1. (1) The Last Wifflebenders

Travis Schultz (5th Tournament) and Eric Kelliher (1st)

Four tourneys, three titles, one second place finish. Any challengers?

*The big news is that Ron is out. Travis has replaced him with Kelliher. What we've heard is that Kelliher is a Michigander who is living in Hoosierland: so no practice time for the team. Schult'z admits that Kelliher's pitching won't be as good as Ron's, but EK can swing a bat with two hands.

2. (6) The Hackaholics

Joel Wollborg and Jeff Willman (2nd)

Our scouts are giving this second year team a lot of hype, but these guys appear to deserve it. Their first loss last year was a forfeit because of alarm clock issues. Hopefully those have been resolved. After losing that game they rallied for five straight wins over some quality teams before dropping out. Look out for the Hackaholics this year.

3. (5) Multiple Scorgasms

Mark Hooks (7th) and Craig LeDuc (6th)

This is one team that has definitely improved with age. Their first two tourneys were "Black Velvet induced" less than stellar 13th and 14th place finishes. Since then, a 5th, 4th, and 5th place finish. These guys are on the cusp and a serious contender for the 2010 title. However, rumors are circulating that love might be in the air for Markus the Carcass. This new found romance could distract the duo from reaching the summit.

4. (4) Bro's for Boobies

Dustin Looper (2nd) and Jeff Gaisor (4th)

Gaisor was stuck in the world of Curves mediocrity and then he brought in Looper. Next thing you know he finishes in 4th place. They will no longer be able to surprise teams, but their strong pitching should keep them in the hunt. These Indiana boys are trying to become the best thing to come out of Indiana since Jimmy Chitwood. They are the only non-Michigan team, so our scouts don't want them to win because Curves is soon to be part of the "Pure Michigan" ads.

5. (7) The Pepsi Tiger Fan Club

Brian Stackpoole and Kevin Stackpoole (7th)

Certainly one of the more consistent teams in the tourney, the brothers Stack are hoping 2010 is their year. Most casual observers to the tourney know one major reason for this team's lack of a title is KDog's ability to be easily distracted. This could be a problem since he and Linda Lou have recently added their first child, Jamison, to the family. BStack's job of keeping Kevin focused could be more difficult than in year's past. Regardless, expect the Stack's to be playing late in the afternoon.

6. (13) Spaghetti Pierogi

Chris Grzegorczyk (7th) and Pete Lamerato (4th)

In 2006 G broke ties with his old partner to join forces with Lamerato. The result, a 2nd place finish. They followed that with a 3rd place finish in '07. Apparently the move to Muth or Lamerato's year off had a big impact because their 13th place in 2009 was a big step back. This tandem is a potentially under-ranked team. They have been close before and our scouts would not at all be surprised to see a top three performance once again.

7. (8) Wiffle Me Timbers

Ben Taylor and Joshua Swartz (3rd)

In their two years at Curves the men of Wiffle Me Timbers have earned two top ten finishes. All followers of Curves know that the third year is the big year in which teams show their true skills. Will Swartz and Taylor make the big jump, fall back, or continue their consistently solid play. Their two losses last year were against the 1st and 2nd place teams in competitive games. Very interesting.

8. (9) Chin Music

Matt Douglass and Matt Vargo (2nd)

As one of the new teams in 2009 Chin Music made an impressive run to the top 10 with a ninth place finish. They picked up three wins before dropping a close game to the eventual runner-ups. With a year of experience under their caps, our scouts expect to see these guys back in the top ten and perhaps even finish higher.

9. (10) No Name Yet

NIck Posa (2nd) and Brian Lemons (4th)

Lemons has always shown consistent pitching and hitting during his three tourneys. After dropping the two bums he played with the first year he has finished in the top ten twice. Hence the number ten rating. This will be the first time he is playing with the same teammate from the previous tourney. This year of experience together should be helpful.

10. (14) Swinging Cocks (Roosters that is)

Kevin Timmins and Michael Pizzuti (4th)

Now that they have the team name they've always wanted, does this mean their going to finish in the top ten. They've been begging for the name for years and after the Shockers awed the crowd in "09, we had to allow the name. Their best finish was a ninth place showing in 2008 and these guys always have a good time. We are hoping that KT hasn't shaved the "goat" since last August.

