Keith Hernandez, the longtime color commentator for the New York Mets, has not been shy about sharing his opinion of the Phillies’ defense and has and has requested not to call Phillies’ games. He has always been known for marching to his own drummer, but shouldn’t commentators be more neutral? On the positive side, will his criticism fire up the Phillies to play better?

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is still subject to suspension pending the final decision from the NFL but is scheduled to play in the next game in Jacksonville, Florida. Shouldn’t the team be prepared to play without him in case his suspension goes a full season? Is this showing any fairness to those who have brought the allegations against him? Does it all come down to the money for the NFL?

There are rumors that Colin Kaepernick could be called in to play for Cleveland if Deshaun Watson is given a year-long suspension. Is he their emergency go-to guy? Has he been out of the game too long to bring them the kind of help they’re hoping for?

Whit Merrifield, who had previously stated that he would not be vaccinated against Covid when he was with the Kansas City Royals, has gotten the vaccination now that he is with the Toronto Blue Jays so that he can play in Canada. The Blue Jays are a winning team, so did the possibility of championship prospects overshadow his principles against vaccination and influence his decision to get the jab?

Kevin Durant, feeling that his trade request has fallen on deaf ears, has issued an ultimatum to the owner of the Brooklyn Nets – either he goes or the coach and GM do. Will the Nets require all of the star players from any team that takes Durant if his trade is optioned?

Email Fred and Art with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com