MLB statement suggests no major alterations to Spring Training are expected before mid-FebruaryGetty Images
Spring Training for the MLB season "remains on schedule," as camps in Arizona and Florida still are "slated to open in the middle of February," according to Evan Drellich of THE ATHLETIC. MLB in a statement said, “As we get closer we will, in consultation with public health authorities, our medical experts, and the Players Association, determine whether any modifications should be considered." Drellich noted it is an "evergreen statement in the time of COVID-19 that the situation can change." Despite how "open-ended the league’s statement sounds," the bottom line "appears rather simple: Unless there are government restrictions that prevent baseball from being played in Arizona and Florida, no major alterations to spring training are expected in advance." If a delay were to become necessary, MLB to this point has only talked to the MLBPA about a plan that "would include cuts." But the players have been clear they "won’t agree to delay" the '21 season if it means a "major drop in player pay." And because those positions "appear intractable," the look of the '21 season "boils down to a simple question: If neither side budges, what will happen?" A CBA is in place, and barring a "mutually agreed upon revision," the baseball schedule "will not change ahead of time -- unless it is rather literally made unplayable by a government order that would trigger the sport’s national emergency clause" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/3).
AN EARLY START: In Cleveland, Paul Hoynes notes the Indians are trying to get an "early start on coronavirus testing." In doing so, they may be getting an "early start on spring training as well." The team will "officially open their spring-training headquarters this week," with players "testing for the virus on Friday." Voluntary workouts "could follow on Sunday." Any player working out at the facility "will have to be tested before entering." There was "no word on if and when Indians players would be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 1/4).
FINANCIAL ISSUES REMAIN: In Toronto, Gregor Chisholm wrote the "dark days of Major League Baseball’s labour issues are far from over." Big changes are "required to this sport’s business model." Perhaps some of the "penny-pinching, small-market teams should be forced to operate above a minimum payroll." At this stage, "nothing should be off the table" (TORONTO STAR, 1/2). But in N.Y., Bob Raissman asked, "How can any owner budget for the future, including player payrolls, when the suits don’t know how much revenue they will generate this season?" TV baseball sources said that "'several teams' lost over $100 million" in '20. There is "no guarantee those losses will subside" in '21 (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/2). In N.Y., Joel Sherman noted the free-agent market is "moving slower." Two months into free agency, half of MLB's teams (15) had "not signed a non-foreign free agent for more than $1 million." A dozen teams "had yet to sign a free agent to a major league contract for any amount" (N.Y. POST, 1/3).
