One Week Down, Nine to Go

The first week of WSOP was full of twists and turns. EPC pushed their match to game 7 when FR could only scrounge up 4 players. I hope FR gets their act together because any other team would have smashed them. I would also like to note, Jack showed with 5 players. He might be acquiring Bren and that could be enough to actually win some matches this season. I expect Jack to compete in this inter league as long as he doesn't give up. MC thumped BNR, SPS shocked SP, SS cruised over PDZ, and XPL's stomped DS. The recap of every game can be found on BGUS' blog. A quick glance at the week ahead insures us at least one game will be good. MC vs SS is going to be a epic clash between two teams that are hungry for success. Other note worthy games to watch out for are DS vs FR and PDZ vs EPC. Who knows if EPC or FR will field a team week 2 and whether or not DS and PDZ can get out of their early season funks.


-BEASTIES CLASH-

MC (1-0) vs SS (1-0), Monday@7pm, Room: Rack em

MC came off a huge win week one. Right out of the gates MC has the two toughest divisional games of the season. They beat BNR last week in a huge 4-2 victory. James, Trey, Ben, Ant, Safdar, and nerd.herd all put up great games against BNR and I suspect a similar outing this week against SS. As long as Ben and James' players can get 2 wins Ant can win it for them. He is just that good and I would not want to sit in SS' shoes this week.

SS came off a solid victory week one. They handled PDZ, though it was expected, they still followed through and succeeded. This week will be polar opposites to week 1 though. MC has far more guns to worry about than PDZ had. SS needs to play inside of their element. Without home field MC will have the slight advantage. This game could be really close or a complete blowout. IF SS expects to win this they need great outings from Nahn, Jon, and David. Look to see the winner of this match hold onto the top spot in the East for some time.
Outcome: 4-2 MC

-THE SHOCKERS-

BNR (0-1) vs SPS (1-0), Monday@7pm, Room: Welcome to the Jungle

What on Earth happened week 1 BNR? Things just didn't end up going their way I am shocked the didn't at least push MC to game 7. This team is bound to rebound this week though. Dina will turn this around with players like Jordy, Adept, and Chris. This team has way to much skill to lose this week. Dina has a fire burning in her after losing to MC and I wouldn't want to be Heather this week. BNR will be at .500 following this week.

Heather you did a great job last week. We all predicted your team to fail but in reality you prevailed. I hope continued success to your team but this week will be much harder than the scrubs SP sent your way. Oh, and I am sure that Dina will have all 6 players with the 5 game eligibility requirement. I am not saying you cant win this week, I am just saying I don't think things will fall into your lap. Heather your team will need to play very good to succeed against this challenging foe.
Outcome: 4-2 BNR

-THE TRAIN IS COMING-

SP (0-1) vs XPL (1-0), Tuesday@6pm, Room: Advanced Lg 3

After A devastating defeat by SPS it's hard to gauge where SP will end up this season. I can easily say I am swaying towards last seasons poor outcome. SP needs to first make sure they have their players eligible and they need to bring 6 to even think about winning this match. I am already going to right them off only because they can not even compare to the potent lineup XPL can deliver. This match will be a gimme game for XPL unless Bev has something up her sleeves.

XPL delivered a crushing blow to DS week 1 which puts their crew among the best. Jamie, Brian, Kalpz, and Jeremy all have such great all around skills its like a freight train heading right for you I would not want to be near that. I see great things in store for this team. SP didn't have what it takes against SPS what will change here? This match is going to have a fairly simple outcome. Kerry get out your scrubs. Home field will not help SP.
Outcome:5-1 XPL


-BATTLE OF THE BOTTOM DWELLERS-

PDZ (0-1) vs EPC (0-1), Wednesday@7pm, Room: And Far Away

DJ didn't give up without a fight week one. he showed with a crew that got some wins. I think he has an even better shot this week. DJ the x-factor in this match is if you can bring a full team. Lord knows Jack wont so if you can you will probably prevail. DJ needs to play well along with Drew and company if they want to make a decent season out of this.

