Week 9 Preshow

Week 8 was a hell of a week. I did awful in predictions but I don't care too much about that. It was an awful week for the "stronger conference" being the Sun Conference. We won 1-7 games as a conference against the Moon Conference, With Oregon being the sole winner of that bunch. Fortunately, or not, the next week is another interconference week. So the Sun conference can try to come back and regain their their reputation.

As for games you should definitely watch. Santoro  and Emerson's battle for top spot obviously was the match of the week. It started out that way and it continued to be that through the week.  After literally hours of discussion of what to do about it, it was decided to give One player the chance to come back instead of taking a 3-3 loss. I seriously recommend checking out both sides of the video from their YouTube channels.  The battle had a lot of dynamics that may not be seen on first glance. I definitely would suggest keeping an eye on the match timer throughout the cartridge portion too. I might do a write up on just that match because you can hear the thought process from both sides. Which is partially inspiring me to give more of my live coms, despite having to go somewhere I can actually do them for every match.

The other big matches I would watch are the Kennesaw and Chicago matches. Both of them played fantastically this week, Nadia came in clutch at the end of the match with Arcanine getting 3 kills at the end all alone. And Stormy showed the utility she has built into the team with her twin-Ninetales. Chicago has come up from last season to already double their wins this season and can be a real terror to team build against. 

As for playoff picture, the conferences are fairly similar to last week due to the parity of the week.

Sun Conference:

1. Brooklyn (6-2, +11) - 0GB
2. New York (5-3, +10) - 1GB(has the tie breaker of head to head with BKN, IND)
3. Indianapolis (4-4, +6) - 2GB(has h2h against OHN, DD)
4. Ohio (4-4,±0) - 2GB(Has the tie breaker of h2h against AKR, NYC, DD)
5. Detroit Dracos (4-4, +2) - 2GB(has h2h against AKR)
6. Akron (4-4, +2) - 2GB(plays IND in week 10)
7. Oregon (3-5, -7) - 3GB
8. Detroit Lairons(0-8, -29) - 6GB(almost mathematically out of the playoffs)



Moon Conference:

1. East Sea (7-1, +13) - 0 GB (has only lost to DD)
2. Galesburg (6-2, +20) - 1 GB(has h2h over LAC)
3. Los Angeles (5-3, +6) - 2 GB(loses h2h tie against ESG and GBG, has h2h over CHI and KCK, plays ROC wk 10)
4. Kansas City (4-4, +2) - 3 GB(has h2h over ROC, plays CHI wk 10; ROC wk 12)
5. Chicago (4-4, -4) - 3GB(plays KCK then ROC wk 10->11)
6. Rochester (4-4, -7) - 3 GB(has h2h over GBG)
7. Philadelphia (2-6, -13) - 5 GB(has h2h over KEN)
8. Kennesaw (2-6, -12) - 5 GB(has h2h over CHI)




So as you can see there's still a huge cluster truck in the middle of each conference. Which means those week 12-14 matches are super important to everyone. Even to the Lairons. While they're chance of doing playoffs is dwindling, they can very much affect the playoffs for other teams.

Every. Game. Matters. Now.




Transactions:

After they hoopla that was the week 7 transactions, there were no where near as many but a good handful to point out. 

First off was Chicago dropping Mudsdale(T5) for Leafeon(T5)

I like this trade, partially because I said it was a good move when she asked me, but also because it gives even more sun threat and only drops redundancy from Landorus-T.


The other transaction was essentially a three way trade between Rochester, Kennesaw, and Detroit Lairons.  I don't know who put it in motion, but I like it. 

ROC gains Dragonium Z
DET gains Buginium Z
KEN gains Darkinium Z


Rochester gaining DragonZ is pretty interesting with Goodra and Mew being some of the more ideal targets.  Definitely more that Bug Z which was picked up for Volcarona probably originally.

Speaking of Volcarona with Buginium Z, that package is back together in Detroit. It's a good add for them. Dark was good  for Sharpedo but a little limiting. Volcarona with Bug Z is really nice.

Kennesaw getting Dark Z is a little limiting but could be used really well. Bisharp is the obvious use for it, but Arcanine or Tornadus-I can also utilize it pretty well. 




Week 9 Predictions:


Akron Alakazams (4-4,+2) V Galesburg Gliscors (6-2, +20)

Akron is coming off one of the first 6-0 losses he has had. He's also working with a team that was built more on theory than in practice. Galesburg however has 2 of the biggest offensive threats in the league in Mega Latios and Mimikyu. As of last week I will admit I wasn't fully sold on Niek's team, mostly due to being 3-2 in actual matches. But after watching his match against Ohio, I will say it's definitely one of the best teams in the league and going to be a major threat come playoff time.

Keys: Building for early through late game. Don't let any part suffer.


Prediction: Galesburg Wins (4-0).


Oregon Golducks (3-5, -7) V Philadelphia Braviarys (2-6, -13)


 The two new coaches playing each other. After this week I'll probably stop calling them new coaches. Both teams beat me pretty solidly 4-0. Both teams are pretty solid too. Prepping for the matches will be important part here. I think this will be one of the closest matches this week.

Keys:  Speed tiers. Make sure you know who is going to get attacks in when.

Prediction: Oregon wins (2-0). This one could really go either way super easily.




