I feel so much pressure to actually get these things right this time. I mean this is VEGAS!!! People actually make a living off of making odds down here. Maybe I shouldn't play around this time. Maybe I shouldn't let my personal feeling and contempt towards the indoor guys come into play.
LOL Yeah right. Like all other events an outdoor team will win!!! So thanks for coming out all you first time pros (and yes I mean every indoor pro that only plays like outdoor three times a year). Thanks for the donation but the outdoor guys got this one.
These odds will be spot on like all my odds are, well except for that one year that I got it all wrong....lol I will be posting the odds tonight for the Men's Pro Doubles and the Mixed Pro Doubles and only these two events. These are the only ones that matter.
So what I see here is that there are guys and gals coming in from all over the country. Interesting. I don't see any surprises here personally and my odds will show that. Although many people made a significant jump at this year's "Championships."
There hasn't been any kind of talking going on. Why is that? Well I have my theories:
1. Everyone already knows where they stand.
2. No one will be stepping up other than the regulars.
3. People from outside of Cali have already conceded the crown to a Cali team and are just going to hang out in Vegas
4. People are just scared to talk.
I am printing out the list of warriors as I type this post. The odds will be up by the end of the night. I am stoked and this year's list will be taking into consideration what all the great inddor guys did last year at OUR tournament. I still have dreams about the Kirch full extension, diving out of the court, rollout on match point!! Sorry Greg and Club, but that was one of the best shots ever hit on an outdoor court.
So what remains to be seen is will I favor the indoor guys more this year than in years past? Will I give them their well earned respect? Will my personal issues with guys come into play? lol Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. One thing I can say is that my odds will be spot on!! HELL YEAH they will!!
Hear ye, hear ye....The forcoming proclamation is to inform ye peasants of the upcoming event of the 13th of March of 2010.
Will Josh Tucker finally be overtaken of his evil two year reign? Will a new king be crowned? Will we have a former king retake his thrown? Will an unknown squire step up and overtake the kingdom? All these questions will be answered Saturday evening!!
One more thing...if you playing in KOB and aren't on this list send me a text with your name and I'll put you on it...909-569-3578 (please no crazy woman texting...I've had my share)
When Pigs Fly: These guys are unknown to me and that's all that matters because these are my odds. Just like the odds say...When pigs Fly.
WAYNE PENTICOST- from the name it sounds like he is flying in from England. Good soccer not so good outdoor racquetball.
CHARLIE- Make this guys last name PRATT and I put him at 8:1...lol
DAVID BOGOSIAN- never heard of him but he sounds big!!
RICHARD LINDKAMP- are you of the South Carolina Lindkamps?
RON HARRAKA- Possibly of asian decent which makes me interested but will not give him better odds.
MAX WERTZ- the Mad German who is best known for his victory against the Russians at Stutghard.
CRAIG YOVANAVICH- I think he was bounced early in this year's Australian Open (tennis).
MIKE ALDERSON- I'm drawing a complete blank.
ROLLAND SEILINGER- Probably from the great plains and probably playing in his frist outdoor tournament.
GABE O’CONNOR- Might be someone to bring to the after party for beer and chips (because of the Mexican and Irish descent) lol
BRIAN HAMPTON- This ain't water polo son. Evacuate the premises.
100:1
SCOTT WILSON- a fixture(?) in the Socal racquetball scene but why, we don't really know. Warms up on your court and will take up space.
75:1
SAM BARRERA- young up and comer but he needs to be coming up a lot faster if he wants to be higher on this odds list. Seems to have all the tools; a good swing, nice foundation and average power. What he lacks is big time games and a calmer personality. Give me that and I'll show you some better odds (see Brian Pineda)
60:1
DAVE TEDESCHI- Dave is one of my favorite guys but he never plays ball. Play ball Dave and you"ll get better odds. You're at 50:1 cause the nipple ring still freaks me out.
(Update)
ROB BRICENO- why does this name sound familiar to me? Because he is an "Underground" guy. One of the loyals from the other league and has played in his share of WOR tounraments as well. A good player if he gets guys that want to play.
(Update)
DENNIS RIGGS-I had this one totally wrong, not the "Underground" guy i thought he was and definitely not Pinoy. Sorry to drop you even further but impersonating a Phillipino is a no no!!!
50:1
SODAMAN- Sodaman comes to play every time. Hits the ball solid but can be wild at times (he blasted me in a shoot out). That said, he does play enough to know what he's doing and will advanced past the first round if the bracket is in his favor.
DARREL BARRACUARTRO- Age is catching up to this guy, as it does with all of us. Doesn't look like the knees can take a big run but you will not find a bigger heart on anyone else. I root for this guy every time I see him play.
35:1
ALLEN KAZAM- Former commisioner of WOR should now be more relaxed without having to deal with all the politics that that position has to deal with. That said, will not get a favorable enough draw to advance past the first bracket. I love you Allen but I need to keep it real.
ROBBY JOHNSON- Dive Dive Dive!!! No this is not the intro to a WWI submarine movie. To watch Robby play is to watch one of the most airborn guys in outdoor. I for one am glad that he let his hair grow back...it looks so pretty when he is in the air.
RICARDO SOTO- making the trip from San Diego if I am correct. He is a good player and I think that he will be one of the guys to get out of the feeder brackets.
30:1
BRYAN HAAS- lmao can't help but laugh when I think of the little Mexican lady he hit on the fly from 50 yards away or how he blasted Lou while warming up or...lol you get the picture.
BLAKE MARTIN- no one looks better in skinnies than this former model and current George Michaels (formerly of Wham) look a like. He is of the current crop of up and comers that just never up and came. Who cares though. When you look like Blake the sky's the limit!!
25:1
BRAD BOWERS- I had a very poor showing when making my odds for the Championships last year and this guys and his favorable draw is one of the reasons. I liked the way he played in the championships and i am betting that he will play good at KOB. Don't let me down Brad.