EPC did wonders pushing FR to game 7 but think about it, FR had 4 players. That should have been a victory for EPC not a defeat. Petey handled EPC which is the reason why EPC is sitting near the bottom. I think Jack has enough determination to field a team but if its not a full team he will not have a shot here.
Outcome: 4-3 PDZ


-RIVALS BUTT HEADS-

DS (0-1) vs FR (1-0), Wednesday@6pm, Room: A Face in the Crowd

This will be a great match if FR can bring a full team. DS is weaker than they were last season and that was proven when they were dismantled by XPL week 1. Their team just doesn't have the firepower it did last season and that will hurt them here. I think if they show with 6 and play very carefully they could beat out FR. Roy, Chuck, and Corey need to have big games if they hope to put up a fighting chance here.

Petey carried his team week one with only 4 players. He can not do that all season and definitely not against a team that can bring a full squad. Petey needs his players to show for him if he expects to put up a fighting chance. Now, I honestly think week one was a fluke for Petey and his FR squad. Look to see him show with at least 5 and prevail this week in a somewhat close match.
Outcome: 4-2 FR

Kick-off, Tres Numero

WSOP News-

Look to see the voting for team placement end any day now and the Week 1 Poll up. Please keep an eye out, money could be on the line people. Lets make this even more intriguing, AP is out EPC is in. Yes, I just said EPC is in WSOP. Do not adjust your monitor settings, this is real. Ok, maybe that was a lil' dickish. Jack, you have had a very gray history in inters. EPC hasn't tended to do well and it has always led to a drop of some sorts. A drop from the league, a drop from the playoffs, a drop of players, etc. I just hope that things change for you Jack. I have heard rumblings that you have players that enjoy playing for you. Lets hope EPC does well, WSOP would love to have the increased competition.


-East Powerhouse vs New Kid on the Block-


BNR (0-0) vs MC (0-0), Monday@7pm, Room: WTTJ

Season 3 starts with a bang here ladies and gents. Look to see BNR come out guns blazing. They have a very solid team that has exceeded expectations every regular season. They seem to burn out in the Eastern Championship but you can almost expect them to get at least that far. Track records cant be ignored. The People think BNR will top MC this season and they very well could but you can never underestimate Ant. He is someone any team could rally around so tread lightly BNR. Players like Chip, Croz, and Jordy need to pick up where they left off last season. The X-factor for BNR this season will be how well Ross plays in the early matches. He had a lot of tough losses last season so if he can turn things around BNR just might trump MC.

MC is ran by James who has been jumping around teams as of late. It looks like he has finally found a home here in MC. He brought Ben in as well to co-op the captain roll. Ant, Ben, James and Trey look to see that quad-fecta, haha, to just be enough to push BNR into a loss here. What a way to start a new league with their first win, right? I think if anyone can pull off this upset it would be them. The question is, can James and Ben get all their players eligible in time for this match. Monday is right around the corner people.
Outcome: 4-3 MC, shocking upset! Ant carries game 7...


-Battle of the Who's?-

SPS (0-0) vs SP (0-0), Tuesday@6:30pm, Room: Sweet Jane

Both of these teams are coming off poor seasons. SPS might have been a degree better than SP but nothing you can really toot your horn about. Heather is taking over now that Jason left to SS. Heather needs to get her recruiting on if she expects to compete in this tough inter. I hope the best for both these teams. This match is a tone setter for SPS, will Heather walk away with the W?

SP this is your chance to put last season behind you. Bev will rejuvenate this club. Bev also has Pete as her co-captain, if Pete can get Ketan and the crew back on form this team could be a formidable foe. I think Bev will field a decent lineup that will play in some close games against SPS and at the end of the day slip away with the victory here.
Outcome:4-2 SP


-Champs vs Chumps-

SS (0-0) vs PDZ (0-0), Tuesday@7pm, Room: All Mixed Up

The title might be a little harsh but gauging by the votes on the PPL's Poll most of you agree this is going to be a one sided match. SS won WSOP last season and that is only going to bring more depth and credibility to their program. This league just seems to plug along through any adversity. All that said, Shelle will show just what it takes to be the Champs in WSOP. Best of luck PDZ your going to need all you can get.

PDZ isn't dead in the water this season, don't get me wrong. This is a 10 week season, they just don't have a shot in hell of winning this particular match. That is why they are Chumps here. DJ will not have a problem keeping this team in close games though. He did well enough last season for BP before their collapse. I suspect DJ picks of the sole win for PDZ while SS picks up the rest.
Outcome:5-1 SS


-Free-For-All-

FR (0-0) vs EPC (0-0), Wednesday@7pm, Room: Beetle Spot

This match is going to get ugly, mostly because any match involving Jack will be ugly. Petey took over control of his WSOP team after a disappointing finish in season 2. Look for him to start this new season with a BANG. Petey will throw the kitchen sink at Jack, he better be prepared because word around the PPL's Poll is that this is going to be a brutal match for EPC.