Brooklyn Bulbasaurs (6-2, +11) V Chicago Tauros (4-4, -4)


Brooklyn has lost two in a row. This is rare.  Take a picture. It might not happen again. In reality this isn't going to be an easy match for Brooklyn. Let's hope the Assistant Coach, Bulbasaur, comes up with a good plan for the early game.  Despite winning the very early game last week, the Bulbas were unable to solidify the mid game and late game. Where as Chicago has a lot of strength under weather now, and a ton of Eeveelutions. Well technically .086 US Tons (.078 Metric Tonnes). But who's counting? I guess me. Chicago isn't super consistent. But luckily that doesn't have to be a negative. 
Literally any of the Tauros' 11 can be brought any week and actually do work. 

Keys: Which Ninetales comes in? Or do either? Ice is good against BKN, but that means no sun. Team building around that will be a determining factor here.


Prediction: Brooklyn wins (2-0)



Detroit Dracos (4-4, +2) V Los Angeles Charjabugs (5-3, +6)


The Dracos are also on a two game losing streak. And this week is not going to be an easy one to break that.  Both teams are fairly offensive. LA has only lost to the top tier teams so far, except NYK.  I'm right on the verge of putting them in that tier level, but I feel like they're just a half step behind teams like GBG, BKN, and ESG. Which is fantastic place to be. 

Keys: Kyurem-Black and Koko have a lot of strengths against a lot of the Dracos. But they can be played around. On the other side, things like Swampert and Nihilego are fairly integral to the success of this match.

Prediction: LAC wins (4-0)




Ohio Ninetales (4-4, ± 0) V Kansas City Kingdras (4-4, +2)

Another one of the really good matches this week. Though I've been helping Kansas team build here, this is a really either way match. This could be another weather team in the making for the Ninetales(ironically). But this is going to be a match where Ohio seems to be in the favorable position. The issue with that, they don't tend to perform too well when they feel like they have an advantage. 


Keys: Know your threats, know your opponents. Don't lose yours before you take out theirs. 


Prediction: Ohio wins (2-0)




New York Klinks (5-3, +10) V Rochester Roggenrolas (4-4, -7)

New York is coming off of 2 losses in three weeks. But they seem to have most of the pattern back into play. The teams combine to only having three things not affected by terrain, Gyara and Rotom-W on the Klinks and Mantine on the Roggs. All Water types. Does this mean that the Ground weak Roggs are going to have a bit of an advantage with terrain up? Yeah no. It doesn't save them from Earth Power from Heatran or Mega Diancie. Can the poison and steel threats from the Roggs out do the Klinks fairy core?  Salazzle is one of Bulu's natural predators.

Keys: Do not over prep. Neither team has a distinct advantage so both teams can easily build against themselves.

Prediction: NYK wins (3-0) but again this one could flip fairly easily too.


Detroit Lairons (0-8, -29) V Kennesaw State Noctowls (2-6, -12)

This may seem like the opposite of the ESG/BKN match last week. But it definitely is not. Nadia has made some plays this past week, plus winning in at least two leagues. This could lead to the confidence to make a few weeks of solid play.  As for the Lairons. Just win one. You got this.  The things he'll catch with the new podcast might be very helpful coming up through the last weeks of the season.

Keys: Early game.  Get that advantage and push it through.

Prediction: I really want to give this one to Kennesaw but I also really want to push this to Detroit wins (3-0)



Indianapolis Ponytas (4-4, +6) V East Sea Gastrodons (7-1, +13)

This is my match of the week. I'm very biased. But it could be the best match of the week.  Indy has lost two in a row, but to new coaches.  But if there's any team that Pac knows best(besides his own) it's the Gastros.   This match will be really even throughout. The Gastros gave Hawlucha to the Ponytas for Lucario. Ironically both of those are huge threats against their(former) team.

Keys: Both teams are good, just make a plan and stick to it. DON'T TILT. Both teams struggle at that.

Prediction: East Sea wins (4-0)




That will be it for this edition of the preshow.  Definitely check out the MagneZone podcast. This should be a good working week for the league going into the end of the season.

Week 8 preshow

Playoff Picture:

Sun:

BKN
NYK -1
IND -2
AKR -2
DD -2
OHN -2
ORE - 4
DET - 6


Moon:

ESG
GBG -1
LAC -2
ROC -2
KCK -3
CHI -3
KEN -5
PHI -5

Now it's time to look at all of the transactions. Right at midnight there were quite a few changes, starting off with Clutch and Kansas City dropping Manaphy for Azumarill. So we'll hit on all of them first then look at all the teams again for the last half of the season. The team name in brackets would be the team something was traded to or from.

Kansas City Drops: Manaphy(T1), Heliolisk(T3)

Kansas City Adds: Azumarill(T1), Empoleon(T3)

Los Angeles Drops: Braviary(T4), Granbull(T5), Lickilicky(T5)[AKR]

Los Angeles Adds: Weezing(T5), Lickilicky(T5), Gourtgeist(T4)[AKR]

New York Drops: Flygon(T4)

New York Adds: Hitmonlee(T4)

Detroit Lairons Drops: Clefable(T1), Lapras(T5)

Detroit Lairons Adds: Volcarona(T1), Quagsire(T5)

Indianapolis Drops: Blastoise(T4), Druddigon(T4), Espeon(T3)[DD], Dusknoir(T4), Lucario(T2)[ESG]

Indianapolis Adds: Lycanroc-Midday(T4), Dusknoir(T4), Kangaskhan(T5)[DD], Lucario(T2), Hawlucha(T2)[ESG]

Chicago Drops: Virizion(T4)

Chicago Adds: Ninetales-Kanto(T4)

