The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a 6-0 streak at home right now. The starting pitchers are responding well to the pitch clock, but the bullpen pitchers are having more difficulty getting in the groove with the new timing system. Is it just a matter of time before the closers are more comfortable with it, or will this slower settling-in cause some of them to be optioned to other teams? Max Muncy is leading the league in home runs but not performing as well defensively. Fortunately, some of the newer players are filling that gap – will that be enough to give the Dodgers a winning season?

Former Dodger Cody Bellinger, on the other hand, is batting over 300 and has gotten his swing back now that he is with the Chicago Cubs and has been hitting a lot of home runs so far this season. Were the Dodgers shortsighted in letting him go? Though it has taken a long time, Bellinger is now fully recovered from his injuries. Should Dave Roberts have fought to keep him to give him more time to heal?

The 149th Kentucky Derby will be run this weekend. Five horses have died in the week leading up to the race, and many are concerned that the horses are not being appropriately treated. What can be done to ensure the safety of these animal athletes?

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are tied at one game apiece in their conference semifinals. Which team is likely to win this best-out-of-seven series? Will LeBron James get injured and put the Lakers at a disadvantage? Should they give some of the younger players a chance? What about Steph Curry and his record on shooting three-pointers? Is there a big rivalry between James and Curry on the scale of the one between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird? Has the zone defense been one of the defining differences in how the Lakers and Warriors play? Given how hard it is to make, did the introduction of the three-point shot ruin basketball, with players concentrating on points instead of going for the best shot possible?

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