1-Lakes-Too be honest I don’t see much difference between these three teams but I think the Lakes might just be stronger of all of them. But since they don’t have any past playoff pedigree they still have something to prove. I like their makeup though, very deep and have some players that can move from singles to doubles and back again pretty easily. They also have some new blood which the big two are unfamiliar with and probably will not be fully unveiled until July.
2-HP/Somabut-Probably just about even with Springpark, their biggest challenge is staying awake until they play TBar which will be their first match of the season where they don’t play a team consisting of mainly 3.5 players or new 4.0 players.
3-Springpark-They may not be crushing people like many expected but they are in the toughest flight and they are undefeated and put a 5-0 whooping on perennial playoff team Stonebridge last week. After seeing them first hand I will be interested to see what Jim considers his A+ lineup come July.
4-LB Houston/Spagnola-I think they had a rough opening match but almost pulled off the upset over Springpark. They took it to previously unbeaten BH/Pearlman yesterday and they look to have added a little help to get them over the hump. I think a team like this benefits from the new playoff format because I don’t think they have the depth of SP or HP but if they can make it in I don’t see why they couldn’t beat any of those teams on any given day.
5-Greenhill/Arnette-I think John might have had the same early season issue I had which is too many players to choose from and not sure which lineup is your best lineup. I expect them to turn a corner but I would still love to know what happened in that LB Houston match.
Almost: LB Houston/Jones- too new for me to throw up in the top section but they have had some strong results but if they truly defaulted a team match they are out of the running entirely.
No Lifetime or T Bar M?
ReplyDeleteYou really don't want to acknowledge them do you?
I think you made a typo. The Lakes at #1? They barely beat a crappy Garland team that has a bunch of 3.5 players. The lakes might win their division, but they will get crushed in the playoffs. I would not even put them in the top 5 teams in Dallas. They just got put in an easy division.
ReplyDeleteHow did Lifetime not make top 3?Eddie alone could beat most teams
ReplyDelete5-0.
I heard Eddie got beat against TBar so how did they win 3-2? Do they even have another decent singles player? Did they sweep the doubles?
ReplyDeleteCary,
ReplyDeleteI think your rankings look pretty good. I think the jury is still out on The Lakes. The are 4-0 with convincing wins, but Group B is probably the weakeast of the four groups. I think LB Spagnola will be the toughest team in the qualifying tournament. The road to the City Tournament will probably go through them. They have a good mixture of singles and doubles players and appear to be getting healthy.
The Lakes is easily top 3. They have several players that were rated 4.5 last fall to go with their carry overs.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if I agree with anyone stating B is the easiest division. I vote flight A or flight C as the easiest. Flight A is easy as you can finish 3rd and still make the playoffs. Flight C is next because there is not one dominant team in that division. I wouldn't be surprised if the winner of this flight comes out with 2 losses.
Wow. I love hearing my name. Even when not put in a great light.
ReplyDeleteLifetime should be in the top 5 for sure. We will just let the our rackets do the talking. By the way we have a good TEAM. I did lose to a good player Sunday, but our TEAM won. EDDIE
"their first match of the season where they don’t play a team consisting of mainly 3.5 players or new 4.0 players."
ReplyDeleteNot sure where this comment came from for HP Carey. I don't remember seeing 1 3.5 or new 4.0 players in our match that we lost 3-2. Hmm In fact the guy I played has as many 4.5 matches as 4.0 matches this year. Give Lifetime their due! EDDIE
In Fact that really makes my blood boil Cary. We are the ones that had 3 3.5 rated players in our line-up in our match vs HP. Get your facts right. Eddie
ReplyDeleteUh oh, Cary,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've done and gotten Eddie riled up. Is that good strategy before your match with him?
Hmmmmmmm???
Why don't you re-rank Lifetime #1 for right now and adjust the rankings come Tuesday morning.
it was a typo Eddie, you all are the best 4.0 team ever assembled in league tennis history. (@$#%@$%Q, sorry I just threw up my Chipotle I had for lunch)
ReplyDeleteNo but seriously, Lifetime is a serious conten....HAAAA. I am sorry I couldn't make it through without laughing. Just trying to get Eddie riled up for 6:30p, you are going down!
ReplyDeleteEddie,
ReplyDeleteYour team is not quite ready to sit at the big boys table but with your sheer energy and bravado my guess is you will be there within the next 2-3 years, along with Cary's group. HP and SP - it is time to move over.
Yeah, if Cary's ringers don't get bumped up to 4.5 his team should be good in the future. He's apparently got a couple ringers, one of which is a 4.5 player who is undefeated in singles on the year,(3-0 at line 1 and 1-0 at line 2), in what he is calling the "toughest division."
ReplyDeleteDon't worry my ringers are going to Garland this weekend for the Memorial Day tanking seminar to insure they will be with the the team for the 2009 season.
ReplyDeleteNoaman might get bumped to 4.5, but I think he is a legitimate, very good 4.0. There are at least 6 singles players in our league that I feel would be favored to beat him.
ReplyDeleteNo one answered my question about how Lifetime won with Eddie losing. Did they sweep the doubles?
ReplyDeleteNo idea how Lifetime beat TbarM without Eddie. Their other singles player has a decent record but was 3.5 just over a year ago. Maybe he squeaked a win and they didn't have to sweep the doubles. I don't know the LT team well though. Can anyone who has played them speak to their players minus Eddie? We play them soon on the schedule.
ReplyDeleteOk just acknowledge for Eddie's sake and the rest of us to read his annoying typing that Lifetime is a decent team who could potentially throw a wreck into someone's playoff plans. That's really anyone can say about them, because last time I checked they still weren't winning the flight and the team that is, already beat them. Guess HP could go to sleep and lose 2 of there next 3 but that's unlikely.
ReplyDelete6 players who could beat Noaman. Please name them. Noaman didn't even play line 1 for Cary's team yesterday it was Steven Kent who took Pearson to the woodshed at line 1.
ReplyDeleteCary,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what your rationale for putting Greenhill in the top 5. Their victory against a good team LBH/Jones was with a 5-0 match forfeit - wonder how Arnette managed to pull that one. And their other wins are 3-2 against bottom teams. What am I missing???
