Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Bring in the scrubs...

Is there a USTA NTRP players' strike that I am not aware of? I ask cause I can't for the life of me understand why I see a bunch of names in the draws for the Master's Cup in Austin that should not be there. 4 of the 8 qualifiers for 5.0 are not in the draw. Maybe that should not be a surprise given the sad state of 5.0 tournament tennis in general. 4.5's - No Tim Green and no David Luetke. No Tim is a surprise cause I figured he would want to add this title to his collection before heading back up to 5.0 next year. Nothing else to add here really, as far as Houston's presense at the event it is a shame as John Patch, Odion Dibua, and Tim Green are out and only Reggie Black is in. Odion is the only guy I felt could have given Reader a run for his money, so Reader I hope I am not jinxing you by saying it should now be your event to lose. You are technically from Houston so I hope you do win it. 4.5s, I will still go with Juan Dekruyff to win it as he, like Tim, will be bumped up to 5.0 for the new year. As always good luck to all that are playing.

119 comments:

Anonymous said...

'Juan' is the 'One' as my pick in 4.5s

Anonymous said...

I don't know Journeyman. I think the 5.0s are a joke because of the lack of 5.0 rated players. Hopefully with the addition of Green,Dibua and DeKruyff to the line-up. Maybe the 5.0s can make a comeback next year. As for me,I'll probably give it one more year in 5.0s. Before trying out the 40s. Good luck to all that ARE still going to Austin. You'll find me at that wonderful bar in the Courtyard. LOTS.

Anonymous said...

5.0 is a joke. reginal black and tim green are not 5.0 caliber.

Juan DeKruyff said...

I haven't been playing much lately so I'm going to go with Scott Sevin this weekend in the 4.5's. I will give the 5.0's a chance next year, but will switch and take my beatings in Open if the draws are so small/bad to not make it worthwhile. Green and the Dibuas said they'd play 5.0's next year, and a lot of Austinites got bumped to 5.0, so next year's 5.0 draws may be better than they have been in a few years.

Anonymous said...

Juan,

You are being way too nice to Scott cause he is from Austin. You will win. If not you, then either Moser, Sanchez, or Del Campo have much better chances to win than Scott. Don't get me wrong, Scott's a nice guy and a really good player but Master's Champ caliber? Not in my book. If you don't win, it's cause you don't want to play on Sunday. Otherwise you should take this thing, playing lately or not. Worst case you will just have to start each match right-handed instead of playing with your off-hand.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the support dude. LOTS.

Anonymous said...

Hey! How come there are no doubles polls on the main page?

Anonymous said...

doubles don't count...hee...hee...hee...

Anonymous said...

only for those of you that can't volley, or need the whole court to return a serve....

Anonymous said...

ok, let's not get into the whole singles vs doubles skill sets. I'd still like to see some doubles polls.

Anonymous said...

doubles still don't count...hee...hee...hee...

Anonymous said...

what's doubles?

Anonymous said...

exactly...

Anonymous said...

Is that guy insane?

Anonymous said...

exactly...

Anonymous said...

Guess someone was just trying to see if they could stir the pot and get LOTS to go off on a profanity-ridden tirade. LOTS has been rather professional in his posts recently. I like it.

Anonymous said...

Nah, go ahead and bring back that profanity-ridden tirade LOTS. His reviews bring some possess to this often boring blog.

Anonymous said...

possess....or pazazz?

Anonymous said...

OOOHHHHH it makes me nervous when I post. I might misspell a word, then I'll catch crap from that Reader dude.

Anonymous said...

Kallus could spice up 5.0 a little bit if he makes a comeback.

Anonymous said...

Someone is really obsess with Kallus. Get over it pal, he is not interested in you.

Anonymous said...

Date: Nov. 11, 2009 -
So long Marat Safin. You will be missed in the Pro Circuit. You should have giving us much more!

Marat Safin said...

"Today I will put all my memories, all my wins and losses in a small box," Safin said during a small ceremony where he received a special trophy. "Today a door is closed, hopefully another one will open."

Anonymous said...

Ok. Maybe in the past. I was a little bit of a dick you might say when it came to some moron misspelling a word. I'm trying to be a little more forgiving in my old age. But c'mon guys learn how to fucking speak english!!!! LOTS.

Anonymous said...

KALLUS COULD NOT SPICE UP GIRLS 12 MUCH LESS 5.0. I SWEAR THAT GUY IS SO BAD. SO INSECURE ABOUT WIERD STUFF. AFTER HE LOST ALL THAT WEIGHT HE TRIED TO GET COCKY. THAT WAS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST THINGS I HAVE SEEN IN QUITE SOME TIME. IT IS NOT SUPRISING TO ME TO HEAR THAT HE AND MOSER ARE SEEN TOGETHER EATING OR WHATEVER. THEY ARE A PERFECT FIT.

