Fans across the planet are patiently waiting for the release of Ted Lasso Season 4, with it being confirmed that a “whole different set of characters” are ready to be introduced. Filming has begun, with there more wild adventures to be enjoyed in the world of AFC Richmond, but it is yet to be revealed who will be filling new roles and which popular stars will be returning.

How many returning characters will there be in Ted Lasso?

Nick Mohammed falls into the latter of those two camps after amusing viewers with his portrayal of “wonder kid” kitman-turned-coach Nate Shelley. The expectation is that he will be back when another instalment of Ted Lasso drops. Mohammed has not always been the best at keeping secrets when it comes to plotlines and future plans.

He is, however, playing cards close to his chest at present, with there little for him to give away. Mohammed claims to be in the dark regarding grand plans for Ted Lasso, with it already being announced that the show’s title character will be working as a coach in women’s football.

AdvertisementApple TVWhy Ted Lasso has new characters & storyline

That is allowing the storyline to be taken in a different direction, which brings new cast members with it. How they fit into the bigger picture remains to be seen, but viewers are preparing to meet a whole host of fresh faces.

Mohammed admits as much, telling when asked if there are any updates on production that he can deliver: “I think sworn to secrecy is about right. Look, I know that it's about a whole different set of characters. I can't even talk about it without giving anything away! We'll have to see. We'll have to see who pops up where and when. But I know that they're filming it now, and I've been socialising with them all. They’re all very well, so we'll see what happens.”

Mohammed has previously said of Ted Lasso returning to the small screen after several months of intense speculation – with the last series coming to a close in May 2023: “The storylines in Season 3 would suggest that there was a real sense of finality. Ted goes back home, right? But there were enough things that were set up that would suggest that there was a path to it coming back. We didn’t know for absolute definite, and it was always up to Jason as to whether he wanted to do more.”

Producers tease what to expect from Season 4

Title character and show writer Jason Sudeikis has brought the show back. Big things are being promised, with Bill Lawrence – who helped to deliver seasons one and two – saying of new chapters being written: “With Ted Lasso, I always have to make sure I highlight Jason Sudeikis because he had a vision for the show and it's such a huge position of pride for me now, looking back, to have been involved with the crafting and figuring out what that show was.

“Him and I ran it the first year, we ran it together the second year, and the third year, he was doing it. You can always tell a new story with new characters in this streaming world. He’s driving it creatively. But man, I’m excited to even still peripherally be a part of it.”

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Ted Lasso CastTed Lasso Season 4 release date: Waiting on Apple TV update

Apple TV’s head of development Matt Cherniss has said when teasing fans about what to expect: “I have high hopes for season four of Ted Lasso, we’re just getting down that road. I don’t know what more can be said about Ted Lasso that hasn’t already been said, and we’re so excited that it’s coming back. I don’t think I want to say anything about the direction that the show is going, only that I think if you love Ted Lasso you’re gonna love the next season.”

Streamers are ready to fall in love all over again, as humorous and emotional escapades play out, with all eyes on Apple TV when it comes to officially announcing a global release date.

Lamine Yamal is ignoring his latest comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, with the teenage wonderkid pointing out that the Argentine GOAT has “scored 1000s of goals” that are similar to the strike he recorded against Club Brugge. Yamal delivered another moment of magic in that Champions League contest, but is reluctant to liken himself to an all-time great.

• Barcelona No.10: Yamal does iconic jersey justice

  Yamal’s dancing feet were on full display as he illuminated a continental clash in Belgium. He was unable to inspire Barca to victory, as an entertaining encounter finished 3-3, but he did register the most impressive goal of the game.

  The 18-year-old was able to glide past defenders on the edge of the box, play a quick one-two with Fermin Lopez, and roll the ball into the bottom corner. Said effort conjured up memories of Messi dancing his way past opponents while donning Barcelona’s iconic No.10 jersey.

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• Messi comparisons: Why Yamal is avoiding that debate

  Yamal has been compared to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner since stepping out of the fabled La Masia academy system. He is also left-footed, but has always sought to distance himself from a debate that he is not yet worthy of dominating.

  He told reporters when discussing his latest Messi-esque effort for Barca: “I can't compare myself with Messi. He's scored thousands of goals like that. I have to make my own way and hope to score many more goals like that. I try to do the best I can. The move went really quick and Fermín's left me with the ball with a nice flick. I have controlled it and finished it.”