20:1
JOSH REZA- solid all around good guy. Josh has been out of the loop after his sticks were stolen. I'm sure he's has gotten them all replaced and is playing again. I like the way he plays and because he is one of the former "Underground" guys this style of play suits him just fine.
GOEFF OSBERG- Current commissioner of WOR and former nice guy...lol jk. If making videos was a way of getting better odds he'd be way higher on the list. It isn't so here he will stay but keep making those great videos, we all like 'em.
WARREN PETTIT- Solid player. Kind of streaky but of late is streaking on a good level. I like tattoos and that helps his odds as well.
PAUL DYLEWSKI- Paul "tie dye" Dylewski is the man that has a Butterlfy Backhand and will travel. The most frustrating player in the world but he gets the job done. Smart enough to play nice with others but will others play nice with him?
15:1
THUNDER- like love, Thunder has burned me too many times. He can play with any partner and his plan of attack rarely varies...hard solid into the corner seems to work over and over. He will get far in the brackets.
STEVE BELLMONTE- our favorite squash player and outdoor racquetball historian. Steve has game. Enough game to carry guys for a few rounds at least. This is my dark horse. Expect him to go deep into the tournament if the Pacquiao fight isn't weighing on his mind that is. GO PAC MAN!!!
LOUIE OROSCO- His upcoming marriage might make or break his concentration. It's a BIG step kid. lol jk. I wish him all the luck with his lovely bride to be and will assume that he has been playing and therefor is getting these generous odds.
ROLLAND GRASSEL- best looking old guy in outdoor. lmao. If Rolland can keep from running around like a crazy man he will do just fine. Too bad he won't be able to. Too much energy will be his downfall.
Any of the following can make the FINAL FOUR!!!
10:1
JESUS USTARROZ- out of shape but still a good player. I hope he can get into shape by KOB.
BRIAN PINEDA- playing great as of late but when you've been around as long as me and have seen his development you can't help but wonder if the dark shadow will emerge again. After all despite how good he's gotten and how much he has matured on the court we still do have a "PINEDA LIST" in his honor!!!! Play tough kid.
ANDY SOLIS- wild man that has fun crushing the snot out of the ball. Is that enough to get him through and into the final four? Maybe not but the Elite Eight is well in his reach.
8:1
BRANDON DAVIS- Yummy. This is were it gets good. He will have a break out tournament and a great showing here at KOB. He can play with the best, but can he play with them as his partner? It's tricky to play when people are crunching numbers and scheming to advacnce. Take that out of the equation and he makes it to the final four.
DILLON SILVER- Florida's best is SoCal's top 20...lol Dillon has all the tools and more to win this thing IF it were being played in Florida. Maybe the air just isn't the same out here. Who knows. Whatever it is, he just isn't the same guy here as there. Still the hottest guy on the courts though. Go Dillon!!! (in my best preteen cheerleader voice)
GARY MARTIN- his game never seems to age. He destroys his shoulder and plays left handed for a year. When he switches back to right he only has the BESt slice backhand serve any of us have ever seen. Yeah he's STILL got game!!
6:1
SON NGUYEN- Great player and he can play with anyone when it counts. I know I'm going to get texts messages about how he and Roland went dwon this past weekend. WHO CARES!!! This is when it counts and Son shows up WHEN IT COUNTS!!!
TOM FURMAN- I can't believe I'm doing this, but from what I remeber Furman played good at the Championships. I'm sure that will carry over to KOB.
4:1
SCOTT DAVIS- playing well but may get frustrated if he is playing with players that he deems are not at his caliber. By his on statemnet, he doesn't care about outdoor. That attitude may be reason enought to not care about winning. Match him up with friends and good guys and he is in the top two.
RICK SANDELLO- In the final four last year and was able to carry many a player to advance. Always does well and this year may be no different. He played so hard last year that he detacthed his retna. gross!! The eye seems to be holding up and he will be a factor.
3:1
MIKE PETERS- plays well with others and has great under the breath smack talk. Will be strong and will play tough round after round. And if anyone has any PK gear please send it his way. He likes to wear it all at once.
2:1
GREG SOLIS- Best player in the field in my opinion except for that little thing we call mental toughness. Sorry Greg love ya but I gotta say it...you get nervous. It's hard to see and most don't but it's there.
Even Money
JOSH TUCKER-last two years' KOB will be in the final four again but may not be able to make it three in a row. My money would be on him if I was betting though. He has anticipation like no other and the conditioning of a twenty something year old...oh wait he is twenty something. None the less solid player and definitely in the top three in outdoor playing today.
My pick to win this year is Mike Peters. If Josh hadn't won it last year I'd say him. but we haven't had a repest King yet and if it isn't me it don't want it to be anyone else. GO MIKE!!!!
Lost all my phone contacts. Send me your numbers boys and girls...909-569-3578.
Send me a text with your name kids!!!
75:1
Christie Noller/Daryl ?: Hard to give good odds to a team whos names are incomplete on the list. lol.
Darrell Bariquatro/Jennifer Carson: I think this is Darrell's first time playing the Pro division in the mixed. Wow are you in for a treat. Jennifer Carson comes out and has fun and plays with a smile on her face. I like that but the odds stay here.
Yoanis Garcia/Yelandi Rivero: I think this is a Florida team.There is a good chance that if I use the phrase "I think" in your description that I don't know much about you and thereofre odds will reflect that. Have fun guys!
50:1
Debra Woods/Willie Tilton: Both these players are solid indoor. Willie is phenomenal indoor and I think Debra is too...uh oh I just wrote "I think"...the kiss of death! I don't think that this team has enough outddor time to do damage but I like both of them a lot. Good luck.
Mark Maupin/Illeana Villreal: Florida team in the house. As far as I know there are no courts this size in Florida. that means that these two have little or no time playing on courts like this. NATIONALS is a different beast.
40:1
Andy Solis/Celeste Pafford: Celeste has impressed me with her play. She seems to be a good doubles players which will really help out in the mixed. Andy is a former Men's Doubles Champion. So why are they so low on the list? Andy has never played mixed before. Man this is the second hardest game at NATIONALS kids.... they have a lower bracket for the first timers!!!