Akron Drops: Whimsicott(T3), Hitmontop(T4), Sneasel(T4)[ROC], Gourtgeist(T4)[LAC], Pinsir(T5)[KEN], Volcanion(T1)[PHI], Primeape(T5)[PHI]

Akron Adds: Forretress(T3), Togetic(T4), Cofagrigus(T4)[ROC], Lickilicky(T5)[LAC], Primeape(T5)[KEN], Conkeldurr(T1)[PHI], Rhydon(T5)[PHI]

Ohio Drops: Kommo-o(T2)[KEN], M-Blastoise(M2), Infernape(T1), Goodra(T2)

Ohio Adds: Gengar(T2)[KEN], M-Swampert(M1), Manaphy(T1), Porygon-Z(T3)

Rochester Drops: Tyranitar(T1), Avalugg(T5), Cofagrigus(T4)[AKR]

Rochester Adds: Goodra(T2), Gigalith(T4), Sneasel(T4)[AKR]

East Sea Drops: Ditto(T4), Glaceon(T5), Hawlucha(T2)[IND], Salamence(T1)

East Sea Adds: Mismagius(T4), Muk(T5), Lucario(T2)[IND], Thundurus-I(T1)

Detroit Dracos Drops: Talonflame(T3), Kangaskhan(T5)[IND]

Detroit Dracos Adds: Kangaskhan(T5), Espeon(T3)[IND]

Philadelphia Drops: Conkeldurr(T1)[AKR], Rhydon(T5)[AKR], Primape(T5), Drampa(T4)

Philadelphia Adds: Volcanion(T1)[AKR], Primeape(T5)[AKR], Bastiodon(T5), Comfey (T4)

Kennesaw Drops: Gengar(T2)[OHN], Primeape(T5)[AKR]

Kennesaw Adds: Kommo-o(T2)[OHN], Pinsir(T5)[AKR]

Whew okay, that's a lot of moves. More than half of the transactions this season happened this week. 37 happened before this week, and 40(or more, for some reason we can't agree on an actual count) happened this week.

So we are going to look at each team individually again. Both looking back at the season so far and the rest of the season coming up. For reference Kanto Division Johto Division Hoenn Division Alola Division


Sam(Istanbuldayim) and I went through each team individually.  His parts will be italicized. He came up with the idea of striking through the changes.

Sun Conference:

Kanto Division:


Brooklyn Bulbasaurs(6-1)

Up until now, he's had a lot of close matches that he has been able to pull off every single time. They have had 3 transactions total since the season started, the first one coming in week 1 getting rid of the big weakness I talked about during week 0. Did I affect that? I like to think so.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Aerodactyl

Necrozma

Milotic

Gliscor Magnezone

Tangrowth

Zygarde 10%

Snorlax

Heracross

Darmanitan

Slurpuff

Raichu Dusclops

Groundium Z

As of week 7, three mons have only missed one match, Milotic, Mega Aerodactyl and Darmanitan. And two more have only missed two being Zygarde-10 and Snorlax.  In a majority of his matches, more than half of these will come. Week 3 Zy-10 didn't come, week 4 Aero, Zy10, Snorlax didn't come, week 5 Darm didn't come, week 6 Snorlax didn't come, week 7 was Milotic's rest day.

Santoro has experience with draft leagues. His adjustments to the Bulbasaurs’ roster have been minimal, with no adjustments coming in week 7. To be fair, if something ain’t broke, don’t fix it—and the Bulbasaurs have proven to be anything but broke. Brooklyn leads the Sun Conference in record at 6-1, tying the East Sea Gastrodons for the league’s best record. Magnezone and Dusclops are new additions that both have yet to see the field.

The Sneaky Big Question: Are there any moves left for Brooklyn? Santoro has two FATs through week 8, but is it worth it to tweak a working formula?

This last week Santoro had his first loss of the season last week to the leader of the other division in the conference. But I don't expect that to affect him in any considerable way. If anything he'll just keep on winning. As Sam said, he's got the potential to make other stuff happen with his team. I don't expect much as it really is a solid team as of right now. I still expect this to be a playoff team, and expect a deep run.

Akron Alakazams (4-3)

This team has been wavy. Starting out going downhill, but winning the last 3 in a row after losing 3 in a row. Most of this team is new as of this week. Only 5 of his 11 have even been fielded this season, with Zygarde-50 being in every match. And Mega Medicham has only missed one match since he has been brought on, (week 3 loss against the Detroit Dracos).

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Glalie M-Medicham

Zygarde 50%

Volcanion Conkeldurr

Cresselia  Slowbro

Galvantula

Whimsicott Forretress

Muk-Alola

Tyrantrum Togetic

Meloetta Cofagrigus

Zoroark Lickilicky

Pinsir Rhydon

Grassium Z

After the chaos that was the RDL Week 7 Trade Extravaganza, the Alakazams have only three original members of the team remaining (four, should you count Mega Medicham, who’s been with the team since week 2). At a glance, the Alakazams have traded a bit of their stopping power and speed for a team that is all in on bulk. With the exception of Mega Medicham and Galvantula, everything on the Alakazam’s roster can take a hit. Akron even has a few Pokemon that can hit back, having recently added Conkeldurr. Forretress sports a fantastic defensive typing, and can set any kind of hazards desired sans-Sticky Web. Played right, this team can run stall to wear an opponent down, opening cracks that breakers like Conkeldurr, M-Medicham, and Zygarde can exploit.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can this new-look team capitalize on the momentum the Alakazams have built over the last three weeks? The loss of Whimsicott and Sneasel leaves this team a little short on speed, and while the Volcanion-Conkeldurr swap did net the team a heavy-hitter in return, losing Volcanion also meant sacrificing one of the team’s options for running Choice Scarf.