• Ballon d'Or winner: Yamal tipped to reach the top

  Yamal has previously said of building his own legacy in world football, rather than claiming a share of Messi’s: “I’ve always tried to forge my own path. Of course, Messi is the greatest player in history for me, without a doubt. He’s left-footed, and so am I. He played for Barcelona, and I play for Barcelona. He played as a right winger, and so do I. We definitely have a lot in common, and that’s okay. I just want to carve my own path.

  “He wrote his legendary story, and I hope to have a successful career like his. But more importantly, I want to play football my way, to write my own story, and to make people remember the name Lamine Yamal.”

  He is expected to become an icon in his own right, with former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit suggesting that the youngster could go on to eclipse Messi’s record-breaking haul of Golden Balls.

  The Frenchman told : “I think the Ballon d’Or is his main reason for wanting the number 10, he is already thinking about it, he is a tremendous footballer. I can’t name a player that has been as impressive as him at his age, every time he touches the ball something happens. You’d think he was 28 and in his prime.

  “He dribbles past players like it’s the PlayStation and he makes defenders look like cones, he has such a high ceiling, he could become even better than Messi. Messi won eight Ballons d’Or, Yamal will have motivation to go even further, he’s a joy to watch.”

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  Injury frustration: Yamal recovered from untimely knock

  Yamal has seen his 2025-26 campaign disrupted by injury, with an untimely knock being picked up while on international duty with Spain. He sat out seven games for club and country as a result, but appears to be fit and firing at present.

  He has claimed that a lot of “lies” were told during his enforced spell on the sidelines, with Barca managing his fitness carefully, with full focus now locked on delivering match-altering goals and assists.

  Defending Liga champions Barcelona need him to do that on a regular basis, as they chase down Clasico rivals Real Madrid in another battle for domestic supremacy in Spain, with Hansi Flick’s side set to reach another international break after travelling to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

MatériaMais Notícias

No intervalo da partida entre Atlético-MG e Coritiba, na Arena MRV, em Belo Horizonte, no último domingo (8), uma briga marcou o vestiário do Coxa. O atacante Diogo Oliveira acertou uma cabeçada no rosto do zagueiro chileno Kuscevic, que sofreu uma fratura.

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A discussão entre os dois foi iniciada ainda em campo, no primeiro tempo, e seguiu no vestiário. Kuscevic teria cobrado Diogo Oliveira, que não gostou, e acertou o zagueiro, segundo apurou o GE.

+ Eles têm o faro! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$750 com Sané, Højlund e Chiesa na Data Fifa!

+ Sábado recheado! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$830 com combinada da Série B

Kuscevicfraturou o seio do maxilar, região próxima do nariz. A Federação Chilena de Futebol confirmou a lesão. Com isso, o defensor foi cortado da lista de convocados para os jogos da Data Fifa. Mesmo assim, ele viajou ao Chile, onde passou por uma cirurgia e segue se recuperando. O zagueiro deve ficar longe dos gramados por cerca de um mês.

Os dois jogadores foram substituídos no intervalo da partida. A informação divulgada na transmissão foi de que eles haviam sentido um problema físico. Kuscevic sequer voltou pro banco de reservas, já Diogo Oliveira reclamou de dores na panturrilha. O atacante pediu desculpa ao elenco após o episódio, mas não obteve mais contato com o chileno.

Being a left-back has changed over time, and now, being one of the best on the left-hand side of defence requires world-class attacking and defensive attributes.

In today’s game, Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes and FC Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde are seen as some of the best left-backs in the world.

The Best 15 Left-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Who is the top left-back around in 2025?

ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025

But who is the greatest left-back in history? Here is a look at 20 of the best left-backs, considering their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting personal accolades and team honours.

20 Patrice Evra

Starting the countdown is Patrice Evra, who is one of Man Utd’s best money buys in their history. Costing just £5.5m from Monaco in 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson helped turn Evra into one of the world’s best.

The Frenchman spent eight years at Old Trafford, captaining club and country, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He possessed blistering pace, could defend one on one with ease and contributed to goals with his pinpoint crossing ability.

