As players and owners work on negotiating a financial accord to allow for the start of play, opinions have trickled in from all reaches of the baseball-sphere with personal stances about how best to reboot gameplay. After Blake Snell set off a bit of a firestorm with his concerns about returning to the field, many players have chimed in to support the lefty hurler. Obviously, many players are justifiably concerned about what gameplay would mean for their safety and the safety of their families. No one understands this as much as Yoan Moncada, whose 1-year-old daughter was recently hospitalized. She’s doing better now, and Moncada, despite the scare, is ready to return to play should that become a possibility, per Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. Van Schouwen provides a quote from Moncada, who said, “[My family is] concerned, as everybody is. But if the conditions are safe, they’re going to be good with it. But it is a concern no matter what.” Obviously, everyone has been affected in some form or fashion by this pandemic, and players face difficult personal decisions ahead before returning to play. Of course, COVID-19 has hurt not just the players and owners…
- While most of the focus has remained on the league’s attempts to return to the playing field, the consequences of the shutdown are hitting home for many professionals in the field. The Reds, Rays, and Marlins have announced furloughs that are to begin in June, and the latest from MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (via Twitter) has the Angels among the teams considering the same. Officially, the Angels are still on the fence. It is nonetheless an unfortunate and troubling development for those involved. Hopefully, some of the larger market franchises will be better equipped to weather the storm for their employees.
- Beyond the question of will-they-or-won’t-they play a 2020 season, there are ancillary questions that need answering in the event of a shortened 2020 season. Joel Sherman of the New York Post runs through a whole host of those issues that will require answers at some point. Among Sherman’s inquiries are topics ranging from a potential trade deadline to drug testing to the practical concerns of the games themselves. Baseball is in a better position than heavy-contact sports like basketball and football, but the game still cannot be played with players keeping a 6-foot distance from one another. It helps that the primary action takes place between a batter and pitcher standing 60 feet and 6 inches apart, but there is plenty of potential for in-game contact, as well as the mere fact of shuffling 26-man rosters from stadium to stadium together.
- The Red Sox will be able to resume play at Fenway Park this season according to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. There are, of course, a number of conditions to meet before play resumes at Fenway. For instance, fans will not be allowed in attendance, per Michael Silverman of the Boston Globe. There will also be safety measures that the city of Boston must sign off on before play resumes. Still, it may give players a welcome sense of familiarity to be able to play in their home ballparks, even without fans in the seats. The number of teams that will be able to resume play in their home parks remains up in the air for now, though that does seem to be the goal for most teams.
I feel like any player who wants to sit out can. There shouldn’t be a punishment for not wanting to put yourself at risk for the time being. The players don’t owe these owners to play.
✔️
How would you feel if your star player on your team, who might not make the playoffs without them, refuses to play?
its a weird year anyway. it shouldnt be considered the end of the world how it ends for any team unless the team does really bad. last thing we need is another bozo on someone like some where on Daniel Hudson last year.
I’d think…my life honestly doesn’t change too much if my team is in the playoffs or not, and if he’s willing to forfeit pay to stay healthy, who am I to judge? He doesn’t personally owe me anything.
No offense to anyone but this year is over. Any playing will feel like an exhibition. If they start the season there should be no trades. Just put on a show for fans if it can be done. Will the catcher, umps, batters and runners where masks? With that said This disease is still new. How can you force people to expose themselves! I wanted to do a joke here but this really is not the time or place to add humor. Better to be safe that later have sorrow. Try explaining later how a person already set for life got sick or affected others regardless of safety precautions over trying to hit a baseball. Sorry folks but playing a sport is not essential when the world is still in survival mode and this is coming from someone who loves this game as much as anyone.
Bigball11. I’ll be searching the obits for you. Sheep? Try telling that to the families of Rich, Frank and Alan, three individuals I personally know who’ve died. Rich I knew professionally, Frank was the spouse of a friend and Alan was an older friend who in many ways was a mentor. Instead of accusing others of simply being a follower, why don’t you actually go out and meet people who’ve been hurt by this tragedy? My wife’s best friend is the head of social services at a Long Island Hospital. Her husband is a physician who specializes in geriatric care. Why not listen to first hand real truths instead of lies and stories? By the way, living with them is her 96 year old mother and they each are now in the high risk category themselves. They live this virus professionally and personally. I’ll choose health over prosperity if there’s a choice to make since with health you can still develop future wealth.
Looie, I agree with your first post, and in another’s mind if that makes me a sheep, oh well. I am in a “very” high risk category, and like you, I do not feel that baseball
is an essential activity. Regarding your second post, I am sorry you’ve lost close friends and colleagues to this virus. It is real and although I understand the pressure to reopen the country, I think the second wave is coming. I hope you and your loved ones stay healthy Looie ! Same
To the rest of you all, even if you think I’m a sheep!
Thanks giantsphan. Your post is encouraging. There are people out there looking at the big picture. Baseball will eventually be back but I just want to stay healthy to be part of it.
They wouldn’t be my favorite player anymore. If grocery store workers and McDonalds drive thru workers can stay safe, MLB players can too.
