Will The MLB Suspend The 2020 season

[Elktonnick]

Look dude, I showed you nothing but respect and tried to have a reasonable debate with you. I even said I understood where you're coming from. Feel free to hate Communism, but the minute you bring that stuff on here, people are going to call you out for it. All I'm saying is that keep that away from this place.

 

And calling people names is your go-to when somebody disagrees with you? You definitely aren't the only one here like that, and that's sad. We can't have rational discussions anymore

 

You are trying my patience. I make allowances for your youth inexperience and naivete.

It isn't as if anyone has any baseball to discuss because they don't.

[Thunder]

You are trying my patience. I make allowances for your youth inexperience and naivete.

It isn't as if anyone has any baseball to discuss because they don't.

 

What exactly regarding what I am saying are you taking offense to?

 

We have rules here. If you want to talk politics, go to the politics thread, it's that simple. I'm not the first person to tell you that today. That should say something

[Elktonnick]

What exactly regarding what I am saying are you taking offense to?

 

We have rules here. If you want to talk politics, go to the politics thread, it's that simple. I'm not the first person to tell you that today. That should say something

 

I am not the one who made the first political comment. I merely am responding. Just like I am responding to you. BTW how many baseball posts have there been virtually none. If folks weren't commenting on what I am posting no one would be posting anything. If people wanted to talk baseball then talk baseball. I am not stopping anyone. The problem.is no one has anything about baseball to say.

[Thunder]

I am not the one who made the first political comment. I merely am responding. Just like I am responding to you. BTW how many baseball posts have there been virtually none. If folks weren't commenting on what I am posting no one would be posting anything. If people wanted to talk baseball then talk baseball. I am not stopping anyone. The problem.is no one has anything about baseball to say.

 

That doesn't make responding with more political comments any better. You could have just as easily ignored it and moved on with your day.

 

In case you hadn't noticed, there's not a ton of baseball to talk about right now. Most of us here would rather not talk about anything at all than talk politics, considering that repeated political rhetoric is a bannable offense. We have established that COVID-19 thread as the one place where we can temporarily blow off some steam and frustration. Feel free to go there and debate with others about your views. Most of the people over there seem to share some of the same general ideologies as you, so you'll fit right in. You seem to only be personable to those that agree with you, or at least that's what you've showed all of us in this thread over the course of today.

 

And I would appreciate it if you stop calling me inexperienced and naive. Your eagerness to go straight to insulting me is very alarming, and while you are entitled to think of me as inexperienced and naive, saying such things is very insulting and unwarranted, especially considering that I've been interacting with you in a very reasonable and respectful manner. Have I not?

[dgalehouse]

Some folks like to throw chum in the waters . The sharks are well advised to fight the urge to jump on it . It saves shark lives , not to mention internet brawls .

[Elktonnick]

That doesn't make responding with more political comments any better. You could have just as easily ignored it and moved on with your day.

 

In case you hadn't noticed, there's not a ton of baseball to talk about right now. Most of us here would rather not talk about anything at all than talk politics, considering that repeated political rhetoric is a bannable offense. We have established that COVID-19 thread as the one place where we can temporarily blow off some steam and frustration. Feel free to go there and debate with others about your views. Most of the people over there seem to share some of the same general ideologies as you, so you'll fit right in. You seem to only be personable to those that agree with you, or at least that's what you've showed all of us in this thread over the course of today.

 

And I would appreciate it if you stop calling me inexperienced and naive. Your eagerness to go straight to insulting me is very alarming, and while you are entitled to think of me as inexperienced and naive, saying such things is very insulting and unwarranted, especially considering that I've been interacting with you in a very reasonable and respectful manner. Have I not?

 

I am sorry you feel insulted. It is not my intention to do so. But the tendency of young people today to discount the threat from communism in its various forms is one I find very disturbing. Might I suggest you read or re-read George Orwell. I am rereading various works about the Spanish Civil War. It was Orwell's experiences as a member of the international brigades fighting for the republic against the fascists that formed the basis for his insights that led to 1984 and Animal Farm. Orwell himself is a very interesting personality. The reasons why the Spanish republic lost to Franco are really quite illuminating.