19 ​Jose Antonio Camacho

In the 1970s and 1980s, Spain and Real Madrid could rely on ​tough-tackling Jose Antonio Camacho at left-back, and he’d spend his entire club career at the Bernabeu.

Making more than 500 appearances for Madrid, Camacho’s passion and grit was combined with athleticism and skill, which saw him win 19 honours for Los Blancos.

18 Leo Junior

A favourite of Pele’s, Leo Junior was a regular for Brazil between 1979-1992 and after retiring, would go on to represent his country on the beach, winning six Beach Soccer World Championships.

On the grass, Junior began and ended his career with Flamengo and was nicknamed “Capacete” because of his afro hairstyle. An attacking full-back who played further forward when needed, Junior was comfortable with either foot and his knowledge of the game resulted in him going into coaching with Flamingo and Corinthians.

17 Andy Robertson

Not many would have predicted Andy Robertson to turn into one of the best left-backs the Premier League has ever seen when he joined Liverpool in 2017, but that is what’s happened.

The Scot has even arguably gone under the radar at Anfield and his attacking ability is just as good as his defensive attributes. A left-back who never tires, Robertson has been key in Premier League and Champions League triumphs at Anfield.

16 ​Hans-Peter Briegel

German left-back ​Hans-Peter Briegel was so athletic that he could have been a long jumper. However, he chose football, which turned out to be the correct call.

Named the German Footballer of the Year in 1985, Briegel won the 1980 European Championship with West Germany and, at club level, starred for 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Germany before heading to Italy with Hellas Verona and Sampdoria.

15 David Alaba

David Alaba began his career as a left-back and in his prime, was one of the best we’ve seen in the modern era, spending 11 years with German giants Bayern Munich.

As time has gone on, Alaba has also been used centrally after his move to Real Madrid. He has won more than 100 caps for Austria, 10 Bundesliga titles, four Champions Leagues and was named as his country’s Footballer of the Year on 10 occasions.

14 Jordi Alba

One of Barcelona and Spain’s best ever left-backs, Jordi Alba retired in 2025 following a glittering 19-year career.

The attack-minded full-back won 17 honours at the Nou Camp, including the Champions League, while also being a 2012 Euros winner.

A left-back loved by Lionel Messi, Alba provided an assist for the Argentine in his final league game, whereas Messi returned the favour.

13 Denis Irwin

An extremely reliable and underrated Man Utd star in the 1990s, Denis Irwin was worth every penny of the £650,000 transfer fee.

He was so good at Old Trafford that Ferguson said Irwin, who won seven Premier League titles, would be the only certainty in his all-time Man Utd XI.

The Irishman was also a free-kick specialist and was arguably ahead of the times, paving the way for how full-backs play today.

12 Bixente Lizarazu

French left-back Bixente Lizarazu starred for Bordeaux after coming through their academy which earned him an eventual move to Bayern Munich where he would end his career.

A 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euros winner, Lizarazu was part of one of the most iconic France teams in history. At club level, Lizarazu won five Bundesliga titles in six seasons with Bayern and the Champions League.

11 Andreas Brehme

Not only could German left-back Andreas Brehme defend, he could also score and nearly hit 100 career goals for club and country.

A set-piece specialist, Brehme was known for his unbelievable delivery and is rightly regarded as one of Germany’s best ever full-backs, starring for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Washington picked up two wickets early in the session but Root and Stokes drove back home the advantage

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2025

Joe Root brought up his 38th Test hundred•Associated Press

Tea Joe Root’s 38th Test century took him up to second on the all-time Test run-scorer’s list. And in typical Root fashion, his 121 and counting has raised England to a dominant position in this fourth Test, leading India by 75 in the first innings at tea on day three.Upon moving to 31, Root snuck past Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289), bumping the latter off the podium to join Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. And, four minutes before the end of the second session, he walked down to open the face for a single down to third to move to 120, knocking Ponting (13,378) down a peg, who sung his praises on Sky as part of their commentary team upon being leapfrogged.Related