Angela Grizar/Jimmie Lowe: CHILE!!!! I just love yelling Chile when Angela is playing. And she smiles every time. Jimmie the "Super Freak" is fun to watch but might have hurt his odds by not having such a good showing at the Warm Ups last month. Still I think this team will win in the 1st round.
Anthony Herrera/Jo Shattuck or Devin Pimentelli: Indoor pros get some love, but not a whole lot. Just ask Ellis...lmao. Another thing that I don't like about this team is that two women have Anthony as their partner....Might be fun to see how this plays out..I will supply the Jello if it is necessary...lol
30:1
Kris Kasawal/Brandon Davis: I am way underestimating this team and I hope this is used as motivation. But then again if you need motivation for NATIONALS then you shouldn't be playing. Baby Davis had the best Warm Ups of everyone. I think that that will translate over to a great NATIONALS. Kris is going to sell a heap of things and will bring her A game. This team will do way better than the 30:1 odds.
Andy Hawthorn/Diane Moore: I heard he did great in Michigan, but those are long walls and indoor pros should do good in that setting. This is short wall and well I know zero about Diane Moore. So here you will stay. One more thing...pros get the benefit of the doubt because I am assuming that the learning curve is a lot quicker than the avergae player.
Bradley Kirch/Aubrey O'Brien: Couples always tend to be skethy on the court. But from what I've seen these kids get a long good on and off the court. I like that. Nothing better than a happy team/couple. I want to see these guys advnace and advance until they reach my partner and me of course.
25:1
Cynthia Figueroa/Robert Martinez: Seasoned outdoor players and they both know these courts well. Robert has one of the smoothest strokes outdoor but lacks motivation sometime. Cynthia will be hit with technicals left and right if the cussing doesn't stop...lol jk. She is solid but I think that she plays more for fun than winning.
Lou Orosco/Mary Shoumaker: On paper this team should excel. They were still trying to gel at the Warm Ups and that is the sole reason they are here on the list. I've sasid it before and I'll say it again, Mary is fun to watch. She took an extended time away from the court and came back tough. Give Lou a set up and he will bury it. But I'm not sure how many set ups will be served up.
Viviana Gomez/Dillon Silver: This is the top Florida team. And they are tough. Unfortunately I have not seen my boy Dillon play mixed before so that kind of hurt their odds. What did help was that i have seen Vivian play and she was lights outs. Strong player and from what I hear has really fallen for the outdoor game.
15:1
Laura Fenton/Jacob Hutchins: Can't wait to see see Laura Fenton. Um what I mean is I can't wait to watch her play. Actually what I should say is this team is good. lol. Laura is a solid indoor pro with great double's experience. Jacob played great last year and I think he was one half of the winning team. NICE!!!! I happen to know his cryptonite though and will use it if I need to. lol
Robert Sostre/Kathy Guinan: The Ice Man is back!!!! I won't say too much about his partner because i know nothing about her, but the Ice Man can go EYE FORMATION at any time and without any warning. If that happens you are playing two on one against one of the best in the country. I actually have learned that Kathy is a top paddle ball player and that no ball will get passed her. In the true one wall form that is tough to beat.
10:1
Alvaro Beltran/Paola Longoria: Big indoor names. Alvaro is "the Natural" and well to tell you the truth I have actually heard of Paola and that she is great indoor. So good in fact that I know wbout her. And if you know me, you know that this is a big deal. I don't care much for the indoor scene. This team will be tough. Anyways...I love the LATINOS....!!! LMAO
Brian Pineda/Linda Scales: I am happy to say that I brough this team together. So I thought what the heck let's make their odds better than they should be. I have a good feeling about this team. Linda is tough. Brian has all the tools. I almost wanted to put in all kinds of spellng errors so that Brian would understand this better but I'm sure he can get someone to explain it to him.
Michelle Key/Mike Orr: These BFF's are good. Good enough to win? NO! But still good She has played in this thing enough to know what works and what doesn't. He is just sick. Shot making ability that is off the charts. I hope I don't have to meet up with this team early.
One of the following teams will win it all. Three of the teams have already won it. One is made up of the men's dubs and women's sings champions. One just won the Warm Ups. And the others are just tough as nails. So these are the tems to beat.
8:1
Kristen Bellows/Jesus Ustarroz: Jesus is a thinker. Bellows couldn't have picked a smarter outdoor player to play with. He will coach her through the matches and maybe into the final. If she listens to him and can get over his awkward style they will do good. She has the tools to to beat teams.
Gaye Degree/George Barrera: Former champions who are always tough. This event is both of these guys best event. they have a chance to win it each and every year.
5:1
Jason Geis/Janel Tisinger: Tough team that slaughtered the other teams in the Warm Ups. If this train can stay on the track then this team is the bomb. There are a few issues with this team and they know what they are. keep it together and you are my pick to win it all.
John Ellis/Aimee Ruiz: Had a miracle run at the Warm Ups. They can repeat that if they play better than they did before. Funny thing is I think they can. Will they? That remains to be seen. Smile Aimee....
Greg McDonald/Martha McDonald: I am pretty sure that this was suppose to be the debut of Mama McDonald and Son playing together but a playing mishap has put a wait on that idea. I don't know how many times this team has won this thing but i am willing to say that it is not under 5. This mightbe the last year they play together though so come out and cheer on the ONLY two players that have played in every single National Championship tournament!!!!!!
Jesus Ocana/ Deby Pierce: Former National champions who are desperately trying to get back to the top. No one in the game lobs better than Deby. And well I am just the best Mixed player on the planet...lol. All kidding aside. Three events might take a toll on me but Deby will dictate how far we go into the draw.