[Thunder]

Some folks like to throw chum in the waters . The sharks are well advised to fight the urge to jump on it . It saves shark lives , not to mention internet brawls .

 

I wouldn't call this a brawl, thanks to the calmness of my response, as well as others, like Dewey and MVP. I love that analogy, though!

[Elktonnick]

Some folks like to throw chum in the waters . The sharks are well advised to fight the urge to jump on it . It saves shark lives , not to mention internet brawls .

As they say in Arkansas never get into the mud and wrestle a razorback. You will both get dirty only the razorback will enjoy it.

[mvp 78]

What exactly regarding what I am saying are you taking offense to?

 

We have rules here. If you want to talk politics, go to the politics thread, it's that simple. I'm not the first person to tell you that today. That should say something

 

^^^

[a700hitter]

Exhausting.

[Kimmi]

In case anyone hasn't seen this, here are the key proposals that MLB has in place for the safety of players and all involved. It seems like they've thought of pretty much everything. Here's the link to the WEEI article: https://weei.radio.com/blogs/rob-bradford/coronavirus-details-regarding-mlbs-67-page-plan-to-return

 

- Regular testing for players, umpires, coaches, managers and essential staff.

 

- The majority of tests will be saliva-based.

 

- Players will be tested upon arrival at spring training and then quarantined for 24-48 hours until the results are determined.

 

- Each club must maintain a designated testing area at each facility.

 

- Each individual will conduct daily self-checks at home, which will include thermometer readings.

 

- Before entering each facility each participant will undergo a temperature check while filling out an exposure questionnaire.

 

- Clubs will be allowed 50 players for spring training.

 

- Workouts will be staggered throughout the day to limit overcrowding.

 

- Spring training games in Florida and Arizona will be held between 7-9 p.m.

 

- Communal water and sports drink coolers/jugs are prohibited. Only personal water or individually prepared sports drink bottles or contactless water dispensers with disposable cups or should be used.

 

- No spitting, using smokeless tobacco or sunflower seeds in restricted areas. Spitting is prohibited.

 

- Players/on-field personnel are encouraged to sanitize their hands after each half-inning.

 

- Lockers should be six feet apart.

 

- Showering at the facilities is discouraged.

 

- Hitters are encouraged to use batting gloves and batting practice pitchers should wear masks.

 

- Pitchers will use a personal set of baseballs when throwing bullpen sessions.

 

- Meals must be distributed in packaged/takeout form.

 

- There will be no exchange of lineup cards, with the lineups instead being logged into an app.

 

- Non-playing personnel must wear masks at all times.

 

- Members of the traveling party are not to leave the hotel unless they receive advance approval from team personnel. The only people permitted to visit players’ rooms are immediate family members. Socializing with other family members or friends is discouraged, but not entirely prohibited.

 

- On the road, the players should essentially isolate at hotels, with precautions such as a prohibition on buffet-style meals in place. Luggage will be sent directly to players’ rooms to avoid extra touchpoints, and players will not need to return a key or visit the front desk upon check out. Meal money should be delivered to players in a form other than cash.

[Kimmi]

I notice that some of the items use the words "should" or "are encouraged to", suggesting that they are not mandatory. It will be interesting to see whether players actually abide by those guidelines that aren't required.

[Elktonnick]

- No spitting, using smokeless tobacco or sunflower seeds in restricted areas. Spitting is prohibited.

 

No spitting in baseball. OMG I will believe it when I see it.

[Thunder]

In case anyone hasn't seen this, here are the key proposals that MLB has in place for the safety of players and all involved. It seems like they've thought of pretty much everything. Here's the link to the WEEI article: https://weei.radio.com/blogs/rob-bradford/coronavirus-details-regarding-mlbs-67-page-plan-to-return

 

- Regular testing for players, umpires, coaches, managers and essential staff.

 

- The majority of tests will be saliva-based.

