Will The MLB Suspend The 2020 season

[dgalehouse]

Folks who care enough to post ideas and opinions on baseball forums like this are just a drop in the bucket of the fan support that MLB needs to continue to thrive as a major sport . Baseball will always survive , at least as a niche sport , for the hard core fans . But to maintain it's position as one of the major players in the sports/entertainment business , it needs wide spread support from the " casual " fan base . It cannot afford to alienate this group. I'm not so sure they realize this.

[notin]

With all that is going on in the world, we need baseball. The players and the owners need to come up with something that they can both agree on quickly and get the f*** back to work

 

As much as I want baseball back, the South Sidets out here like to point out how f***ed up the world has been since the Cubs won the World Series ...

[Bellhorn04]

Well, if you think it is political, I will no longer post about it.

 

Hmmmm. Maybe that was your goal. LOL

 

To try to get you to stop expressing your opinion was not my goal, I promise. Just trying to point out the political aspects.

[Kimmi]

Major league baseball is a business with multi-millionaire players, obnoxious agents and multi-billionaire owners. They argue over who gets what share of the proceeds but seem to overlook the fans. They do that at their own peril, as I for one would accept the loss of this season to the virus pandemic and let MLBB return as best it can next year. If the owners and players take a hit financially, they would have it themselves to blame. I play softball year round and can get my kicks that way. Its more real anyway.

 

I am in the group that really hopes that baseball can return somewhere around the beginning of July. I look forward to it returning all off season, and during the season, I look forward to having a game to watch almost every night. So, I am not ready to accept the loss of this season.

[Kimmi]

To try to get you to stop expressing your opinion was not my goal, I promise. Just trying to point out the political aspects.

 

It's cool Bell.

[mvp 78]

I am in the group that really hopes that baseball can return somewhere around the beginning of July. I look forward to it returning all off season, and during the season, I look forward to having a game to watch almost every night. So, I am not ready to accept the loss of this season.

 

It's looking less likely that it'll be ready that quickly since they are now in a standoff. They'll still need about 3-4 weeks of modified ST. Need to figure out schedules and figure out if any players are going to sit out. Seems like an 81 game season may be pushing it. I'd be fine with a 60 game regular season and an extended playoff schedule where teams that didn't make the playoffs still have a few weeks to play against each other.

[mvp 78]

1. KC Royals ownership is going to pay all MiLBers through the end of the season.

 

2. Nationals ownership is cutting their pay, so Nationals MLB players are going to make the MiLBers whole.

[Kimmi]

It's looking less likely that it'll be ready that quickly since they are now in a standoff. They'll still need about 3-4 weeks of modified ST. Need to figure out schedules and figure out if any players are going to sit out. Seems like an 81 game season may be pushing it. I'd be fine with a 60 game regular season and an extended playoff schedule where teams that didn't make the playoffs still have a few weeks to play against each other.

 

Apparently the players are asking for a longer season, pushing the playoffs into November.

 

Frankly, I'm not sure how any of this is going to work out.

[oldtimer]

Apparently the players are asking for a longer season, pushing the playoffs into November.

 

Frankly, I'm not sure how any of this is going to work out.

 

I don't see how that can work. The best scenario, and one that possibly could be agreed to is a shortened season of around 81 games with the players salaries prorated based on the number of games played. That would require both sides to give. The owners paying as if the seats were filled and concessions business booming. The players would have to accept 1/2 their contracted salary before the virus changed everthing. Both sides bargaining positions are set based on not losing as much money. The fans be damned is the attitude as far as I can see. That is why I really don't expect a season at all this year.

 

The big bucks players are probably set for life anyway so loss of their millions can be accepted, but the marginal players will see a year of earnings (maybe their only year) go out the window while all this reaches its conclusion. I can play softball and play the horses for entertainment and let this thing play out without much chagrin.

[mvp 78]

Apparently the players are asking for a longer season, pushing the playoffs into November.

 

Frankly, I'm not sure how any of this is going to work out.

 

One of MLB's original suggestions was a season that was played in ST facilities that went into December.

[Kimmi]

I don't see how that can work. The best scenario, and one that possibly could be agreed to is a shortened season of around 81 games with the players salaries prorated based on the number of games played. That would require both sides to give. The owners paying as if the seats were filled and concessions business booming. The players would have to accept 1/2 their contracted salary before the virus changed everthing. Both sides bargaining positions are set based on not losing as much money. The fans be damned is the attitude as far as I can see. That is why I really don't expect a season at all this year.

 

The big bucks players are probably set for life anyway so loss of their millions can be accepted, but the marginal players will see a year of earnings (maybe their only year) go out the window while all this reaches its conclusion. I can play softball and play the horses for entertainment and let this thing play out without much chagrin.

 

A prorated salary based on the number of games played is what the players have been asking for. That agreement, however, was predicated on there being some fans at the games. It seems that once the season gets going somewhat, they would be able to allow a limited number of fans into each game.

 

The two sides have agreed on the realignment of divisions for this season, going with three 10 team divisions.

 

I don't know how long the season will end up being, but I am confident that they'll work something out.

[Kimmi]

One of MLB's original suggestions was a season that was played in ST facilities that went into December.

 

There is now speculation of a 50 game season.

[a700hitter]

There is now speculation of a 50 game season.

They have to make a decision soon if they are going to play at all.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

There is now speculation of a 50 game season.

 

That's not a season, that's a tournament... or basically qualifying rounds for seeding the brackets. It's hard to envision, but intriguing -- how do managers and coaches approach traditional "stretching out" of starting pitchers, or any bullpen rest, early injury tweaks, slumps? No more long season means you do chase wins because it can never be still early...

