MLB News & Notes (other than Cubs or Sox)

[rok]

They have discussed 7 inning double-headers. I would not be shocked if MLB moves to 7 inning games permanently in our lifetimes.

[1060Ivy]

Agree that we may witness shorter MLB games in our lifetime. Would expect little league, high school, MiLB ball to shorten game - which may have already occurred - before we see MLB games reduce number of innings per game.



BTW didnt see it mentioned but was surprised that, for now, appears that MLB will not play games without fans present. Heres some requirements that are stipulated:



- There are no bans on mass gatherings that would limit the ability to play in front of fans. However, the commissioner could still consider the "use of appropriate substitute neutral sites where economically feasible";



- There are no travel restrictions throughout the United States and Canada;



- Medical experts determine that there would be no health risks for players, staff or fans, with the commissioners and union still able to revisit the idea of playing in empty stadiums.



https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/2896...020-season

[mrfelina]

The way that some of this country seems to be responding to this threat, I have a pretty hard time seeing a season this year.

[rok]

https://twitter.com/emilycwaldon/status/...9130590208

[rok]

To be honest, I would be shocked if professional sports resume in the US this year. Have to start accepting this reality based on what we're seeing in Asia.



https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/03/b...enges.html

[rok]

More disappointing news from NPB and other Japanese sports leagues. No start dates set. MLB had better be prepared for the worst case scenario.



https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/2898...er-seasons

[rok]

Oh, goody.



https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/...6923797510

[Kid]

Getting invited onto that call was Vince McMahon's wet dream.

[rok]

Still have serious doubts about this timeline, but if stadiums add some form of symptom screening at gates, require fans wear face masks and enforce other strict safety measures, I suppose there is a sliver of optimism that live sports can resume at some point during 2020. I just think it's asking too much given where things stand.



https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/...3338210304

[mrfelina]

Well, let's go with what Trump thinks.

[Butcher]

Trump would absolutely restart the football season with a bunch of jingoistic fanfare in the fall solely for ratings. Timing would be perfect for the election in November.

[rok]

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/12...3727799296

[1060Ivy]

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/12...3727799296

The baseball fan and optimist in me believes that daily rapid tests and testing for covid antibodies could be made available for MLB players and staff for next month so proposed plan could be feasible.



The realist looks at: our damaged society and economy; the expected increases to infections and deaths from covid; how befuddled the federal response has been to date; and, the strain and potential risks on the rest of society this undertaking might require, and questions the undertaking.



Would prefer that leadership ensures people are safe and healthy, get the economy moving again, then worry about baseball.



No clue what the world will look like in a month’s time. Hope that it will include baseball but not expecting much in the way of baseball till after the traditional All Star break.

[rok]

I'll take whatever optimism I can get. Fearing (expecting) the worst, but hoping for any version of baseball we can get, even in small doses, in 2020.

[Kid]

Never gonna happen.