Jack, you have a ton of enthusiasm but how long will it last? Anyone want to bet? I got my money on a week 3 withdrawal from WSOP. IF you get passed that you're A'O.K. in my book. This is a team sport, you have to bring a full team if you expect to win this match or any match in WSOP. Jack, you're playing with the big boys now I hope you're ready to rumble.
Outcome: 4-2 FR


-TOP DOGS-

XPL (0-0) vs DS (0-0), Thursday@6:30pm, Room: Sad

This match is going to be the most interesting match of the week. Kerry and Chele both made the playoffs last season. These captains know their lineup better than anyone. Look to see Kerry start off strong. She will call Brian, Jeremy, and Jamie early to try to push DS into a hole. I suspect this match to be very tough. XPL is pretty much PFN so expect great things from this team. I do want to note, if you guys fail here it could bust this division wide open.

DS was put in the underdog role last season and they showed just how great they were making it to the finals. With players like Cam, Trey, and who knows who else going off in different directions DS just might not have enough here. I am hoping they step-up and achieve the same finish as last season. Do I expect it to happen? No, I think the skill player shortage will cost DS at least 2 to 3 wins this season. This match is one of those, when you put DS against the big names Kerry has they just don't match up. I have to give the nod to Kerry here but it wouldn't be a shocker to see DS prevail.
Outcome:4-2 XPL

Pre-Season Predictions

Tips-

I am very curious which teams change their orders around before this season is through. This business is a crap-shoot and who better than Mr. Know It All to give you all the low-down. Before I go any further, please post your pre-season poll predictions. I want to remind people that IF you don't vote you're not heard!

I believe you will notice one difference between my predictions and Boy Genius' predictions. I did my predictions based on divisional finish, one team might finish with a better record than a team in another division but still fail to make the playoffs. It isn't relevant where you finish in the top 10 if you still aren't making the playoffs. So for obvious reasons I have left out the 1 through 10 placement.

WSOP Pre-Season Predictions-
key-
Teams in GREEN and ORANGE are locks for the playoffs.
Teams in RED are predicted out of the playoffs.

East-

SS-1st (8-2)
They cant be considered an underdog after such a dominating WSOP Championship. I also suspect players have gotten a rejuvenation of life back into their program. SS has played lights out especially in the back stretch. I think they continue this once Cam and a few others come back into the fold. SS has a lot of solid players that don't take chances. SS will be a scary threat this season. I do not envy any of the teams listed below this one.

MC-2nd (7-3)
This team should be able to handle themselves. Word has it they have Ant, James, and Ben. Those three players alone have impressive inter-league resumes. I wouldn't want to face these guys anytime. The only thing that worries me is will they fill the roster. New leagues have trouble with the steep 40 game eligibility requirement in WSOP. I could see this team flourishing in WSOP if they can show with a study 5. I don't expect anything less than that from a team ran by James or Ben.

BNR-3rd (6-4)
Chip has done a great job with BNR. They acquired players at just the right time in WSOP to achieve an automatic bid to the Eastern Championship. I expect BNR to keep their lineup over the break and succeed yet again in the East. The only thing that worries me is how well they will match up with SS and MC. I don't expect the rest of the teams to present much of a challenge. SPS or PDZ have a outside shot at sneaking into this spot but it would require a complete fail by BNR.
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PDZ-4th (4-6)
What a time for PDZ to enter WSOP. I haven't gone over their lineup in detail but I am worried that PDZ just doesn't have enough in their tank to compete in such a challenging atmosphere. The pressure inter-leagues put on a team are considerable. If i gauge this team by their captains last performance this could be a very accurate prediction. BP had a very rough go mid-season due to unforeseen conflicts I hope no issues arise here in PDZ. DJ will field an above-average team but wont pack enough power to see week 11.


