Matt Dery's Daily Update 4-26-11
Mass confusion in the NFL right now as the players are no longer locked out but the NFL owners have filed a stay on Judge Susan Richard Nelson's order from yesterday lifting the lockout. Nelson says she will take more time and not rule on the owners request until 10am tomorrow. NFL players have gone to their teams facilities today but have been told not to workout. No Lions have been spotted as of now in Allen Park as team rep Kyle Vanden Bosch has told his guys to stick to their workout plans outside of the Allen Park facility. Reports say the NFLPA has sent a letter to the judge asking her to force the owners to start the league year so business can be conducted.
NFL Draft is coming up Thursday night, the NFL Network's Brian Baldinger saying today that he believes Jim Schwartz and Gunther Cunningham would be thrilled if Nebraska CB Prince Amakamara fell to 13 and believes Detroit would take him in a heartbeat.
The Red Wings figure they will open the second round of the playoffs on Thursday due to Vancouver and Chicago wrapping up their series tonight. A Canucks win means Detroit will face San Jose in the West semis, a Blackhawks win and the Wings would host Nashville for game 1 and 2 today at practice. Johan Franzen skated for about 15 minutes at the start of practice but that was it, the mule missed game 4 of the Phoenix series because of a sore ankle.
Expect a pitchers dual tonight at Comerica Park, Tigers welcome in the Mariners and reigning AL Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez who is off to a 2-2 start. Phil Coke and his 2.75 ERA goes for Detroit.