Last week, we discussed that baseball looked to be back then it wasn’t. Things fell apart quickly. Disagreements on both sides led to a final vote of a 60-game season with incentives including expanded playoffs but the players could not file a grievance against the league. Players did not want that, rather, they voted strongly against forcing Rob Manfred and the MLB to mandate a season of 60 games. The owners have asked the players if they can return on July 1st and if they’re okay with the health and safety protocol. Let’s go over some questions you may have.

Are they finally going to get this done?

I think so? I don’t see a reason why this doesn’t happen. Unless the players are worried about the spikes in COVID-19, it is likely they’ll start the season in late July. It would be stunning if the players decided to put on the season on hold for the whole year. These players are anywhere from 22-40. It is unlikely if they test positive that COVID-19 would have a serious effect on them. The stats are not showing harm to people under the age of 50. Sure, there might be some coaches to worry about but they need to be masked up as many of the players need to as well.

Why would they settle for a watered-down version of their deal?

This is pretty easy. They can take baseball to court. Is it worth it? Who knows. It probably means Tony Clark’s job honestly. If Clark goes to court and wins, he will be there for a long time. If he loses, the players get screwed out of a ton of money plus extended playoffs. They will be livid and likely look for a new leader to head the CBA negotiations.

Does this season matter?

Yes, it does. 60 games might not prove anything, but this is the hand we’re dealt for this year. Fingers crossed, it will be normal next season and we’re playing 162 games. It goes back to the NBA bubble discussion. With the NBA bubble if Milwaukee, either Los Angeles team wins the NBA Finals, no one bitching about an asterisk. They are if the Houston Rockets win. The same goes for baseball. If the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series, no one is going to say a word. If the Brewers win it, well that might be a different story.

I’m happy baseball will be back in late July. It is disappointing they missed out on an opportunity to make a true splash this summer. Many will wonder the ‘what if’ of that for decades to come.

Charlie