11. (16) Belsay Road Bandits

Walter White and Russ White (3rd)

Dave, the guy on the far left in the picture, is no longer with the team. Does this mean that Russ and Duke will rise to a higher level? These guys have had the unfortunate luck of drawing the defending champions in the first round....two years in a row. Our scouts don't think it will happen again, but you never know. Duke has promised a higher showing in '10 so look of for the BRB's.

12. (25) Titans for Ta-Tas

Dave Vermullen (4th) and Ken Sanders (3rd)

Perhaps a high spot for a team finishing 25th in 2009, but they also finished 11th in 2008. V (no reference to the popular drug in HBO's True Blood) moved to Grand Rapids in 2009 and this has created an interesting dynamic. Technically, Sanders used to be V's boss. That relationship no long exists. What does this mean for the Yooper and Colonel? Will this make them better or worse? Only time will tell.

13. (12/DNP) Bases Loaded and So Are We 

Evan Winters (3rd) and Austin Winters (2nd)

After taking a year off (which should be illegal) brother Austin is back with Evan. In 2008 they debuted at Curves and finished in 17th place. Last year Evan played with a replacement player and finished 12th. Our scouts are not quite sure what to make of this. One thing we think we know is that Austin will be fired up to make sure they finish higher than 12th.

14. (18/DNP) The Closers

Brian Perry (4th) and Andy Campbell (1st)

Perry is changing partners and our scouts know very little about Campbell. Last year, with his old partner, Perry brought home the Toilet Bowl championship. It is also important to note that he has a 4th place finish on his Curves resume. So depending on what Campbell brings, these guys could surprise some teams.

15. (15/DNP) The Squeeze Playerz

Joel Weir (4th) and Morrison Borders (3rd)

After taking a year off for questionable reasons, Mo Daddy is back with Weir for their 3rd tourney as a duo. Their best finish was an 11th place showing in 2007, but these two one-time Division I athletes are one of the few teams to defeat the three time champions Travis and Ron. The Playerz will be a tough out for any competitors early in the day, but once the beer pong starts flowing their skills may fall off while their volume will increase!

16. (DNP) Two Man Wolfpack

Jeff Bonner and Sean O'Connor (1st)

These guys come in as our highest rated first time team. Why? Our scouts give them props for O'Connor being the son-in-law of senior player and Horizon Tan legend Tim Daoust. By the sounds of it, this team will fit in nicely with the Curves crowd. Bonner is a scholar from the lovely community of Bay City while O'Connor and John Smoltz were pitching buddies back in the day in Lansing. Apparently Smotlzie named O'Connor "Frank Tanana Junior" for all the junk he throws.

17. (19) Can't Understand Normal Thinking

Bryan Ventrone and Sawyer Ventrone (3rd)

Our one and only father and son duo is back for their third tourney. One of these years were pretty sure Sawyer is going to be of age...we think, They finished 19th last year and 12th in 2008. Could the drop be due to the missing link or bro/uncle Jeremy? Not sure, but young Sawyer has youth on his side and we're pretty sure he doesn't want to get grounded for not playing WB up to Dad's standards.

18. (21) Double Secret Probation

Jeremy Fox (6th) and Chris Lake (5th)

The Home Run King and Fox return for their 5th tourney together. They've had flashes, including top ten finishes in 2007 and 2005. They've claimed Curves immortality with 50/50 wins and HR Derby crowns. They've played good WB, but is time running out for DSP? Our scouts expect these guys to push hard and see if they can't rejoin the top 10 in '10.

19. (22) Horton Hears a Hottie

Eric Horton (6th) and Andria Syktich (1st)

We could move this team lower based on the fact that Horton's new teammate is a female, but then we would be accused of being gender biased. The truth is we think Horton has upgraded by adding Syktich as his new partner. This is our first coed team in a couple of years, and our scouts have heard good things about Syktich's skiils. The one issue remains, which has always been the issue, can Horton throw strikes?

20. (23) Thunder Wingnut

Eric White, Dan Williams, and Andy Wingert (2nd)

Until they prove differently these guys will get no love from our scouts. Our scouts had high expectations for the young lads last year with a 5th place prediction, but we were shocked with their 23rd place showing. Perhaps first time jitters or Wing Nut's tardiness are to blame, but these guys should be much improved this year. They do need to work on a couple of things. Wingnut blames Williams' inability to throw strikes as the main factor for the 23rd place showing. But perhaps if Wingnut was more supportive of young D-Wizzle, things would improve.

