As I'm watching the IRT Network, I can't but help being so appreciative of being able to watch One of the greatest players of all time play LIVE from the comfort of my own home (actually office, I'm at work). Aside from seeing him play in Memphis or when I used to go to pro-stops, I never got to watch him play much. I know he's not playing up to the same level as when he was at the top of his game, but it is still great to see. Watching high level racquetball live in and of itself is great.
Thank you IRT network and all those invovled for making this possible. I truly appreciate it. Anyone else watching the match that have similar feelings?
I specifically like the new Gearbox commercial with Alvaro looking all bad *ss and stepping through on a backhand. I would have liked to see him crush the camera though, I don't know how that would be done, and then show the logo, but who am I to complain. Any other commercials caught your eye?
the IRTNETWORK? If not, why not? I promise we won't berate you, I'm just curious where the marketing is failing.
The new season is under way. We were able to watch a match up of two up and comers in Texas as they implemented the new 2 serve rule that may or may not have affected the outcome of the final match. Now we have a vacancy of the #4 spot in the rankings that is up for grabs now that Commissioner Jason Mannino has retired. Who do you think will take the number 4 spot? Better yet, who do you think will finish in the Top 6? Here are my predictions:
#1 Kane - Did I shock anyone with this prediction? If I did, crawl out from under the rock.
#2 Rocky - California Love, I'm biased what can I say? New contract, new company, and a dope game makes him difficult to beat. He can do almost anything, maybe even take a match from Kane.
#3 Jack - How do you bet against technical consistency? You don't, unless there is technical consistency combined with athleticism
#4 Mitch - Yeah I said it, you may not agree, but I feel he benefits the most from the rule change. Jumping 3-4 spots, without having to worry about short serve and out. He'll be droppin' bombs to his heart's content and he'll be destoying people along the way.
#5 Ben - He's young, he's hungry, and he plays with the type of fire i like. As long as he doesn't break too many racquets and keeps his head on straight, he has the tools to take out some giants and even contend for that #4 spot with Mitch.
#6 Shane - He's experienced, mentally tough, and doesn't let a whole lot bother him. He could develop a nice drive serve, but nothing like Mitch's, but it could really help him prove me wrong. Regardless of the drive serve, he's a solid #6.
Notables:
Jose Rojas - NorCal, Baby!! Again my bias shows, quickness, monster power, and a newly developed drive serve give him the weapons to contend for a Top 6 spot maybe even #5 if he plays a fulltime tour schedule.
Chris - Yeah, the Crippler may benefit from the rule change as well, but his mental game and conditioning concern me. Being that he's from Cali, I love rooting for him and I hear he's working on both of my concerns, so we'll have to see. If so, Shane may have difficulty keeping that #6 spot.
Those are my predictions, now its time for you guys to tell me how wrong you think I am.
I know I've always enjoyed watching Jason play on the tour. By far one of my favorites to watch as he brought excitement, charisma, and great shot getting/making ability to the sport. Obviously he'll be a huge asset in the front office, but I can't help but wonder how the IRT will be affected with him behind the scenes vs in the spotlight. Obviously there's no right or wrong answer here, but I'm curious what people think. No offense Jason, I think you're going to help grow racquetball and the tour while taking it to new levels, but the selfish spectator part of me wants you to keep playing. =) Any thoughts?
end Kane's winning streak? Obviously, Kane's been dominating pro racquetball for the better part of the year. Some day he will lose... I think. So who do you think will be the man to put a chink in his armor? I feel Rocky is the guy to do it. He has the athleticism, shot making ability, conditioning, a new contract, and no new kids (that I know of). I'm biased, though, being a Californian. So I'm interested in hearing who you think will be the man, and why.
I'll in Littleton, Co for a week at the end of August and wanted to see if there were any health clubs near the area where I can find some games. I think I'll have to take a cab to the club because I'll be at the Denver Marriott South of Park Meadows, if anyone knows where that is. Anyways, I'm looking for Open level competition, but Elite level would be good too. I just want to hit while I'm there and get a good workout. Thanks for any help.