Absolutely, he just shouldn’t be paid for the season of course
Brixton –
Would your boss feel the same way if you decided you didn’t want to work even though they needed you to come back? Didn’t think so. And I’m sure you aren’t getting paid millions of dollars OR have the comfort of an open air environment most of the time. I guarantee you wouldn’t be hearing any of this if a player could get “fired” for such an offense like you or I could
They should have the same rights as me. I can refuse to show up, and my employer can refuse to pay me.
If you don’t show up to work when you are contractually obligated to, your employer has the right to fire you. I could see mlb trying to suspend such players without pay for a year or two.
FMLA.
No way would a player lose a grievance.
Javia – agree. If the player decides not to play (Michael Chavis) and a hot prospect comes up from AAA (Bobby Dalbec) and hits 25 HR, and Chavis looses his playing time. Chavis would have no one to blame but himself for loosing his job…..(not technically firing just moving on)…no need to suspend just pay the players who do not play $ 0.00 and if another player takes the player who will not play’s position ……o well those are the decisions we make and they have consequences
As far as between stadiums, sounds like Hertz is going under — seems the league could get a bunch of lightly used fleet vehicles on the cheap. Drive when practical.
I old enough to remember when OJ was their pitchman,coincidence?
You don’t think players and staff have their own cars
While I certainly understand the players concern over list salaries and player safety, I can’t help but wonder why we haven’t heard the same volume of concern from the other major sports – NHL, NBA and NFL. It really comes down to education and I can’t help but feel that baseball owners and Players Association have done a poor job. Just my opinion for what it’s worth
They had either finished or were nearing the end of their seasons when everything was shutting down, and their preseasons don’t start for several months. Meanwhile, baseball is supposed to be having its season now. Not exactly apples to apples here.
NBA is united on all fronts-
NBA is steam rolling Mlb
NBA is everything MLB wished it could be
NBA is setting an example
NBA has Rev sharing
NBA- has caps and floors that work beautifully
NBA- Has its player union and commish working side by side thru this struggle ( Then even applaud each other *gasp*)
NBA has no beefs with getting paid, they dont have their guys saying one week “if it get me it gets me” then the next “I have to get mine and not endangering myself”
Basically the NBA gets that the long term success will come full circle into their bank accounts if the sport thrives-
MLB cant see past the paycheck in front of them – Players/owners are all greedy
If this was a boxing match NBA would have MLB on the ropes right now. Only hope would be the Bell for MLB
and yet the NBA still has no concrete plan to return to play. steamrolling my you-know-what.
And NBA has like 4 fans.
I’m going to go ahead and think that comment was an attempt at comedy…
The NBA is booming, the MLB is self destructing….
Its cool you dont like the NBA Doug but your a fool if you can’t see the direction both empires are moving towards
Hate watching NBA.
Typical defense is …. back up and let the offense slam dunk.
The NBA and NHL are obviously missing the important parts of their schedule right now, compared to baseball. They are physical sports, any restrictions would be impossible to pull off. With training camps for next season just a few months or so off, I look for them to eventually cancel this season.
There’s nothing to bicker about on the money side. Whether the revenues are up or down, they split it down the middle. Everybody is on the same page for the overall good of their leagues.
Id wager a strong penny NBA gets a bubble city full 16 team NBA playoffs that will be one of the most special time for sports in our whole entire life that we remember forever
Id wager in that same time baseball fouls this all up and continues shooting itself in the foot bc of greed
NBA and the NFL puts Mlb further in the rear view mirror when all is said and done- This league is just about on life support an they owe it all to themselves
Nothing is concrete anywhere right now Darkside, unless you count your terrible takes on here every day along with your forever lasting fight with the Caps lock
Baseball can be on hold for the next 3 years and I will watch exactly 0 NBA games during that time.
You would be missing a GREAT GREAT Product
While you might not like basketball, you could learn a thing or two watching Adam Silver run a league
Man is a true visionary
I think a player has the right to sit out the season but no at the rate of their contract. If you feel you need to sit out you will be paid at the league minimum. Why should the owners paid these big contacts plus pay the players they put on the field.
i like that idea
Why would they even get league minimum? If you don’t show up you don’t get paid. Guys who are already making the league minimum would have no incentive to go to work if they are being paid the same either way.
They’re still under contract.
So they should play then…
If they choose not to, suspend them without pay. That’s their choice.
I’m sure that will help future labor relations. paying out a few 500K salaries isnt breaking the bank for these owners.
IMHO, everyone in the country is or will be facing the same decision. I seriously doubt that there will be a point, anytime soon, where people will work without risk. Everyone I know will have to return, when everything opens up, or risk being laid off.
If Harper wants to forego $30M, because he is afraid of getting the virus, then so be it. Honestly, and imvho, it is a bit silly. I’m going to go to work, take some precautions, but I am not overly concerned.
I think Chris Sale had the virus when he was out with *pneumonia*!
Blake Snell should live off unemployment benefits for a while.
Maybe Snell should work the food box lines. Maybe walk the unemployment lines and interview the people. Ask them how they are doing. Maybe he should have his mouth shut by the team owner.