Monday, March 17, 2014

4.5/5.0 Spring Season Preview

Since the blog has been clamoring for contributors I figured I would throw my two cents in for the league this season.  Making predictions before season begins is probably about as accurate as the preseason NCAA polls.  Very difficult to evaluate teams when rosters are often times less than half-filled so I would say these predictions, particularly with the playoff teams, are based on past history and reputation probably more than anything else.

I will start with 5.0 since that's the group I'm most knowledgeable about and there's only one flight so it's easy to evaluate.

Greenhill/Rossouw--Marc has really loaded up his team from last season.  Honestly there are a few players who I don't know but not really many weaknesses.  This team will certainly have the ability to compete with any team now but I wonder how available some of his players will be which is THE biggest factor in 5.0 with only three lines.
Cooper/Noel--My team is kind of in the same boat as previous seasons.  Good 5.0 players but no ringers and no 5.5 players to compete with the top teams' singles players. Looking forward to it though!
Greenhill/Barnard--This is Marc's "B Team" in 5.0.  A lot of quality players though that will give teams some trouble.  Majority of the players look to be just dipping their toe in the 5.0 water, or dare I say increasing their chances of staying or dropping to 4.5??
T Bar/Flores--Fresh off their second place finish at Nationals Oscar has some serious recruiting challenges but once again, the three lines makes it still achievable.  Biggest factor for this team will be if he can get a singles ringer which is a necessity to advance in this league.
Lakes/Wagner--Nobody on the roster (yet) that scares me but no easy wins for the opposition either.  This is the team that everybody hopes for a home match against because it usually means a weaker lineup.
Village/Perkison--A lot of the big names from his roster are missing but I expect that will change.  Assuming he has the players back from last season this is the frontrunner for the league.  Without Blake and Loren though this could make a very competitive league.
JCC/Reiman--Michael's first attempt at a 5.0 team looks to be just a chance for his 4.5 guys to get tough matches.  If he can sprinkle in another 5.5 and more 5.0s it could be a contender though.
Gleneagles/Gonzales--A lot of strong doubles players on this team as always.  I don't see a playoff-caliber singles player as of yet though so that could be an obstacle for them to advance.

Playoff Predictions (format is 2 vs. 3 and 1 vs winner for sectionals):

1st: Village
2nd:  TBar
3rd: Rossouw

Village vs T Bar rematch for Sectionals berth, won by the Village this time around.  Not enough depth for TBar to go back to back in one day in July and win two matches.

4.5 League--my knowledge of the 4.5 league isn't like it once was but a lot of the players are still the same.  Always interesting to see if any new teams can break through.

Flight A--Pretty rough group with JCC, T Bar, and Herget in one group

JCC/Reiman--To be honest this team has really come on since I've been out of 4.5 so I don't know all the players very well but I expect similar results from previous seasons with a Sectionals run as the goal.
McKinney/Rodriguez--Not seeing anyone on this roster who can do any damage against the top teams. But sometimes getting players to drive to McKinney is not so easy.
Eldorado/Browning--A mix of 4.0 and 4.5 players not looking for playoff matches.  A beer-drinking team (which we need more of in this league!)
High Point/Somabut--Another mix of 4.0 and 4.5 players, some of which may want to be back to 4.0.  I don't expect much here.
Brookhaven/Ware--Interesting that Pro Dave Ware has taken this team over (at least in name).  A lot of players with playoff experience so they could easily play spoiler if taken too lightly.
Stonebridge/Nix--More 4.5 players than years past for a Stonebridge team but still not the strength or depth to make a run at playoffs in my opinion.  Sidenote: third team from McKinney in this group which is a potential brutal travel schedule for Dallas teams.
T Bar/Fikes--A lot of doubles depth and experience as normal.  Missing the younger, dominant singles players they will need to go through DCC. But it's early.
Oak Creek/Loose-Herget--Very similar to TBar.  Doubles experience and skills but where are the singles players??
Royal Oaks/Charles--Rothwell is MIA and this is a very watered-down version of Royal Oaks teams from years past.  Still talent on the roster though so a few additions could make all the difference.

Flight B--Gleneagles, Rossouw, Goswami, and Lakes in this group.  Good thing Marc has some eggs in the FW basket.