Root surpasses Ponting to become the second-highest run-getter in Tests

Root did little more than raise a thumb to his skipper, Ben Stokes, with whom he has so far shared an 84-run stand. They had earlier embraced for his hundred after tickling his 178th delivery around the corner for his 12th boundary around, one which took him level with Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38, level fourth on the all-time centuries list. It is also his 12th century against India, the most of any player, now ahead of Steve Smith.He had batted for most of the day with Ollie Pope, sharing in a stand of 144 which was ended seven balls after lunch. It was Pope first after the break, edging Washington Sundar to first slip. And Washington had his second four overs later when he hoodwinked an advancing Harry Brook on the outside edge to have him stumped.It was a passage out of kilter with an otherwise listless performance from India in the field. They missed a chance to remove Root on 22 with a botched attempt at a run out, and they were unlucky when Root, on 98, inadvertently diverted a ball just past his leg stump after it caught his thigh guard.Otherwise, their lack of energy, partly due to being run-ragged by England’s penchant for quick singles, was compounded when Jasprit Bumrah was only able to bowl one over with the second new ball before having to leave the field with an unknown injury. Mohammed Siraj, lionhearted throughout, limped off after the 99th over to leave Shubman Gill with big headache heading into the final session.

A dramatic conclusion to the second day in Grenada put Australia under severe pressure as Jayden Seales removed both openers after West Indies had limited their deficit to 33. Australia’s bowlers shared the success but Brandon King’s maiden Test fifty and lower-order resistance lifted West Indies before Australia’s top-order was put under the pump again.West Indies had extended their first innings to the point that Australia had an awkward 35 minutes before the close. Sam Konstas couldn’t make it to the end of the first over. Looking to force through the off side from the back foot, playing away from his body, he dragged the ball into his stumps to leave much for him to ponder ahead of the final Test in Jamaica.Related

• Half-centuries from Smith and Green give Australia control

• King and Seales do their bit to make West Indies' grand plan work

• Webster and Carey rescue Australia after another top-order slump

• Hard work done but no pay day for Green as questions linger

It was tough against the new ball. The first ball Cameron Green faced, reared at him and hit the shoulder of the bat as he tried to avoid it, but it landed short of the slips. Then Usman Khawaja received one that scuttled from Shamar Joseph but wasn’t straight. However, in Seales’ next over, Khawaja was caught on the crease from around the wicket, a familiar line of attack that has troubled him, and was plumb lbw – he also burned a review in desperation.Green and nightwatcher Nathan Lyon, who took a blow on the arm in the dying moments of the day, were able to make it through to stumps but Australia were sitting far from comfortably.West Indies had been twice building a foothold in their innings at 111 for 3 and then 169 for 4 – the latter after a promising stand was formed between King and Shai Hope. Pat Cummins, who earlier in the day claimed a stunning caught-and-bowled to remove Keacy Carty, broke through at a key time and further swift wickets left the home side well behind.However, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph added 51, a stand littered with some powerful hitting, before the last-wicket pair of Seales and Anderson Phillip survived ten overs. Travis Head ended the innings with the day’s third return catch, a sharp, low effort. Unlike in Barbados, batting did appear more comfortable when the ball got softer, although there remained assistance for the quicks, and signs of unevenness. Lyon, who sent down a 17-over spell, also extracted some bounce.Brandon King hit two fours and a six off Nathan Lyon before falling to him•Associated Press

Bad light had denied Australia the chance of a quick burst at West Indies’ top order the previous night but they wasted little time in making inroads in the morning when Josh Hazlewood held a low return catch to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck in his 100th Test. It meant three single-figure scores for Brathwaite in the series, and while the landmark Test is a fine achievement, there are significant questions around his output.For just the eighth time in Test history, the first two wickets of an innings fell to return catches – although that phrasing hardly does justice to Cummins’ outstanding effort. Carty got an inside edge into his pad, which looped towards the vacant short-leg area; Cummins changed direction in his follow through, made it to the other side of the pitch, dived and got his right hand under the ball – as confirmed by the TV umpire. It was a breathtaking piece of athleticism from Australia’s captain.John Campbell had taken an aggressive route, riding some luck and profiting from the positive mindset, which included a pulled six off Hazlewood. But his dismissal was a soft one, walking down the pitch at Beau Webster and looking to clear the on side but only finding mid-on.King, who showed his strength through the off side, and captain Roston Chase took West Indies through to lunch without further loss, with King taking on Lyon with two boundaries in the last over of the session. But in the first over after the break, Hazlewood earned an lbw against Chase when Australia correctly opted to use a review.Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph frustrated Australia with a 51-run stand•Associated Press