Very perceptive on the Lakes choice, it definitely is out of the box thinking but they are in the top 3 for sure. They were #2 in Fall and have only gotten better with their roster.
lifetime, I am sure it was the same bunch of guys that win every week. I think it was line 2 singles, line 1 & 2 dubs. If there best guys don't win, they won't win.
ReplyDeleteSpring Park is clearly the best 4.0 team in Dallas. Cary rated us 3rd because we did not play our top 8 against his team and, frankly, we took it easy on him.
ReplyDeleteFlight D is by FAR the toughest flight. LBH/Spagnola, Brookhaven/Pearlman and Stonebridge/Muetzel are all outstanding teams. And, of course Spring Park is undefeated.
Even Cary's team is not bad. They are currently in SIXTH place but they would likely make the QT in any of the other flights.
We are going to finish in first place anyway but one of the outstanding teams mentioned above will not even make the QT. All because of the screwy way teams were placed into flights.
- Death Volley
I guess those nut jobs at the DTA are not going to fix the 4.0 Playoffs.
ReplyDeleteI round robin would be so much fairer to everyone. But I don't think the DTA gives a crap!
Anybody heard anything more from the DTA on this issue?
Ok let me come to the defense of my guys. 2 of our so called top 4guys lost this weekend and we still won. I won't go into specifics on our guys, so others get a scouting report, but we have strong players on every line. We may lack some depth beyond top 10 or 11, but you only play 8 per match. Eddie
ReplyDeleteSomabut is still the #1 team. Until someone else wins city no one can say otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI'll go into some depth about Lifetime. They would have a good chance to win city at 3.5, or at least finish second behind Garland. They will not even make it to the finals of the QT tourney.
ReplyDeleteMay lack depth beyond 10 or 11? Your best player would not make top 8 on any of the top teams.
ReplyDeleteFive singles players I would rank ahead of Noaman(HP Bazan) in alphabetical order would be:
ReplyDelete1. Gene Davis SP(Walters)
2. Mitch McGowen SP(Walters)
3. Michael Runda(Lakes)
4. Corry Walker LBH(Spagnola)
5. Scott Wallace TBM(Colao)
I'm guessing Noaman played at line #2 yesterday to avoid a possible matchup with Mitch.
I would also include Ken Ratana LBH(Spagnola) to the list. Noaman should have a matchup vs one of the LBH singles players his next match, assuming LBH uses Walker and Ratana in singles. I predict this will be Noaman's first loss.
ReplyDelete"Spring Park is clearly the best 4.0 team in Dallas. - Death Volley"
ReplyDeleteClearly? What weed do you smoke to have such clarity? You talking from your laurels two years ago?
"Flight D is by FAR the toughest flight. LBH/Spagnola, Brookhaven/Pearlman and Stonebridge/Muetzel are all outstanding teams. - Death Volley"
ReplyDeleteThese 3 teams you mention are teams that both Lakes and Somabut's team have played in the last 2 years and have beaten handily. So, while Flight D may be a tough flight for you, it may not be as tough for a team that is better than you - I'm talking about Somabut's team and Lakes. Sorry, you are going to need to earn your stripes, can't just wing it.
I'm not sure I would include The Lakes team with HP(Somabut). I agree that HP has earned it's way to the top. Looking back over the past two years results with SP really have no bearing. They have a much improved team. If you look at the match sheets from even last Fall and the Spring roster I think you will see alot of new names. It looks like HP(Somabut), SP(Walters) and The Lakes(Weatherby) will be in the City Playoffs, so eventually it will all be settled on the court as it should be.
ReplyDeleteHave you checked the Lakes roster lately, there are 4 players bumped down from 4.5. Also, look at the score card from fall city championships, you will know this team was not very far behind, but has filled in the gaps more than any team in the league. I am all for watching what happens on the court in the playoffs, but conversations about HP and SP being top teams in the league are absurd at best.
ReplyDeletethanks for the confidence in the poll guys, a double bagel. you all are just mean. But he did bagel me in the first set so I had to change up my game a little. I knew Eddie was good but I wanted to ease into the match and see what he had and he had a lot of big first serves and winners from the forehand side. second set was tough, we both held serve somewhat easily till I was able to break him at 4-4 and then serve it out. the third set was close at 2-3 and then Eddie was able to break me and run away with the rest of it. I feel pretty good about my play, Big serve and forehand guys are always a tough match for my counterpunching style but I actually did better than I thought I would, if I was a betting man I would have predicted a straight set win for Eddie. I actually had one ace, can you believe it. Of course Eddie had 3 or 4 I think. My advice from others was to pick on his backhand side but it got better as the match wore on, he is very good about adapting as the match goes on which is probably why he is good at tourneys. Early on I could keep it low to his BH and I would get some errors but he adjusted and I started looping big topspin to that side and he had trouble but then he adjusted again.
ReplyDeleteKind of makes me want to play some more singles but I need to pick on some 3.5's to get my confidence up to take on someone like Eddie again.
Cary,
ReplyDeleteNot a bad result against Eddie. Eddie is a solid player. He moves well, has the big forehand and a good serve. I sounds like you had a good game plan. Congratulations Eddie.
Eddie,
ReplyDeleteAre you going to enter your match scores from yesterday?
Cary is a good guy and did a good job of changing things up and trying different things. I had fun and got to work on my game as well because he tried to attach any weekness he saw. Glad we played. More guys need to join the latter. Hey Cary No more scouting reports on my game. I have a lot of match left with City playoffs and sectionals. Don't want it getting out. :-) Eddie
ReplyDeleteI was not the home team for that match. It is TBArs job. If they are not in by the A.M. I will call DTA.
ReplyDelete"We will just let the our rackets do the talking." -- Eddie, I don't think anyone believes you - if this is the case, how come you posted like 4 posts after that ? Man, you can sure talk a good game.
ReplyDeleteAnd to the team rankings:
If a team wins 5 of the last 6 city championships (including last year), they have to be #1 until proven otherwise:
#1 High Point
#2 Springpark
#3 Lakes
#4 Lifetime
There, I said it, maybe that will quiet Eddie down ? Now watch me draw him in the Waco major zonal - oops.
