Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Season 14 and X8B under the Spotlight
Hello and Welcome to MLP Sports Center and yes Cubby has allowed me to do some posting for this season. I wont be a part of it as a player but I may join the odd Sunday night tourney as I work nights. So in this post I will interview X8B Captain Ben (the_lvlag1cian). I will then look a little bit deeper into the league as a whole and talk about players who I think we should watch.
Jason: Thanks for agreeing to do the interview ben. I would like to ask you first what your expectations are for this coming season and If you make the playoffs where you want to finish?
Ben: Yup, your welcome, thanks for having me Where to start... With MLP, your expectations can only be high. Going into their 14th season, something must be clicking right. It feels like this place is the "big brother" amongst other interleagues, as many do look up to MLP because it is so successful. As for X8B making the playoffs? I see it as a possibility, but I never know what's going to happen. There's big competition here, but as we've gotten familiar with every team's playing style, maybe X8B can wiggle out way through a few games, and make it high up on the standings.
Jason: I think there is a good chance to make serious inroads into the playoffs this season. The last MLP 7 v 7 season X8B did very well in the regular season. Will we see any big names playing for you this season? Adambuddy?, Ross? and if so who else is there to watch out for and dont say James because that would be lying!
Ben: Lol, yeah, I don't think James has realized it yet that I'm just dragging him along for the show. I feel like our team is in the best form it has ever been. We got a solid lineup that might get a few heads turning. Yes, Adam and Ross are in there, along with Petey, Trav, Corey, Stephen, Robby.. and thats not even mentioning your typical trio of Ben, James, Dan. We definitely have a deep lineup, which could get back to haunt us if some don't get the desired playing time. But, my main goal here is to show up. Really frustrates me when we don't show with a full lineup, especially to the playoffs (see last years WPC). With the players we have, don't think that be an issue.
Jason: Yes you was one of the favourites last season in WPC but the lack of players must be a issue as your league is so active, will there be any league regulars playing this season or will the main bunch just get in there 5 games and show up? I know it happens in other leagues too but is there anyone who we should maybe look out for that we haven't heard of before?
Ben: Unfortunately, it's going to be the main bunch getting their 5 in and showing up. Now, for some, "getting their 5 in" it's such a hard concept for some reason (yes, myself is included in that). So, I'm going to try to keep on their asses about it. There shouldn't really be any big surprises with who's playing on our team. Ronnie and Phil said they might be coming back around, so if they dust the rust off a bit, could see them making a nice comeback. Oh, and Conor B - if you're reading this - we love you
Jason: I am afraid there is no excuse in X8B by any of your players to say they didn't have time there are tourneys 95% of the day! I think you and your team have a great chance at playoffs. The thing you need to do is make sure you have players come playoff time. Where do you see yourselves finishing and who will win the reg season and who will Win he playoffs?
Ben: Yeh, there shouldn't be any excuse. We're running like 80 tourneys a day over in X8B, so you'd think a player would be able to jump something *shrug* The no snooking thing is a turn-off to some, and I can understand that. With me, I like to aim low and surprise myself with how well we did. A 5th place spot in reg season will be the goal; we do have the potential for a top 3 spot though. As for the overall winners in the season - theres too many good teams to choose from. It could go either way, really. Just depends who's having the better day at the time. I'll go out on a limb, and say MIB comes out with the win, making their season debut one to remember.
Jason: Ben thank you for the interview and good look this season.
Ben: No Problemo
So that was a look at X8B's potential season from their captain Ben. Xtreme 8 Ball are basically one of very few 24 hour leagues left, they dont join many interleagues and are currently only in MLP, WPC and UIC.
They have had limited success in WPC but made the playoffs last season. In UIC they moved up from the Emerald Division to the Diamond Division, but in the Interleague every team wants to win - MLP - they have made the playoffs and last season had a wonderful Regular Season in the 7 v 7 Competition winning the National League and Ben got the Captains Award for the National League. This season in MLP however its all one league, even though Ben has a lot of talent at his disposal, the question is can he keep them all in line? Ross is a stand out player for them along with the likes of James (and man that pains me to say) and Adambuddy who when he's on form and playing his usual match, not many could beat him. This season could and should be Xtreme 8 Balls best season yet and therefore I predict a top 3 finish.
As I am doing this Lets look at who I think will finish where and why.
To me this is the most equally matched group of teams ever in MLP. There are 7 Teams that could win the Regular Season title and 3 teams that in my view can't but could make the playoffs. Those teams are Ultimate Outlaws , True Champs and Extreme Cues. I say this because I feel that True Champs are struggling to show with 5 in PRO so I wonder if they can even manage a 7-player team in MLP. I don't think they can. Extreme Cues I just don't know what to expect their activity is great and they will make sure they are back with a bang but other than Paul (sleepyman) can they say they have a team to challenge the big guns? I doubt it very much but then I will probably be proved wrong.
