Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ” proudly sponsored by Pete’s Auto Body.
Pete’s Auto Body; because we care about our community……
It’s February, in fact it’s Ground Hog Day, which means in short order Major League Baseball should be upon us.
However, in uncertain times there is much uncertainty about Major League Baseball.
Spring Training games were to commence on February 27th.
However, a Cactus League commission which included Arizona government officials sent a letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred earlier requesting that the date be delayed in response to the state’s COVID-19 situation, which is one of the worst in the United States.
Over the weekend, MLB sent a proposal to the players suggesting there be a one-month delay in starting Spring Training due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The proposed delay would push Opening Day back to April 28th and would see the regular season cut from 162 games to 154.
The proposal also includes consideration to implement the universal designated hitter, continue with 7 inning doubleheaders and use the international tie-breaker rule with a runner starting on 2nd base when a game goes into extra innings.
The proposal isn’t perfect, it’s not traditional, but it is fairly prudent based on the pandemic environment in North America,
Having said that, it’s anticipated the plan will be flatly rejected by the Players Association.
The players have many beefs with these measures, some of which are understandable, some of which have merit, almost all of which have to do with financial concerns, or self interest and preservation.
You never know what Wiarton Willie will predict and how accurate the prediction will be.
But I think there’s more certainty in what Willie projects today compared to the uncertain short term future for Major League Baseball.
For Pete’s Autobody, I’m Fred Wallace