Written by Gia Cusimano (Sports Writer)
Like many other sports, the MLB baseball season is currently on hold because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The MLB is determined to have some sort of 2020 season, it is very much in their interest to have as much of the 2020 season as possible, but as the days continue to pass by their options are becoming limited. Opening day was originally scheduled on March 26, but as we head into May it may be that the much-discussed Arizona plan is the best way for the MLB to begin. A plan was discussed, to play all games in Arizona, to be more specific to the Phoenix area, for the start of the season at least, and that all games were without the attendance of fans. The people familiar with the discussion said, “Ideas are still in the early stage, and the Arizona option would have many obstacles to overcome,”
Still, with this plan, it would allow teams to play at Chesterfield, the home playing field of the Diamondbacks, and with many nearby training complexes. The MLB is considering getting this started as early as late May. Even with the stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders across most of the nation, the plan is to work around this by making sure players, team personnel, and umpires that are in local hotels are isolated, only traveling to and from the stadium, and they will be doing their best to maintain social distancing during the games as well. Federal officials from the CDC and prevention as well as the National Institute of Health, have been supportive of this plan, as long as it is strict to social distancing, and promotes the isolation of each individual. This allows MLB to become the first professional sport that might return.
Those who are involved with The MLB at its highest level of authority, are extremely confined in the return of gameplay in the 2020 season. Still, league officials are staying flexible when it comes to the sifting and change of the numbers with this pandemic. So as officials still determine the scheduled dates, there will be a two week period either used as a spring training or where all players, team coaches, as well as managers, will be tested for COVID-19. At the point of if someone does test positive, or get sick, doctors and Public health officials have told the MLB that they do not necessarily need to shut down. If they can keep it contained to a small number, they can still proceed with the season.
Now It all depends on whether or not players are willing to sacrifice four months away from their families, four-month is the estimated time players and other officials will be separated to keep the 2020 season alive. If they are willing to participate, this will be able to give the team’s much bigger rosters, allowing more of a chance that game play will be possible.
The Claw 