Kirby
Eddie,
ReplyDeleteThe only way you will be at sectionals this year will be as a spectator. For your sake, I highly recommend you going to watch the level of competition before you put yourself there.
Kirby,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your reasoning. I think if they can stay healthy LBH Spagnola will be in the top four. They have good singles with Walker, Ratana and Allen and three solid doubles teams.
Funny Kirby. Just having fun with this thing. I do like our team a lot. Enjoying this season. I think your Top 4 is good. See you in WACO.
ReplyDeleteThats cool Eddie - your team IS important to you! All those beautiful women at the Lifetime pool have you guys all on a high - thinking you are going to be in the playoffs. The power of positive thinking...
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I did forget LBH, and my buddies, fat man 1 and his sidekick, how could I have? Next to Ken I am probably Don's biggest fan ! Anyone that drinks a beer before an 8 am match - I can sure relate to. Sunday, I stunk it up at 4.0, so I went and had 3 beers and came back for my mixed dubs. My partner was none too happy about it, but I swung loose and free, full of renewed confidence. and won easily.
Beer Man
Kirby
Is part of "letting your racket do the talking" mean your opponent might need to be ducking? I was a spectator at the HP/OC match this weekend and saw a racket being thrown, another being slammed into the ground, a ball hit 8 courts over after a lost point and a player yelling "COME ON" in the face of their opponents after hitting an easy overhead smash. Why would a team that claims to be the most dominant year after year need to show such poor sportsmanship?
ReplyDeleteI'll post pictures of the city playoffs so Eddie can see what it's like. I hear if you get to the courts early you can even hit on the courts before the actual playoff teams play. That is as close as Lifetime will get to the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteFunny. I can only assume those pictures of me that you take will come from the stands as I am on the court in the playoffs. Please print extra copies for my wife. Eddie.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How does a guy like Ken Ratana (LB Houston) finish last year with great league play, a end of the year ranking of 18th at 4.0 tournament play, a end of the year ranking of 32nd at 4.5 tournament play, gets bumped up from 4.0 to 4.5 at the end of the year, appeals and get dropped back down to 4.0? Ken currently has a 12-month 4.5 tournament ranking of 16th and year-to-date ranking of 9th in the state. This is ridicules. Why would the USTA system even allow this to happen? The guy is within the top 50 within the state at the 4.5 level and the system allows him to drop back down? This is bull shit? Why would anyone who has been playing at a higher level for over a year, doing very well at that level not want to move up?
ReplyDeleteKen – what’s the deal?
The NTRP police are out in full force this week. Between the Garland and Ratana rants... never mind, I will leave it alone.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, from the Fall Ken was 0-2 in league play at 4.5 singles, losing 6-3,6-1 and 6-1,6-3.
ReplyDeleteThis spring at the 4.5 level in league play Ken is 0-1 in Singles and 2-1 in doubles. He has also posted a loss a #3 Doubles at the 4.0 level this spring. Everyone knows Ken is a solid player, but I see no problem with him playing both levels as he is a gap player (meaning he is in the top of the 4.0 rank, but bottom of 4.5).
Don't be awwed by the USTA rankings. Although you do need to win to get ranked, if you play enough tournaments the points will come.
Ken is a 4.0 when sober, and a 4.5 when drinking.
ReplyDeleteKen and others like Noaman like to play 4.5 tourneys because they like to see good competition on the weekends and many players play up a half level for tourneys. So just because you do well in tourneys doesn't mean much unless you are beating the top tier at that level then I think you should be moved up.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair ………. What are you saying? Ken has been in a slump over the last 6 months? Dude wake up!
ReplyDeleteOver this period of time Ken was improved both his 4.0 and 4.5 tournament rankings.
In just looking at Ken’s 4.5 tournament play over the last 6 months, he has done very well! Below is a list of 4.5 tournaments that Ken has played in over the last six months and his results –
3/21/08: Houston (Major Zone) – Ken is seeded 11th and makes it to the round of 32.
3/14/08: Brookhaven – Ken is seeded 1st and makes it to the semifinals.
2/8/08: Abilene (Major Zone) – Ken makes it to the semifinals.
12/26/07: Cotton Bowl – Ken is seeded 7th and makes it to the semifinals.
11/9/07: Oakcreek – Ken is seeded 1st and makes it to the finals.
10/5/07: Brookhaven – Ken wins the tournament!
It will be interesting to see if Ken gets seeded and his results for the upcoming (end of the month) major zone tournament in Waco.
A gap / border line player isn’t getting seeded in tournaments!
Yes, you’re correct! You still need to win in order to get a ranking. Ken has done / is doing very well at the 4.5 level. Ken is beating some very good players across the state.
Ken might be managing his league play and staying in the shadows. No reason to ruffle too many feathers too early in the season. I’m sure when Ken’s team needs a win down the pike, he’ll crank it up and pull out the wins that his team needs!
Ken is a 4.5 player. Ken should have a 4.5 ranking and shouldn’t be playing at the 4.0 level.
The system bumped Ken up because of his league and tournament play. Which it should have! Unfortunately, the system has a major flaw with its appeal process.
Ken being a gap / border line 4.0 / 4.5 player? Give me a break. Someone that’s currently has a 12-month 4.5 tournament ranking of 16th and a year-to-date ranking of 9th in the state is a sold 4.5 player!
I guess your stating that Ken is a gap / border line 4.5 / 5.0 player.
Bottom line: Ken is a sandbagger!
Ken - stop playing at the 4.0 level. This is bull shit!
Sure looks like Ken’s beating the top tier players. This is why the USTA bumped Ken at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteKen is a good 4.0, but he is a true 4.0 player.
ReplyDeleteWho I am is not important. But for the record.
ReplyDeleteBurt S. Pearlman
Figures. Sour grapes.
ReplyDeletetough words coming from Burt since Renwick played a match at the JC level and not sure if he noted that when he self rated at 4.0. Ratana is no sandbagger, he is good and will be rated 4.5 for the fall season and will probably have a .500 league record and will not win any major at 4.5 this year.
