I was willing to give Wilson one more year after this one. Then several things happened leading up to yesterday that I think its time to pull the plug.
1. Rodney made the team. He played great this year, but he was out of the points ranking. Darren does not keep getting a wild card pick every year out of respect. He keeps getting a pick because when its MC time, he brings his game and he knows how to help the team win. That's not Rodney anymore. I understand wanting to respect Rodney for what he has done, but his last outings in the MC have been far cries from the 90s and early 2000s. Great PR pick, but not necessarily good strategy.
2. The constant flip flopping between all guys being picks and then back to the points system. The points system is fair, but it is clear from the last several years that no matter who finishes top three in points for the US, they cannot beat the Euros. Essentially, the points are meaningless. While I appreciate greatly Wilson's attempt to change the way we view the cup and play for it, what has happened is the Cup has been stripped of its identity. It doesn't mean anything like it used to. It was fun to beat up on the Euros for a time in the beginning, but there were only a few good years where you really didn't know the result. Stick with a format for choosing players and stop trying to tinker with it, and since the points aren't acting as indicators, let it be top three and two picks.
3. Wilson said in the opening interview for Day 1 that this year, our goal was to not suck. You know what? That sounds like we've already lost or Wilson has given up. If he's given up or that's his attitude, I want him out. There's no fire or passion in that statement, and to make it on their home soil to beat? That's an attitude that says Americans are losers. You're the captain of the team Wilson. Act like it or step down. American pool may not be what it once was, but your job as a leader is to be there to support your guys to the end. You let them down with that statement and hung them out to dry.
Some side notes:
If it were up to me, SVB and Mike Dechaine would never play in another Mosconi Cup for the US. Both have shown they are lacking when it comes to this format and are constantly over matched in skills, mental game, or both. This does not mean they are bad players. They are two top quality players, but not for the MC. If USA cares about winning, audios. If it's just about showing up, keep letting them on the team.
Its time to start making the wild card picks count. Bergman was a good pick this year, but I still can't help but wonder if the reason he made the team was his relationship with Wilson. If it were up to me, I'd be looking at who traveled outside the US for tournaments and placed well. I'd be watching who stays the most often in position throughout tournaments and who gets out of safeties the best. I'd be looking at who plays best in alternate break formats, and who gets the cue ball consistently in the middle of the table. Heck, I'd even be watching body posture at this point to see who doesn't slump in the chair when down but stays engaged until the last ball falls, even if it's a beatdown. These are important markers to know who is training and who has the mental toughness to stay engaged for a high pressure quick race.
