The Friday Four Rundown

We've made it to the end of the workweek. So grab your favorite IPA and enjoy some sports this weekend. It's a great time of the year as three of the four major sports are in action as we head towards the playoffs in some. Even with the NFL being in the offseason there is a reason its the most popular sport. There are always headlines to keep us entertained. It's time for the Friday run down as I go through the major headlines throughout the country (and Canada, we must not forget about our neighbors up north)

MLB

In Major League Baseball there was not one but two no hitters this week. About a week ago Joe Musgrove, the San Diego native, threw the first no hitter in Padres history. They were the last remaining team that had not thrown one up to this point in time. Although that one summer night in 2012 Johan Santana threw the first and only no hitter in Mets history. This should not have been as Beltran's line drive clearly hit the chalk on the foul line. Going off on a tangent here but any opportunity to take a shot at the Mets must be taken. In more relevant and recent news two days ago we had another no hitter as Carlos Rodon threw one for the White Sox. This one came with some controversy. Rodon lost his perfect game bid in the 9th inning when his ball in the dirt hit Cleveland Indian, Roberto Perez in the cleat. Perez said he didn't even know Rodon had a perfect game going he just thought it was the no hitter. Pretty bush league if you ask me. This is like trying to bunt for a hit when someone has a no hitter/perfect game going. Again, bush league. Roberto, get your foot out of the way man. Nevertheless, exciting week early on in the MLB season.

NHL

I'll be the first to admit hockey is not my strong suit. That's not to say I don't enjoy watching it. What these guys can do on skates is simply unfathomable for us common folk. As always, I am excited for the playoffs. As far as headlines go this week the Colorado Avalanche are taking a hiatus from the game as three of their players tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. They will miss at least three games moving forward. This one stings as they were playing good hockey finding themselves with the most points in the league at 64. Earlier I mentioned Canada so I have to give the country some clout. Could this be the year the cup is brought back to our friendly northern neighbors? A Canadian club has not raised Lord Stanley since Montreal in 1993. There are some contenders this year most notably Toronto, who finds themselves with a young core. Maybe Edmonton or Winnipeg can surprise some people come year end as well. Time will tell as we approach the playoffs in this slightly shortened season.

NBA

It seems like every star is getting hurt this year in the association. A product of the bubble perhaps and the shortened offseason that came with it? Donovan Mitchell was carried off the floor today with an ankle injury. X-Rays were negative and there is early optimism that it is not a major injury. Regardless, you hate to see it. The young star out of Louisville is averaging 26.5 points per game, 5.3 assists, all while shooting 38% behind the three point line. The Jazz find themselves 1.5 games ahead of the Suns for first place in the west so they will look to keep the momentum going with or without Spidey. Another young guard got hurt this week and this one was a season ender. Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets was told his ACL was torn on Tuesday. This is a huge blow for the Nuggets as their platoon of talent on their roster was rounding into form building off a great performance in the bubble. Denver is 4th in the west but even with the talent of the joker (along with his dad bod) and some key role players it is hard to imagine them as a contender in the vastly competitive western conference without Murray's services.

NFL

Even in the offseason the NFL seems to give us headline after headline. After all, there is a reason it is the most popular and highest revenue generating sport in the U.S. With the draft approaching most of the chatter is around the new young talent coming into the league. This draft class is filled with QB's. It is going to be a frenzy at the top with the first four picks possibly all being the signal callers of the future. Not to mention teams like the Broncos and Patriots could decide to trade up and continue the trend. We all know Drew Lock and Cam Newton are not the answer. The first pick is about as big of a lock as you can have with Trevor Lawrence headed to Jacksonville. Him and his father had some head scratching quotes this week. Trevor has never been shy to voice his opinions/views. He came out and said he does not have a chip on his shoulder and is not playing football to try and "prove people wrong." A little bit concerning but not the end of the world. What his dad said was more suspect. Trevor's Dad said his son is a not a win at all cost kind of guy and does not need or desire winning a super bowl. Maybe it is nothing but if you're Urban Meyer and the Jags organization it's definitely something. You're talking about your face of the franchise here. The draft is less than two weeks away. It's boom or bust time around the league and I'm here for it.