MLB and Orioles sources said the decision to play today’s game against the White Sox at Baltimore's Camden Yards, marking the league’s first-ever game closed to the public, was driven heavily by logistical concerns and that other options presented more complications amid the ongoing civil unrest in the city. There was some consideration of shifting not only today’s game but the upcoming weekend series against the Rays to Nationals Park, currently empty while the Nationals are on a road trip. But moving today’s game would have required a cumbersome relocation of two entire teams and all their equipment to DC, necessitated a last-minute flurry to sufficiently staff stadium operations and complicated the White Sox’ planned travel to Minnesota after the game. A formal request to the Nationals to use their park was not made. Playing the Rays series in St. Petersburg was fueled by a desire to limit the ongoing disruption to day-to-day team operations, and give at least one club its typical home facilities. The Orioles this weekend will play as the home team and receive the gate receipts, minus the Rays’ expenses. To that end, the games are being thought of as similar to snowed-out games in the Midwest in prior seasons that were shifted to Milwaukee’s domed Miller Park. “These were the most feasible options,” an Orioles source said of the schedule shifts. “Logistically, they made the most sense.”
POLICE OFFICERS NEEDED ELSEWHERE: By playing today in a closed ballpark, at least several dozen Baltimore police officers that would have aided with vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow around Camden Yards can now be reassigned elsewhere. “That’s what should be happening. Fans would have been safe in the park. But it’s just a game. What’s happening outside is real life,” the source said. MLB execs declined to discuss financial compensation that may be coming to the Orioles. With the total loss of five home dates and commensurate per-cap revenue, it is likely there will never be a full compensation. However, sources described Orioles Owner Peter Angelos as unconcerned over those issues. A week-long curfew of 10:00pm ET in the city of Baltimore was issued Monday, preventing scheduled night games this week from taking place there.