3:1
Gabe Medina/Jacquie Paraiso: Winners of the Warm Ups. They played so good that they decided to play in the Nationals together. I love the talk that Jacquie dishes out. But She has bot seen me at Nationals yet and might not come back after my ruthless assault. Gabe on the other hand can make or break this pairing. He played full throttel in the Warm Ups and can only go down from that. How far down? You never knwo with Gabe.
Scott Davis/Michelle Poage: Whoohoo. Giant killers...Pogo stick has more energy than a meth addict vacuming the front livingroom at 3am in the morning. lol. On top of that she hits the ball hard and low. A deadly combination for sure. Scott is the future and he is showing it each time he plays. He has more power than anyone. He has learned outdoor shots and he uses them in games now. Very dangerous team.
Even Money
Craig Lane/Rhonda Rajsich: As if Clubber didn't have enough rings in the Mens Doubles...SIX. He now has to come over and get more over here. I am predicting that he will be a couble event finalist but i am not so sure that he will win both. Rhonda was given a pass last year abut will be petal to the metal this year. I expect her to be her old self.
For the first time I am going to give odds to the ladies. That's right, not only do I want the guys to hate me I want to kill anychances I ever had with any of these women!!!! lol
100:1
Jo Shatuck/?: I can't believe that a Woman is going to be playing alone. I like it. I've never heard of Jo but I will be rooting her on.
75:1
Yoanis Garcia/ Illeana Villreal: The second name rings a bell but nothing major. Good luck ladies. This is the biggest tournament we have outdoor and you are going to have to play all out to advance.
50:1
Debra Woods/Sonya Green: Alright locals!!! These to ladies are good players. So why am I seeding them so low? Because I think that they lack the shots that some of the other female teams are bringing to the table. Besides....Sonya cusses like a banshee. Not good for the kiddies but I love it!!
30:1
Viviana Gomez/ Diane Moore:If I'm not mistaken, Vivian is from Florida and when I saw her play she played great. If her partner would have been someone I knew the odds would have been way better. As it stands 30:1.
Jill Federman/Christie Riley: Jill is one of the fastest players out here. She is non stop. Christey is solid. Both have logged in tons of time on the court. Here are my two reasons for their odds being this low; 1) I don't think they have enough time together as a team to know the styles of one another and 2) Jill just got married. She shouldn't be thinking of ball. She should be thinking of her man!!!
25:1
Celeste Pafford/Linda Scales: I love me some Scales. She is one of my favorite female players at this tournament every year. She brings it and besides she lets me beat her in mixed each year. Celeste just took the game up and from what I've seen plays it good. I think that they will do good if they catch some breaks. I expect them to do okas it stands.
10:1
Gaye Degree/Kris Kasawal: The first of my ladies!!!! Love both of them. Both are veterans and both ladies will be giving the indoor pros headaches. Gaye is solid. She can kill enough shots to end a rally and Kris strikes the ball well. Will that be enough to beat the teams with better odds? We shall see.
Sherri Knecht/Mary Shoumaker: The second women's team that I want to see win it all. Sherri hits the ball a ton. If this team can gel they will do good. Few other teams know the courts as good as these two ladies. And well to tell you the truth I just love watching Mary play. Smart, great shots, and power... I will be keeping my eye on this team.
8:1
Danielle Key/Aubrey O'Brien: Young guns. This is the first team that I think I am overestimating but it's hard to not think they are going to do good. Danielle is solid. She was in the final four for Queen of the Beach and she playes NAtionals every year. She knows the game. I saw Aubrey play for the forst time last year and liked what I saw. Great inddor player, but will that translate to outdoor?
5:1
Kristen Bellows/Laura Fenton: Man oh man. I cannot wait to see Laura Fenton play. Been a fan for years and well have a little crush on her. Kristen Bellows is a first timer out here but one that I think is going to kick butt. This is my sleeper team.
One of the following four teams will win it all!!!!!
3:1
Jacqueline Paraiso/Aimee Ruiz: Jacqui is quickly becoming my favorite female player. Next to Rhonda, no one has talked more smack to me than her. I love it. She played great at the Warm Ups. I don't expect her play to go backwards. I also had a chnace to play against Aimee at the Warm Up and found out that she is solid. I even got her to smile once...But I may be wrong.
Keely Franks/ Angelar Gisar: CHILE!!!! I love me some Angela. She adapted like nothing out here last year and played great. She has teamed up with a lethal player. The little I've seen from Keely was enough to tell me that she has what it takes to win this thing. They will be in the final pairing!
2:1
Michelle Poage/Janel Tisinger: This is my bet it all on them pick!!!! Janel has enough experience out here to ride this all the way to the end. Michelle is the fastest and best indoor to outdoor convert that I have ever seen. She is ruthless when she plays. Kills at will. Rolls at will. She is faster than any women on the courts. I don't know how these two ladies got together but this is the team you do not want to see in your bracket!!!!
Even Money
Rhonda Rajsich/Martha McDonald: Let's see Rhonda is playing with Martha and Clubber. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! The two best players in the men's and women's brackets. DANG!!!! I guess it's good to be the queen!! Martha is one of my favorite people on the court. I want to see her in the final. This is my pick to win.
A huge draw this year and these aren't even all the teams. As more teams enter I will add them to the list in the "appropriate" spot. I am pretty confident this year with the odds and once again if I don't know who you are...you don't have a chance.
A very wise man told me at the court yesterday that most of the list's odds should be at 1,000,000:1. He further went on to say one of the funniest things I heard all day....."A part from a select few (basically the 5:1's and better) no one has a chance. The only chance of winning is if (the 5:1's and better) are all on the same team bus and said bus explodes...killing all of the passengers. Then and only then do others have a chance of winning..!!!" LOL
100:1
Mathew Barsian/Tom Durham: Newbie alert. Newbie alert. Give the ship more juice and hope she hold together.
Mathew Suvian/Tom Parham: Must be indoor guys because I don't know 'em. Thanks for playing guys. Have fun.
Jason Tacket/Chris Young: Another newbie. Nice to see so many fresh faces. Welcome to outdoor boys.
