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In what is definitely a developing story, MLB held a conference call led by commissioner Rob Manfred and fell in line with the CDC recommendation of no group gatherings for eight weeks — and that includes shutting down spring training facilities.
Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/E5xPfMGOc0
— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2020
Literally, this means there will be no baseball until Mother’s Day, May 10. But just as the notion of April 9 being a possible Opening Day this year (MLB’s original postponement plan) was pretty much just a placemarker/pipe dream, the same goes for this May 10 date.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred having conference call at noon advising all teams to shut down their facilities. Several GMs are bracing for delay now as late as July
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2020
If somehow May 10 was deemed a date where players could begin gathering and training together again — a BIG if — it’s hard to imagine a mini-spring training of workouts (at home stadiums, vs. spring training facilities?) lasting any less than two weeks (likely three) before official gameplay could begin. And remember, the official Opening Day could still well be played without fans.
It was just four days ago we got the word the season would be delayed at all, so this is a developing story for sure. We’ll see what comes next.
In actual baseball news (what’s that?), the White Sox sent Zack Collins, Yermín Mercedes and José Ruiz to Charlotte today. Does that make Nicky Delmonico the 26th man?
Can someone explain to me why any moves are necessary, given the complete freeze the game is under?