SPS-5 (3-7)
Heather I think you might be a wee bit over your head here. The players you did have Jason seemed to scare off leaving a bare-bones team. I suspect you will field a team but I don't expect much from you guys this season. I do wish you the best here maybe SPS will get back to the form exhibited when they first joined WSOP. Do I honestly see that happening? No.



West-

XPL-1st (8-2)
PFN whoa'? That's all I am hearing. This should be a solid team if it's ran by Kerry. I wouldn't expect anything less. She will have a lot of her crew here and they run tourneys often. They will not have problems showing. Jeremy, Jamie, Kerry, and I am sure there is more. XPL will be another XP which is still circling us back to PFN. The resume this team has is outstanding. I would have to tip my hat to them at this point.

FR-2nd (6-4)
Petey didn't like how FR finished last season. I think I stand for most of WSOP when I say that Petey, Ben, and Travis could take them places. I cant fathom what went wrong but the failure falls on FR as a group. They had the potential last season and I think the sting they received will push Petey to great heights. Look to see FR break the tie over DS to steal 2nd in the division. I also want to point out Petey will have a challenge ahead of him this season. He lost a great player in Ben, I am curious who he has to fill the void?

DS-3rd (6-4)
Wow... Chele your team ended the season 2nd best in the league. I think that swell of energy will carry you through this season. This team is in transition. They are losing Cam and Trey possibly more. I don't know who all is leaving DS but it surely puts them in a rebuilding season. Sure, you are rebuilding but in a division that sports two previous playoff short comers and a newly acquired team that has yet to show they can field players gives DS the benefit of the doubt.
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SP-4th (5-5)
Last season was far from beautiful for SP. They fought through every week but could not put up a W. Just by looking at last season I can predict a drastic improvement. They might put up a fight and could possibly top DS but I just don't think Beverly can pull it off. SP could surprise some teams. There are a couple leagues that have depth issues and this one could fall under that list. I do not expect anything less than 5 I just don't think the quality is there. This league is so tough, someone needs to put some life into this club. Could Bev be the one to do that?

AP-5th (0-10)
Thomas what on Earth is this? Can you field a team bud? This could either get really ugly or just end somewhat ugly. I cant see much more than ugly when I think of AP. Thomas will bring 3 players every week. This could be the Thomas of old or he could possibly be the Thomas that could! I think he can, I think he can, I think he canT! Mhm, you heard it here. I don't see this project succeeding. Lets all be practical here.

Season 3 on its WaY, YaY!!!

WSOP Kicking Off Jan. 24th-

Updates:

Well after another very successful season WSOP is rolling out Season 3. I would also like to welcome a recently acquired peer. Let us all give a round of applause to Boy Genius. We recently conversed and a challenge was purposed from BGus. BGus wants to throw 20 US bones on who is the better predictor, I agreed. The pressure is on, there is also another factor... We both will be giving 10 USD to a pot if the PPL's Poll trumps both of us. I recommend everyone vote weekly, if the PPL's Poll wins WSOP will be holding a Tourney of Champions. The winner of said tourney will walk away with 15 USD along with the runner-up winning 5 USD. So, may the best predictor prevail.

predictor scoring:1 pt for correct team, 1 pt for correct score (PPL's Poll is based on most popular vote, see PPL's Poll Page for details)

This competition should bring about some buzz. I hope everyone has fun with this because I sure am going to. I would also like to point out some new teams visiting WSOP. Let's all welcome with open arms MisCues, Pool Dragonz, Addicted Pool, and Xtreme Pool Legendz. We cant forget the vets to WSOP; Break n Run, DeadS

Publish Post

trokes, Freedom, Simply Pool Souls, Sexy Poolerz, and the defending Champions Straightshots. I hope we all have a great season 3, I want to remind everyone to try and be extra courtesy to one another. Lets start 2011 off with some friendly competition and great sportsmanship!


WSOP Pre-Season Shakedown-

I suspect this will be a crap shoot. WSOP has so many new teams that could present quite a challenge for a new predictor like BGus. I wouldn't put it past him to flourish in this harsh environment but don't underestimate my knowledge and wisdom. I suppose i shouldn't Toot my own horn but who has been running this show thus far? mwah? me, myself, and I. OK, I am done may the slugfest begin.


East-

SS-1
MC-2
BNR-3
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PDZ-4
SPS-5


West-

XPL-1
FR-2
DS-3
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SP-4
AP-5


stay tuned for a detailed write-up of each team!