Holy bulk Cossak, this team used to have a lot of fighting power, and they traded that for more bulk. As Sam mentioned, this team has entry hazards to fill a boat, the question remains if he can utilize them. Sneasel and Volcanion were both big, fast, heavy hitters and the loss of them may be felt quickly. Adam seems to think he kept enough hitting power to validate the massive bulk. Ask Cossak how well it works not having enough damage to compensate the bulk. I think he might go through an inertial rough patch the first few weeks after these huge transactions but I think he'll bring it back to push for a wild card spot in the hyper competitive Sun Conference.

Detroit Dracos(4-3)

Currently just barely on the outside looking in of the playoff picture, but so easily can fight to get in. Every mon of his has been brought to at least one match and he looks to utilize his newly acquired Espeon well. I expect a lot from this team.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Pinsir

Celesteela

Hydreigon

Azelf Nihilego

Staraptor

Swampert

Decidueye

Talonflame Espeon

Aromatisse

Lanturn

Cryogonal Persian-A

Flyinium Z

Speaking of working formulas, the Detroit Dracos are another minimal-changes team that’s found their rhythm early in the season. Excessive had arguably the second most difficult opening schedule through the first five weeks and still went 3-2. Nabbing Espeon for Talonflame is a huge boon for a team that’s at its best when Stealth Rock is off the field, especially given that Talonflame had underperformed thus far in the season.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can this team keep ahead of the division competition and snag a playoff spot? Spots 2-6 in the Sun conference are separated by a single loss, and Excessive and Adam will be in a race for the number 2 spot in the Kanto division, assuming Santoro doesn’t fall off the horse.

Espeon is a huge asset to this team. And yes, I'm aware that I am the one that gave it to him. But it caused me to get Hawlucha but I'll talk about that later. Besides the obvious Magic Bouncing Stealth Rock, Espeon gives a strong, fast, specially offensive Psychic type he lost with Azelf leaving. This takes a lot of strain off of Hydreigon and Nihilego. And the loss of Talon flame isn't as big as it may seem. The team has a lot of bulky damage with some fast sweeping as well. They're definitely in the running to be in the playoffs, currently out of it due to differential and head to head. One of 4 in the Sun Conference with a 4-3 record.

Oregon Golducks(2-5)[2-1 since coach change]

This is a hard team to talk about due to it being a coach change recently. It's a good team when the match happens. The team was originally drafted by Liam before he decided he was stretching himself too thin and had to drop one league(it led to him winning another league so good for him)

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Beedrill

Kartana Jirachi

Blacephalon Tornadus-T

Mamoswine

Florges

Jolteon

Emboar

Haxorus Tyrantrum

Jellicent

Ribombee Sigilyph

Meowstic Type: Null

Fightium Z

No moves for Oregon during the Week 7 Extravaganza, though this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise—even with complete freedom to shuffle the roster after week 4, Oregon’s new coach Ballistic made minimal changes to the roster (writer’s note: thanks for the Haxorus. It already came in handy). The Golducks can field what is arguably the league’s fiercest Volt-Turn teams between Jolteon, Jirachi, Tornadus-T, and, of course, Mega Beedrill. Outside the Volt-Turn, the Golducks pack a mean set of offensive powerhouses in Emboar, Mamoswine, and Tyrantrum. Moreover, the versatility of this team allows them to vary how much bulk they bring week-to-week, with excellent wall options in Jellicent, Florges, and Type: Null.

The Sneaky Big Question: Will this team see a third coach in a single season? Ballistic had a strong showing in his first week as coach, but has yet to replicate that success—mostly because he has yet to play another match (update 4/1: Pac and Ballistic played today, the result being a Oregon victory).

This team has a lot of scary offense. It beat me pretty hard last night and I didn't play awful. But with only 2 games underway, we'll see how he does going forward. I really like the team as a whole, but I can see a few big holes depending on what things get brought.

Johto Division:

New York Klinks(5-2)

The lone beater of the Bulbasaurs. He also has a few big wins against many of the lower level teams. He's one of the most solid players in the league though despite his losses to Ohio and KC.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Diancie

Heatran

Tapu Bulu

Toxapex Gyarados

Rotom-Wash

Cloyster Haxorus

Lycanroc-Dusk

Flygon Hitmonlee

Bewear

Beheeyem

Carracosta Zebstrika

Lycanium Z

The Klinks suck lmao.

The Sneaky Big Question: How can this team win any more games when their coach is so awful?

I feel like I should go a little more in depth here. It's stupid hard to objectively judge your own team. It's a great thing when by far the worst part of your team is your Z crystal. The pick up of Hitmonlee is really nice with Bulu. And Haxorus getting the Bulu buff where Flygon didn't is nice. While there still is a few overlapping weaknesses but can cover those pretty well. Right now they're the top of the Johto Conference but only one game ahead of second and third, he can drop really hard really fast. Or he can lock in his spot in playoffs really fast. When these Divisional matches happen again, it'll be tough competition in this division.

