hogan873

That's the key there. They will be tested routinely, which will be important. As you pointed out, there are many people (myself included) that have been working since this started, working with plenty of other people. MLB will have safety protocols in place. They will not take restarting lightly in regards to health.

Depending on roster size, I think there's a real chance to see Madrigal and Vaughn this season. Actually, I think there's no doubt Madrigal will be up, but Vaughn could be if roster sizes are 30+. Then comes the question how to play these guys. If none of the regulars opt out, how does Vaughn get at-bats? Is Madrigal the starting 2B? Lots of questions. Some will be answered soon once rosters are announced. I'm looking forward to the season. I know 60 games seems like a joke, but it's a hell of a lot better than 0.

As far as opening schools in the fall, high schools and colleges would be the easiest. Aside from the number of students, which they can work around, there would be less worry about lack of social distancing and not wearing masks. Elementary schools could be more difficult because of the ages of the kids. My wife works in a preschool, and she just doesn't see how they'll be able to maintain social distancing, and it would be nearly impossible to ensure the kids keep masks on. Then there are the questions about high school sports, music ensembles, and marching bands. I suppose we'll find out what plans the state has soon enough.

"Well, only the bottom floor of the house is on fire. If the fire spreads to the second floor we may have to call the fire department."

I'm excited there's going to be baseball. No one is happy about only 60 games, but this is a better outcome than what it could have been. More than anything, I'm happy that we'll get to see this team, that we were so excited about in January, finally play together. Interesting to see over the next few weeks: - What will the schedule look like? - How many players will be on the roster? - Who will make the expanded roster? - Will any Sox players opt out? - Where will the Sox set up their taxi squad? Now let's keep our fingers crossed that there is no major outbreak, and they can play the entire season.

Good point. I would think they'd have to spread out how fans enter the park. Probably have to have assigned gates and maybe even times for entry.

I think it would be great if fans can attend Sox games this year. I don't think I would go to a game. Partially due to the risk, but more so because of logistics. I can't imagine it would be as enjoyable as it should be.

I wonder if the Sox and Cubs would look to allow attendance (if the season actually starts)?

We shouldn't be surprised that there have been players and staff who have tested positive for COVID, especially if there had been groups at their spring training sites. I don't imagine it's a coincidence that we're just hearing about it now. It's obviously very important moving forward that there are solid protocols in place for when games start. Testing will have to be robust along with tracing.

I was talking to my parents last night, who live in NC. Apparently the state is making masks mandatory starting today in response to cases on the increase again, and they're concerned there will be another lockdown. They remarked how well Illinois has done is national news. It's amazing the number of people here who are still b****ing about the plan. We're now on pace to go to Phase 4 on Friday, when movie theaters will be allowed to open and restaurants can start seating inside. Six weeks ago, getting there seemed like an impossibility. It really shows how effective social distancing and masks can be. I read an article that said if 80% of people wore masks, the virus could be pretty well controlled. It's really not hard to wear a mask, and it's a shame more people aren't wearing them.

Most people were wearing masks, and the protests were outdoors. I am still surprised that there wasn't at least some increase in the positivity rate. Definitely good news.

For fuck's sake. Enough is enough.

Yeah, it's beyond ridiculous now. Enough of this shit. Let's go.

They'll get it done. This is just more public posturing. It's been too public to begin with, and now with this proposal coming after Manfred and Clark met, blowing it up would make both sides look even worse...if that's even possible. I could see a final agreement at 64-66 games. They need to get it done by the weekend.

I really don't care about the advertisements on uniforms. If it helps get baseball back on the field, I'm for it. Maybe it'll end up being like a minor league game where everything that happens is sponsored by someone. "That strikeout is sponsored by Allstate, and that argument between the batter and umpire is sponsored by Budweiser. Oh, and that dust being kicked onto homeplate by the manager is sponsored by Dirt Devil,"

16 does seem like a lot, but might as well see how it goes. If it's a disaster, a new agreement can be made. Good news is that the Sox will have no excuse to not make the playoffs.

If the season is still going to end on 9/27, they're not going to get much more than 65 games. But, I could see some back and forth before agreeing on a few more than 60.

That is about the most games they could squeeze in in the allotted time. I don't see why this won;t be agreed upon.

If the proposal was just sent to the players, there obviously isn't an agreement yet. But, this definitely the most optimistic news since...well, since play was halted back in March. Hopefully owners and the MLBPA can keep their traps shut until there is an agreement.

But with this coming after Manfred and the MLBPA union chief met, I would think it will be agreed upon.

Finally.

Late winter/early spring 2021. I'm going to be optimistic that one or several of the vaccines will be moderately effective and available by early 2021.

There's plenty of blame. No one is to blame for the virus, but the owners, players, and Manfred have handled getting back on the field very poorly. And their bickering has been public since it started. The most important thing they should be concerned about is the health and safety of the players and staff. Everything else should be secondary. It's all important, but they look like a bunch of buffoons while other sports leagues are setting dates for returning and moving forward. As I saw in an article yesterday, MLB has run out of feet to shoot itself in and has moved on to vital organs.

Both sides are now standing in their respective corners with their arms crossed angrily while threatening to hold their breath if they don't get their way. And Manfred is cowering in his own corner because everybody's mad. What a disgrace all around.

No, I agree. Phase 4 is the last phase before a vaccine or otherwise herd immunity. I can understand having challenging goals in order to get there. I wonder, though, if a region with very low positivity shows a slight increase but the rate is still very low if it would still be permitted to move forward. There would have to be some sort of consideration around that.