21. (24) Thanks for the Mammories

Chris Johnston and Mark Johnston (6th)

It is getting harder each year for our scouts to come up with something for the J Brothers. Usually we take shots at them for some reason or another, so to help them in 2010, we wish them good luck and hope that all their hard work practicing pays off this year with a trophy of some kind. If not, well there is always the great pizza at T-Dubs or delicious Subway sandwiches they can enjoy later.

22. (26/DNP) Night Rangers

David Lee Toth (6th) and Dan Breathour (1st)

We don't know much about David Lee Toth's new teammate Breathour, but we do know he better be ready for the drama. DLT's teammate last year left due to irreconcilable differences. This means over the last four tourney's Toth will have had four different partners, officially making him the Wilt Chamberlain of Curves. On a positive note, at least Toth has a cute daughter.

23. (DNP) Space Monkeys

Chris Bisha and Mike Rudy (1st)

These guys are making their debut at Curves this year, but this is not their first WB experience. They played in a fall tourney at Joel Weir’s (The Squeeze Playerz) house a couple of year's ago. The good news is they have experience. The bad news is that tourney was won by females. If our memories are right, these guys might be better than the 24th place prediction.

24. (27/DNP) Pitch Slap

Michael Flaherty (6th) and Joe Lafferty (5th)

Flaherty and Lafferty are back for their 5th tournament together. Joe took 2009 off but is back and ready to go this year. The duo will outwork most teams with their outstanding effort. Flaherty is a past winner of the Mr. Hustle award. Feel free to talk some Notre Dame trash against these former CC Shamrocks.

25. (28/DNP) Team Got Cups

Jason Kanarky (2nd) and Chris Quackenbush (1st)

Kanarky is back for his second go round and this year he has teamed with Quackenbush. The 28th place showing for last year's team probably wasn't fair due to the fact that a broken collar bone was limiting the team's play. Our scouts know very little about Quackenbush, so these guys might surprise some teams

26. (DNP) Master Mason

Kirk Beilski and Scott Hapworth (1st)

A late addition to the field, the Master Mason's look to get in touch with their inner zen before the start of the tourney. Hapworth is known for spending quality time in the Arizona desert mediatating, or smoking the peace pipe. Or maybe he is hanging with Phil Jackson? Little is known of Beilski, but we are sure one of these masons is a fine pizza maker!

27. (DNP) Shake N' Bake

Chris Johnson and Scott Macgregor (1st)

The men of Shake N' Bake are unknown to our scouts. These types of teams are always dangerous. The number 1 and number 3 seeds in this year's tourney fall into this category. We do know that Johnson's company has sponsored the tourney the last two years and we truly appreciate that! Hopefully Chris Johnson's game is somewhat better than Chris Johnston's game.

28. (DNP) Cobra Kai

Kristof Kurzeja, Tom Jayroe, and Tom Downs (1st)

Each year a new team seems to earn the spot as the lowest seed and 2010 is no different. At first our scouts were scared that this team might be really talented because they asked a lot of good questions. But then we discovered that these guys are known to play WB with beers in hand. Our scouts love this type of playing, but we are not sure in means they play WB at a high level. But we've been wrong a few times in the past with new teams.

1. (1st) The Boobsie Twins

Heather Brennan and Amber Webb (3rd)

These ladies debuted at Curves with outfits that caused a buzz and started a new award for best team uniform. What is more impressive is they followed that up by winning last year's female championship. Now they return for their 3rd tourney and we are wondering which trophy they want more: their second championship or the best uniform. Either way expect the twins to continue their stellar Curves performance.

2. (3rd) Hooray for Boobies

Kristy Hartman and Karlee Hooks (2nd)

These (810)ers were very competitive in their first Curves appearance last year. Their two losses were by a combined 4 runs. We expect these ladies to be fired up and motivated to bring home the hardware this year. Our scouts have inside information that this team has been training for weeks to get ready for this year. We're not quite sure what training techniques they use, but hopefully for them they work.

