COVID-19 impact on MLB season

[Pugger]

Per ESPN, for 2020 only...

 

“The universal designated hitter likely would remain in place, as it's part of the health-and-safety protocol.”

 

I'm happy we're getting a DH, as I've thought we should have one for a long time.

 

But, can someone explain to me how having a DH will help prevent a player from getting COVID? Seems more like something the league wanted to get implemented, so they're using COVID as a cover to get it put in place.

 

I wonder if it was the players who want the DH...

[wildcat83]

ESPN has a universal DH and that all extra innings will start with a runner on 2B.

[Invader3K]

So MLB has announced the proposed start dates, but the players still have to agree to it, correct?

[jerichoholicninja]

Per ESPN, for 2020 only...

 

“The universal designated hitter likely would remain in place, as it's part of the health-and-safety protocol.”

 

I'm happy we're getting a DH, as I've thought we should have one for a long time.

 

But, can someone explain to me how having a DH will help prevent a player from getting COVID? Seems more like something the league wanted to get implemented, so they're using COVID as a cover to get it put in place.

 

I'm guessing it has nothing to do with COVID and is about having an abbreviated and rushed spring training. Pitchers can just focus on getting their arms ready and not worry about bunting, hitting, and baserunning practice. Also, it can be used as an "off day" since players didn't have their usual amount of ST time to get in shape.

[wildcat2237]

At this point I am 100% indifferent. A 60 game season does not excite me at all.

 

My only question:

 

Could the players refuse to report and file litigation?

[monty57]

At this point I am 100% indifferent. A 60 game season does not excite me at all.

 

My only question:

 

Could the players refuse to report and file litigation?

 

The article I read says that the players still have to sign off on the health protocols and the arrival date, but it sounded like they are expecting that to happen.

 

They can still file a grievance about anything going on if they choose to.

[Jopal78]

At this point I am 100% indifferent. A 60 game season does not excite me at all.

 

My only question:

 

Could the players refuse to report and file litigation?

 

The article I read says that the players still have to sign off on the health protocols and the arrival date, but it sounded like they are expecting that to happen.

 

They can still file a grievance about anything going on if they choose to.

 

The players already agreed in March that the Commissioner can schedule a season with as few as 50 games. The two questions to the players are the last hurdles before a season actually starts.

 

If they can report on July 1st. If the answer here is NO I would imagine the owners will start shaving games of the 60 based on when the players can report (Sort of calling the players on their "Tell us when and where bit").

 

Question 2 deals with health and safety protocols. This is probably is also more of a formality where social distancing protocols and other safety features are put in place. If the players agree to them, and don't adhere by them and players contract Covid, it exculpates the owners from blame in that situation.

 

A grievance would only be filed over the issue of whether or not the owners made a "good faith effort" in negotiating with the players on the number of games and pay for those games.

[pacopete4]

The season will be what people make it to be. Not going to complain that I get to watch Brewers baseball in 2020 even if it’s an odd season.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

This is the hard part. These negotiations were just, ugh. The owners don't even seem to like baseball, and I feel that way about Manfred too.

 

But I will keep watching because I like the game and still find it about the most amazing sport in the world. So, yeah. They've got me. And I'll watch. And line their pockets. And what are you gonna do?

[AZBrewCrew]

I don’t think you’re going to see a ton of big name players playing this season. Great for the minor league guys though

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I don’t think you’re going to see a ton of big name players playing this season. Great for the minor league guys though

 

I disagree. Most of those guys live and breathe baseball. They also understand the value of marketing, and choosing to sit out while your team is playing isn't going to look good to the fans who adore them. I think we will see some guys who may be compromised health-wise, or live closely with someone who does, choose to sit out, but I would bet it is a very small number.

[pacopete4]

I don’t think you’re going to see a ton of big name players playing this season. Great for the minor league guys though

 

You think guys like Trout, Yelich, etc... are not going to play?