West Indies initially took the honours in the afternoon session during a proactive stand of 58 between King and Hope. King took on a short delivery from Hazlewood and pulled him over midwicket for six on the way to a 77-ball half-century, brought up with a slash against Mitchell Starc. His absorbing contest with Lyon continued, too, when he danced down the pitch and deposited him straight for two sixes.It was a threatening stand for Australia but as so often, Cummins struck when needed. It was a wonderful set-up against Hope: the ball before he had made one straighten to beat the outside edge, then nipped one back between bat and pad with Hope’s feet stuck in the crease.Next over, King’s impressive innings ended when gloved a delivery with extra bounce from Lyon down the leg side. Initially given not out on the field, Green at midwicket was convinced it had been touched and Steven Smith, at the time in charge with Cummins off the field, called for the DRS.When Justin Greaves got an inside edge into his pad that popped up to Alex Carey, Australia appeared set for a significant lead, but the stand between the Josephs cut into that. They thought the innings was over on 247 when Phillip was given lbw sweeping at Lyon but it had turned too much and was missing leg.

SA will be without many of their main players, including regular captain Bavuma, Markram and Rabada

Mohammad Isam05-Jul-2025

Big picture: South Africa missing their big gunsSouth Africa posted a 328-run win in the first Test against Zimbabwe, but they will be depleted in the second Test by the absence of Keshav Maharaj, who has been ruled out with a groin strain.As a result, Wiaan Mulder will take over the captaincy even though he has no prior experience of leading a side in first-class cricket. Having played 20 Tests, Mulder is the second-most experienced player in this South Africa squad behind Kyle Verreynne, who has played 26. They are without many of their main players, including regular captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada.Related

Stats – Pretorius, youngest to score 150 in men's Tests

Maharaj ruled out of second Zimbabwe Test

In total, South Africa have 93 caps, including Zubayr Hamza, who didn’t play the first Test. Lesogo Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen, meanwhile, are still uncapped at this level.But South Africa have some exciting players in their ranks. Lhuan-dre Pretorius struck a barnstorming 153 in the first Test, while Corbin Bosch struck a century and took a five-wicket haul. As for Mulder, he scored 147 and had a four-wicket haul. After having impressed in IPL 2025 and the T20 Blast, Dewald Brevis hit 51 off 41 in his maiden Test innings.In contrast, Zimbabwe will be banking on experience. Sean Williams struck a sublime 137 in the first Test and has an average of 68.22 since 2020. Wellington Masakadza made a fourth-innings fifty in the first Test. But Zimbabwe will need more from their captain Craig Ervine, who scored 36 and 49 in that match.Blessing Muzarabani will lead the bowling attack with Tanaka Chivanga bubbling with confidence after taking a match haul of 6 for 159 in the first Test. Legspinner Vincent Masekesa produced some magic deliveries, too, but he will have to provide more control if Zimbabwe are to turn the tables on South Africa.Form guideZimbabwe LLLWL
South AfricaWWWWWSean Williams has been Zimbabwe’s standout batter in Test cricket over the past five years•Zimbabwe Cricket

In the spotlight: Sean Williams and Corbin BoschSean Williams has been Zimbabwe’s best Test batter in the last five years. In the first Test, he once again bailed his team out of trouble with his simple but effective technique. Williams’ short back-lift allows him to drive comfortably and he is arguably Zimbabwe’s best player of spin, thanks to his variety of sweeps.Corbin Bosch’s double of five wickets and a century in the first Test was the first for South Africa in 23 years. Bosch is a hit-the-deck bowler who is capable of hitting 140kph. He usually bowls with the old ball and his century batting at No. 8 was a throwback to South Africa’s heydays of Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener.Team news: Muthusamy may get a gameBrian Bennett, who suffered a concussion during the first Test, could miss this Test, and Prince Masvaure, who was his concussion replacement, could keep his place in the XI. Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Kundai Matigimu and Newman Nyamhuri are the other options on the bench for Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (capt), 6 Wessly Madhevere, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Vincent Masekesa, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaMaharaj’s injury opens up a place for Senuran Muthusamy. They also have Hamza, Senokwane and Subrayen as options in the squad.South Africa (probable): 1 Matthew Breetzke, 2 Tony de Zorzi, 3 Wiaan Mulder (capt), 4 David Bedingham, 5 Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 6 Dewald Brevis, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Senuran Muthusamy, 10 Codi Yusuf, 11 Kwena MaphakaPitch and conditions: A lively surface on the cardsFor a change, pace dominated spin in the first Test at the Queens’ Sports Club. The scoring rate, too, was higher than usual from both sides, though the pitch slowed down considerably later in the Test. The weather remains chilly, at times slipping to around 13-degrees Celsius.Stats and trivia: Williams second only to Andy Flower At 19 years and 93 days, Pretorius became the youngest to hit 150 in men’s Tests. Williams, who began his international career 13 months before Pretorius was born, also made a century in the first Test in Bulawayo. It got him level with Grant Flower and Brendan Taylor on the centuriion’ table for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Only Andy Flower is ahead of Williams now. This will only be the third Test since September 2017 where South Africa will be without Rabada, Bavuma, Maharaj and Markram.