Jeffery Hald/Jimmy Santiago: The third of the unknowns. But I think I saw that these guys are playing in the A Division as well. Good thinking!!!!
75:1
Allem Kazam/Warren Pettit: I get it Allen. I understand why you chose the guy you chose but there are only a few more days of you being the WOR director. You don't have to be diplomatic any more. Next year I want to see you with a top guy....No offense Warren.
Darell Baricuatro/Denis Cadavona: Outdoor guys that have been around for some time. But no matter what the sponsors call this tournament..it's NATIONALS! Lokk at all the teams below you on this list and smile and move on.
Michael Bernstein/Jack McDonald: Young...check. Outdoor guys...Check COme from outdoor families...check. Had a great win last year but that won't happen again this year. Come by and hang out with me kids. We can bag on all the other guys.
Yelandi Rivero/Maykel R.: I got a call in the wee hours of the morning last week that one of these guys was up and coming and looking for a partern. Once again boys and girls..This is NATIONALS.....have a steady partner and know eachothers game before stepping into this division.
65:1
"Big" Rod Felton/Jimmy "Super Freak" Lowe: On the rock these guys cannot be beat. Big Rod is like a planet whose gravitational pull brings all balls to him. He returns well and maintains his ground (hinder) well. Jimmy is one of the nicest guys on a court and definitely the most fun to watch. But Jimmy wa handed a beat down by Baby Davis in the Warm-Ups and so the odds went down justa tad.
George Barrera/Sam Barrera: George is fast and has a good touch game but is like the little squirrel in Hood Winked...hyper and on crack!!! Slow down and his game rises. His son Sam has gotten way better over the years. I Like where his game is going but my problem is that Sam has not jumped in and started playing with the big fish yet. This is not where you want to start doing that.
50:1
Robby Johnson/Dave Tedeshi: Two of my favorite guys and they've been playing for years. So why are this this low? They do not play consistantly in tournaments. A weekend warrior cannot win NATIONALS!!!
Brad Bowers/Gil Sais: Been playing for the last month. Might have hurt them though. How could that have hurt them? I got to see them play!!! lol
Mark Maupin/Rob Mejias: If I am not mistaken this is a Florida team but this is not Florida. You don't come here from there and take what is rightfully ours. Come out. Wear your Team Florida shirts and chill under your tent. Get us back when we come to your town and have to play on those "mini me" courts.
40:1
Brian Pineda/John Ivers: as you read farther you will be amazed and confused. You won't know what is going on. How on earth can Brian Pineda be playing on two team??? lol I love it! Ok back to the odds for this team: Ivers is Solid. One of the best guys you will play. Hits it a ton. Is quick...oh wiat this is outdoor Ivers. He and Brian will do good and will crush some bottom feeders on their way to an early second round exit. NO REALLY COME UPO AND ASK ME ABOUT BRIAN"S OTHER TEAM!!! lol
Willie Tilton/Ravi Sohoni: I had the pleasure of playing Ravi this past week and the pleasure was all his. He whooped on me like I had stolen his jelly doughnut. He put everything down and just was relentless in his shot making. Willie is a seasoned indoor player who when set up will end the rally without hesitation. Oh did I mention that Ravi was playing with Mannino when I was handed my beat down.....lol
Richard Conway/Tommy Medina: If I am not wrong, these guys have played in a few of these now. This is a good team but you can't come from out of state and win!!!
Roland Grassl/Ryan Rogers: Roland pick someone I've heard of so that when I give you these crazy odds it won't be all on you. Have fun and make lots of money stringing sticks. Most of all remember, your ok indoor.
Travis Mettenbrink/Jacob Hutchins: Ok. I had the pleasure of playing against Jacob last year and was very very impressed. I was more impressed when he and his partner won the mixed. Very nice. Glad your here again after the beating and hope tyour have fun in the drop down bracket.
Anthony Carson/Charlie Pratt: Mr. Pratt was outsatnding last year. I liked his game and he had lots of it. Problem here is that you played with an outdoor guy last year and did ok. Why on earth would you switch to an indoor player? Oh well, Sa-la-vie.
Vic Leibofsky/Norm McNutt: coming off a strong win in a Florida long wall tourney can give you a big ego boost. Very nice. And you'd think that playing with the national director of WOR would add to your odds. NEGATIVE. You have to show me something before you are up with the big boys.
30:1
Rock Hellenbech/Daryl Uhrich: Nationals verterans but they Uhrich seeme to only play outdoor during this event. I would feel just horrible giving them better odds. Hope the bus explodes with the better guys on board!!! LOL
Jose Diaz/Marco Rojas: i like this team. Diaz is great out here. Very exciting to watch and well ball is in Rojas' blood. But this team lacks outdoor skills and will fall quick to a more seasoned team.
Steve Cuniff/Trey Taylor: This is one of the teams I want to see advance. Known for years and if they catch some breaks will advance. But probably not that far. I just haven't seen Trey on the courts enough and Cunni is getting up in age.
25:1
Lou Orozco/Andy Solis: Lil Lou has been in a foul mood as of late. But to tell me that he didn't care about his odds was just taking it too far. Only cause Andy is on this team will I not make these odds worse......Reall? You really don't care? :*(
Anthony Herrera/Rafa Filippini: Rafa is the man. Great skills and he gets better every time I see him play. Problem for me here again is that he chose an indoor partner. Pick up an outdoor guy that can strategize for you and you go way farther in the bracket. This is my pick to win the drop down.
Andy Hawthorn/Greg Lawerence: If I am not mistaken Greg is a seasoned outdoor guy from the long walls of Michigan. Uh oh...long wall. Very very different from what we have here. The adjustment might be too big to overcome. I have heard great things about Andy's game and can't wait to see him play. I hope I am not playing at the same time. Have fun guys.
Dillon Silver/Todd Pohlman: unfortuneatly Dillon had to resort to paying with another partner due to the McDonald broken leg. Heel fast my friend cause Dillon's odds will suffer without you.
