San Diego: German for "The AVP is coming to Town"...

I have been AWOL since Riverside, but there is good reason. I have been working feverishly the past two weeks at the office, as April has been a very busy month. Between meeting with numerous existing clients, prospective clients, running two separate companies, interviewing for an open position, and a trip to D.C. for a fundraiser (I'll be putting up a post in the next couple days on that amazing experience), there hasn't been much time get out to the beach. Good news is this has been a great month in that we've have helped a number of companies simplify their transportation models while saving money. But wait a minute, you don't come here looking for news about the logistics world...

So here is my much anticipated predictions for the 2009 AVP Crocs San Diego Open presented by Johnsonville:

• Jen Kessey and April Ross will break through for their first victory of the season
  
• With the first round single elimination format, the top 4 seeds on the women's side will advance to the cross over; having to play one less match and beginning the tourney at 9th will play a huge factor
  
• Look for Zimet/Morrison, who have been playing some great ball thus far this year (not to mention Eyal was my partner last year en route to 4 major cash titles including the Seaside Open in OR), to upset the number 14 seed of Metzger/Dykstra. Speaking of Metzger/Dykstra, if you have never seen Stein Metzger play, you better hurry. Rumor has it he only has three tournaments left. He is one of the true personalities in our sport and his passion up close is a lot of fun to watch, so don't miss out!


• I am looking for another big tournament out of Hanson/Rutledge and Hochevar/Fopma on the women's side, with my sleeper team being Burdine/Fontana. I like the athleticism from these teams, and if you didn't read my Riverside post, Hochevar is rocking the best "do" on tour right now, a cross between Pink and Chris "Birdman" Anderson of the Denver Nuggets...Google him.


• Look for a great 8-9 match up on the Men's side with Mariano/Ratledge squaring off against Medel/Stolfus. These four players have Orange County roots and often train against each other. Whenever you get guys that know each other and have history like these do, words can be exchanged. I have heard a few "donkeys" (and for those of you keeping track at home, this is not an endearing term on tour) screamed through the net in previous Medel and Ratledge match ups...can't wait!


• I am looking for a big tourney from Nick Lucena/Brad Keenan. This team took a 9th recently at the world tour event (known as the FIVB) in Brazil. Traveling to Brazil together should improve the team chemistry, and the 3 wins, including one over a very good Brazilian team, will give them added chemistry entering San Diego. I suspect they will make it to their first cross-over bracket this weekend.

And lastly, Moran/Jewell. As you know, I don't like to predict my finish, rather, I like to focus on the process. Adam, my partner, thinks he has the swine flu; don't worry, he doesn't...he just likes to be dramatic! Needless to say, we got just one practice in together since Riverside. Oddly enough, this might be just what the doctor ordered. With Adam's illness and shoulder problems, rest is what he needs. And really, nobody is going to serve him anyways. If I can continue to side out at the level I have the first two tournaments of the year, we should put ourselves in a position to win our first round match against Williams/Rambis, the 12 seed. Mark Williams, a beach volleyball Olympian for Australia in 2000, is one of the best players on tour, period. He can take over a match with his block or serve, so we need to be cognizant of him at all times. Jesse Rambis, the son of Lakers coach Kurt Rambis, has steadily improved the past two seasons. It all comes down to energy. If Adam and I stay positive and on the same page, fight through his illness and lack of practice together, we've got a shot to get past the single elim round and make it the field of 16.

And that's it. Let's see if my predictions come to fruition. Speaking of energy, I need to recharge after a 48 hour whirlwind trip to D.C. So tee-minus 36 hours until San Diego...German for "whale's v******"...I hope Ron Burgundy makes an appearance. :) that was pretty bad, I need to go to bed now. See you on the beach!