Gleneagles/Juhn--Without the two Chris's this team is significantly weaker.  I like the doubles players but still a few players short of a serious playoff run at this point.
Greenhill/Rossouw--This team has been in the crosshairs of everybody for a while.  I see a ton of top-tier doubles players with playoff experience.  Not sure who can step up and play singles though.  Certainly the most impressive preseason roster though.
Collin County/Aud--A lot of 4.5 lifers here. Don't expect much resistance for the top teams from this group.
Brookhaven/Goswami--This roster really impresses me.  A lot of 5.0 bumpdowns with some strong 4.5 players.  And they actually have singles players!! If Tridib can fill in a few more players of similar level it could be very interesting!
Lakes/Way--Another very impressive roster with some returning bumpdowns.  This is the most balanced team I've seen with players who can win singles (Le and Whitaker) and high-level doubles players (Pollock, Jannasch, Oberg).  If those guys can play often I like their chances.
Oak Creek/Sands--A very big roster but not the necessary strength to vie for playoffs, especially in this group.
Springpark/Walters--A for-fun team with limited firepower.  A good opportunity for lower guys to get some 4.5 experience though.
Northwood/McDaniel--Nice to see a 4.5 team out of Northwood again!  A few players who could actually cause some problems but not enough 4.5 members for a playoff run.
T Bar/Essenburg--T Bar leftover team shouldn't provide much of a problem for the opposition.  A good way for the other teams to get their guys some matches.

Flight C--Probably the weakest flight overall but sometimes those are the most interesting to see who can sneak into playoffs.

Garland/Sisk--Not a bad team but not enough top 4.5 talent thus far to get to the next level.  Strong depth as usual for Sisk though.
High Point/Le--A roster full of new 4.5s so far.  Not seeing where the wins come from though.
Fretz/Noel--Poorly-captained team with great guys!!  Seriously pretty good depth on the team but not enough firepower for deep run.
Lakes/Wise--Second Lakes team?!?!  A possible Brookhaven situation brewing. Unfortunately I think that hurts the chances for both teams but this team is certainly the weaker one.
Oak Creek/Pribadi--A team of mostly low 4.5s.  Without serious additions not much of a chance to contend even in this flight.
Village/Warren--Jason takes over captainship of this team with Lynn moving to Canyon Creek.  Will be interesting to see if he can get the same players/level of commitment.  Stephan/Shawn are as good as it gets in 4.5 but it takes more than that to win matches.  Jason can win singles but missing more than one of those guys in a match would make it very difficult.
Brookhaven/Harllee--Interesting how this team has turned younger over the years.  Not seeing a number one singles player but plenty of players who can win in dubs.
Canyon Creek/Khaing--Of course this team ends up in the same group as Lynn's old Village team.  Unfortunately I don't see the players on this team to compete with the old one.  But can't wait to see if/who Lynn plays.
LB Houston/Moore--Actually a better team than expected.  Kind of an amalgamation of several different teams on one roster.  I think in this group they can get some wins.

Playoffs (assuming 1st goes to DCC automatically and 2nd goes to QT)

Flight A

1st--JCC
2nd--T Bar
3rd--Herget

Flight B (extremely tough)

1st--Rossouw (only because I think he will find the singles players needed, and also based on this flight can we stop the DTA-Rossouw talk)
2nd--Goswami
3rd--Lakes

Flight C

1st--Brookhaven
2nd--Village
3rd--Noel (why not)

JCC, Rossouw, and Brookhaven advance to DCC.  I will take Goswami to come out of QT.

I will take Rossouw's team to win but a lot will depend on what happens in FW too I would assume.

Criticize away!!!

Corey

80 comments:

  1. Stephan and Shawn are as good as it gets in 4.5! Has anyone ever beaten them? Go Village!

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  2. Unfortunately one guy who will undoubtedly become the topic of this thread has...

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  3. You mean *gasp* the guy whose name rhymes with Bike Smelly?

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    Replies
    1. Stephan and Baker are "almost" as good as it gets

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  4. I was lucky enough to see Ryan Harrison hitting after his loss in Irving Saturday. He hit for about an hour indoors w the most hated blog personality. My assessment:

    Harrison. Kelly
    ๐ŸŽพ. serve
    ๐ŸŽพ. forehand
    ๐ŸŽพ. backhand
    mental toughness. ๐ŸŽพ
    gamesmanship. ๐ŸŽพ
    ๐ŸŽพ. Prize money$
    quickness. ๐ŸŽพ
    6. Set score. 2
    6.5. Level. 5.5
    Factor in age. ๐ŸŽพ
    ๐ŸŽพ. Cockiness. ๐ŸŽพ
    ๐ŸŽพ. Overall. ๐Ÿ”ซ

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  5. that Tony Le roster looks like they are building for an 0-fer. Be nice to have Glasgow and Arcaria back in 4.0 next year.

