*Photo from the Boston Globe*
Today is supposed to be opening day. Despite the sadness that it has been pushed back, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is still hopeful games will be played sooner rather than later. Manfred didn't comment on a date when opening day could be, but that he is hopeful the season will start in May. Opening day was pushed back at least 8 weeks after a recommendation from the CDC to limit gatherings of 25 or more people for at least 8 weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Manfred said in an interview Wednesday night that "We'll have to make a determination, depending what the precise date is, as to how much of a preparation period we need, whether that preparation period is gonna be done in the clubs' home cities or back in Florida and Arizona, I think the goal would be to get as many regular-season games as possible, and think creatively about how we can accomplish that goal." Despite Manfred wanting to play as many games as possible, he did mention that playing a full 162 games would be hard, saying that MLB probably wouldn't play a full 162 game season.
The stoppage in baseball has led to lots of unique scheduling ideas. Renowned baseball agent Scott Boras said the season should be extended into the Winter, with a neutral site world series game being played on Christmas Day. The players themselves are reportedly open to playing several doubleheaders to make up games, with Rockies manager Bud Black proposing 7 inning doubleheaders. The stoppage has also affected various off-field events as well. The future of the 2020 draft and international signing period for this season is in doubt, and service time concerns are being discussed between the MLB and the players association.
Manfred said of scheduling the games that would need to be made up that "Nothing's off the table for us right now, I think we are open, and we've had some really positive conversations with our players' association about relaxing some of the rules that govern our schedule. They're very focused on returning to play and playing as many games as possible. And when you have that kind of positive dialogue, it creates an opportunity to do things that are a little different. You're not committed to them over the long term, because this year is a unique circumstance. But there's a lot of ideas out there, and we really are open to all of them."
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