 

- Players will be tested upon arrival at spring training and then quarantined for 24-48 hours until the results are determined.

 

- Each club must maintain a designated testing area at each facility.

 

- Each individual will conduct daily self-checks at home, which will include thermometer readings.

 

- Before entering each facility each participant will undergo a temperature check while filling out an exposure questionnaire.

 

- Clubs will be allowed 50 players for spring training.

 

- Workouts will be staggered throughout the day to limit overcrowding.

 

- Spring training games in Florida and Arizona will be held between 7-9 p.m.

 

- Communal water and sports drink coolers/jugs are prohibited. Only personal water or individually prepared sports drink bottles or contactless water dispensers with disposable cups or should be used.

 

- No spitting, using smokeless tobacco or sunflower seeds in restricted areas. Spitting is prohibited.

 

- Players/on-field personnel are encouraged to sanitize their hands after each half-inning.

 

- Lockers should be six feet apart.

 

- Showering at the facilities is discouraged.

 

- Hitters are encouraged to use batting gloves and batting practice pitchers should wear masks.

 

- Pitchers will use a personal set of baseballs when throwing bullpen sessions.

 

- Meals must be distributed in packaged/takeout form.

 

- There will be no exchange of lineup cards, with the lineups instead being logged into an app.

 

- Non-playing personnel must wear masks at all times.

 

- Members of the traveling party are not to leave the hotel unless they receive advance approval from team personnel. The only people permitted to visit players’ rooms are immediate family members. Socializing with other family members or friends is discouraged, but not entirely prohibited.

 

- On the road, the players should essentially isolate at hotels, with precautions such as a prohibition on buffet-style meals in place. Luggage will be sent directly to players’ rooms to avoid extra touchpoints, and players will not need to return a key or visit the front desk upon check out. Meal money should be delivered to players in a form other than cash.

 

Too much of a hassle. Is it really worth it? No, if you ask me. I would rather wait until 2021 and have a normal season with no restrictions

[jacksonianmarch]

There’s no guarantee we have a normal 2021 either. MLB is doing what it can to keep interest in it. Of the big 4, MLb is the one that’s losing market share. The others are all growing. So to have a summer without baseball would be devastating to its marketability long term. On the flip side, if baseball is back and can have the entire sports scene to itself, it just might help the populous and it should increase its marketability.

 

Also, if the big 4, it’s literally the only game that can safely distance. Make the strike zone automated and push the HP ump back 6 feet and the closest players will get is at the plate and when there’s a tag play in the field. If baseball doesn’t find a way to do this, they’re gonna die

[jacksonianmarch]

And I know the MLB wants teams in their own parks, etc, but that’s a f***ing stupid idea. I’d have each park and ST facility be options and rotate around based on disease prevalence. Right now, middle of nowhere Arizona sounds appealing

[Thunder]

And I know the MLB wants teams in their own parks, etc, but that’s a f***ing stupid idea. I’d have each park and ST facility be options and rotate around based on disease prevalence. Right now, middle of nowhere Arizona sounds appealing

 

If the Little League complex in Williamsport had more than 1 MLB capable field, I'm sure that would be an option, as would the Field of Dreams complex in Iowa, were it finished

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I notice that some of the items use the words "should" or "are encouraged to", suggesting that they are not mandatory. It will be interesting to see whether players actually abide by those guidelines that aren't required.

 

I apologize to Kimmi and everyone on the forum, but does the MLB really have to include political rhetoric only heard in the good ole U.S. of A during this crappy crisis?

 

It's baseball: set the rules, adhere to them, play: nine players on the field, nine innings, three outs an inning, three strikes, four balls, take your temp and wear masks when they tell you. Period. Korea is making it work with mandatory rules and I know there are American players participating there.

 

Sorry, just making a point (sans caps and exclamation marks) and agreeing with Jax the Yankee fan: when even fanatics like us are wary of the MLB, this may be baseball's last chance to matter.

