Cactus League Asks MLB To Delay Start Of Spring Training

The Cactus League has "formally asked" MLB to "delay the start of spring training" in a letter signed by Cactus League Exec Dir Bridget Binsbacher and a group of mayors, city managers and tribal leaders. The rate of coronavirus infection is "higher in Arizona than in any other state," and public events of more than 50 people are restricted statewide, though "local authorities can approve such events." MLB had proposed a delay to the MLBPA, but the union "asked that MLB extend the season in order to play a full schedule or pay players for games that weren’t played" (L.A. TIMES, 1/25).

Meanwhile, sources said that the MLBPA has "turned down the latest MLB proposal for the universal designated hitter and an expanded playoff format." The union's stance has been "all along that it did not want to talk about a trade of the universal DH -- which benefits a group of players -- in return for expanded playoffs." Nonetheless, MLB "included the two items in its proposal, and that concept has been turned down" (ESPN.com, 1/25).