San Francisco Mechanics Announce Their Roster

2008 Team Roster: (San Francisco is using the Oct 07 Rating List)

1. GM Patrick Wolff: 2623
2. IM Josh Friedel: 2543
3. IM Vinay Bhat: 2465
4. IM David Pruess: 2449
5. IM John Donaldson: 2458
6. FM Sam Shankland: 2248
7. FM Daniel Naroditsky: 2166
8. NM Gregory Young: 2186


Alternates:

1. IM Vince McCambridge: 2503
2. NM Nicholas Nip: 2043


Well it appears my taking note of the uniqueness of New York's triple GM roster might have been a bit premature as the very next team to announce their full roster, San Francsico, also comes to the table bearing such a trifecta. However, unlike their New York counterparts, the Mechanics seem to have taken the opposite route when it comes to their young talent as New York's two most notable young stars of last year, IM Robert Hess and FM Marc Arnold, have retreated from the spotlight while San Francisco seems determined to keep as many of their team members under legal age. With the much improved FM Sam Shankland rejoining the main roster after strong showings in 2006 and 2007, along with World U12 Champion FM Daniel Naroditsky, US Junior Co-Champion NM Gregory Young, and the youngest master in US History NM Nicholas Nip all a part of this year's campaign, the Mechanics seem to easily have the most impressive collection of young talent of any USCL team to date. Will the young guard help to lead the Mechanics back to the Championship they so craved and achieved in 2006? Only time will tell if the vigor of youth or the wisdom of years wins out in the end.

As stated, it's clear that San Francisco (like any other team) obviously has the tools to win the USCL Championship. The question still remains though, do I think they will do so? Again, keep checking back as more and more rosters are revealed to see who seems to have that extra edge to carry them over the top and become League Champions in 2008.