The Detroit Tigers continued one of the most improbable late-season runs in Major League Baseball history on Sunday by surviving the Baltimore Orioles, 4-3. At one point Detroit was 55-63 on the year and back on August 22 they were 62-66 and 9.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The torrid 27-11 stretch has moved them into all the way past the free-falling Minnesota Twins and level with the similarly disintegrating Kansas City Royals.

Young centerfielder Parker Meadows has been one of the catalysts for the run, doing nothing but play impactiful baseball since returning from the minor leagues. In addition to providing a spark at the top of the lineup, the 6-foot-5 speedster has played tremendous defense.

His latest escapade—a game-saving home run robbery in the sixth inning on Saturday—saw him climb the fence in deep right-center and take away a two-run bomb from Orioles' Colton Cowser.

Once returning to the dugout, Meadows and his teammates gathered around the ol' tablet to enjoy the dopamine hit of several replays. You could say that a few minds were blown.

Jason Benetti mentioned something similar on the telecast but this little vignette is a perfect encapsulation of the improbably run. A bunch of players in their first or second year in the league locked in, astounded what one of their teammates has just done. Something borderline unbelievable that they've grown accustomed to believing.

The Detroit Tigers won yet again on Wednesday night, taking care of business easily against the Tampa Bay Rays to move even closer to completing one of the most remarkable runs in baseball history and securing a playoff spot. They are now 10 games over .500 and will make the playoffs barring a collapse this weekend against the lowly Chicago White Sox.

In short, the vibes are immaculate and have been boosted by Bally Sports Detroit's broadcast of the 29-11 stretch. Jason Benetti has been as advertised, one of the very best announcers working any sport. And a rotating crew of analysts including Dan Petry, Andy Dirks, Kirk Gibson and Carlos Peña have added to the experience.

Peña found himself in the middle of Benetti and Gibson last night and authored a great moment in the sixth inning. Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson was at the dish with with one on and one out against Tampa Bays reliever Manuel Rodríguez. Peña noticed the way Torkelson was being pitched and applied that baseball instinct to predict a big fly on the next pitch.

And when Torkelson launched a two-run home run to make Peña look like a genius, the player-turned-analyst reacted like Joe Rogan watching a shocking knockout ringside.

It's been a long, long time since anyone doing a Tigers broadcast has had reason to have this much fun. Game after game it becomes clear that everyone involved is taking full advantage of the surprising opportunity at every turn.

A Paul Skenes card that is out in the wild waiting to be ripped has caused pandemonium among avid collectors and casual observers of the hobby alike. Every rookie player in their first game wears an "MLB Debut" patch on their jersey that is then put in a 1-of-1 card commemorating their debut. It's rookie card of all rookie cards.

Skenes, who made his pitching debut this past season and ran away with the Rookie of the Year award, is already the most sought-after player in this drop, but the Pittsburgh Pirates upped the ante on Friday when they announced they would give away season tickets behind home plate for to anyone who found the card and donated it to the Pirates so it can be enjoyed by the entire fanbase.

Then, Skenes's girlfriend—LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne—said that she would host the person who gives the card up in her suite.

After that, Seth Meyers, the host of and a noted Pittsburgh fan, said he would give away VIP tickets to a taping of his show if someone just let him at the card.

Waiting to see who rips the grail and what decision they make as far as keeping the card versus giving it up will be an exciting chapter in hobbyist baseball card trading.