Anonymous said...

Why so much hate and anger towards Kallus dude?

Anonymous said...

Its that little short fat guy named pogue messing with Kallus.

Anonymous said...

Kallus has been pretty much the same weight ever since I met him back in 1999. Did he loss weight sometime before that, cause otherwise I have no idea what you are talking about. He definitely lets weird stuff bother him but he is probably the least cocky guy I know. His problem is a lack of self confidence not cockiness.

Anonymous said...

LEARN HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH!LOTS

Anonymous said...

"Did he loss some weight?". Cmon dumbass I mean REALLY! LOTS

Anonymous said...

Run Forest run!!

Anonymous said...

Immigration!!!! Green cards?

Anonymous said...

Oh noooooooooooo Mr. Bill....

Anonymous said...

Little masters update from your loyal anonymous on-site source!!! Alejandro lost to Griggs. Reggie Black defeats Chad Loup. Moser was still on court but struggling. Adrian Valdez defeats Hugo Spratley. Thomas Reader defeats John McDonough.

Anonymous said...

Today is Friday the 13th....

Michael said...

Tuyen Nguyen beats Michael Pan
Pedro beats Ruben Vargas
Aaron Greene beats Eddie Hill
Jamie Murry vs Brandon Myers is still pending.

CoreDawg said...

Moser lost first set 6-1 but came back to beat Hawkins. Ben told me he served for the match twice in the second set. McKinney lost both his matches. If Dekruyff beats Moser, he is pretty much in the finals.
I'm not that surprised Griggs beat Sanchez based on their styles of play.

Anonymous said...

Sevin beat del Campo. He could win it all.

Anonymous said...

blah blah blah

Anonymous said...

Massively overrated Reader just lost to Black in 5.0.

Anonymous said...

Black cheated.

Anonymous said...

Reader losing to Black....this is a sad day for all LOTS fans. I would maybe lay off all the praise for a while after this. Not a good loss, I don't care how you try to spin it.

Anonymous said...

RIP LOTS.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the wake up call Reggie. I needed that. LOTS

Anonymous said...

LOTS lost to Black? Was it that Black got that much better or Reader that much worse or a combo of the two....

Anonymous said...

Reader should be banned from this blog until he can beat guys who shouldn't even be playing 5.0.

Anonymous said...

Saw Reader out with Sanchez at Club Agave. They both looked SHITFACED!!this is at 130 in the morning. My girl asks me what time they play. I told her I didn't know but found out later Reader played at 830 in the morning!! Reader,you claim you're so smart with the spelling. But going out so late and getting drunk before a match? Real smart Lord of the dumbasses!!

Anonymous said...

reader lost to a black, who is a mid-level 4.5, what a shame for 5.0 tennis

CoreDawg said...

I would like to assume that racial comment was a typo, but since it was posted three times it seems unlikely.

Anonymous said...

Reference was being made to Reggie Black. No harm is done.

Anonymous said...

Adrian Valdez is the bomb! He prooooved it beating that Poland Player and winning the tourny!

Anonymous said...

sorry it was a typo on "a black". however, reggie could never beat any top 4.5 players from houston. reader must have taking him lightly, because he knows that on any given day, black could not beat him.

Anonymous said...

That final between Kuczer and Valdez sure was contentious. A lot of insults and catfighting in that one. The poor umpire assigned to that match must have wondered how he got assigned to a girls 12's match. Valdez has the ego of an ATP player without the game to match and Kuczer isn't far behind. No offense to my boy Herm Edwards, but you don't play to win the game, you play to enjoy yourself and have fun.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the following Masters Winners:

Open - Adrian Valdez
5.0 - Matt Sumrall
4.5 - Juan Dekruff
4.0 - Brandon Myers
3.5 - Daryn Watson

Job well done.

The Journeyman said...

At least I got the Dekruyff pick right. Congrats to all and now we can start looking forward to 2010.

Anonymous said...

'Juan' was the 'One' as my pick in 4.5s...

Anonymous said...

Reggie Black made a nice showing, almost pulling off the big upset in the finals. Congrats Reggie.

Anonymous said...

Well on a given day, Reggie Black did beat Reader.

No matter how you slice it, Reggie won. Beating Reader is a big deal for Reggie.

Not only did he beat Reader he gave Sumrall a damn good match, just ask Matt. Matt is playing great tennis and is deserving of the 5.0 rating he will get next year, yet Reggie played him tough.

I am not friends with Reggie, just a tennis acquaintance. I don't know why it is so hard for anyone to say "nice win".

Well I will. Great tournament Reggie! (And Avery, Abby and Brian)


Herb

Anonymous said...