ReplyDeleteEddie would beat Ken Ratana 6-0 6-1. In Fact Ken might not be top 10 on Lifetime with all the depth they have. I heard Mitch wanted to play for Lifetime, but he wasn't quite good enough so they turned him down. I wish I could play for Lifetime.
ReplyDeleteLifetime will have some open roster spots next year after half the team gets bumped to 4.5. They will also probably lose a couple to DQ in the playoffs. I hear they are going to have open tryouts next year because of the huge demand to play for them.
ReplyDeleteNow isn't this love of Lifetime great. I knew you guys would turn around. We will get you all t-shirts so you can root for us at the City Championships. This is great.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are still confusing tournament rankings/ratings with league ratings. These are two completely different structures with completely different levels of competition.
ReplyDelete4.0 tournament players are much weaker, on average, than 4.0 league players. Same goes for 3.5 and 4.5.
Ken Ratana is a solid 4.0 league player and a decent 4.5 tournament player. They go hand in hand. Also, Ken is a great guy who is FREAKING COMPUTER RATED!
Self-rated people are the ones you should be focusing on.
Don't get that argument started again. He obviously felt he was a very good 4.0 player or he wouldn't be complaining.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand consistantly beating 4.o players and you get reconized as someone that should get moved up to the next level. Get bumped up and are able to move back down. It is one thing is if was a mistake and you can't play at the next level. But if you are playing 4.5 Tourney's and 4.5 matches. Just stay at 4.5.
ReplyDeleteKen was computer rated during the November time frame @ 4.5. Ken bumped himself down by appealing. It’s really bogus that the USTA system would also this. Ken is a really good 4.5 player. He shouldn't be playing at the 4.0 level. No ifs ands or buts!
ReplyDeleteI agree! It’s really bogus that the USTA system would someone (like Ken) who’s within the top 20 in the state at 4.5 to click a button and bump their self down from 4.5 to 4.0. This is a perfect example of how screwed up the USTA’s system is. The USTA really needs to look at this situation and fix their problems.
ReplyDeleteI guess since Ken isn’t number one in the state @ 4.5 and hasn’t won a major zone tournament yet @ the 4.5 level …. He’s a 4.0.
ReplyDeleteYou people are idiots living in your own little world. Much like the world Eddie lives in where Lifetime is a legitimate contender.
ReplyDeleteThe system works well. Appeals are part of the process. Stop bitching and just play. It is one thing to rant and rave about captains/players who cheat, sandbag, tank, and all that jazz - but putting a nice guy like Ken in that grouping is insane and shows how little you actually know about tennis and the NTRP system. Ken is the perfect example as to how it works. He plays league and tournaments at both 4.0 and 4.5. The computer looks at his results and spits him out at 4.0. It works.
The top 20 ranking is meaningless. Anyone that plays enough tournaments will be ranked.
Ken is an upper 4.0 / lower 4.5.
I agree, there is a crossover point where legitimate good 4.0s can compete well with most 4.5s.
ReplyDeleteWhy would people care about Ken when there are at least 10 other 4.0s in Dallas that could beat him easily. At least you can tell he is not sandbagging or tanking games. I say, play where you feel most comfortable Ken and good luck!
Have any of you crybabies actually played Ken? The top 20 4.0 players could do well at 4.5. There is not a big difference between 4.0 and 4.5.
ReplyDeleteThe computer did look at Ken’s results and spit him out at 4.5
ReplyDeleteLifetime would win easily at 4.5. Eddie would go undefeated.
ReplyDeleteThe top 20 ranking is meaningless? Anyone that plays enough tournaments will be ranked. Dude, wake up!
ReplyDeleteWho’s the moron that said the following: There is not a big difference between 4.0 and 4.5
ReplyDeleteThe current conversation about Ken is very interesting. In looking at Ken’s records (league and tournament) over the last two years, one could make a strong case that Ken’s is a solid 4.5 player.
ReplyDeleteLet me rephrase. There is not a big difference between the top 4.0 players and most 4.5 players.
ReplyDelete...... their is a big difference. What?
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to receive feedback from some of the top 4.0 tournament & league players (such as Jason Kern, Jason Warren, Mark Jenkins, etc) that were bumped from 4.0 to 4.5 last year on their thoughts about how Ken is sandbagging.
ReplyDeleteLucky Thunder – I think you need to have an on-line poll to see how everyone feels about Ken Ratana being a Sandbagger or not.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone agrees that Ken is a very solid 4.0 player. Ken is one of the best of the best 4.0 players in North Texas, if not in the state. Why is the Captain (Mickey Spagnola) of LB Houston playing Ken at line 3 doubles, line 2 singles, etc and not having Ken play either line 1 doubles or line 1 singles? Mickey is keeping Ken’s profile low. Mickey doesn’t want a lot of attention focused on Ken. A couple tight matches & losses here and there in league play will continue to help Ken stay at the 4.0 level. This manipulation of play by Ken at the league level will help offset the tremendous success that Ken is having at the 4.5 tournament level. When LB Houston needs a win, Ken will pull through for the team. We have seen it before and we’ll see it again. Don’t be fooled. Just watch and you’ll see.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly not a top 4.0 player but I do have enough of a background through league and tournament tennis to properly arrive at the conclusion that Ken is one of many Texas tennis players that can easily make the crossover without being considered a sandbagger at 4.0 while still being competitive at 4.5. Also, I agree with the blogger above regarding what a nice guy Ken is.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion.
I played Ken about 2 years ago when I was a 3.5. We have both improved I am sure but at that time I didn't think he seemed to be someone who was playing down in the 4.0 ranks. I do think he is a top 4.0 player and by no means a sandbagger. I won't be putting up any polls about Ken, he is a good guy from what I know.
ReplyDeleteI wish our match against his team was more interesting in two weeks but I will do my best to give him some competition. I do owe him a better match than we had before, he and Scott Russell took me and my parter to the woodshed and gave us the double breadstick.
Icepick is the #1 singles player in 4.0 in N Texas. Ill put my money on icepick any day.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lot of money, lol.
ReplyDeleteWho is Icepick?
