The Dodgers are no longer in the running for the World Series this year after losing three games in a best-out-of-five playoff series against the Padres. Following such a stellar season, why did their bats go cold? Did Dave Roberts make too many controversial judgment calls, or were those decisions parlayed from Andrew Friedman and the front office, who were relying too heavily on analytics? Were the players not up to par because of injuries during the regular season? Was it an issue of not letting the pitchers play more innings or being used to their full potential? Veteran announcer Bob Costas thinks that the big problem in baseball is that in each game, instead of having just an opener and a closer, teams are counting on four or five pitchers all being at their best. Would that have made a difference for the Dodgers instead of pitching by committee?

TBS pulled Costas from calling the Yankees vs. Astros series after criticism from fans and radio personalities in New York. Should he still have been able to do the play-by-play for at least four innings of the ALCS game and not just be relegated to the pre-and postgame commentary? Was it right for TBS to bow to outside pressure?

The UCLA Bruins are facing the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, and are going into the game undefeated so far. Chip Kelly is returning to the stadium where he coached for many years, so will he have some insight for the Bruins or will the Ducks have the home-field advantage? UCLA has many outstanding players who have been driving forces in the success the Bruins have had this season, with QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet chief among them. Is DTR in consideration for the Heisman? Charbonnet transferred from Michigan to UCLA in 2021 to be closer to his family and to spend more time with his sister, who has mental challenges, which says a lot about his character. Will they be able to help the team continue on their winning streak?

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