LOTS must have had an off day. I still remember LOTS beating up on R. Johnson, H. Morton, and R. Black in 2008 Gallery Furniture. LOTS lost a total of 5 games between those guys. Incredible in my book if you aksed me.

Anonymous said...

Agreed that LOTS had an off day, but people rarely play great all of the time. It doesn't take away from Reggie's accomplishment.

Anonymous said...

Hey Herb,thanks again for the help. You're a real class act. And Reggie,good playing. Its the LAST time I take anyone "lightly" again. LOTS

click here said...

Brightwater Open coming up.

Anonymous said...

Any comments on how the doubles went and finished up?

Anonymous said...

Men's 4.5 Doubles:

1. Arringdale/Miller
2. Goldberg/Morton
3. Torres/Martin del Campo

Anonymous said...

'Brightwater Open coming up'

What a purpose in playing small tourneys anymore? Some of them barley make the draws.

Anonymous said...

If Tim gets bumped to 5.0s, perhaps Brian Goldberg could play doubles with Herb. They are the second best doubles team in Texas.
I am sure any league team would love to have Herb/Brian as their number one doubles team.

Anonymous said...

How about Herb and Huffman? Oh, sorry. I guess that's a conversation for the other Houston blog. A tired conversation at that.

Anonymous said...

herb and goldberg as #1 doubles? that must be the joke of the day

FYI said...

LOS ANGELES -- More Americans are playing tennis, with Hispanics and blacks showing a marked increase.

The U.S. Tennis Association says in a survey released Tuesday that more than 30 million people hit the courts this year. That's a 12 percent increase from 2008 and up 25 percent from six years ago.

The survey shows participation grew in all age groups under 50 and within all ethnic groups. The biggest increases were among Hispanics, with 32 percent more playing the game. Blacks had a 19 percent increase.

The annual survey of 6,000 Americans was done by Taylor Research Group on behalf of the USTA and the Tennis Industry Association.

Anonymous said...

Yeah right, and maybe Reginald Black can fill the singles line-up.

Anonymous said...

FACT - Reggie Black won a total of 2 games in three matches from LOTS last year.

Anonymous said...

MORTON AND GOLDBERG #2 IN THE STATE IS A PERFECT INDICATOR OF HOW TENNIS HAS DROPPED OFF IN THIS GREAT TENNIS STATE. EVERY TIME I NEED A GOOD LAUGH I COME TO THIS BLOG. WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD PLAYERS GONE. COME BACK PLEASE AND SAVE US.

Anonymous said...

It seems we have under estimated the following of Kallus. Ever since he has back off of his tennis it seems others have followed. Good gosh he was bad!!!!!!!!!!! Danny u suck!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Still Reggie is in good company as only a few players have beaten LOTS over the past few years, most of them very high caliber!

Anonymous said...

Kallus sucks.

Anonymous said...

"The following of Kallus"? I don't get that at all. Maybe because of the very poor use of the english language. Why does a guy who hasn't played a tournament in months and seems to have stopped trying a couple of years ago get so much name time on this blog? If I was Kallus, I would try to find out who this obvious stalker is and get a restraining order against him. Someone needs to get some help, and it ain't Kallus.

Anonymous said...

I’m pretty sure Kallus could care less about who this person is. Probably someone that Kallus has beaten in the past and this is ‘his’ way of getting back at Kallus.

Off Beat said...

OK Mr. smarty pants, guess which movie this line came from:

'come with me if you want to live'

Anonymous said...

Terminator 2?

Anonymous said...

Oh man, you are good.

Anonymous said...

How bout this? "He came to me. He came to me!!!" What character and what movie?

Anonymous said...

I give up. What movie was that?

Anonymous said...

"when harry wet sally"

Anonymous said...

E.T. Elliot says it when E.T. is lying on the bed in the medical unit and the guy is trying to ask Elliot about E.T. The guy replies "He came to me too. I have been waiting for him my entire life." Am I the only one who remembers the best movie of 1982 despite the fact I was only 12 at the time. It was also the only movie Drew Barrymore was ever any good in.

Anonymous said...

Hey Journeyman,

What's one to do between now and next year?

Impatient player

The Journeyman said...

Once we get year-end NTRP ratings, we can start talking about who got bumped up and down and how that might impact 2010. Other than that, there is not much on the radar.

Anonymous said...

When does the year-end NTRP ratings come out?

Anonymous said...

Let's try this one....at the end of the year.....year end ratings are based the calendar year. The Cotton Bowl in Dallas right before the 31st counts.

Anonymous said...

yeah whatever....i thought you said rankings.

Anonymous said...

Entry fees are going down for doubles. The monthly Missouri City tournaments at Lee LeClear Tennis Center are charging only $10 a person and that includes consolation.