Indianapolis Ponytas(4-3)

Wavy as hell, this team hasn't had a streak longer than 2 and that was the first two games being a win. The coach is awful at execution but try to out plan him. Good luck, but expect him to over plan himself.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Charizard X

Tapu Fini

Weavile

Ferrothorn

Nidoking

Espeon Hawlucha

Swellow

Hitmontop Meloetta

Mismagius Lycanroc-Midday

Gigalith Kangaskhan

Electivire

Rockium Z

Pac made RDL history twice this season—first as a participant in RDL’s first-ever inter-coach trade (Meloetta for Hitmontop, Week 2), second as the architect of RDL’s first three-team trade that netted the Ponytas Hawlucha. Meloetta has yet to have a truly standout game, but is ridiculously dangerous for a T4. Hawlucha is a dangerous setup sweeper, with Unburden freeing it to run extra bulk, potentially allowing for multiple Swords Dances against teams without a solid plan to deal with la Lucha. Lycanroc-Midday adds another dangerous priority user to slot next to Weavile, and Kangaskhan… can run Scrappy and Fake Out, I suppose?

The Sneaky Big Question: Can the Ponytas’ additions give them momentum going into the second half of the season? Indianapolis is one of the league’s elite teams, but is looking to get a streak of wins going in order to keep pace for the playoffs.

Kangaskhan can do a lot more than just run Fake Out, clearly Sam underestimates Wish and Fini. But the acquisition of Hawlucha with Tapu Fini is a great speed based physical attacker. This does increase the number of physical damage though. As of right now, they're 3rd in the conference but can slide to 6th in one week, 7th in two. With a very hard last half of the season, this win one lose one pattern can't continue if they plan on making it to the playoffs.

Ohio Ninetales(4-3)

Some decent sized changes happened this week with them. The biggest thing for them in my eyes is the loss of Infernape(who had been to every match) and any STAB fire or fighting damage.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Blastoise M-Swampert

Infernape Manaphy

Xurkitree

Togekiss

Goodra Porygon-Z

Kommo-o Gengar

Metagross Uxie

Venusaur

Rhyperior

Miltank

Weezing Leavanny

Psychium Z

Michael’s moves are intriguing. In adding Mega Swampert and Manaphy, he adds two teammates who appreciate Rain. Porygon-Z hits hard and wide and will be a problem for teams that don’t pack many Normal resists. Uxie has consistently been a thorn in opponents’ sides. Acquiring Gengar for Kommo-o helps make up for the speed lost in losing Infernape. What’s interesting to me is that, in shedding Infernape, the Ninetales have effectively dismantled the last three-type core they possessed at the season’s start. The defensive synergy they’ve found between the likes of Uxie, Rhyperior, Togekiss, and occasionally Venusaur has anchored the team as they’ve gotten out to a 4-3 start.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can Mega Swampert steal the title of KO leader from Rhyperior, or will ArmoredTitan continue its campaign for MVP?

Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. This team will love the rain. Making that rain happen though may not be the easiest thing every match. Gengar being one of Michael's favorite mons for league play. I really think this team can go far in the playoffs. If they can get there. We'll see if there's any sludge to get through with a few new pieces coming in.

Detroit Lairons(0-7)

The team that a lot of people were fearing at the beginning of the season. They've gotten a lot thinner since the start of the season though. Still looking for their first win, I expect it soon.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Sableye

Clefable Volcarona

Scizor Latios

Chansey

Stakataka Gliscor

Dhelmise Sharpedo

Amoonguss

Alomomola

Shuckle

Lapras Quagsire

Turtonator

Normalium Z Darkinium Z

The only team with an opening schedule more brutal than the Dracos was the other Detroit team. After trial by fire in weeks one through seven, behold, the new-look Lairons. Faster, feistier, and with a few more weapons to make opponents think twice about stacking their team with wallbreakers. Gliscor and Sharpedo were fantastic additions early on, and Latios is a versatile offensive threat with dual STABs and coverage options. Cossak’s week 7 trades served a dual purpose: bring in a dangerous setup sweeper in Volcarona and reaffirm the commitment to stall with the addition of Quagsire.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can this team put Volcarona to use? The fire moth has struggled to find a consistent home this season, with the Lairons being its third tenure with a team this season. It’s objectively one of the league’s premier sweepers, but it does need a degree of team support to function.

As Sam said, the starting schedule was ridiculously difficult for the Lairons. But big changes including Gliscor, Sharpedo, and Latios have lead to a lot faster team. With the addition of Volcarona, a strong sweeping potential has just been added. Typically you see people try to threaten Volcarona with Rocks, but M-Sableye really throws a massive wrench into that plan. AS I said earlier, they're still looking for their first win of the season, but I suspect it to come in the next few weeks at latest.

Moon Conference:

Hoenn Division:

East Sea Gastrodons(6-1)

Their only loss of the season coming from an almost surprise from the Dracos, where they just got outplayed, The Gastros are sliding into the second half of the season with a pretty dominant lead over their division.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Venusaur

Victini

Salamence Thundurus-I

Hawlucha Lucario

Marv(Krook)

Porygon2

Primarina

Regirock

Ditto Mismagius

Oricorio Armaldo

Glaceon Muk

Firium Z

The Gastrodons have been one of the league’s elite this season, matching resident warlock Santoro’s incredible 6-1 record at the season’s midway point. The core that got them this far is still intact. Marv is the MVP through seven weeks of play, but Porygon2 is the Scottie Pippen to Marv’s Michael Jordan, single-handedly shoring up the Gastrodons’ defense. Victini is probably Toni Kukoc. Trading for Lucario might be like when Jordan’s Chicago Bulls traded for Dennis Rodman. That, or we’ve descended too far into the comparison.

