After the narrowest of playoff misses in 2008, the Scorpions made great strides in 2009 easily acheiving a playoff birth and being near the top of their division for the whole season.
    
     Given their players' great dedication, it seems more than likely that Arizona will be aiming even higher in 2010.  However, acheiving that goal will definitely require a tough road with the loss of one of their definite sparks in 2009, GM Alejandro Ramirez.  While Arizona still has plenty of power at the top, this loss means that they will be using much more balanced lineups this year and will likely require their lower boards to score even higher to overcome the loss of power at the top. 

     Fortunately, the Scorpions certainly appear to have the tools to do just that.  Two of their likely third boards, IM Daniel Rensch and FM Robby Adamson, have both made great strides in the last year, each acheiving their final IM norm.  Rensch in particular, despite having struggled in the league, can be a great asset to Arizona should he hit his stride, as when that happens their team will really be on a whole different level.  On the bottom board, the Scorpions also have reason to be hopeful as the still improving NM David Adelberg and Amanda Mateer both have league ratings far under their current ones, both having showed some very strong results recently and are great potential team assets as well.  If the Scorpions manage to translate their dedication into success, they could well become the fifth team in six years without a GM to win the USCL Championship.