ReplyDeleteNot sure why I am about to open myself to the attacks of anonymous, but since I sort of fall into the Ratana situation I will explain why someone might appeal down.
ReplyDeleteThis was my situation and may or may not have anything to do with Ken and his situation.
When I was bumped from 4.0 to 4.5 last December, it was a crushing blow because I knew no 4.5 captains, nor anyone playing on public 4.5 teams, thus my choice was to appeal down and be able to play every week or move up and face the possibility of not getting to play but once a month if ever. On top of that I really didn't feel my aging fat ass deserved the 4.5 rating as I rarely play tournaments and wasn't sure how good if any of my wins were.
Many of you are fortunate enough to be in a tight group of regular players to practice and play with outside of league. Unless you are a member of a club, finding such a group can be difficult, so the idea of starting over didn't seem real appealing.
I really didn't know how the system worked so I hit the appeal button expecting there to be some process, and was pleasantly surprised when the system instantly moved me back down to 4.0.
As luck would have it over the next few months prior to the Spring season I got to know Corey and was invited to be on his 4.5 Village team. This has allowed me to try both levels.
So thats my story on how or why a 4.5 player might appeal down to 4.0. Flame away if you choose, but even though I play and want to win, I really am not as serious about this as many on here appear to be. This site seems pretty negative which is a shame since in person most of the people I have met are fun as hell to be around.
Basically Kirby, Ken and I scouted all the teams and found that Spagnolia and Hicks provide the most beer at matches so it was a no brainer whom to play for. Wow, Kenny is famous, all this attention. Can I have your autograph, preferably permanent marker on my ass? Thanks, man.
ReplyDeleteIce Pick = Joel Pickett HP(Somabut)
ReplyDeleteicepick rarely even plays singles
ReplyDeleteyes, but icepick can't handle the heat because of that liver or kidney transplant. whatever he had??
ReplyDeleteEddie would crush icepick. He has to play for HP because he wasn't good enough to play for Lifetime.
ReplyDeleteI love the guys that keep throwing my name and skills out there. I love it. Whatever they say is true too. That's the best part. Eddie
ReplyDeleteeddie quit talking about yourself on the blog under different names and who would choose to play for lifetime over HP??
ReplyDeletewho wouldn't want to play for Lifetime? Just to be part of one of there national championship teams would be awsome. Everyone is just jealous because they dominate tennis in city, sectionals, and nationals. You should see all the championship banners they have hanging around their courts.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what Eddie does for a living, but he needs to be in marketing! He is the Don King of Dallas 4.0 League Tennis. Amazing the amount of interest given to a 3rd place team!
ReplyDeleteLifetime is in 3rd place only because they played HP in the first week. They will go 7 and O from there on.
ReplyDeleteEddie,
ReplyDeleteI hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in order to go to Nationals you have to be able to beat the stronger teams.
Last time I checked Lifetime lost 3-2 to HP and did not bring their best line-up to the table.
ReplyDeleteThat's a sad story. Maybe they will make it into a movie of the week.
ReplyDeletefor the person that said there is no way the DTA can monitor sandbagging. That isn't the job of the DTA but the USTA does watch this because computer rated players can be DQ'ed, just ask Springpark who lost Tor Erickson in the middle of sectionals last year. So Ratana, Delira or whoever else you think might be tanking over the last year or so can still be bumped out of their current level if their results are deemed to be "out of level."
ReplyDeleteSome interesting stuff being posted!!! Yes, it does seem a bit negative. Some folks must have gotten their butts kicked. I literally got put on my arse this last weekend trying to avoid a ball hit right at my head, and then some bozo decides to call ME a bad sport. 1) I must have kicked their arse at some point, or 2) they have never played tennis with me. After my whooping, I told the opponent, Nick was his name, that he served great, and to keep the big kick serve down the middle - it was quite effective. And then I went and got them two gatorades. I also said good shot many times (which they did not say back - well, maybe I didn't hit any good shots), and then I gave the clap against the racket at many points during the match which I lost. And anonymous from May 20, 5:51 am, state your name dude.
ReplyDeleteLike Ken, I too am kind of between 4.0 and 4.5, though this last weekend you could not tell it. Would someone that threw his racket, and hit the ball in disgust 4 courts over, be tanking? sandbagging? whatever. some of you guys need to spend more time on the court and less time writing this crap. This game is supposed to be fun, and friendly. I'm still waiting for Ken McAlister to come up with some solutions to the ntrp ratings and appeals process. I agree that the process does not work well. But like Corey Noel, I believe there should be separate ratings for doubles and singles, as I can play decent at 4.5 doubles, but less than average at 4.0 singles -- though I can beat Eddie Hill ! lol (why did I say that ???)
Fat man, how are the knees? I hope you can play! Ken Ratana, don't listen to these folks. You are practicing hard, playing hard. I know that to be rated high you have to make a lot of road trips, and even ONE win at a major zonal is typically worth 200 points (which is equal to two small tournament wins). Some folks on this blog just don't understand the time and $$$ commitment that it takes.
Kirby
Trey,
ReplyDeleteIf you want to play a "practice" match before driving down to Waco MZ, let me know.
Jonathan
I predict the Lakes will lose this week. Then they will drop below Lifetime in the rankings. Why isn't Lifetime getting the respect they deserve?
ReplyDeleteMan, it is great to wake up to people wanting to give Lifetime the respect they deserve. Kind of like waking up to .... Oh sorry this is a family website. See you at the City Championships... Hey HP, TBar is good, don't slip up or we will just skip the QT. How you like that Kirby. GO LIFETIME.
ReplyDeleteI am going to go out on a limb and say not only will the Lakes beat Brookhaven, but Brookhaven may drop all 3 of their remaining matches in the B flight.
ReplyDeleteLakes wins 4-1, unless they decide to bring their "A" lineup which would result in a 5-0 Lakes win.
Whomever posted THIS.. "That's a sad story. Maybe they will make it into a movie of the week.
ReplyDeleteMay 20, 2008 9:03 PM"
SHOULD pat themselves on the back. I am STILL LAUGHING!!!! Go by yourself a beer for the quick wit, you deserve it.
and in regards to the "negative" talk, I dont know...i think it kind of makes it fun almost.
