0130_BaseballMediaDay(Weir)
The opinions expressed in this feature are those of the author and not necessarily those of NightMoves or AAN.
It has been settled. According to MLB and the MLPA it is and all 30 teams can begin spring training 2.0 on July 1 with season to begin on July 24. Of course there are a lot of changes, some good and some bad that will take place with this 2020 season only. But if you are a fan or baseball junkie like I am, just having the game back makes you smile. Still you have to ask, after all the bickering back and forth since the shut down because of COVID-19, is it really worth it for this year?
Let’s look at what this abbreviated season will look like. To begin, instead of 162 games they will only play 60 games. To keep travel restricted teams will only play within their division and the same division of the opposing league. As an example the Rays will play 40 games against their AL East rivals and 20 games against the N L East teams. So we are looking at the Rays playing ten games against each AL East team and four games against each NL East team. There will also be a “universal” DH so that pitchers will not hit in either league. To cut down on any long extra inning games, beginning with the 10th inning a team will begin its at bat with a runner on second base. The rule against a pitches putting their fingers to their mouths is still in place, but now they will able to use a wet rag that will be in their pocket. Then there are the safety protocol rules that were part of that 67 page report of new rules and etiquette because on the virus. We will explore some of that later.
Now here is where it will get tricky, especially during spring training 2.0. Teams will be allowed to bring in 60 players to work out. The most positive suggestion regarding rosters right now is 30 players for opening day, then 28 two weeks later and then 26 for the remainder of the season. There is also mention of having a taxi squad as well. Teams will hold spring training 2.0 in their home ballparks and that creates another big problem. Unlike their spring training facilities where they have multiple fields and pitching mounds to use, that will not be the case now. So how will practices be run with only one field and the use of four mounds in the two bullpen areas? How many players will be allowed on the field at one time? How will they keep the social distance during practices? What about showering after a workout? What about working with trainers for sore muscles, etc.? There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding how spring training 2.0 will go. Then there is the ideas of testing, taking temps, etc. that will be done on a daily basis. It is certainly going to be a whole different atmosphere to get ready for a 60 game season. Is it really worth it?
So we get through spring training 2.0 and the 2020 season gets underway with no fans in the stands. How will players react to that? How will the fan incentive being missing play into their game? How will the quietness affect them mentally on the field? Then there are the do’s and don’ts from that 67 page report about safety protocols like no showering after the game, do it when you get home or to the hotel. No sports drinks allowed in the dugouts or sunflower seeds or bubble gum. There will be social distancing in place in the dugouts and bullpens. Masks will be work by players and coaches not on the field. No interaction with groups of reporters in the clubhouse after games. Those are just a few of the “rules” that are going to be put in place during this 60 game season. Now, is it really worth it?
As for the players and statistics and records, this year they should do away with post season awards because it would literally be a joke. For example, the Cy Young award. With a 60 game schedule your pitchers go every 5 days, which mean 12 starts, so the idea of having “big 10 game winners” is not going to be all that easy. So why bother with the award? You can also make an argument for the other awards as well with this shortened season of 60 games in 64 days ending Sept. 27 before the playoffs and World Series begin. That’s not even taking into consideration the better than 50/50 chance that some players will contract the virus and have to self quarantine for 14 days and be replaced by other players on a “taxi squad” that each team will have just like the NFL. Once again, is it really worth it?
With all I have written here, that is only scratching the surface because there is a lot more that goes into pulling off this mini season, not to mention several areas the MLB has yet to address that teams are eagerly waiting to be answered so they can move on with their plans. Yes, we all bitched and hollered at both the players and owners over this long delay. But when you really take a long hard, deep look at it, both sides have valid points. As a fan, I can see why so many players were decisive about playing and risking their health and livelihood. As a fan I am glad we will have baseball even though it will be watered down, played different and be sprint to the finish line. But once again, I have to ask, is it really worth it?
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