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    1. Glasgow would be a great addition back at 4.0. Tough to make happen.

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    2. They are def playing to move down.

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    3. Glasgow is a beast at 4.0 but not so much at 4.5.

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  6. He is solid but not the lock down- go up 1-0 every match beast at 4.0.

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    1. He's about as good as you're going to get with a computer rate. At least in Dallas.

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    2. So were Chavez/Perez and Peiser/Baker. You can't measure anything until the pressure is on.

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  7. ...until Dawson gets a hold of him.

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    1. Lol... Glasgow wants no piece of the Creek

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  8. Mike Zackary best 4.0 singles player in Dallas

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    1. Dallas. Georgia?

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    2. Good to see that Mary visits the blog.

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    3. No wonder Houston kicks our asses every year.

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  9. Every year except when Kelly plays.

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  10. True, unfortunately he has owned them when it counted.

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    1. Btw, I do not see Kelley on any roster??? What gives

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    2. Then why bring him up?

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    3. He brings himself up.

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  11. Because I am hoping he doesn't show up in my section of the league. I don't want to have to beat him.

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  12. TBar will be tough. Rossouw will be too but his focus will be FW.

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  13. He should just get the whole league on his rosters and that way he wins by default. Another hyped up year w no results, Pickett wins again.

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    1. Looking at Rossouw's final 4.5 FW results, looks like he tok a page out of the hated tankers books. They lost 4-1. They took a default at line 1 singles? How do you have that many players and take a default. Looks like some ratings management.

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    2. Fantastic, the biggest hypocrite in Dallas tennis

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  14. Of course it is. But HE would never condone that. Right. I wonder if he will go after his own guys. What a joke.

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    1. They lose 1 line in 7 matches and then get beat 4-1 in a meaningless match??? Sure it was just a coincidence. Why did the default come at 1 singles? That match is a legitimate as a Mike Kelly fall match.

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  15. Absolutely a total hypocrite. Just becoming more and more of a circus act. Look at the defections, his act is wearing thin.

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    1. I absolutely abhor Kelly's antics but have to admit the King of Fort Worth has some explaining to do. I wonder if he will turn himself ii to the USTA...

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    2. It's nice to be the moral compass of Dallas tennis and yet still lose your way. What a D bag.

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    3. I guess that is what rubs people wrong. It isn't that they like Kelly but they don't find hypocrisy any better.

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  16. I haven't looked a or contributed for some time because of this BS. You are such a pussy. Why don't you post your name? There was nothing un toward about that match. Moore & I played against 2 legitimate 5.0 players and lost 1 break per set in a tight match. We won line 2. Lost line 3 9-11 in super breaker in cold windy conditions. Baker played the last 2 matches to get qualified serving underhand and went 1&1! Doubt any of you pricks would try that…. he had rotator cuff surgery and should be ready by sectionals so we needed to get him qualified. The other captain decided we didn't need to play the other line since we had clinched and they already won match. no big deal.
    So no hypocrisy at all. If you want to call me out post your name and come and say your bull shit to my face. Don't hide behind Anon and try and twist posted scores to try to grind your agenda. BTW tankers should have a P in their rating instead of A (although in some cases this is appropriately = Asshole). Quite frankly so should you Anons that do nothing but bash. Grow a pair!

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    Replies
    1. But when you send your emails to Austin about matches you never saw that's different??? Your just kidding yourself!!!

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  17. I have to defend Marc on this one. They had already clinched playoffs so that match was totally meaningless. If you are going to tank you don't lose 11-9 in third set tiebreak. And defaulting a line is significantly better than tanking in my book. And to the 11:12 poster, so only those who see a player tank should be able to report? I think scores speak for themselves in many instances. Very hard for someone to know if their opponent is tanking if they've never played them or seen them play before.

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    1. Luckily we can always hit the "Match Replay" button on TennisLink to find out if anyone was injured, what the weather conditions were, whether people were really trying because they were locked in to or out of the playoffs, and any other excuses people want to make. Bottom line is, if you're gonna be the final decision maker for matches you know nothing about you should accept the complaints you're gonna get as the price of deciding to be take over control of the NTRP system. I'm not condoning cheating but the arrogance of annoiting yourself for all is Dallas tennis is a little much. Not really a Marc issue. More of about throwing rocks and living in glass houses.

