The Nerds Official Pre Season Power Rankings Fall 2011

[Nerd]

Lot’s of news here! This studio off season saw a lot of shakeups, some serious player movement and for the first time in recent memory a new champ reigns over the studio division. Let’s get to the preseason rankings!

1. SOFA KING GOOD

Yes, I know I generally give the reigning champs an automatic #1 seed, but after being bested in extras in the Studio final, Sofa went and made some power moves like the playground bullies they are. Adding Foster, arguably the reigning champs best player and Team Named Sue’s leadoff kicker gives Sofa even more firepower. Their potent offense just got a bit stronger. If they can learn to run the bases and quit walking people the title is theirs to lose.

2. DRAGON ARMY (Formerly Foster Kids)

I can really support a name as nerdy as this. If you don’t get the reference, well you probably had friends as a child and went outside. After losing their lockdown crasher and leadoff kicker to Sofa, DA isn’t skipping a beat, and is ready to play like champs. Making some big moves, grabbing a super vet from norcal, giving Javy the boot and filling in some holes with more new blood (bravo, we need it) the DA is ready to put up a serious fight to defend their crown.

3. AKT

After losing the hands down best athlete in the league to a move, AKT dug deep into the recruiting bag and went from their traditionally lean roster to a bulked up fresh faced crew. Bringing in some former rivals from Pasadena, as well as fresh blood from back east and some of TNS remains to try to fill the void Charlie left, will it be enough? Can AKT get over the hump and score runs when it matters? The nerd is optimistic about the new moves and expects AKT to finally have that breakout season. If they can keep up the chemistry with the new blood, they can make noise. Or just choke in the playoffs like usual.

4. POWERSLAM DUNK

The Dunkers obviously have the talent and chemistry to make a serious run, they hammered most of their opponents last season on a skeleton crew, coming back healthy will make them even more of a force. That said, do they have the dedication? This is the secondary team for most of the key players and when Hollywood starts they may find themselves shorthanded. The dunkers will definitely take the cake for most flare.

5. PIRATES

After losing some of their solid core to injuries and obligations, Pirates were forced to merge with the now defunct TNS (minus Greg and Juan) to try to salvage the season. That said Shane has no shortage of access to talented soccer athletes and Im sure he will be bringing a solid squad despite the off season issues. Adding another year of experience to the remainder of their strong core, look for a LOT of runs scored again by these guys. Do they have the defense to win the tough games with new players? Wait and see.

6. DFU

After a nice freshman season, DFU established themselves as a talented squad, and had a lot of fun out there while posting some big wins. They are back in force with their giant paddle and even more giant boom box. Losing two of their biggest vets may prove to be an issue, but with a strong core of ultra veteran players and partiers, DFU will continue to be a team not to overlook.

7. SMACK MY PITCH UP

SMPU is a favorite in my book to make some moves up the rankings ladder. They’ve been progressing season after season, earning their stripes by never giving up in a division that has scared off many a fledgling team. Adding a few longtime vets may be just what SMPU needs to get over the hump and become a real force on Monday nights.

8. UNO MAS

One of the two remaining Studio originals, Uno Mas will do what they do every season. Get out there and play classy kickball, and put up a good fight against any opponent they face. With FDR nation moving to Thursday nights, I see some of the founders returning to Uno Mas in the near future.

9. DARK HORSE

Early season movement has left the former R&T squad with a skeleton crew to start the season. I do know they have a handful of solid players, but it’s doubtful they’ll have the firepower to deal with the top teams this time around. If anything the guys on DH will get lots and lots of playing time.

10. VALLEY GIRLS

The VG’s have done it all, here since day 1, with the founders still holding strong. After a rough season last year, some thought it may be the end of an era. Once again the VG’s have returned with some new blood will surely make their mark again this season. Who Bundy!

11. DUKE CITY

The ultimate party team sure made it known they like the following; Booze, Loud (colors & noises) and Flip Cup. After a season of dicking around & taunting teams into beating them by 20, will Duke City remain unfocused on any technique and just having a party on Mondays? Or will they keep the spirit, but use a little of the talent they have out on the field to post some wins?

12. THE FURY

All I can say is I'm glad these long time studio staples are back. Last season returning from a hiatus, they had a tough go of it. They should take the positive from last season, and know that this season will be undoubtedly be better. Look for the Fury to get some redemption and post a few nice wins this season, and climb back up the rankings ladder like the vets they are.


13. THE ALCOHOLICS

This is exactly what Studio needs. A team with 3 young captains, excited to play, more excited to drink and BRAND NEW to kickball. I fully expect the Alcoholics to breathe new life into the division and bring with them some serious raw talent. Who knows, maybe this new squad will develop into the next strong franchise. Let’s hope they get the bug and stick around.

14. FREAKY DEAKY

To be honest, even the nerd is stumped on this one. I have no info, whatsoever on this squad, aside from the fact they are new. As I always do with brand new squads, Im crossing my fingers that they are here to stay and bring some new nerds into our scene.

[The Scorekeeper]

awwww... "dragon army"... that's cute. will they wear grey and orange too?

[Typod]

Ya they do. It's awesome, took me a minute to recall what it was from when I first heard the name. Great reference.

[iShark]

Am I too nerdy to know or not nerdy enough ?? Looking it up now...

[cephyn]

The enemy's gate is down.

[iShark]

Not nerdy enough I guess. Feeuuu! I can still eat at the cool kids table.

[Typod]

The enemy's gate is down.

Nice.

[Typod]

Not nerdy enough I guess. Feeuuu! I can still eat at the cool kids table.

Ender's Game. I have all the books on Audio if you want to step up your nerd game.

[Javy]

Cant WAIT!

Studio kicks off TONIGHT!

[iShark]

There's gonna be some movement on this list! Especially the bottom half!

[kickballmonster]

There's gonna be some movement on this list! Especially the bottom half!

Ya? who do you figure? I think the nerd so far got it pretty accurate except switching SMPU and Valley Girls (for the moment) - SMPU definitely lost firepower and defense when the Pirates took their crasher Dan M. -

the VG's became better than last year with their new pickups - but i'm still on the fence how strong they are, or how flukey that first game was - we'll see -