown some promise taking teams to games 8 and 9, but unfortunately, all that matters are W's and L's. They are in a position to play spoiler and can do so if teams take them lightly.

Current prediction - 4th

Either I'm great at predicting, or I'm stubborn.. Onto this weeks predictions!

Straight Shots [4-1] @ Deep Pockets [0-5]
Last week: SS def. BNR 5-2, DP lost to FR 3-5
Sid & co. come into this weeks match up fresh off a big win over Break and Run last week, and they'll look to keep the wins coming in this cross conference portion of the schedule as they look to keep up with BBM. Deep Pockets were able to take Freedom deep last week showing their talent when they're underestimated, so look for Joe to lead his troops into this fired up for the possibility of an upset. New comer Brice will look to beat up on his old team while Sid looks to hope JJ can turn his season around with a couple of wins. DP should win enough to keep it interesting, but not enough to scare SS.

Prediction - 5-3 SS

Freedom [3-2] @ For The Win [4-1]
Last week: FR def. DP 5-3, FTW lost to BBM 4-5
Certainly the match of the week as a hot Freedom squad take on the defending champions, who took out Freedom in the finals to earn it. Freedom comes in as the second hottest team in PRO, with a roster that seems to be growing in depth every week, last week with both Andy and Pete making their first appearance of the season. Those two and others will be needed this week as they take on Ant, Brian and the rest of FTW. Like I mentioned earlier, FTW is a strong squad that doesn't need to worry about their play in season, they just need to worry about depth for the playoffs. A big match-up like this though I'm sure will get everyone on the FTW squad fired up to assure themselves and Freedom that the finals last season was not a fluke. I imagine Ant and Brian will be played early to help defeat Freedom quickly.

Prediction - 5-3 For The Win

Beer Ball Masters [5-0] @ Dead Strokes [2-3]
Last week: BBM def. FTW 5-4, DS def. PHP 5-2
This has the makings for a great match if DS are able to carry over the momentum from last weeks win and come out strong against Brent and whoever tags along. Certainly after having to carry so many times, we see Brent is no fluke and is a big reason why BBM are where they are currently in PRO. As strange as it is with all the depth and talent BBM have, Brent has shown resilience this season and is breezing through opponents. Omar and George have the talent to slow him down, but it doesn't look like DS have the talent to slow down BBM.

Prediction - 5-3 BBM

Pool Hall Pros [0-5] @ Break and Run [2-3]
Last week: PHP lost to DS 2-5, BNR lost to SS 2-5
On paper this match doesn't look to be close, but this is the same PHP squad that was able to take FTW to game 9, and Break and Run are in a bit of a slide right now. Actually a major slide. This may be a good opportunity for the likes of Craig, Mina and Ross to get back to their old self and pick up some W's, but they'll need to focus as Candi & co. are a strong side. Ash will be out looking for revenge, and as long as he stays focused he is certainly capable of it, but it's tough to do it solo.

Prediction - 5-3 Break and Run

Monday, September 9, 2013

Week Five

Deep Pockets [0-4] @ Freedom [2-2]
Last week: DP no showed, Freedom def. BNR 5-3
Will they show, won't they show. Finally Freedom has a few old timers coming back to play with the likes of Cam, Serena, Scotty and others. They had a big win last week over their rivals thanks to Serena and Adam who turned an 0-3 deficit into their playground and could very well turn their ship around. With the talented depth, anyone who shows, should be good enough for a playoff run this season.

Prediction - 5-1 Freedom

For The Win [4-0] @ Beer Ball Masters [4-0]
Last week: FTW def. PHP 5-4, BBM def. DP 5-0
The two remaining undefeateds meet this week for what should be a barn burner. BBM have met expectations thus far as they have yet to lose, though they have done it unconventionally. If you take out their freebie win, their 3 wins have largely been won by one player doing all the work, which probably won't work this week. The trio of Coma, Kevin and Brent will have their hands full with the other trio of Ant, Brian and Carlos, a simple ABC formula that has worked since they got together. The simple formula to winning this match, will be who can slow down opposing runs. There is no doubt that the 10 people selected to play tonight can break and run a table at any given moment, but with interleagues it's all about selecting those moments to make the most of them.

Prediction - 5-4 FTW

Dead Strokes [1-3] @ Pool Hall Pros [0-4]
Last week: DS lost to SS 2-5, PHP lost to FTW 4-5
Both sides are coming off disappointing losses, and for different reasons. DS got thumped by SS when looking at their roster, they really shouldn't have. PHP were able to take FTW all the way but came up short, they really could have used Ash last week to help finish the job. But this week is a new week, and who knows how either team will play. DS are the hardest to predict, such talented players but so little results, while PHP have finally picked up a stud they need to help get PHP over the hump, but it may be too late. Judging on the poor run DS are on, PHP should win this match, but with that said, this is probably the week DS go off.

Prediction - 5-3 PHP

Break and Run [2-2] @ Straight Shots [3-1]
Last week: BNR lost to FR 3-5, SS def. DS 5-2
Break and Run were not able to capitalize on a 3-0 start over their rivals as they collapsed and couldn't finish Freedom off, and they play another team that seems to be on a roll. Dante was finally able to get a few wins last week as Sid & co. got past DS with ease, and with another win this week, SS can really make a statement as a legit title threat. This match will be exciting to watch with the past two 8brcam champs and a lot of diverse players who can run if necessary or tap into the mornings. Both Pita and Craig sit at 3-3 for their respective teams, even though both are MVP-calibre players. At this point of the season, where it's easy to say this match is a toss up with a slight advantage to Break and Run, but if either Pita or Craig are able to catch fire this match, that'll certainly determine the winner.

Prediction - 5-4 BNR

Monday, September 2, 2013

Week Four

Straight Shots [2-1] @ Dead Strokes [1-2]
Last week: SS lost to BBM 4-5, DS def. DP 5-2
Always a sporting time between these two squads may come down to some tense moments. With a possibly emergence of Freedom-of-old, the one game lead Sid & co. have over them isn't safe it seems. Going into the cross-conference schedule, this stretch of gaming can make or break a season, and with a rejuvenated SS squad, they'll be looking to make it. Sid has been leading by example thus far, with a surprising contribution from nhan who has 4 wins already. With the depth of JJ, Pita and the latest 8brcam champ, you can see why the loss to BBM was actually a disappointment. It's the same tune once again with Dead Strokes, finally notching a win with their talented team, but now they need to prove they belong. Omar & George have combined for over half their wins, but Luis, Roy, Sean and others need to step up quick before the season gets away. Dead Strokes is always a haven for old players, and it's never a surprise when they show up, so if they can get another player into the roster sooner than later, maybe a new tune will be sung where DS didn't waste another season. This week is a tall task though, and being at home I don't think is enough for DS to overcome SS just yet.

Prediction - 5-3 SS

Beer Ball Masters [3-0] @ Deep Pockets [0-3]
Last week: BBM def. SS 5-4, DP lost to DS 2-5
A mismatch on paper, and certainly on the tables. Once again BBM leaned heavily on a player to get the majority of the wins, and while they can't do it every week, thankfully they don't need to. Tyler won't need to be tense this week as it looks like DP has already taken the hit. Active leagues always have drama, and DP was no different, and in the end Brice and a few players were either kicked or left on their own agenda from DP, which leaves Joe quite the mess. Joe is always one to talk about taking on the pressure of leading a team to greatness, and while he's had a sticky track record, he's once again in the spot light. Who Joe will be able to bring to the table is one thing, but keeping a team together for the full season, even if it'll be a long season, will be another thing. DP has shown potential in the first few weeks, even in the loss last week, but Joe will need to hammer down and help DP reach their potential to prove all the nay-sayers wrong, sadly, this isn't a good week to start that venture.

Prediction - 5-1 BBM

Freedom [1-2] @ Break and Run [2-1]
Last week: FR def. PHP 5-2, BNR lost to FTW 4-5
The second coming of Cameron in Freedom started off on their right foot. Once a key player in their UIC and IPA endeavors, Camerons first game back proved to be a winning one, despite him losing. With Scotty and Adam playing their second match already, it seems a core is being created by Nish that Freedom desperately seeked going into this season. That core will need to be here and playing like it's 2010 to keep this a contest. For Break and Run, they have a core, his name is Jordy, and while he retired for half a week, his return helped saved the embarrassment of being shut out by FTW. Ash, Craig, Gus and Tanmay are all proven veterans in the game and need to yield more support if they look to win it all once again. This cross conference schedule will be a telling tale of whether or not BNR can do it as a team against the likes of FR, SS and BBM, or if it will be, like always, the Jordy show.

Prediction - 5-3 BNR.

Pool Hall Pros [0-3] @ For The Win [3-0]
Last week: PHP lost to FR 2-5, FTW def. BNR 5-4
With the loss of Cam, PHP are really stacked against the odds to be able to put together a run for the playoffs. Their cross-conference schedule doesn't start much easier either facing a FTW squad who made quick work of Break and Run last week, apart from needing all 5 players to take down Jordy. This week shouldn't be much of a contest, but I'm hoping PHP can surprise some people as they are a good squad, just over matched.

Prediction - 5-2 FTW