Remember when the players talked shit on the Cowboys/Redskins rivalry, and how much fun that was? same thing. Just makes for good times.
I agree with the Lakes winning 4-1 or 5-0 part.
ReplyDeleteBut, I don't see BH losing against Garland and Oakcreek. Sounds like wishful thinking from the 3rd or 4th place teams.
Kirby:
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain I am stuck in 4.5 limbo. I can not compete enough in 4.5 singles, but I beat 75% of 4.0s I play in singles. In doubles I can more than hang in doubles at 4.5 with most outside of the top 10%. Of course if I could have rerated I could have started at 3.5 rather than the 4.5 rating 10 years ago with Tom Smith's team.
BTW anyone want a match June 6th or June 7th since I'll be in town those 2 days?
Tournaments at the Village -
ReplyDeleteIt seems like over the last year that the participation in tournaments held at the Village has been eroding. I know many have made negative comments about the service, organization, quality, etc about the tournaments held at the Village off & on over the last year.
I played (4.0 doubles) in a tournament this pass weekend at the Village (Village Classic) and the tournament was a lot of fun. It appears that Steve Franklin is working hard at increasing the quality of the tournaments. The tournament added a consolation bracket to the doubles draws, increase communications (about start times, recording scores, etc), increase number of officials and provided a Keg of beer for all adult players.
Cary has given the Lakes the kiss of death. Now that Cary has rated them #1 they probably won't win another match. He must have been drinking when he came up with the list anyway. Seriously!! The Lakes???
ReplyDeleteDude, wake up and face reality. Lakes is #1 with Wins and Loses in the whole 4.0 league. Cary is very perceptive and very good with his predictions - look at his fall playoff predictions, he called HP/Somabut as #1 and Lakes #2, he was right on the money! Lakes will easily win its division and play in the city's. enough said...
ReplyDeleteAnother desperate prayer from Garland or Oak creek, hoping that BH or Lakes is going to lose, so they can get into the playoffs!! There is a different way to get into the playoffs, keep winning your matches!!!
ReplyDeleteHP has improved since last season. How can the Lakes be ranked ahead of them. HP beat them easily 4-1 last season with a weaker team.
ReplyDeleteSP dropped to #3. Somebody must have finally seen Mitch play.
ReplyDeleteYou must not have read through Cary's analysis or didn't get it, Lakes has improved more than HP. Plus they have something to prove. And they did not get beat easily - HP won 2 easy lines, and lakes won 1 easy line. 1 line went to the 3rd set tie break that could have gone either way if the HP player didn't take a 15 minute bathroom break after losing the second set 6-2, and another was a nail biter 7-5 7-5 that could have gone either way, I wouldn't call that an easy win. Let's wait and see, there is no way to prove now.
ReplyDeleteRival it up said...
ReplyDeleteand in regards to the "negative" talk, I dont know...i think it kind of makes it fun almost.
Friends talking shit amongst each other is fun, some coward slandering people they dont know behind an anonymous alias...not so much.
As for Brookhaven in flight B - sorry not impressed by any of their wins yet. They beat all the bottom feeders. Not sure if they lose all 3 - but wouldn't surprise me to see them lose 2 of 3.
Cary, Get your boy Noaman to register on the Ladder so I can challenge him. Eddie
ReplyDeleteEddie should challenge the whole lakes team. None of them could beat him. They are highly overrated. Lifetime is much better.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is right on, My biggest fan. He obviously knows my talent well. Maybe we can meet one day and I can sign your racket for you.
ReplyDeleteEddie
I am going to have to talk to Jane about not scheduling byes because last time we had a week off you all blew up the blog as well. I can't keep up.........Did get an email from Jane about seeding for 4.0 playoffs. They are going to stick with the flights in the DCC. Don't quite get the whole sending two QT teams to the DCC. Do the two teams that make the QT final even want to play it out on that Sunday if that is case or just flip a coin and go have a beer.
ReplyDeleteYou're right.
ReplyDeleteI suck.
That's funny Eddie! Your biggest fan always seems to post right before or after you -- perhaps a little self-appreciation going on???
ReplyDeleteI think I would put the lakes in 4th or 5th, though they do have some strong players. Arnette's team might be ahead of them, what with 23 players to choose from. Of course the right 8 have to be available "when it counts".
Mitch, I dunno, you looked pretty good! Don't be so hard on yourself. -- Beer, did I hear beer, Cary, I vote for drinking the beer, and not playing the final which is for nothing, except bragging rights I suppose. Well, that could be useful.
Kirby
This blog has me trippin'. Some funny stuff on here. Isn't our game fun?
ReplyDeleteFor me, if the champ hasn't lost material talent then they are #1 until proven otherwise. Somabut is #1 until the next final. Some props must be given to Lakes for two finals in a row even if HP took them out. Plus they have only added players that look like have skillz. Frankly, several teams are pretty tight this year. I just cant figure out why Arnette didn't just put 30 people on his roster.
Rocketman
Nobody talks to Eddie that way. When you have as many national championships as he does you should get some respect. Lifetime will teach you all a lesson in the playoffs. For the record Eddie tanked against Mitch to stay under the radar. Mitch isn't good enough to even carry Eddie's racquets.
ReplyDeleteHP has added 4 or 5 new players this year. You won't see their best line up until the playoffs. I think the same can be said for SP. Lakes is a close third, but still third.
ReplyDeleteI get it, just 'cause Cary put HP as #2, Lakes has got to be #4 or #5. Funny! It shows how clueless some folks in the league are! Lakes has five 4.5 players and three self-rated ringers in its line up.
ReplyDeleteBTW, how does HP plan to go anywhere when its top doubles team get whacked with a bagel - even if Mitch and Gene are of 4.5 caliber!
"HP has added 4 or 5 new players this year."
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately mediocrity doesn't count. Don't think y'all can replace Endress. You may want to go and find some more, just in case!
See what you started. Whoever that is with all the funny lifetime names. IT IS NOT ME SAYING ALL THAT STUFF. Now I am being called a Bragger and Full of Shit. Funny. I never talk about me unless someone tries to call me out. At that point I challenge them. I never say I will beat them. I challenge them to play instead of talking trash as anonymous. I do talk about our team being underated, but never say anything negative about other teams. I think it is Mitch or Kirby with all these LIFETIME Names. IT IS NOT ME. Eddie.