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    2. Well my whole point was the blog is fabricating reasons to be mad at Marc. This match should not be one of them. I would be more than happy to listen to what Marc has done wrong for Dallas tennis or the league or whatever. This list should not include trying to get rid of the biggest cheater in Dallas tennis history. Anything else might have merit.

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    3. Biggest cheater in Dallas history?? What about Bender, Flores,Somabut, Branch,Sisk,Le,Arcaria,Clark,Rothwell, Feldman, Alan A, and anyone else who has gone to sectionals or nationals?? Plus all the ladies teams!! How much effort and time did it take for you to get Mark Hanna to 4.5 holy one? You're guilty too! You can cheat a little, not a lot!!

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    4. Rossouw was in the sectional final last year, look at his roster!!!! Anyone out of level?? Lol!!!!!!! That's ok though right??

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    5. Please!!! What he has done for Dallas tennis?? That's laughable. Not only has he done nothing he has won nothing. He has created animosity and puts gas on every fire. Wake up Cory, you are very naive.

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    6. Cory, you best keep quiet. Your support of this guy is being ridiculed. Nothing he has done has merit. All his ridiculous emails and whining he did about Kelly actually helped Kelly win his appeal. It was obvious it was personal. Better watch out Cory, you are treading in dangerous water when running with the sharks. You WILL get bit.

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    7. From what I can tell if he does anything he does it for Fort Worth tennis. All he does is stir up trouble in Dallas.

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    8. 9:30 am you are absolutely correct. Too spend so much time and effort and never getting to nationals haunts him so he takes out as many " obstacles" as he can. Cory over his head and out of touch protecting this guy. He doesn't know 1/10th of what goes on.

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    9. So I haven't defended Marc yet except on one issue, which was the latest match. All you guys have to do is read. I never said he hasn't cheated with his teams. I asked you guys to explain what he has done wrong. You still haven't. He complained about Mike Kelly. Wow what a jerk! Is that it?

      In regards to Mark Hanna I did nothing to get him 4.5? And he lost for me in the city championship that year so obviously he wasn't a ringer. Next complaint?

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    10. In response to 7:29, I guess it depends on your definition of cheater. Recruiting ringer players or being the ringer. Not sure which is worse. I'm guessing Kelly has been to nationals more times than anyone else on that list so that's one indicator.

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    11. I can't believe we are back to 2010 in this blog, arguing with anonymous posters.

      Mark Hanna 6-2 in 2010 4.5 league. Somebody should report me to USTA.

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    12. I'd assume your buddy already did

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    13. Kelly has been to nationals more times than anyone on that list combined. Work ethic, mental toughness and ability don't make him a tanker. Makes him a winner. Usually when someone is constantly complying about someone else the complainee is doing something right. And yes, if Russo feels you are a threat you will be reported as well

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    14. You want be reported as long as you keep backing him up.

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    15. I agree with you 2:46. Kelly is a great 5.0 player. Dozens of guys playing 5.0 could do the same thing he's done. But they have integrity.

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    16. 7:29. Anyone who has been to nationals or sectionals is a cheater? Pretty broad stroke. Then Rossouw is definitely a cheat too. Add him to the list. I guess Corey isn't a cheat.

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    17. Corey is following lead of Russo. Cory you have been drinking the juice. Calling people out very classy.

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    18. Agreed, Cory looking foolish blogging and throwing stones when he is clueless about his leader russo

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    19. Cory, I would totally disagree that dozens of 5.0's could have done what he's done. Winning big matches at will no matter what your level is impressive. Btw, you have no dogs in the hunt so why are you so opinionated?

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    20. Guys, let Cory vent and trash Kelley. He, nor Russo, nor any of their players can beat him so hate blogging next best thing. It would just be fun to see Kellye in the league taking it serious then Corsouw would really blow a gasket. If you can't beat em, bash em.

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    21. Just go back and look at Kelly's record at 5.0 prior to 2009. Solid yes, but unremarkable. Certainly not able to win big matches no matter what his level. There are many 5.0s that beat him then and could beat him now. The only thing that sets him apart from those guys is the lack of integrity it takes to repeatedly lie down for inferior opponents.

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    22. Wow finally an intelligent post on here. That was great.

      Not sure how I don't have a dog in the hunt with a 4.5 team and a 5.0 team plus many teams that have played against Mike.

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  18. Marc, i only thought A=A...hole applied ONLY if one never played for you. It applies now since he doesn't??

