Trying to Evaluate the NYPD Objectively

The aim of the NYPD and other police departments across the country is to protect the public from crime.  Over the years many have died in the line of duty trying to prevent crime and apprehending criminals.  I don't know the number of police officers who perished on 9/11 or later died from cancer from exposure to toxins at the site.

In any profession, there are people who excel and those who perform their job poorly.  Sadly, over the years there have been unjustified shootings of Blacks by police.  These events are always publicized with a strong reaction by the public.  Policemen are never above the law and should be prosecuted when they have broken the law.  In my opinion, there have been cases where cops have literally gotten away with murder.  In 1999 Amadou Diallo was shot 43 times by 4 officers who were acquitted of any crime.  The Eric Garner case dragged on for 5 years before the cop was fired from the force.

These incidents are the exception to the role.  The police usually perform their duties admirably.  When the police perform beyond the call of duty, there is rarely publicity for it.  Does defunding the NYPD help prevent crime?  I just feel that the mayor and city council were pressured by the protesters to do that.

My suggestion is that all police officers receive regular training on how to handle volatile situations without discharging their weapons.  Also, the NYPD and Petrolmans Benovelent Association embark on a public relations campaign to demonstrate the positive things police do.  Likewise, the media should more attention to situations where the police have gone beyond the call of duty to prevent crime and protect the public.

It's Bobby Bonilla Day for the New York Mets

Bobby Bonilla played most of his career for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets as a first baseman, third baseman, and outfielder.  You can view his statistics at Baseball-Reference.   Mark Souder wrote a biography of him for SABR (Society for American Baseball Research).

Bonilla underachieved during his playing days for the Mets. In 2000, the Mets agreed to buy out the remaining $5.9 million on Bonilla's contract. However, instead of paying Bonilla the $5.9 million at the time, the Mets agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting July 1, 2011, including a negotiated 8% interest.  Thus for every year until 2035 Bonilla gets a check from the Mets on July 1.  I guess in 2000 the Mets just didn't know how to handle money.

My Favorite Stations on SiriusXM

I have SiriusXM in my car, phone and laptop.  Here are my favorite stations in no particular order:

• 50s on 5
• 60s on 6
• 70s on 7
• The Bridge
• Beatles Channel
• Elvis Radio
• Classic Vinyl 
• Classic Rewind
• Watercolors
• Deep Tracks
• Classic Soul
• Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Channel
• BB King's Bluesville

My Rough and Rowdy Ways by Jimmie Rodgers (1929)

Bob Dylan obviously listens to old music.  Is it plagiarism to use the title of this song for the title of his new album?

I Don't Like One Rule Change for the 2020 Baseball Season

I was wrong at predicting there would be no baseball season in 2020.  There will be a 60-game season beginning on July 24 with the same playoff format with 10 teams.  There is one rule implemented this season that I don't like.

All extra innings will start with a runner on second base.  The purpose of this is to avoid marathon games.  In the past, many historic games were very long taking 15 or more innings to complete.  The rationale seems to be to save stress on the pitching staff.  However, rosters for this abbreviated season will be expanded to 30 allowing for an expanded pitching staff.

I do have a few concerns:

• What happens if several players on a team are positive for the virus?
• Are three weeks for spring training enough especially for pitchers?
• Will the players abide by the safety measures?

I am Skeptical about Rob Manfred's Imposing a 60-Game Season after Failing to Reach a Deal with the Player's Association

The details of this situation can be found at Yahoo Sports.  I feel that it is fair since the players will receive their full prorated salary for the 60 games to be played.  But the devil is in the details.  I have several concerns about whether this will actually transpire.

• Will the players balk since they have rejected all proposals by MLB?
• Is a 3-week "summer training" session enough to get the pitchers ready?
• What is the schedule for this abbreviated season?  Will games be scheduled only between teams in the same geographic area?  Will the previously announced 2020 schedule take place starting on July 24?
• What happens if players test positive for the virus?  Would the entire team have to be quarantined?  If so, the season would be ruined.  I think the worst thing that could happen is that play would have to stop out of safety concerns.

I think the universal DH would help the Mets since Yoenes Cespedes would not have to play the outfield.  Many players throughout MLB have been given several months to recover  from injuries that would have prevented them from playing in April.

We shall see.

I am Beginning to Think There Will Be No Major League Baseball This Year

Players and staff of the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays have tested positive for the Coronavirus.  All MLB training camps are being closed for cleaning and disinfection.  Arizona and Florida have recently emerged as hot spots for the Coronavirus.  If there is a spring training, the Mets and Yankees will hold workouts in NYC.

MLB and the MLBPA have still not come to an agreement on the number of games and salaries.  If there is a season, it would be no more than 50 games.  There is also talk of having tie games or a runner placed on second base in an extra-inning.  I really don't care about those innovations.

It is now June 21.  I just think there are too many complications involved in starting an MLB season in 2020.  I already received refunds for Met tickets for April and May.  Eventually, I will get a refund for all 11 games I purchased for this season.  I went up to Yankee Stadium in early March to buy tickets for two games,  According to their website I will have to go back to the box office in 2021 to get an exchange for future games.