Like everything else these days, there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding baseball.
To state the obvious, there are many more important issues to discuss during the pandemic, but allow me to mention a few surrounding the sights, sounds and smells of baseball.
First, some positive recognition must go toward MLB and the players’ union for coming to an agreement about salaries and service time.
This way, when/if the season begins, there should be few obstacles in the way of getting things under way.
Assuredly, there would need to be some form of limited spring training to get the players ramped back up; I’m NOT sure what that would equate to, but it will be necessary given the long layoff.
Depending on when the season begins – in May? June? July? – Major League Baseball will need to decide on a revamped schedule.
Previous abbreviated seasons, because of labor disputes, were shortened to 144 games (1995) and between 103 to 109 games (1981).
More doubleheaders, I would think, will definitely come into play.
An expanded playoff format would generate excitement – and could be accepted by baseball purists, given these unprecedented circumstances.
Neutral sites, in the comfort of southern weather or domed stadiums [or both], could be used for the playoffs.
My one cautionary note…please, baseball should NOT last into Thanksgiving week.
By then, attention is on college football rivalries and the remaining weeks of the NFL; NOT to mention the NHL and NBA and, yes, the start of holiday college basketball tournaments.
It’s sounds like I’m being picky…so-o-o what??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lobster on the Prairie 