Ultimate Outlaws are a team you could say will either be surprising and up there or so out of it it will be unreal. Of the three, I actually believe they have the best chance to sneak into the Playoffs. They have a good set up but sometimes it gets a little bit iffy and that will have to be kept out if UO will make a move for MLP playoffs in season 14.
The other 7 teams in my opinion have the same sort of chance. Straight Shots and Xtreme 8 Ball were both #1 seeds last season in the 7v7, so I would fancy there chances this season especially after looking at their rosters. In my view they won't win it though, so who will? PFN?, SP? These are two very solid teams who will be in the top 4 come the end of the season for sure because they have good players all down the line even though Kerry wasn't giving much away on who was signing up. But I expect Kerry herself to play a bit more this season. Cubby will always be a dangerous player most the time hes brilliant but some times he's that bad even I can beat him.
SP have Ketan and MR Shaggyman who was impressive in WPC this season as SP claimed second in that. SP need to make sure they can bring the strongest possible team each week if they do that then the top 4 will be in reach. So neither PFN or SP will win it in my view but will claim a top 4 spot.
Who does that leave? Last Season's Champs Break and Run? They have been very busy in the Postseason as they have acquired Jase from PL, Grinch and Jordy to name three. Josh is also back! Cubby said Return, Remember, Repeat? I think this could be the season BNR joins the roll of honour that only 2 other teams have managed and that was 8 Ball Runners in Season 7 and Season 8 and Pool Fiction being the most recent in Seasons 10 and 11, winning it all 2 seasons in a row. BNR have the team to do it but I doubt they will win the Regular season, which leaves two more of this strong 7 teams remaining and that is newbies LPL and MIB.
Money In The Bank, as Cubby says TPL or CKP whichever you want to use, but Pommy is Captain so expect a big season from the MIB team. These are the guys that will finish Number 1 in my view they have a decent roster but Pommy always gets the best out of people and this season in MLP will be no different. They will win the Regular Season and also Pommy will annoy each and every one of us with his big-headedness but gets away with it because hes Pommy!
LPL will also have a big season that might get them into the playoffs. They have won Championships before, knocking off PFN in WPC if I remember rightly (I am sure Cubby will remember it well). With Ant as Captain they will show but whether they show with 7 will be another question. They will be a tough challenge if all show up but they might just miss out on the playoffs this season.
So my first ever MLP Blog it took me a while I hope you all enjoy it and gl for this season!
Jason: Thanks for agreeing to do the interview ben. I would like to ask you first what your expectations are for this coming season and If you make the playoffs where you want to finish?
Ben: Yup, your welcome, thanks for having me Where to start... With MLP, your expectations can only be high. Going into their 14th season, something must be clicking right. It feels like this place is the "big brother" amongst other interleagues, as many do look up to MLP because it is so successful. As for X8B making the playoffs? I see it as a possibility, but I never know what's going to happen. There's big competition here, but as we've gotten familiar with every team's playing style, maybe X8B can wiggle out way through a few games, and make it high up on the standings.
Jason: I think there is a good chance to make serious inroads into the playoffs this season. The last MLP 7 v 7 season X8B did very well in the regular season. Will we see any big names playing for you this season? Adambuddy?, Ross? and if so who else is there to watch out for and dont say James because that would be lying!
Ben: Lol, yeah, I don't think James has realized it yet that I'm just dragging him along for the show. I feel like our team is in the best form it has ever been. We got a solid lineup that might get a few heads turning. Yes, Adam and Ross are in there, along with Petey, Trav, Corey, Stephen, Robby.. and thats not even mentioning your typical trio of Ben, James, Dan. We definitely have a deep lineup, which could get back to haunt us if some don't get the desired playing time. But, my main goal here is to show up. Really frustrates me when we don't show with a full lineup, especially to the playoffs (see last years WPC). With the players we have, don't think that be an issue.
Jason: Yes you was one of the favourites last season in WPC but the lack of players must be a issue as your league is so active, will there be any league regulars playing this season or will the main bunch just get in there 5 games and show up? I know it happens in other leagues too but is there anyone who we should maybe look out for that we haven't heard of before?
Ben: Unfortunately, it's going to be the main bunch getting their 5 in and showing up. Now, for some, "getting their 5 in" it's such a hard concept for some reason (yes, myself is included in that). So, I'm going to try to keep on their asses about it. There shouldn't really be any big surprises with who's playing on our team. Ronnie and Phil said they might be coming back around, so if they dust the rust off a bit, could see them making a nice comeback. Oh, and Conor B - if you're reading this - we love you
Jason: I am afraid there is no excuse in X8B by any of your players to say they didn't have time there are tourneys 95% of the day! I think you and your team have a great chance at playoffs. The thing you need to do is make sure you have players come playoff time. Where do you see yourselves finishing and who will win the reg season and who will Win he playoffs?
