On Thursday, Major League Baseball introduced the suspension of exhibition video games in addition to the delay of its common season by not less than two weeks as a result of coronavirus pandemic. This unprecedented occasion has produced many questions. The Post’s Ken Davidoff has some answers, albeit with many open ends as a result of scenario’s fluidity.
Q: How lengthy can we count on MLB to be shut down?
A: Bet the over on the “not less than two weeks” announcement. That represents absolutely the best-case situation, and given the forecasts by the medical consultants, the best-case situation seems extraordinarily unlikely to show into actuality.
Q: So we’re taking a look at a shortened season? Or will the schedule lengthen on the again finish?
A: We’re taking a look at a shortened season. It’s not just like the schedule can run by means of Thanksgiving. Even in case you throw in some doubleheaders or add per week to take the common season by means of Oct. 4, you’re not attending to 162 video games. We’re going to have our first diminished schedule since 1995, which ran 144 video games because of the work stoppage that additionally truncated the 1994 season and canceled that World Series.
Q: What will happen throughout this suspension? Will gamers keep in form in order that they’ll be able to go when the coronavirus curve flattens?
A: That’s the purpose, sure. Clubs’ spring-training services will stay open to gamers, and groups could be thrilled if all gamers stayed put and labored with their managers and coaches. However, if gamers need to return to their houses and be with their households, their employers will grant them such leeway with the belief that they’ll keep their preparation for the season.
Q: Following up on that, will there be extra spring-training video games when motion resumes earlier than a delayed Opening Day?
A: While the sport’s powers haven’t traveled far sufficient down that highway to verify that, it seems to be a wise assumption. Just a handful to sharpen the gamers’ readiness, you’d assume.
Q: What when you’ve got bought a ticket to a recreation that has been canceled?
A: You shall obtain a refund. However, don’t count on to obtain your a reimbursement earlier than the official plan goes into motion. As of now, the video games are merely “delayed,” not canceled.
Q: Will gamers, in addition to group and league staff, nonetheless receives a commission through the hiatus?
A: That’s the plan for now, sure; that is no time for a battle between the commissioner’s workplace and the Players Association. Now, if the delay goes nicely into the summer season and groups’ revenues get slaughtered? There might need to be a dialog.
Q: Dallas Mavericks proprietor Mark Cuban drew reward on Wednesday night time by suggesting his franchise will take care financially of the hourly employees on the group’s dwelling enviornment, American Airlines Center, who lose out on wages as a result of this growth. Will staff at main league (and minor league) ballparks obtain the identical help?
A: Another case of “This hasn’t been locked down but as a result of rapidity of the occasions that acquired us right here.” However, following Cuban’s lead represents good public relations at comparatively minimal price for baseball groups. Count on it occurring … and depend on adverse PR for any group that doesn’t go alongside with the Cuban initiative.