ReplyDeleteThe Lakes will have to actually win something before they get the respect they want.
ReplyDeleteEddie does his talking on the court. Eddie can out rally a backboard. Eddie might switch and play left handed in the playoffs to make it more competitve.
ReplyDeleteLakes got all the respect it needs, go back and look at the original post! This discussion is about today, not last season or the year before last or 4 years ago. And it's foolish to expect everyone to respect even if you win the City's. It all depends on individual perspectives.
ReplyDeleteWow I can't believe I lose 1 match, and now I suck. Trust me if you don't bring your A game against Mitch and Gene you will probably lose badly. Some days I can hang with any 4.5 player, and some days I lose to average 4.0 players. As I've said before I win alot more than I lose. I think my league and tournament records speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteLakes doesn't have any respect from the other top teams. I'm sure your impressive to Cary. He is barely a 4.0.
ReplyDeleteI think not, I'm sure they have all the respect they deserve from the teams they already beat and from those teams who don't plan to be blindsided by them. You don't have to be a pro or the top 4.0 to see this, all you need to be is somewhat perceptive, acknowledge the unknown and have some common sense! And Cary has all those, and you don't!
ReplyDeleteThe Lakes 4.0 might want to lend some of their "4.5" players to their 4.5 team. That team is 0-4 with three 4-1 losses and one 5-0 loss.
ReplyDeleteNational Championships? respect?
ReplyDeleteWho here has a NC?
kirby, you give yourself too much credit. learn how to serve and hit a backhand. Then you could be considered a 4.5ish player.
ReplyDeleteHP Somabut has come the closest. Their 2003 team was within 2 points in both singles matches in the finals before finishing second. I don't play for HP, but their team this year has stronger doubles teams tha that team.
ReplyDeleteYou are so smart, why didn't they think of that, perhaps you should talk to their 4.5 captain about it.
ReplyDeleteEvidently Eddie's Love Interest believes he has several.
ReplyDeleteKirb
Got me on the weak 3.5 serve, but my backhand is a strong 4.0 - it's been picked on for 2 years now, so it had to develop. And I guess the serve hasn't developed because it is so slow it puts people to sleep, or they have way too much time to think about what kind of winner they want to hit.
ReplyDeleteKirby
HP is like the "dinosaur" Spurs, and the Lakes is like the LA Lakers - Lakes -> Lakers, get it? :)
ReplyDeleteEddie is so good at tennis that Lifetime name court 6 on his behalf.
ReplyDeleteThat is really good seeing that we only have 5 courts at lifetime.
ReplyDeleteexactly the point
ReplyDeleteEddie should be cloned to build the perfect 4.0 team.
ReplyDeletethanks. I got it the first time. I as just letting everyone else get in on it Jerry Seinfeld.
ReplyDeletesorry. i read your post wrong. my bad. Now we can proceed with bashing Eduardo
ReplyDeletethat picture of Keith and Steven is pretty funny. they kinda suck
ReplyDeleteJust so you know it is me. I don't mind making light of myself. Eddie
ReplyDeleteWhy is there so much talk about Lifetime? Each of their singles players counts as a half so maybe they add up to 1 decent player and only half their doubles players have real 4.0 talent. Without strong singles, they won't make it out of the QT.
ReplyDeleteI agree, they will not match up well with LB Houston (Spagnola). Lifetime would probably lose both singles if Walker and Ratana played, and there is no way they can sweep the doubles. Lifetime would be lucky to win one doubles line.
ReplyDeleteLifetimes Singles Record for both lines after 4 matches is 6-2. Show me a group that has a better record
ReplyDeleteLakes has a better singles record than Lifetime. They are 6-2 also, but they lost only 4 sets in singles, lifetime lost 6 sets in singles.
ReplyDeleteLet's try again after a few more weeks.
TBar's 7-1!
ReplyDeleteTBar M is 7-1, but have played weak comp other than Lifetime. We will see how that record looks after they play HP and LB Houston. Both of those teams have good singles players.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most screwed up season we have ever seen at level 4.0.
ReplyDelete1) Our league is only Seven games long. SEVEN games does not make a season. That's crap! By putting the teams into 5 flights and playing a double round robin everyone would have had more matches. (This is NOT rocket science.)
2) The placed of teams within flights leaves a lot to be desired. Flight D is very strong a couple others very weak. This continues to be a secretive process guarded by the clerks at the DTA. Seeding is now more important than ever because some 3rd place teams make it into the playoffs while some 3rd place teams stay home.
3) The City Playoff is now screwed up with 6 teams put into 2 flights. That's a very poor way to determine your two best teams. A round robin, which we have always played in the past, would be so much better for everyone.
WAKE UP DTA _ GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!
- Top Seed
We have a lot of strong teams this year and a good bunch of guys at level 4.0. But I agree with "Top Seed", league administration could be a lot better.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't want to play more than 7 matches? Who doesn't want to see a more fair distribution of teams within flights? And who would not prefer a round robin playoff _ like we have always done in the past?
_ Death Volley
With this new playoff format you only need 8 good players. With a round robin you need depth. The teams with 20 people will not have enough matches for everyone.
ReplyDeletePart of the problem is too many teams at 4.0. As I have said before 4 of those teams don't even have 8 4.0 players on them. There needs to be a rule about that. A true season should have at least 10 matches in it. 7 is crap.
ReplyDeleteNEW 2008 LEVEL 4.0 PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
ReplyDeleteYes, I admit that I made some mistakes in setting up level 4.0 this year. Seven matches are too few and we'll do better next year.
Seeding of teams is aways difficult and I'm not as familiar with men's 4.0 as I should be.