[Kimmi]

Too much of a hassle. Is it really worth it? No, if you ask me. I would rather wait until 2021 and have a normal season with no restrictions

 

It's not worth it if it isn't safe for those involved. It's also not worth it if MLB will be taking valuable resources away from others who need them more and don't have them. Outside of that, yes, I think it's worth it.

[Kimmi]

And I know the MLB wants teams in their own parks, etc, but that’s a f***ing stupid idea. I’d have each park and ST facility be options and rotate around based on disease prevalence. Right now, middle of nowhere Arizona sounds appealing

 

I personally think that having all the teams play in AZ is the way to go. It would make things so much easier and, IMO, safer.

[notin]

I personally think that having all the teams play in AZ is the way to go. It would make things so much easier and, IMO, safer.

 

Arizona and Florida. I like the Cactus League and Grapefruit League suggestion

[notin]

But I think I see the owners’ side.

 

For example, Minute Maid paid the Astros a ton of money to play in a stadium bearing their name. But if the Astros played their games in FITTEAM Stadium, how’s that going to work? Is FITTEAM expected to pay more for extra exposure? Does Minute Maid get a refund?

[Bellhorn04]

But I think I see the owners’ side.

 

For example, Minute Maid paid the Astros a ton of money to play in a stadium bearing their name. But if the Astros played their games in FITTEAM Stadium, how’s that going to work? Is FITTEAM expected to pay more for extra exposure? Does Minute Maid get a refund?

 

Yes, the financial ramifications are enormous.

[Kimmi]

Arizona and Florida. I like the Cactus League and Grapefruit League suggestion

 

That would work too, I suppose. Any way they could limit the travel would seem helpful.

[Kimmi]

But I think I see the owners’ side.

 

For example, Minute Maid paid the Astros a ton of money to play in a stadium bearing their name. But if the Astros played their games in FITTEAM Stadium, how’s that going to work? Is FITTEAM expected to pay more for extra exposure? Does Minute Maid get a refund?

 

It was so much better when the stadiums were not named after corporate sponsors.

 

I wonder if they could somehow still advertise the "home team's" corporate sponsor when playing in those neutral locations. Give Minute Maid its spotlight when the Astros play as the home team.

[Bellhorn04]

I wonder if they could somehow still advertise the "home team's" corporate sponsor when playing in those neutral locations. Give Minute Maid its spotlight when the Astros play as the home team.

 

Good idea.

[Thunder]

It's not worth it if it isn't safe for those involved. It's also not worth it if MLB will be taking valuable resources away from others who need them more and don't have them. Outside of that, yes, I think it's worth it.

 

I do see the logic behind Jacko's post in the sense that the MLB needs this to survive, I'm just not interested in any sort of truncated season with weird rules and weird ballparks. But that's just me. I have no say in the final decision

[mvp 78]

It was so much better when the stadiums were not named after corporate sponsors.

 

I wonder if they could somehow still advertise the "home team's" corporate sponsor when playing in those neutral locations. Give Minute Maid its spotlight when the Astros play as the home team.

 

Most of the ST stadiums already have their own corporate sponsors though. Unless you're going to say: "presenting live baseball at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches hosted by Minute Maid."

[mvp 78]

But I think I see the owners’ side.

 

For example, Minute Maid paid the Astros a ton of money to play in a stadium bearing their name. But if the Astros played their games in FITTEAM Stadium, how’s that going to work? Is FITTEAM expected to pay more for extra exposure? Does Minute Maid get a refund?

 

It's not the Astros' job to minimize Minute Maid's business risk. If they ever do non-baseball activities at Minute Maid Park, they still call it "Minute Maid Park." It's not like they take the sign down between games. Just give them free ad time or whatever and throw them a bone.

[notin]

It's not the Astros' job to minimize Minute Maid's business risk. If they ever do non-baseball activities at Minute Maid Park, they still call it "Minute Maid Park." It's not like they take the sign down between games. Just give them free ad time or whatever and throw them a bone.

 

I know. But Minute Maid might have some contention with regards to paying to have their name on display and mentioned during all Astros home games. And suddenly this FITTEAM is getting their air time.

 

It’s probably a bigger factor than you realize...