Anonymous said...

Where is Kallus? Kallus if you are out there, we all miss you at the events, and I for one won't play again until Kallus comes back. Who else is with me?

Anonymous said...

I don't even know if Kallus is with you. But good luck with your campaign.

Anonymous said...

Alright, I bet you can’t guess which movie this line came from:

‘fighting for you has been my life’s honor, my lord’

Anonymous said...

Too easy. Troy. Despite Brad Pitt, that is one of my favorite "sword & sandal" movies. First movie I bought on Blu-Ray.

Anonymous said...

You are 'lord' of movies, my man.

Anonymous said...

Too bad I suck on the tennis court. At least according to everyone on this blog.

Anonymous said...

Is that you Kallus?

Anonymous said...

No its me Sarosh.

Anonymous said...

No it's me JR Pogue.

FYI said...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- U.S. Tennis Association tax forms show that former CEO of professional tennis Arlen Kantarian received more than $9 million in total compensation in 2008, his last year running the U.S. Open.

According to documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press, Kantarian was paid about $1.6 million in base compensation, about $2.3 million in bonus and incentive compensation and nearly $5.2 million in other reportable compensation that year.

That last category includes cumulative incentive payments earned during his last three-year contract with the USTA, which hired him in 2000. The total compensation for 2008 is listed as $9.15 million.

"Arlen's departure triggered a one-time contractual obligation," USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in a telephone interview.

Kantarian resigned as the USTA's CEO of professional tennis in October 2008, effective at the end of that year. He now works as an adviser to Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Kantarian declined comment Monday.

The 2008 tax year was the first for which the USTA was required to list the compensation for more than just one employee, so Kantarian's pay in previous years is not available.

"The USTA made a conscious decision to invest in its professional staff, and these investments have paid off," Widmaier said. "Revenue at the USTA is up $93 million between 2000 and 2008, and we've hit other record benchmarks, including 30 million tennis players, the highest USTA membership in our history, and three consecutive U.S. Opens in attendance and revenue."

Kantarian, a former NFL and Radio City executive, brought instant replay to Grand Slam tennis, moved the U.S. Open women's final into prime time, and launched the U.S. Open Series of summer hard-court tournaments in North America.

Anonymous said...

There goes my loot to USTA boys.

Anonymous said...

Happy thanksgiving to all.

Anonymous said...

hey does anyone know where mr adrian valdez played college tennis?

Anonymous said...

Southwest Texas State back when they used to have a mens team.

Anonymous said...

End of the year ratings are out. Hope there aren't any surprises for anyone!

Anonymous said...

End of the year ratings are out. Hope there aren't any surprises for anyone!

FYI said...

Amid speculation that he's lost some weight and muscle, it was also suggested to the world No. 2 on Friday that he's playing too far behind the baseline.

"No, no," he said. "Finish battery. I need to charge a lot."

Later, he added: "The battery sometimes finish and you have to buy another one. That's what I gonna do for next year, no?"

We don't doubt it.

Anonymous said...

Did Kallus get moved to 5.0?

Anonymous said...

I think Valdez played at Incarnate Word.

Anonymous said...

There is a shit load of 4.0s that are getting bumped up to 4.5s next year. It will be interesting to see how they do next year in 4.5s

Anonymous said...

No, Kallus got bumped up to womens 3.5

Anonymous said...

Hey Journeyman, 40 out of top 50 4.0 players have been bumped up to 4.5 for next year. I think it's a big conspiracy man.

Anonymous said...

Yet Knutson tanked his way back down to 4.0 after playing in the 4.5 Masters in 2008. What a total and complete PUSSY that guy is.

Did anyone get bumped up from 4.5 to 5.0? If not, the only thing accomplished was to discourage more people from playing next year or else just providing more early-round fodder for the dominant 4.5 players who should have been bumped to 5.0 - Sanchez, Moser, etc.

Anonymous said...

At least now we know how to get ourselves bumped down. Are you listening Sarosh?

Anonymous said...

Journeyman, what's you take with the ratings? I heard some 29,000 players in texas were affected by the ratings.

Anonymous said...

It was interesting how few 4.5's got moved up relative to the lower levels. You have guys like Sumrall and Dibua playing on the same level as all these average 4.0's..

Anonymous said...

A lot of Austinites got moved to 5.0 next year. 4.5 league in Austin next year shouldn't challenge at Sectionals unless some new self-rated sandbaggers come out of the woodwork.

Anonymous said...

i think you should hold on to your water there, Austin plays on Sunday in Dallas more often than not. Mike and Anthony will have teams in the hunt. On that count, you can bet your sweet bippie.
Congratulations to Red, Tim, and Jason for putting together a fine team in 09.

Anonymous said...

your sweet bippie?