Losing Salamence may not be much of a blow to the Gastrodons. The Tier 1 Dragon net only a single KO in six games of action, often struggling to find openings to switch in safely. Hawlucha nabbed three times the KOs in half the games, but given that the team lacked a convenient means of activating Unburden, the loss of the lucha bird is unlikely to slow East Sea much. Meanwhile, the Gastrodons have added two top-tier threats capable of running dangerous mixed attacking sets. Lucario runs a Nasty Plot set almost as well as it runs Swords Dance, and for teams where Fighting-Steel coverage is enough, Lucario can run a lethal double-dance style set. Thundurus is Zapdos, but more genie-like, less bulky, and with solid physical attack. AND it gets Nasty Plot. And Prankster. And Defiant.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can the Gastrodons replicate their success in divisional play the second time around? Both Rochester and Kansas City are set to surge, and being at the top of the league also means teams will aim to take you down. Keep in mind that, even with the incredibly hot start, the Gastros are only two losses away from being tied with Rochester. If East Sea drops a few in the next weeks, expect Hoenn divisional rematches to be extra spicy.

Leave it to Sam to put in Bulls references in a Pokemon write up.

The Gastros dropped two big threats that didn't really fit that well into the team for two other threats that don't need to rely on the team as much. With a good balance of fat and damage, this team could run the gamut and win out. What's going to catch a lot of people off guard is the fact that three of the biggest damage dealers have decent ways and stats to go either physical, special, or mixed.

I wouldn't really put Marv in as special. But the team has bulk from a few sides plus healing in the form of Venusaur mainly.

The team is very likely to go to playoffs despite a very difficult last half to the season. How far they go will be determined on the execution against these harder teams.

Rochester Roggenrolas(4-3)

The duo team has been doing a lot better as of late than I had thought early in the season. With a first half record exactly flipped that of the Ponytas, they just extended their longest streak of wins or losses to two.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Manectric

Tyranitar Goodra

Mew

Volcarona Breloom

Klefki

Mienshao

Tentacruel Mantine

Cofagrigus Gigalith

Kecleon

Rhydon Salazzle

Avalugg Sneasel

Buginium Z

Rochester was one of the first teams to make big moves this season, quickly restructuring after a Week 1 loss to Kansas City. Since then, they’re 4-2, with wins against the Ninetales and Gliscors suggesting that Rochester can hang with elite teams (their only two losses since week 1 have come against the rampaging Gastrodons and the out-for-blood Alakazams). In week 7, they snagged Sneasel and Goodra for Tyranitar and Avalugg. Tyranitar had seemed a bit of an awkward fit in its matches—replacing it with a mono-Dragon with decent offensive capability and stupid amounts of special bulk makes this team tougher to prep for. Acquiring Sneasel also help lessen the loss of Tyranitar, giving Rochester a go-to for hard-hitting Knock Offs and Pursuit trapping.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can anyone on the Roggenrolas put Buginium Z to much use? Anyone with a FAT remaining who’s unhappy with their Z-Crystal might consider approaching Rochester with a proposed trade for something like Poisonium Z, which the Roggenrolas could make better use of.

The Roggs have a few really good mons for their tiers like Mantine, Mienshao, and Kecleon. They continuously utilize things and spread the load. Only Mew has been brought to every match so far. Salazzle has only missed one since joining the team. I feel like the additions brought on over the season have improved the team dramatically. Goodra and Mantine both add a big special wall, and Gigalith is a huge physical one. Allowing things like Mew and Mienshao to focus on the damage dealing aspect.

Kansas City Kingdras(3-4)

The Kingdras have had some really good weeks and a few really bad ones. But with 4 transactions over the past 3 weeks, they're hoping to improve their record going into the playoff run. As they are currently on the outside looking in.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Pidgeot

Terrakion

Skarmory Azumarill

Reuniclus

Shaymin

Heliolisk Empoleon

Kyurem

Venomoth Nidoqueen

Silvally

Komala Magmortar

Granbull Zangoose

Darkinium Z Normalium Z

I’ll say it: prepping for the Kingdras was amongst the toughest prep I’ve done all season. Looking down the list, just about everything is a threat in some form or fashion. And that was before Clutch snagged Azumarill and Zangoose to pair with his shiny new Normalium Z. The Kingdras have a lethal mix of bulk and firepower that will make them a tough matchup for most teams in the second half of the season. If they can find a rhythm and make it to the playoffs, they could be a dark horse candidate to win it all.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can this team find a groove in the midst of a moderately tough remaining schedule? Five of the eight teams the Kingdras play in the latter half of the season are above .500. Kansas City’s rematch with Rochester is likely to be a must-watch.

Being informed in the Kingdras front office, the Azumarill move has been a few weeks in the making,
ever since he was able to get the Normalium Z, it was an assured idea.
The team is almost the opposite of the Alakazams in terms of amount of damage per bulk.
which makes the match up between the two in week 8 all the better.
As stated earlier, they're currently 5th in their conference meaning they wouldn't be in the playoffs.
And with a tough road ahead, if they make it in, they'll definitely deserve it.
The biggest thing the Kingdras lack is entry hazards only really coming from three mons.

Kennesaw State Noctowls(1-6)

The team I have so much faith in that just hasn't been able to close out matches. Kennesaw Noctowls placed very high during the preseason Power Rankings and have fallen way down the ladder since. But with just over half a season left, the playoffs aren't out of reach.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Gardevoir

Garchomp

Bisharp

Serperior

Gengar Kommo-o

Arcanine

Tornadus-I

Blissey

Seismitoad

Bronzong

Primeape Pinsir

Dragonium Z

Minimal changes in week 7 for Nadia’s Noctowls. The swap of Gengar for Kommo-o gives Kennesaw a fighting type with a bit more oomph than Primeape, along with another option to fire off a powerful STAB Devastating Drake. Unlike many teams active in week 7, the Noctowls may not be finished making moves. Every move they’ve made so far has been a trade with other coaches, meaning the Noctowls could swap out nearly half of their existing team at a moment’s notice. Playing around with rosters might be worth doing for a team that’s right on the verge of winning a lot of games.