****Please look away and don't let the children read this****
Let us bow our heads and remember what could have been. Coe up and ask me what happened to this team. It's a great story!!!
R.I.P.Pete Gauchi/Brian Pineda: Yum yum. I like this team. These guys are my boys and are a staple of the outdoor scene. That being said...piñata needs to hold it together and Pete needs to shoot away. Funny thing is that I think they will advance two rounds.
20:1
Ruben Gonzalez/Tom Fuhrman: Ruben is solid. He grew up playing outdoor in NYC and has plays great each and every time I watch him play. He is one of the best getters in the game and puts a swing on almost everything. So why did you pick an indoor guy. Sure this kids hits it a ton indoor...but man oh man Ruben any outdoor guy would have increased your odds. I will say this for Tom, I saw him play the other day with Geis and he held his own.
Ken Grandy/Dave Smith: This is the best of the Florida teams on these courts. They cuss like sailors but are big teddy bears. One big issue that will sidetrack this team is that there are no faucets to shower at the park. Come by and cheer me on guys and I'll do the same for you.
Brandon "Baby Davis"/David Horn: I like this team. Baby Davis is playing great as of late. I saw Horn for the first time at the Warm-Ups and liked what I saw. He reminded me a lot of one Ben Croft. Should be a good team and will give teams a big fat headache.
Mike Orr/Brad Kirch: Orr is my boy. Orr is the real deal. Why are you bringing an indoor guy? Orr will be hung over on the second day and there goes the tournamnet. lol. GO STEELERS!!!!
15:1
Robert Martinez/Scott McMasters: McMasters has seen it all, has played us all, and has won his share of games. The glue that this team lacks is motivation.
10:1
Rick Sandello/Jeff Johnson: Wow. Only six weeks after his retna was detatched, Rick is back and playing. Are you kidding me?! Jeff is thourgh yelling things like; "Why do I play out here?" "Outdoor sucks!" Man indoor you wouldn't be any good"....oh well at least i hope is done with all that. You never know. Stick around and watch one of his games. If he doesn't say one of these choice phrases come claim your prize!!!! LMAO
Robert "the Iceman" Sostre/Freddy Ramirez: I think these odds might be a bit too high but am willing to bat for these guys. Iceman will be Iceman and Freddy will roll out his setups. Robert has just come back from two blown ACL's. That might just be too much to overcome.
Jimbo Banuelos/Steve :the Trashman" Bush: BUENA PARK!!! I have always wanted to see Steve play witha top player. But Jimbo.....!!! DANG he hit the lottery. This is the sleeper. Jimmy has been playing great and all Steve has to do is not skip. Trust me, this team is legit...BOISRANC PARK!!!
Ben Croft/Rod "Thunder" Frontino: I almost feel obligated to give these odds to thunder. He has beaten my odds each and every time. He is the thorn in my side. Teaming up with Croft was great. Croft is one of the better guys out here and will keep this team in each and every rally.
8:1
Jason Geis/John Dunn: I made their odds way to high in the warm-ups and i think that I have adjusted them accordingly. Forehands up the middle. Softest hands in the game. Power to shoot with any other team. Go Go my Arian brothers!!!
Here we go. At 5:1 I like very team from this point on. Each one of these teams should make it to the quarters.
5:1
Alvaro Beltran/Chris Crowther: Alvaro is the Natural in my eyes. I have not seen any other indoor pro take up the game of outdoor quicker than he has. He is smooth. Battles every point. With Crowther crushing the ball and Alvaro ending the rallies, this will be a tough team to beat.
NYC Jesus Ustarroz/Scott "the Future" Davis: I have seen the future and it answer to the name of Scott Davis!!! Two and a half years? Are you kidding me? Crushes the ball. Has outdoor shots now. If him and Jesus can keep from arguing, this team will beat everyone on there way through the brackets.
Jose Rojas/John Ellis: Each and every year this team does great. But like Ozzie Canseco they only have warning track power. They will make it to the semis and lose to a btter team.
Gary Martin/Jesus "Zeus" Ocana: Yes I'm bias. Yes this is me. But scoring Gary as a partner has made this tournament that much more fun. If both these guys are on they will not be beat until they reach the final. Reaching the final is going to be the key. lol
Gabe Medina/Mike Beltran: This is always a tricky team to make odds for and be right about. Solid team but i tend to think that Gabe can and will be rattled on the big stage. Although I like Mike smiling....it also took my fear of this team away.
4:1
Rocky Carson/Mark Koiden: Rocky Carson...what can I say. The eye formation has never been played so well. He will get to everything and he will kill everything. He is the best outdoor player out here. So I wonder why this "team" is 4:1....come up and ask me and I'll let you know...lol
3:1
Kevin Booth/Mike Peters: These guys don't age. They frustrate almost every team with their style of play. They keep rallies alive and end them when they want. If you can stay focussed and not get sucked into the constant arguing then you can beat this team....Did I mention the constant arguing?
2:1
Son Nguyen/Josh Tucker: Last years champs played lights out last year. But an interesting thing about last year was that almost all of their matches went to a tie breaker last year. that alone kinda scares me. I saw this play just yesterday and still find this to be my favorite team to watch. They are fluid. They both are strikers. They both cover for eachother effortlessly. Man I think they might be able to win again if all goes well.
1:1
Jason Mannino/Cliff Swain: I cannot belive I am doing this. Each and every time I played Jason out her he got better exponentially. He's a pro and adapted quickly to the game. You can't intimidate him with heat, the guy plays KANE on a regular basis! I haven't even mentioned his partner yet. Cliff Swain has shown time and time again that he can play anywhere, on any court, on any wall... This team will be breaking teams all the way to the final.
Greg Solis/Craig "Clubber" Lane: This is the team to beat. With more rings than Liberaci and more fire power than any other team, it's hard to bet against this team. No flaws. No quit. All the shots!!! Put the house on these guys.
Just got the email and the ok to spread the news....Jason Mannino and Cliff Swain will be teaming up for this years Outdoor Championships. Yikes!!!! This will throw a big big wrench in the odds.
