*Photo from VeggieHappy*
The MLB and the MLBPA are discussing a plan to play the 2020 season in Arizona, and allowing the season to start as early as May, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The games would be played in empty stadiums in Arizona. Half of MLB's teams play spring training games in Arizona, and it seems to be a better location than Florida because the ballparks are closer together. Plus, there are plenty of major league facilites in the greater Phoenix area, as the Arizona Diamondbacks play in Phoenix.
MLB issued a statement about the possiblity, but added that nothing has been put into motion yet. The statement reads that "MLB has been actively considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to commence once the public health situation has improved to the point that it is safe to do so, while we have discussed the idea of staging games at one location as a potential option, we have not settled on that option or developed a detailed plan." Public health officials believe the league could pull this off, but there would be guidelines involved.
If this plan were to happen, players and coaches would be put up in hotels, under isolation, and would only be allowed to travel back and forth from the stadium they are playing at. Officials at the CDC and National Institutes of Health have been supportive of a plan that would involve isolation like this, and that could open it up for MLB to be the first sport to return from the hiatus. Despite the optimism of MLB returning in May, there are several officials who believe an opening day in June is more realistic.
Health officials see MLB players as low risk candidates of contracting COVID-19 because of their age and health. However, the coaches and umpires, along with other older team personnel are more at risk of contracting the virus, so protocols to protect those people are paramount to the proposed plan. Such logisitics would require the players to buy in, as they would likely be separated from their families for months on end. Some players have already voiced their approval if it is safe to play in Arizona, like Colorado's Nolan Arenado, Adam Ottavino of the Yankees, and Cardinals OF Harrison Bader. There is hope on both the MLB and MLBPA sides that this deal could be agreed upon.
Both the MLB and MLBPA have acknowledged that the uniqueness of this season stems far beyond the extra training camp necessary and playing all games in Arizona. A number of ideas to be implemented in games have come forward. Such ideas include an electronic strike zone to distance the umpire at home plate from the players, no mound visits, seven inning doubleheaders, regular mic'd up players for the entertainment of TV viewers, and players sitting in the empty stands 6 feet apart as opposed to sitting in the close-quartered dugouts. Despite the hurdles needed, the MLB and the MLBPA are determined to make a plan work because it's better than the alternative: No Baseball in 2020.
MLB issued a statement about the possiblity, but added that nothing has been put into motion yet. The statement reads that "MLB has been actively considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to commence once the public health situation has improved to the point that it is safe to do so, while we have discussed the idea of staging games at one location as a potential option, we have not settled on that option or developed a detailed plan." Public health officials believe the league could pull this off, but there would be guidelines involved.
If this plan were to happen, players and coaches would be put up in hotels, under isolation, and would only be allowed to travel back and forth from the stadium they are playing at. Officials at the CDC and National Institutes of Health have been supportive of a plan that would involve isolation like this, and that could open it up for MLB to be the first sport to return from the hiatus. Despite the optimism of MLB returning in May, there are several officials who believe an opening day in June is more realistic.
Health officials see MLB players as low risk candidates of contracting COVID-19 because of their age and health. However, the coaches and umpires, along with other older team personnel are more at risk of contracting the virus, so protocols to protect those people are paramount to the proposed plan. Such logisitics would require the players to buy in, as they would likely be separated from their families for months on end. Some players have already voiced their approval if it is safe to play in Arizona, like Colorado's Nolan Arenado, Adam Ottavino of the Yankees, and Cardinals OF Harrison Bader. There is hope on both the MLB and MLBPA sides that this deal could be agreed upon.
Both the MLB and MLBPA have acknowledged that the uniqueness of this season stems far beyond the extra training camp necessary and playing all games in Arizona. A number of ideas to be implemented in games have come forward. Such ideas include an electronic strike zone to distance the umpire at home plate from the players, no mound visits, seven inning doubleheaders, regular mic'd up players for the entertainment of TV viewers, and players sitting in the empty stands 6 feet apart as opposed to sitting in the close-quartered dugouts. Despite the hurdles needed, the MLB and the MLBPA are determined to make a plan work because it's better than the alternative: No Baseball in 2020.
I think it could be very good for the sport, to be the first one back..and of course because all associate baseball with spring and new beginnings! What True fan doesn’t think there team could do it on Opening Day..part of what makes the game great..this will help the country bounce back
ReplyDelete