3. (4th) Stress Relief

Jen LeDuc and Shauna Dillard (4th)

These girls continue to amaze the Curves' crowd with their outstanding team clothing coordination. Since their first tourney in 2007 these girls have always shown their amazing fashion skills. Their WB skills aren't bad either. They are now the most experienced WB team in the field and should give all competitors a run for their money.

4. (5) You Can't Get to Heaven On Pelzer's Nose

Lisa Berthold (5th) and Jennifer Bjorkman (3)

These one-time Toth's reunite for their third tourney together. They are both older and wiser since the last time they played together, which was a 2nd place showing in 2007. We have a feeling that despite the 4th place prediction, these girls might win it. Why? Well Jenny aka "Wheels" was a state champion in softball from where......The Muth. And Lisa B was, and still is, one of the most wanted in Muth. So, if you put the two together, they should be a tough team to beat.

1. (1st) Morrison Hotel

Mark Hooks, Keith Hooks, and Scott Sutton (2nd)

The men of Hotel did not disappoint in their first Curves tourney. They came out and brought home the senior title. There were rumors of Keith playing in the men's tourney, but he is sticking with the senior division. Despite the soreness, they've decided to come back and defend their title. Perhaps the royal treatment they received at Tee Bonez in Fenton when the band and crowd paid tribute to their performance has motivated them to seek the repeat.

2. (2nd) Rack Attack

Pete Vanderhaar and John Lewis (3rd)

The men of Rack Attack debuted in 2008 and won the trophy. They came back in '09 expecting the same, but they ran into the Morrison Hotel buzz saw. It is important to note that they beat MH earlier in the day, 8-3. These guys should have a great shot to win this year and they certainly have the motivation to reclaim the title.

3. (6th) New Name To Be Announced Soon

Joe "The Legend" Toth (4th) and Jim Toth (2nd)

Jimmy D is out. The Legend has called on his brother, Jim Toth, to fill in as the replacement. If Jim is healthy, look out. He was known as one of the best softball players in the 13662.

4. (3/DNP) Stack-a-licious

Bill Stackpoole (2nd) and Joe Stackpoole (1st)

Our second set of Stackpoole brothers unite for the first time on a WB field since sometime during the Cold War. "Seattle Joe" is making the longest trip of any Curves participant and we truly appreciate the effort. There is a good chance that their brother Rick might be joining the team as well. "Papa Stack" aka Bill finished in third place last year, so if Joe brings his Ichiro batting skills these guys might be dangerous.
Update-Could it be brother Tom instead of Brother Rick that is joining the team?

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5. (4th) Hair Raisers

Lynn Stamaris and Tim Gilmour (2nd)

Our scouts are probably underestimating the skills of the Hair Raisers. They lost two close games to two top three teams. Another thing in their favor is they now have a year of experience under their belt. Perhaps these guys will raise their level of play enough to win the title.

6. (5th) JB Countertops

John Compton (3rd) and Al Weiss (2nd)

Compton has apparently decided to go exclusively with Weiss as his partner. Big John and the Crafty Weiss were very close to taking down Morrison Hotel last year. The game went to extra innings before they finally lost. This is another example of one of the senior teams that have a great shot at winning the title if the plays fall into place.

7. (7th) The Olde English D's

Tim Daoust and Dave Johnston (3rd)

Last year they picked up their first win and perhaps they will ride that momentum and earn even more W's this year. Of course it is always a good idea to take it easy the night before the tournament and get a good night sleep. Not that anyone on this team needs that reminding. Anyways, the D's will always play hard and give any opponent their best shot...just like the Valpo Crusaders.

8. (8th) The Stud Muffins

Mark Watkins and Tom Keller (2nd)

The Muffins had a decent showing in 2009, despite finishing in last place. Without a doubt their strength was their pitching and defense. They gave up no more than 5 runs in a single game. The weakness was their bats. We are not sure if the rumor that Watkins forces Keller to go to the batting cages every night is true or not. But we do expect that this year the Muffins will be better and can compete with all the other senior teams. As long as they get rid of the Yankees cap.

9. (DNP) The Ball Wackers

Floyd Haubenstricker and Mike Mueller (1st)

These two newcomers to the senior division are mostly unknown to our scouts, so they earn the ninth and final spot. The good news for the Wackers is that they know each other well, from being bowling and golf partners. They are hoping to carry over their success from the lanes and greens to the WB fields.