COVID-19 has "turned into a huge new obstacle to any plan" of return for MLB, leaving the game with "dwindling options to stage a 2020 season," according to Diamond & Cohen of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. A source said that MLB "could look at Southern California" as a potential hub site for games, as the region has three MLB venues -- Dodger Stadium in L.A., Angel Stadium in Anaheim and Petco Park in San Diego -- as well as several colleges with suitable ballparks. But it is "still unclear whether the 'bubble' plan will become serious enough for the league to broach" with the MLBPA (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/20). In L.A., Maria Torres wrote for MLB, the "threat of an outbreak of coronavirus within the sport looms." Cases are "surging in the South and West, including in states that are home to nine of the 10 teams that would comprise MLB’s Western Region this season" (L.A. TIMES, 6/20). An MLB official said that the league "would be more concerned if the majority of teams planned to hold a second spring training at their training sites in Arizona and Florida." In L.A., Bill Shaikin noted for now, with most teams planning to convene at their home ballparks, the league "would have about a month to determine whether the format of the regular season should be changed." The official said, "We’ll be able to pivot if we need to pivot. Right now, that’s not under consideration" (L.A. TIMES, 6/20).
SHUT IT DOWN? In Philadelphia, Bob Brookover wrote the Phillies' coronavirus outbreak last week has given MLB a "reason to shut down baseball." Brookover: "In fact, it is the only prudent thing to do." On how baseball will react to the outbreak, Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton said, "You have asked the $64,000 question. I think it’s premature to say definitively, unequivocally, yes or no (to canceling the season), but we went from zero infections to eight in two or three days, and who knows how many others will test positive." Brookover wrote it is "not worth the risk of playing a season that has already been tarnished by its pandemic-shortened length and the contentious financial feud between the owners and players." The two sides "should agree" now that it is "impossible to provide a safe environment from this virus no matter how many precautions are taken." Brookover: "Season over. Tough break, guys" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/20).