The Sneaky Big Question: FATs, FATs, FATs. Can the Noctowls leverage their flexibility before rosters lock in at week 10? At 1-6, the Noctowls have some leeway this season to experiment with new lineups to see what works—maybe they’ll stumble upon the missing piece.

Kennesaw has used a total of 0 Free agent trades. As a good friend of the coach, I do have some insider knowledge on potential movements of the team, however, I won't disclose any of that here. The addition of Kommo-o took away one of the Fairy resists that the Nocts were oozing with. Now it can bait those for the Bronzong and Arcanine. I love this team, it can work well. It does lack some defensive tech, but they aren't always needed. I believe they will start coming back toward the mean throughout the second half.

Alola Division:

Galesburg Gliscors(5-2)

Despite only being 3-2 on games actually played, all the wins have been pretty one sided and the losses have been close. This team can be really dominant throughout the rest of the season.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Latios

Raikou

Suicune

Mimikyu

Buzzwole

Crobat

Cobalion

Rotom-Heat Tsareena

Exploud

Tangela Magmar

Piloswine

Electrium Z

Minimum movement from Galesburg this week. Niek has proved he’s comfortable with his lineup. My favorite Galesburg games are the ones where Niek brings Exploud and nukes something with Boomburst. Mimikyu is putting together a case for MVP, even with fewer games played than other candidates. Eviolite users Magmar and Piloswine are both proving invaluable to the team.

The Sneaky Big Question: Where will this team fall? Galesburg is 3-2 in games played, with wins against LA and Kansas City being his prime achievements, and his losses coming against the Tauros and the Roggenrolas. As of writing, Niek has played two fewer matches than most coaches (due to forfeits and missed battles—none of which were Niek’s fault), which makes it a tad harder to judge just how good this team is. With any luck, the Gliscors will have a chance to prove themselves in the second half of the season.

This team has been real interesting. It's a team I wouldn't expect to be as good as it is. But Niek seems to be able to pull it out in some big ways. No mons have been played in every match which just shows that you can't fully expect any single mon. Due to the fewer number of games than most coaches, some may say the team hasn't been fully proven yet. I don't fully agree. I think it's still one of the more threatening teams based solely on the fact that Niek can make things happen.

Los Angeles Charjabugs(4-3)

This team has only lost to Brooklyn, East Sea, and Galesburg. That's a pretty good three teams to lose to if you have to lose. But it doesn't bode well if they go up against these teams in the playoffs.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Scizor

Tapu Koko

Kyurem-Black

Entei

Slowbro Cresselia

Araquanid

Donphan

Sceptile

Braviary Gourgeist

Zangoose Weezing

Barbaracle Gurdurr

Steelium Z

The Charjabugs have restructured their team to include a bit more bulk, and they still have a few FATs for week 8, should they decide to restructure further. Stephen has propelled this roster to 4-3, snagging wins against elite teams along the way. The swap for Cresselia was a good one, providing LA with a one-stop defensive core that tanks most hits well, but doesn’t appreciate Knock Off users. Between Cress, Gurgeist, Donphan, Weezing, and Gurdurr, the Charjabugs have the pieces to put together balanced defensive cores to support their front-line Big 3 of Tapu Koko, Kyurem-B, and Entei.

The Sneaky Big Question: Can the Charjabugs keep on “questioning” the league? Pac calls Los Angeles’ roster “[a series of] very specific questions.” Yes. That. Exactly that. Because the Charjabugs are all about questions like “How the $#@& do I switch into something with base 170 attack?” and “Why the #@&% does Sacred Fire get a 50% burn chance?”

Despite this team being 4-3 AND beating me, I'm still not fully sold on it. Meta, so far, is the most aggressive player in the league. Which, while that works in the regular season, it may not be the best for the playoffs. Some of the big wins have come off of very poor play from the Ponytas and Kingdras. Depending on how he does in the next two weeks and the rematch against Galesburg, will determine if I feel like this team can go far in the playoffs. Odds are they will make it to playoffs but I can't say how far they'll go.

Chicago Tauros(3-4)

The Tauros are doing fantastic compared to season 1. They've already netted more wins this season. Despite the typical offensive nature of Stormy, she may not be playing aggressive enough. Maybe not Meta level of aggression but close.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Latias

Landorus-Therian

Zapdos

Sylveon

Ninetales-Alola

Vaporeon

Chandelure

Incineroar

Virizion Ninetales

Mudsdale

Rampardos

Icium Z

Like Nadia’s Noctowls, Storm’s Tauros still have a high degree of flexibility, and could continue to make moves going into the following week. Kanto Ninetales gives the Tauros a third fire type, which could be an indicator that they’re willing to shop one of their fire types—maybe even for a grass-type to replace Virizion (Pssst, Storm, Leafeon is free, and it can abuse Chlorophyll in the sun! Secure your title as the coach with the most eeveelutions!). Alternatively, Storm could just be looking to capitalize on sun-boosted fire-type moves. Or she might just like Ninetales and want both forms to herself (let’s be honest, does Michael reeeeally deserve a mascot?).