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  19. It's between Pickett and Freeman anyway! It would be easier for you just to fly to Tucson Marc and watch what USTA deems 4.5, maybe you'll get it after you see what it takes!!!

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  20. he better be thanking His lucky stars Kelly hasn't signed up for Pickett ft worth team. If and when he does Roosouw better close up shop. He will really be able to lose matches then.

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    1. Pickett is playing out of Fort Worth too? Soon it will be easier to stay in Dallas.

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    2. I think it already is. Just more matches.

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  21. Funny, Russo has called out Kelley as being a "P" and an "A" and Kelly not even playing men's league. He hasn't taken it serious since he led team to nationals in 2010. Can you imagine a Scrussow tirade if he was actually competing in 4.5 and dominating again????

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  22. I think Pickett is out of cowtown as well. Rumor is the big bucks are flying Kelly's way to sign up. 2 years, 2 grand. Kelly wants one year at 3 grand and only wants to play two matches local ( you pick the two ), all sectionals and all nationals. He is also asking for limo rides to and from the matches. Pickett has offered to pick him up in the Escalade and chauffeur him around. Kelly has given him til noon Sunday to decide or he joins a cellar dweller.

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  23. I think that is a steal. By far the best 4.5 in Dallas. If he holds out until last two weeks he commands 5 grand. Couple other teams in the running as well. Brookhaven begging the board to offer him a membership but Russ and Brandon nixed it. CC also made a run but Mchugh threaten to leave and take the last 3 players left there so that was opposed. Freeman offered a penthouse in high rise for two matches in Houston but Kelley afraid of heights. Stay tuned...

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  24. Dude - whoever you are - with the obsession with Kelly - please get over it or go see a therapist. Everyone is getting sick reading this blog with all the posts being about Kelly. If you don't stop, I will start drowning out these 4.5 posts with new threads on 3.5 -- and the crickets will really start chirping and the blog will surely die.

    Capatin Fantastic

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    1. Oddly enough it doesn't seem to matter what the thread is. People only have a couple of things on their mind and they can't let them go. This could be a fashion blog and it would end up discussing only what Kelly is wearing and whether Marc's outfit clashes.

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    2. Funny ^. Russo rant got things started. He wants the anon people to post their name. Why doesn't he mention specifically who is a P and who is an A in his earlier classy rant????

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  25. I agree w Captain Kangaroo. Why do you people bash and praise, bash and praise this Kellye guy. Absolutely unbelievable to give this guy so much airtime. You would think he has been to nationals nine or 10 times!. Oh, my bad, he has. Start the 3.5 talk. Who looks to be a solid 3.5 er come city playoffs? Who should be 4.0?

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  26. Reading the blog confirms Dallas has a lot of guys that should have a P next to their name.

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  27. When are 40s playoff schedules suppose to be out? It is only a week away.

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    1. They are probably waiting for all of the leagues to finish this weekend. Although, several teams have 3 or 4 matches to complete. Weather is probably bad tomorrow. I'm not seeing them getting it done. Maybe they can give times and places.

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    2. That would make too much sense. The good part about being under 40, that is 1 less season to put up with their stupidity. If you are old enough, you can screwed over by the DTA at 18s, 40s, 55s, super geezers, 18 MXD, 40, MXD, 55 MXD, super geezer MXD (bet those girls are hot). How the hell can the DTA be cash strapped. Klamecki must be paid a ton.

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  28. Looks like Russou made it to Alan's Irish Fest- drinking and blogging- true feelings

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  29. Lol..... I don't see him playing for either one of those guys ever again. Can't wait to see how SP does in their mixed playoff without Kelly. Great drama.

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    1. Pretty sure SP didn't make the playoffs, due to the Greenhill-Brookhaven shenanigans. Still can't believe Kern tanked that match against a very weak team. I always thought higher of him than that.

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    2. SP did not make playoffs because SP lost to Greenhill and SP lost to CC.
      If you can't win on your own, don't put the blame on other teams..

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  30. Guys, give us a couple more days. We are waiting to see what is convenient for Brookhaven and what is the best time for their players and what courts they prefer. We are doing our best. To be quite honest, reading this blog keeps us laughing all day long. We want to extend our thanks to all that played leagues last year and early this year. Hold on guys, phone ringing..." hello, how may we help you? Yes, we tried but he won his appeal. We will continue with the pressure however. Thanks for the call." Sorry, anyway, have a great day and see you on the courts!

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