[mvp 78]

They have to make a decision soon if they are going to play at all.

 

100%

[mvp 78]

Seems to me that the owners would rather not have a season at all, then have a season without ticket sales.

[jad]

Seems to me that the owners would rather not have a season at all, then have a season without ticket sales.

 

Seems as though they just want maximum revenue at minimum expense, meaning playoff tournaments with no regular season. Then they don't have to pay the players squat. Win-win. (Except when none of us give a s***). All I ever care about is the rhythm of regular season games, and i don't think I'm alone in that.

[notin]

Seems to me that the owners would rather not have a season at all, then have a season without ticket sales.

 

That was what Jeff Passan said...

[Tedballgame]

I don't see why they can't play games with crowds in their own ballparks because none of those city's mayors have problems with masses of people being together. No problem at all.

[Kimmi]

They have to make a decision soon if they are going to play at all.

 

Definitely. They are running out of time.

[Kimmi]

That's not a season, that's a tournament... or basically qualifying rounds for seeding the brackets. It's hard to envision, but intriguing -- how do managers and coaches approach traditional "stretching out" of starting pitchers, or any bullpen rest, early injury tweaks, slumps? No more long season means you do chase wins because it can never be still early...

 

Yes, the season would be much more like a sprint than its usual marathon. Not that I want a shorter season, but IMO, the shorter the season, the more it benefits the Red Sox with its weak starting rotation.

 

Also keep in mind that as long as any part of the season gets played, the luxury tax resets for the Sox.

[oldtimer]

Yes, the season would be much more like a sprint than its usual marathon. Not that I want a shorter season, but IMO, the shorter the season, the more it benefits the Red Sox with its weak starting rotation.

 

Also keep in mind that as long as any part of the season gets played, the luxury tax resets for the Sox.

 

The short season would be a boon for the Sox. Didn't the players ask for allowing any player who had an at risk person at home could elect to opt out at full salary. What is the definition of an at risk person. That is another non-starter. I hope Kimmi is right about some MLB this year but it looks less and less likely.

[jad]

I don't see why they can't play games with crowds in their own ballparks because none of those city's mayors have problems with masses of people being together. No problem at all.

 

I assume this is ironic, and I apologize for missing in. On the off chance you were serious, I'd like the names of those 32 mayors and the statements they made that they have no problems with 20-50,000 people in a stadium, please. You can start with de Blasio and Garcetti.

[mvp 78]

What we could be missing:

 

@BSmile

10 Years Ago Today: Detroit #Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga is robbed of a perfect game vs. the Cleveland Guardians after a blown call by umpire Jim Joyce (June 2, 2010) #MLB #Baseball #History

 

When robot umps and Skynet are united, I'm going to send one Terminator style into the past and fix this game.

[Kimmi]

The short season would be a boon for the Sox. Didn't the players ask for allowing any player who had an at risk person at home could elect to opt out at full salary. What is the definition of an at risk person. That is another non-starter. I hope Kimmi is right about some MLB this year but it looks less and less likely.

 

As of right now, players who are at risk or who have family members who are at risk will be allowed to sit out and still receive their pay. A healthy player can opt to sit out, but he will not get paid. He will receive service time. As you mentioned, that brings up the question of exactly what constitutes being at risk.

[jad]

As of right now, players who are at risk or who have family members who are at risk will be allowed to sit out and still receive their pay. A healthy player can opt to sit out, but he will not get paid. He will receive service time. As you mentioned, that brings up the question of exactly what constitutes being at risk.

 

Are you sure of that? I assumed players would simply be given the option to sit the season out. There is no way the MLB can determine the difference between an 'unhealthy' player or one with family members at risk and a healthy one. They will spend the entire off-season in court if they try to enforce a policy like that.

[notin]

Are you sure of that? I assumed players would simply be given the option to sit the season out. There is no way the MLB can determine the difference between an 'unhealthy' player or one with family members at risk and a healthy one. They will spend the entire off-season in court if they try to enforce a policy like that.

 

 

It does seem like the Honor System is the only way to enforce that clause. I can’t see MLB saying “Sorry. Your child isn’t a big enough risk” and having it be anything but negative PR...

[mvp 78]

It does seem like the Honor System is the only way to enforce that clause. I can’t see MLB saying “Sorry. Your child isn’t a big enough risk” and having it be anything but negative PR...

 

If the owners are going to lose money this year, wouldn't it be in their best interests for highly paid players to sit out? Why would they care?

[jad]

If the owners are going to lose money this year, wouldn't it be in their best interests for highly paid players to sit out? Why would they care?

 

The news today makes it look more and more like there will be no baseball. Owners are obviously trying to cast players in a bad light. Great job! But since players are their sole and only product, it seems a questionable business decision to discredit what you're selling. (This is why I refer to sports owners as 'hobbyists' rather than 'businessfolks'.). Let's see. I'm the CEO of Apple. My employees threaten a strike. Obviously the first thing I should do is say how crappy iPhones are ...

[mvp 78]

The news today makes it look more and more like there will be no baseball. Owners are obviously trying to cast players in a bad light. Great job! But since players are their sole and only product, it seems a questionable business decision to discredit what you're selling. (This is why I refer to sports owners as 'hobbyists' rather than 'businessfolks'.). Let's see. I'm the CEO of Apple. My employees threaten a strike. Obviously the first thing I should do is say how crappy iPhones are ...

 

Reminds me of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. Owners don't see the negative trajectory this sport has.