MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has handled the Orioles' current situation "really well," according to ESPN's Tim Kurkjian. Manfred was "part of the decision to postpone" Monday night's White Sox-Orioles game, and he "acted quickly" in cancelling last night's game and announcing today's game would be played during the afternoon in an empty Camden Yards. Manfred is a "very direct commissioner," and he can "make a decision and he can make it quickly, which someone in his position has to be able to do" (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 4/28). MSNBC's Mike Barnicle said MLB is "doing the right thing at the request of the city" by playing today's game in the afternoon and moving the weekend Rays-Orioles series to St. Petersburg ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 4/29). ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said, "With all those police and all those soldiers trying to protect the citizenry of the state of Maryland, you don't take them and put them in front of a ballpark” (“PTI,” ESPN, 4/28). In Boston, Steve Buckley writes MLB and the Orioles "made the right decision." While "acknowledging that the neighborhood around their ballpark has been reduced to a war zone, they are putting the public good ahead of commerce" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/29). CBS’ Gayle King said playing a game with no fans in attendance "does seem like an eerie scene,” but it also seems "like the smart thing to do under the circumstances” (“CBS This Morning,” 4/29).
IS THIS THE RIGHT DECISION? USA TODAY's Nancy Armour writes MLB "acted out of fear" by announcing today's White Sox-Orioles game will be played in an empty ballpark. It was a "knee-jerk reaction that assumes the worst of Baltimore." Armour: "Send a message to those folks in Baltimore ... that you believe in the inherent goodness of the city. Play the games as they were originally scheduled, and give the people of Baltimore a chance to show the city is better than those who want to tear it down." Neither the Orioles nor their fans "have done anything wrong." By forcing them to flee their stadium, MLB is "giving into fear rather than standing tall against violence" (USA TODAY, 4/29). MSNBC’s Mark Halperin said, “I’m just furious that they’re playing the game like this. It’s weird and freaky and not normal. What Baltimore needs now is normal and pride. I think the league is doing it just because they want the money and they don’t want to disrupt the schedule -- and it’s stupid” ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 4/29). MASNSPORTS.com's Roch Kubatko wrote, "I totally understand why the Orioles are going this route, knowing the National Guard and police are needed in various parts of the city. Baseball rightfully takes a back seat. But I also understand why fans in desperate need of a distraction and determined to not live in fear would resent being excluded" (MASNSPORTS.com, 4/28).
HARD TO IGNORE: MSNBC's Kasie Hunt said to have an empty Camden Yards for today's game "is really a symbol for this city.” Hunt: "It’s going to be a pretty stunning visual.” MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski added, “Pretty symbolic of where we are” ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 4/29). In Chicago, Rick Morrissey notes sports and the real world "converge all the time" and fans "can get gloriously lost in a baseball game." However, it will be "very difficult to get lost" in today's game, even while watching on TV. There will be "camera shots of all the empty sections," and viewers will ot be able to "escape the fact that outside the gates is a hard world" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/29).