If you have any specific comments or suggestions regarding league administration please send them to me at janegilpin@sbcglobal.net
Regarding our 2008 playoffs for Men's Level 4.0: I HAVE READ YOUR COMMENTS AND WILL REVISE OUR PLAYOFF 2008 LEVEL 4.0 PLAYOFF STRUCTURE. I will have a revised plan ready by next week.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jane Gilpin
USTA League Coordinator
Is that really Jane or another wacko sending stuff out. If it is her that is great. Here is some info on 4.O. Lifetime should be seeded #1. Just read above about all the endorsements they are getting.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that is Jane but you never know it could be.
ReplyDeleteJane,
ReplyDeleteThanks! We all appreciate your willingness to make needed improvements.
- Death Volley
Jane. You should name a league MVP. I wonder who should win that? Just read above again....
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks like we may get our round robin playoff after all!!!
ReplyDeleteWe should do an elite 8 tourney for Dallas league players. We could do singles and doubles. This would put an end to all the arguments over who's overrated, and who are the better players.
ReplyDeleteGREAT IDEA. Just go with the top 8records for both and play it out the weekend before the QT. Come on Cary let's make this happen.
ReplyDeleteBest records with Minimum of 4 matches played.
ReplyDeleteMay have to do it Jun 28-29th. The next weekend is 4th of July. Go for it Cary. You have the forum to make this happen.
ReplyDeleteHow in the world do you go by records when people are playing different lines each week. I also am not near as impressed as someone going 6-1 at #3 Doubles vs 4-3 at #1 Doubles. Same can be said for line 2 singles vs line 1 singles.
ReplyDeleteHave you guys ever been snipe hunting?
ReplyDeleteJane
I would assume since it is a top 8, it would be at least 4 matches played and record at line 1 singles and line 1 Doubles only. (Although there are some pretty good players playing line 2 when a team has depth)
ReplyDeleteSo how would we do it then?? Top 8 Dallas tourney. Leave it to Cary???? Create a board of 4 to choose??? How?
ReplyDeleteREVISED 4.0 PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
ReplyDeleteI will email all 4.0 captains the new playoffs structure in a few days.
Please follow up with your captains for details.
Jane Gilpin
janegilpin@sbcglobal.net
Wow lose one match and I suck. Guess winning the Houston Major Zone without dropping a set was because we got lucky for 5 matches in a row??
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly if you're going to call me out go ahead and do it I can take it. Just do me a favor and state your name so I can go take lessons from you, since you're obviously better.
--Steven
Come on! The Houston Major Zone tournament was over a month ago. What are you going to do for the team next week?
ReplyDeleteNext week he will tell the team to go on without him as he heads to Waco for his yearly Davidian retreat.
ReplyDeleteI'm declaring Lifetime the City champs. The playoffs have been cancelled.
ReplyDeleteJane
For the top 8 - I would vote to use the 2008 league stats (which includes Fall) and say best record at #1 lines. Must still be 4.0 (since I am thinking by end of June some bumps may have occurred) and have played at least 4 matches. Sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteSteven,
ReplyDeleteI just looked up your record. I have to admit your record against 3.5 men and women in mixed is impressive. You do seem to lose alot against average 4.0 men though.
We could make it a big tournament, and let everyone play to determine the top 8. There is really no other way to do it. You could use records from the past year to determine seeds.
ReplyDeleteAgain state your name.
ReplyDelete--Steven
Why don't you all just play the Richardson open?
ReplyDeleteWhy pay to play in some tournament when we could arrange this amongst ourselves. Seeding would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteSteven is easily one of the top 20 4.0 players in Dallas. In looking at his record I do think its kind of interesting he suffered a 2nd and 3rd set double bagel right around that same Houston Major Zone, but he may be a doubles specialist - who knows.
ReplyDeleteDon't play the Richardson Open. I'll easily take the 4.0 Draw.
ReplyDelete(Just trying to save you the entry fee). :-)
Never said I don't get beat or get beat badly...just said I don't suck. And Trae played a great match and easily deserved to win that one 0 & 0.
ReplyDelete-Steven
But, still a double bagel?
ReplyDeleteHa ha...yea double bagel. You saw my score against Gene and Mitch, I don't lose close, I get blown out. haha
ReplyDelete-Steven
Steven,
ReplyDeleteI played Trae in the round before you in that same tournament. Very good player, but very smart player as well. If I had just a little bit more energy in that second set, maybe, just maybe I might have worn him down more before you had a go at him.
Would love an opportunity for a rematch, hopefully at Waco.
JM
Steve – I’ve seen you play before and your very good! In your double bagel match, were you playing with your hands or feet tied together?
ReplyDeleteSteve was tripping over his pony tail? Steve – you really need to trim that thing.
ReplyDeleteI bet it's Eddie in diguise handing out all these bagels.
ReplyDeleteoops I meant disguise.
ReplyDeleteWhy not create our own tournament, open to any 4.0 singles player who has played league tennis? Do it in July or September? Two out of three sets (no third set tie break garbage). Seed the player based on tournaments and/or league results.
ReplyDeleteWe would have to include doubles players in the tournament. I think more people play doubles than singles.
ReplyDeleteThis is a long ass thread (mostly full of anonymous talking shit to or about people they may have never met.)
ReplyDeleteFor the record Steven wore sandals during our match and yes, he did trip on that pony tail on at least 1 occasion.
Trey
Oh yeah. Mr Anonymous trash talker calling me "Full of Shit" You are more than welcome to come up to me and say that to my face. You obviously don't know me. If this is a tennis thing, then come on out of the closet and let's play. Why don't you be the one to "kick my ass" so I can shut up.
ReplyDelete"Mitch if is you, You earned the right to talk a little trash...you got me on the first go around. Let's play again. My guess is that it is not Mitch, It is someone that I have beaten in the past and they are still pissed. Come on tough guy... Let's play. EDDIE"
Uncle Mitch Says:
Uuuh, Eddie, I beat you 3 and 1 after a full day of contracting, a robbery at my warehouse, a doubles match, 9 beers, and then not expecting to play singles.
If I was going to trash talk, I probably would have said one of those things here on this blog forum thread thing.
I know you feel that you can play better.
I know I can.
---the mitch.
Can someone pay for Keith and Steven to get counseling for their extreme insecurities? Anyone who gets on here and talks about how good they are is a douche bag, plain and simple. When you're really good, other people will mention it.
ReplyDelete