Great to hear that Jason has finally decided to come out and play outdoor. Spread the word kids.
Who is running Nationals? I have a question. We were not allowed to play in three events for the Warm ups and I was wondering if we could play three in the NAtionals.
Wow the mixed is loaded...I gotta say some of these people sound familiar but I don't know 'em all. But that's never stopped me before. I didn't know what to do with some of the teams but I'm pretty sure I got it right. So read 'em and weep.
100:1
Jeff Kettering/Dorcy Norton: Will this be my chance to finally play Jeff Kettering in an event? He's been avoiding me for years in the C Division. No more running from me. Dorcy is new to outdoor and like all new comers who are indoor players...NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!
75:1
Danny Gonzalez/Teri Steelman: Teri is a frequent player out here but she has chosen an unknown comodity. That does not fly well when it comes to getting good odds.
Roland Grassl/Debra Woods: I love you Roland and you know you're my boy but this division is not for the weak of heart. Roland has all the skills and is the quickiest guys that fly under the radar. I have never seen Debra play outdoor and that is the sole reason that this teams odds are at 75:1.
50:1
Robert Briceno/Nico Richardson: This is a team that has been developing their skills in the JV league, Outdoor Underground. Nico has got all the shots and has won some tournament in that league. Robert is also solid but this is WOR and just look at this years draw...YIKES!!!
THE CONTENDERS...Any team under this line can take it all. But we all know that I'm just being kind.
25:1
Lou Orosco/Mary Schoumaker: Lou is a verteran player in the mixed game and he has found a GREAT partner in Mary. I had a chance to actually watch Mary play two weekends ago and she was tearing it up. If Lou can be consistant and Mary plays like I saw the other day...this team will be the sleeper.
10:1
Rhonda Raisch/Paul Dylewski: Rhonda you're breaking my heart. I, I mean Deby and I, Wanted our rematch. But alas, Son is hurt and she is slumming it with Paul. The butterfly backhand will be in full effect. If Paul can avoid flying racquets this team should do good.
Gay Degree/George Barrera: **Former National's Champions Alert** This team has played together for years. Solid Mixed team. One of the best out here but they have little court time together this year. Have been benn hurt? Are they ducking everyone else? Have they been training in Bolivia? We will find out this weekend.
Jackie Paraisio/Gabe Medina: I think that this is Jackie's first time ever outdoor. But for heavens sake, she is a million time indoor doubles champion. Not even Gabe can mess that up. Or can he? Gabe is great but tends to overtake a court. This can frustrate even a seasoned teammate. (This is my all money on this team pick)
This is the "Bet the house on one of these teams" part of the list!!!
8:1
John Ellis/Amee Ruiz: I looked high and low on the women's ranking and could not find Amee. But for some strange reason the name sounds very very familiar. I think I know John well enough to know that he wouldn't play with anyone other than a ringer. So I am going out of the norm here and giving this unknown, untested, and indoor team a chance at winning this thing.
5:1
Jesus Ocana/Deby Pierce: **Former National's Champions Alert** That's right kiddies. Deby's knee seems to be close to 100% and well Jesus is trying to cope with all the new blodd in the bracket. This team was in the semis at last year's Nationals and was cheated out of...Oh nevermind..5:1!!!
Gary Martin/Kris Kasawal: Gary is brutal in any division. At last year's Nationals, Gary's men's doubles partner didn't show up for their match. What did Gary do? He played them two on one!!! HE IS AN ANIMAL... It was the best thing I've ever seen. Imagine what he can do with a partner like Kris Kaswal. This is a great team. Expect them to be one of the two teams in the finals.
3:1
Scott Davis/Michelle Poage: Mmm Mmmm Good. Two solid indoor players that are also solid outdoor. Michelle is the most improved player of the year in my book. Scott has yet to reach his full potential. Scary. This team might have an edge over Jason and Janel but that is only if the two love birds begin to unravel.
2:1
Jason Geis/Janelle Tisinger: Jason doesn't play much outdoor these days but when he comes out he plays for keeps. He and Janelle will be tough. This is the team to beat. The best team in the field although I think this team could be highly combustible.
100:1 (Indoor Rankings)
David Horn/?: I gotta says this...he has juevos...Gary tried this last year...One against two and did pretty good but I Don't think Horn is at the same level as Spartacus. Oh wait maybe he is just waiting to be assigned a partner. Still 100:1!
Jason Richard Conway/Charlie Stadler: Don't know 'em. Wish 'em luck. Indoor will not win outdoor!
Mike Coulter/Rick Koll: Must be indoor guys cause it is way too hot to be playing outdoor in Vegas.
75:1
Rick Hallenback/Darrel Uhrich: Team has lots of guts but may be shooting to high here in the Pro Division.
25:1
Brad Bowers/Gil Sais: Gil is the man. Plenty of energy and lots of shots, but still searching for the key to the outdoor game. Brad still plays this game a little to cavalier. If Brad's aggression is high this weekend, this team will win a match or two.
20:1
Brian Haas/Daryl Smallman: Both good players and funny guys but humor isn't going to be enough to beat the team below them on this list. I will watch most of their games though because Haas will hit a totally unsuspecting person. NO ONE is safe. Daryl gets better each time I see him play. But once again this is Warm Ups and the big guns will be out.
Rod Frontino/Scott McMasters: I like this team. Hard hitter and a willey veteran. Thunder hits it hard and has a pretty level head, while No one has been playing the game at the highest level longer than Scott Mcmasters. I hope this team knockes out guys.
Paul Dylewski/Ken Kaiser: Both these guys are battle tested. Ken has been around for years. If the butterfly backhand is on....who am I kidding it will be on and it is going to frustrate all of us. Ken is still tops in my book but all tournaments have feeders. This is ours!!
Robby Johnson/David Tedechi: More court time for Dave Tedechi would make this team that much better. Robby is a vacuum. He gets to almost everything but I feel that this team lacks a "closer." Most teams won't blow rallies. The more rallies these guys finish the better their chances.