[brewerfan82]

Star players tweet "When and where?" -> Players turn down MLB's next proposal -> MLB mandates season schedule -> Star players still just don't show up

 

That would be amazing, lol (and awful)

[adambr2]

I don’t think you’re going to see a ton of big name players playing this season. Great for the minor league guys though

 

I disagree. Most of those guys live and breathe baseball. They also understand the value of marketing, and choosing to sit out while your team is playing isn't going to look good to the fans who adore them. I think we will see some guys who may be compromised health-wise, or live closely with someone who does, choose to sit out, but I would bet it is a very small number.

 

Yeah, these guys are going to play. If there was chirping about big names sitting out the season, you'd be hearing about it by now.

 

My guess is pretty much everyone reports across the board, including Blake Snell. Maybe you have a few names here and there with an immunocompromised family member who choose to stay home, but I'd be shocked if you have big names staying home.

[KeithStone53151]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if a pretty significant contingent of players were very careful for this shortened season. I'm specifically looking at contract year guys and pitchers. I'm not going to say they'll mail it in, but they'll do their best to mitigate the risk of significant injury in such a short season. Maybe some pitchers only pitch with 90% effort and focus on their mechanics to not overstress anything. You think Betts is going to try for diving catches?

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if a pretty significant contingent of players were very careful for this shortened season. I'm specifically looking at contract year guys and pitchers. I'm not going to say they'll mail it in, but they'll do their best to mitigate the risk of significant injury in such a short season. Maybe some pitchers only pitch with 90% effort and focus on their mechanics to not overstress anything. You think Betts is going to try for diving catches?

 

These guys didn't become great by letting their foot off the gas. These guys are at the top of a very difficult-to-play game. They only know one way to play. Yeah, Betts is going to dive for balls, because he's been doing it since he was 5. They don't have the time to think about the impact of their actions in the heat of the moment.

 

Also, (this is going to sound coach-y) when you let up is when you get hurt.

[tmwiese55]

If I was a pitcher who didn't need the money, I think I'd seriously consider sitting the year and not risking injury. Heck, even if I did need the money due to not getting my big payday yet, I'd consider not risking the injury this year. I think it's been agreed that service time moves forward one year regardless, so you're one year closer to FA without risking a major arm injury. Of course easy for me to say, I'm sure they have competitiveness that factors in greatly. Guess I'm just saying I totally get how this might not make sense for pitchers.

[TURBO]

Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports that MLB will open with 30-man rosters, reduced to 28 players on the 15th day of the season and 26 on the 29th day of the season.

 

So, nearly half of the shortened campaign will be played with expanded rosters. Cotillo also says that the current plan is for 10-day injured lists for both position players and pitchers (it was supposed to go back to 15 days for pitchers this year) and that the 60-day DL will temporarily become the 45-day disabled list. Teams are expected to submit a provisional 60-man roster before the beginning of spring training that includes their 40-man roster plus anyone else they want eligible for their taxi squad.

 

Source: Chris Cotillo on Twitter

Jun 23, 2020, 4:10 PM ET

 

Why not just use the expanded roster all the way through the 60 game season? Why bother changing it at all?

[nate82]

Official now MLB starting the season on July 24th.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-players-agree-to-report-for-60-game-2020-season-opening-day-to-be-set-for-july-24/

[MVP2110]

I'm excited, I get to see Christian Yelich play baseball!

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if a pretty significant contingent of players were very careful for this shortened season. I'm specifically looking at contract year guys and pitchers. I'm not going to say they'll mail it in, but they'll do their best to mitigate the risk of significant injury in such a short season. Maybe some pitchers only pitch with 90% effort and focus on their mechanics to not overstress anything. You think Betts is going to try for diving catches?

 

Pitching is a different animal due to the evolution of an arm over the course of a normal season so something like that wouldn't surprise me. Outfielders diving for balls, yes I expect to see that, because 99% of the players are competitors before businessmen and they got where they are by being better than the best.

[owbc]

IT'S TIME FOR BASEBALL!

[BradWI]

Did I hear correctly that 40 of the 60 games will be division games?

[folly412]

MLBPA Communications

@MLBPA_News

All remaining issues have been resolved and Players are reporting to training camps.

8:41 PM · Jun 23, 2020·Twitter Web App

 

[markedman5]