Ben: Yeh, there shouldn't be any excuse. We're running like 80 tourneys a day over in X8B, so you'd think a player would be able to jump something *shrug* The no snooking thing is a turn-off to some, and I can understand that. With me, I like to aim low and surprise myself with how well we did. A 5th place spot in reg season will be the goal; we do have the potential for a top 3 spot though. As for the overall winners in the season - theres too many good teams to choose from. It could go either way, really. Just depends who's having the better day at the time. I'll go out on a limb, and say MIB comes out with the win, making their season debut one to remember.
Jason: Ben thank you for the interview and good look this season.
Ben: No Problemo
So that was a look at X8B's potential season from their captain Ben. Xtreme 8 Ball are basically one of very few 24 hour leagues left, they dont join many interleagues and are currently only in MLP, WPC and UIC.
They have had limited success in WPC but made the playoffs last season. In UIC they moved up from the Emerald Division to the Diamond Division, but in the Interleague every team wants to win - MLP - they have made the playoffs and last season had a wonderful Regular Season in the 7 v 7 Competition winning the National League and Ben got the Captains Award for the National League. This season in MLP however its all one league, even though Ben has a lot of talent at his disposal, the question is can he keep them all in line? Ross is a stand out player for them along with the likes of James (and man that pains me to say) and Adambuddy who when he's on form and playing his usual match, not many could beat him. This season could and should be Xtreme 8 Balls best season yet and therefore I predict a top 3 finish.
As I am doing this Lets look at who I think will finish where and why.
To me this is the most equally matched group of teams ever in MLP. There are 7 Teams that could win the Regular Season title and 3 teams that in my view can't but could make the playoffs. Those teams are Ultimate Outlaws , True Champs and Extreme Cues. I say this because I feel that True Champs are struggling to show with 5 in PRO so I wonder if they can even manage a 7-player team in MLP. I don't think they can. Extreme Cues I just don't know what to expect their activity is great and they will make sure they are back with a bang but other than Paul (sleepyman) can they say they have a team to challenge the big guns? I doubt it very much but then I will probably be proved wrong.
Ultimate Outlaws are a team you could say will either be surprising and up there or so out of it it will be unreal. Of the three, I actually believe they have the best chance to sneak into the Playoffs. They have a good set up but sometimes it gets a little bit iffy and that will have to be kept out if UO will make a move for MLP playoffs in season 14.
The other 7 teams in my opinion have the same sort of chance. Straight Shots and Xtreme 8 Ball were both #1 seeds last season in the 7v7, so I would fancy there chances this season especially after looking at their rosters. In my view they won't win it though, so who will? PFN?, SP? These are two very solid teams who will be in the top 4 come the end of the season for sure because they have good players all down the line even though Kerry wasn't giving much away on who was signing up. But I expect Kerry herself to play a bit more this season. Cubby will always be a dangerous player most the time hes brilliant but some times he's that bad even I can beat him.
SP have Ketan and MR Shaggyman who was impressive in WPC this season as SP claimed second in that. SP need to make sure they can bring the strongest possible team each week if they do that then the top 4 will be in reach. So neither PFN or SP will win it in my view but will claim a top 4 spot.
Who does that leave? Last Season's Champs Break and Run? They have been very busy in the Postseason as they have acquired Jase from PL, Grinch and Jordy to name three. Josh is also back! Cubby said Return, Remember, Repeat? I think this could be the season BNR joins the roll of honour that only 2 other teams have managed and that was 8 Ball Runners in Season 7 and Season 8 and Pool Fiction being the most recent in Seasons 10 and 11, winning it all 2 seasons in a row. BNR have the team to do it but I doubt they will win the Regular season, which leaves two more of this strong 7 teams remaining and that is newbies LPL and MIB.
Money In The Bank, as Cubby says TPL or CKP whichever you want to use, but Pommy is Captain so expect a big season from the MIB team. These are the guys that will finish Number 1 in my view they have a decent roster but Pommy always gets the best out of people and this season in MLP will be no different. They will win the Regular Season and also Pommy will annoy each and every one of us with his big-headedness but gets away with it because hes Pommy!
LPL will also have a big season that might get them into the playoffs. They have won Championships before, knocking off PFN in WPC if I remember rightly (I am sure Cubby will remember it well). With Ant as Captain they will show but whether they show with 7 will be another question. They will be a tough challenge if all show up but they might just miss out on the playoffs this season.
So my first ever MLP Blog it took me a while I hope you all enjoy it and gl for this season!