10:1
Rocky Carson/Mark Koidin: I know a lot of you guys are going to see this and say WTF?! Rocky is the best but I still feel that Mark has a little more developing to do. The teams ahead of this team are way to smart to challenge Rocky game after game. The exploitable will be exploited.
Jeff Johnson/Roland Grassl: Don't believe the hype. These are not indoor players anymore. They play enough outdoor to be a part of the gang. Beside two stringers together are deadly. The only reason their odds aren't higher is because they have never played together before.
8:1
Pete Gauchi/Jimmy Lowe: Pete is the scrappiest player around. Jimmy is an entertainer on the court. Although Pete knows these courts like he knows landscaping, I guarantee that Jimmy has never seen courts this size in his life. Pete will have to carry the bulk of the weight for this team to advance.
Mike Beltran/Gabe Medina: A little known fact...these guys won the Nationals one year. Gabe is back to 100% and Mike is smiling a lot more than he use to. this team has the tools to get far in the draw but i don't think that it's their tournament this time.
Jim/Dillon: Jimmy can play with anyone and make a great showing. Dillon rules Florida ball. That being said. Look for Jimmy to keep this team headed in the right direction while Dillon makes some incredible gets and plays balls to the walls...So why just 8:1? Cuase this ain't Florida kid!!!!
5:1
John Ellis/Jose Rojas: The shortest team in the bracket. But like Mighty Mouse, "Who needs to be tall?" Two indoor pros that wreak havoc each year in the draw. Just ask Jesusx2. But like the true indoor players that they are, they will lose to an outdoor team. The questions are...Which team? and Which round?
Jesus Ustarroz/Scott Davis: NYC Jesus is coming off of his best racquetball year in the JV League (Outdoor Underground) and a third place finish in the KOB. Scott is the future of racquetball in SoCal. He has all the tools and more power than anyone outdoor. But the bickering between these two although fun to watch may unravel them.
Mike Peters/Josh Tucker: What can I say about the Condor, Mike Peters, that you don't already know. He's older than dirt and still looks great in those short shorts of his. Expect him to keep it in play and watch our KING OF THE BEACH, Josh Tucker, finish all the rallies.
Jesus Ocana/Gary Martin: I don't know which Gary is better, pre-op or post-op. What I do know is that Gary is the real deal and has been since he stepped on the outdoor scene at the Newport Courts years ago. This team is legit. I might be a little bias but this will be a tough team. Teaming up for the first time in tournament play. Trying to iron out the wrinkles before THE BIG ONE!
3:1
John Dunn/Jason Geis: Scary scary team. They look like two arian brothers out to avenge the racquetball world. Two of the nicest guys out here. Two of the roundest guys out here too. Like all in door players, they are fundamentally sound. Great hands, touch and power to spare. If the day is hot and the tourney goes long then these odds go down dramatically.
(Even Money)
Craig Lane/Greg Solis: Perennial finalists. This is the team to beat since Son is hurt and Josh is teaming up with Mike Peters. No flaws in this game. The only chance the rest of the field has is that this is not National and Clubbers tends to not care too much about anything but THE BIG ONE!
Side note...within each odds bracket the best team in the brackets are listed latest.
Lil lou's Father passed away this morning. Please send Lou a message. I grew up playing racquetball with Big Lou. He use to kick my butt all day. He was great at the sport and I will miss him greatly.
He was in great shape. He would go to all the Nationals to see Lou play and I'd love seeing him there. He use to play Nationals in the day too.
I am going to miss him.
No indoor team will be winning the 2009 Racquetball Warehouse WOR Championships this year or any future year. The closest will be Josh and Son. Josh is an indoor player that plays quite a bit of outdoor. But I think he is still considered by many an indoor guy. Son is ours. He is outdoor. This is a hybrid team. They are outdoor.
Marty and Cliff came close but no cigar. Marty won't win on the big Marina Park courts. The locals have too much of an advantage here.
There other indoor team that always has a strong showing is Rojas and Ellis. But again, they aren't any match for the outdoor teams. Jeez NYC Jesus and I almost beat them last time we played them.
Last year Swain and Crowther were disposed of wuite easily and had to fight to get into the quarters.
Hmm let's see who else is there...? Oh yeah Ellis and Gonzalez teamed up a few years ago and barely escaped with the help of a bad call to make it to the quarters..where again they were diposed of by an outdoor team.
Rocky, like Josh, is a hybrid. He is an indoor and outdoor guy. So for this argument's sake he is outdoor.
So give me some indoor teams that you think can win this....NONE!!!
Ok boys and girls. We have a few more months to go for Nationals and we are in this weekend ball thing full swing now! The last two weekends have been going off. Tons of teams showing up and kicking but. So this weekend the girls have said that they want to get into the action too. So just for them...we will be playing some mixed ball Sunday starting at 11am. Come on down and smack it with us.
Saturday is the day were the boys are coming out to play. Even Jill has said that she is in so girls are invited too. Sunday we will start at 10am and I'm sure some guys will be there earlier.
So show up and have some fun.
So what happened to all the hype and all the shootouts. The last shootout Underground threw (corrected for Haas) was the Valentine's Day one at Mile Square park. Am I wrong about this? i don't think so. Has outdoor underground just gone MIA or are they now defunct?
Someone post something. Even their site hasn't had an update in weeks/months. The OU people were so balls out and now nothing. What happened?
Is anyone in this organization listening? Is it still around?
The link is down below. Check out the article. Pretty cool to see any kind of exposure for our sport.
http://www.orangecoastmagazine.com/article2.aspx?id=11268&page=1One more thing. Write to them. go to the contacts on the site and let them know that we appreciate the write up. I invited them to come out and check out Nationals. Do the same thing.
If you have KOB pictures email them to Mark Naylor sothat he can get them up on the site quick. His email is on WOR site under the "contacts" tab. Get him those pics guys!