The Sneaky Big Question: Can this team find an x-factor piece to push them over the top? At 3-4, the Tauros are on the outside of the playoff race looking in, but a late-season push could still see them making the playoffs, especially if they have success in the divisional rematches. Their core is top-tier, but the pieces that surround it have occasionally been shaky.

NINETALES or at least two tales. So the Ninetales duo can't be utilized together based on the rules so both can utilize their weather effects. This team is a lot better for Storm than her other team, but some of the in game choices fall just a bit short, often sacrificing things for no reason. Currently, the Tauros are 5th in the Conference but only one game behind 3rd. There's no reason why they can't push their way into the playoffs this season. I have faith in this team once some of the execution issues get taken care of.

Philadelphia Braviaries(1-6)[1-1] with new coach

This new coach is a huge wild card for multiple reasons, plus they're my next match up.

The team as it was week 1 stands now:

M-Abomasnow M-Absol

Conkeldurr Volcanion

Hippowdon Dragonite

Chesnaught

Crawdaunt Tentacruel

Toxicroak

Golisopod Typhlosion

Drampa Comfey

Trevenant Greninja

Magcargo Bastiodon

Crabominable Rotom-Heat

Waterium Z

I have to hand it to the Braviaries’ coach, WhiteHawk—he came in on short notice during week 6 and played a hell of a match against the Dracos with a team that wasn’t his own. Hopefully this newly-tweaked roster is more to his liking. For a team that started with the bottom of the draft barrel, this is a pretty solid roster, sporting big threats like Dragonite, Volcanion, Greninja, and Mega Absol. After a 0-6 start, the Braviaries snagged their first win of the season with a win against the Noctowls, improving to 1-1 under WhiteHawk. Underestimate this team at your own peril.

The Sneaky Big Question: How many teams can Philly upset? I don’t mean to say that Philly isn’t the favorite, but with the playoffs being a long shot, the Braviaries should make it their priority to put pressure on the league’s top teams. Stringing together some wins in the second half of the season would be a hell of a turnaround story for this motley crew.

This team can be a major threat to most teams due to the make up of the team. It doesn't answer questions as much as it does ask them. I don't really want to give up that much about this team, but I will say, don't count this team out of playoffs yet, there's still a decent chance.

OHKAY Now that all of that is out of the way. Let's look at the match ups for this week. There's a few extremely good matches this week. It's probably the best since week 2 for that.

Akron Alakazams(4-3) V Kansas City Kingdras(3-4)

I can't say how big this match is. It's literally two of the best players in the league that typically team build together. They both know exactly what the other will do and when. It's hard to play against yourself. And yet, this isn't my match of the week. But it's a solid second place. If you want to know things about each team, this is a great one to watch.

Keys: Don't over predict. Don't under predict. You know each other and the play styles better than anyone else.

Prediction: I would rather pick neither. Both coaches want me to pick the other. I'm going to leave this up to a coin flip. So. Akron Win.

Oregon Golducks(2-5) V Rochester Roggenrolas(4-3)

With a few weeks of games under their belt, the Golducks are looking for another win to put on their belt. But the Roggs have those matches to get the Golducks playstyle. This could be a good match up overall.

Keys: Speed tiers. Know when to switch out.

Prediction: I want to say Rochester Win.

Brooklyn Bulbasaurs(6-1) V East Sea Gastrodons(6-1)

This is obviously the match of the week, if not the season. This is #1 against #1. A potential championship preview. This is going to be the most talked about match of the season. Both teams can do a ton with what they have.

Keys: Play like you play. Don't get into your own head.

Prediction: I'm going to coin flip this one too. Brooklyn Wins.

Detroit Dracos(4-3) V Kennesaw State Noctowls(1-6)

A more calm event compared to some of the other ones, I'm hoping Nadia can keep all emotions in the game and out of her head.

Keys: It's all mental.

Prediction: Dracos win.

Chicago Tauros(3-4) V Detroit Lairons(0-7)

One of the more entertaining games in my opinion, I really hope Detroit can get a win here. One plays super offensively and the other plays super defensively.

Keys: Out Jank the other. But don't give things up too easily.

Galesburg Gliscors(5-2) V Ohio Ninetales(4-3)

This is number 3 for match of the week. As I stated earlier, the Gliscors is really good at working without a lot. And Ohio likes to build against teams.

Keys: Prep. Know what the other might bring. It's not going to be the easiest thing with these teams but it's needed.

Prediction: Ohio Win.

Philadelphia Braviarys(1-6) V Indianapolis Ponytas(4-3)

I can't say too much about this match up, but I will say I feel one is heavily advantaged here. And unfortunately it isn't me. The limited tape on the Braviarys might hurt the Ponytas prep this week.

Keys: Execution of game plan. Don't overthink things.

Prediction: Braves win.

LA Charjabugs(4-3) V NY Klinks(5-2)

This is number 4 for match of the week. As I said in their team overview, I think this is a must win game for the Charjas. The Klinks are more of a slower team which will be the determining factor in the matchup

Keys: Momentum and pacing. Get what you want. Don't let your opponent get it.

Prediction: NY Wins. LA loses to the 4th Division leader.

There we go. The mid season week. If you got to this point, I'm impressed. If you're still reading this... Why are you? Go prep. Odds are you have an important match this week since at least half are big games.

Thank you to Sam for his help with team overviews. I don't know if there will be another post this week as I wrote most of this on Monday. And it was a lot. And now I'm just rambling. Go prep. Practice. Know what your new members do.