I had seen a previous thread on here that was talking about CJ being the Mosconi Cup Captain and if Johnny Archer was going to be on the team again. I believe personally that he will be however nothing is ever guarenteed. I think the USA Team have their hands full this year in London especially at York Hall as its crazy over there and tough to fade all the Euro fans. My question is without Archer can the USA beat the Euros and how much does Archer bring to Team USA. I think he brings alot but I may be biased. I would love to hear if others feel the same.
Of course, you're biased. :grin:
That said, it reveals a lack of pool wisdom when people continue to praise players for their prowess on a field of green based on their tournament scores. Come on, please, get with the program. Most Americans today can't afford to attend the pool tournaments around the globe.
If anybody on this forum believes Dennis "The Hatchetman" Hatch can't hold his own against anybody on the face of the earth, they're sorely mistaken. Basing one's opinion on one back-and-forth doesn't tell the story. Dennis is a monster when he wants to win. :wink:
Now, I will say that he's a mood player, meaning everything on the rail has to be positive, no fights with anybody on Team Hatch, et cetera. Vegas is the absolute worst place for a player like Dennis Hatch to play his best pool, IMHO. Dennis is an old-school pool player, and these kind of players, ones who enjoy the distractions that Vegas has to offer, do not play their best pool in Vegas. End of story. :embarrassed2:
Now, this is not to take anything away from Mike Dechaine. I'm just saying don't discount Dennis Hatch. To compare the two of them is ridiculous based on tournament scores and one back-and-forth in Vegas.
Same goes for that once-in-a-lifetime thrashing that Landon gave to Earl Strickland. Put the money on the line and see who comes out ahead between the two. Sure, it's exciting that Landon spanked the Pearl. In fact, I would have liked to have been there to see the show, but I don't think young Landon has anywhere near the consistency or seasoning that Earl has for an event such as the Mosconi Cup. That said, I love Landon because he represents the *best* in American pool, IMO. Good family, good fundamentals, and a clean-cut kid. I look forward to seeing his name in the headlines very soon in every pool magazine. If the Mosconi Cup is still around, you can bet your bottom dollar that Landon will be in it in due time.
Since Johnny's points may not be up far enough to make it to this year's Mosconi Cup, he would have been an excellent choice for the captain, but that's water under the bridge. I think C.J. will do a superb job, much, much, much better than last year's flounder.
My choice for Mosconi Cup's Team USA, not that it matters, would be this:
Dennis Hatch
Mike Dechaine
Brandon Shuff
Shane Van Boening
And I'm undecided on the fifth player. I actually think Earl would do good, but just because Earl doesn't have these stupid, idiotic, unfair "ranking points" given to those who play in four or five U.S. events, he won't be considered.
I do know that some of the Mosconi Cup "regulars" of the past, well, I would not lose sleep over them not attending this year's Mosconi Cup. Some of them spend more time in their room with ladies dressed in purple than they do practicing with the team. Hopefully, C.J. as team captain will put an end to that. As well, there's a wee bit of substance abuse that can interfere with a player's capability if they don't get their mixture right. The truth may hurt, but I'm just saying.
In sum, I would welcome a new cast of players this year. I would worry about the nerves of the younger players with less experience like Brandon and Mike Dechaine -- yes, I know Mike did play in one MC -- would get the best of them in this venue of York. Those Brits can be brutal with their screaming, air horns, and pounding their feet on the floor. :grin:
