MLB’s plan has ample COVID tests. Harper’s plan has big finish at ‘new Texas stadium’
MLB’s plan for returning to action during the coronavirus pandemic includes testing players for COVID-19 and players sitting in the stands instead of the dugout.
Bryce Harper’s plan for the 2020 MLB season includes a College World Series-style postseason at “the new Texas Stadium,” otherwise known at Globe Life Field.
Any takers?
“Maybe I’m crazy,” wrote the Philadelphia Phillies star player. “Just fun to think about and throw around ideas.”
Sure, but MLB must hope that the MLB Players Association accepts its safety protocol and operation manual, some of which was obtained Saturday by The Athletic and ESPN. In it, MLB proposes testing players for COVID-19 twice a week and taking their temperatures multiple times a day.
Non-playing personnel must wear masks in the dugout, and only necessary players will be in the dugout. Others can sit in the stands.
Showering is discouraged, and saunas, steam rooms, hydrotheraphy and cryotheraphy is banned. Group dining is not recommended, buffets are prohibited, and meals must be served like a takeout order from a restaurant.
Spring training rosters will be limited to 50 players, and teams can train either at their home ballparks or at their facility in Florida or Arizona. If a team trains at home, workouts will be staggered, and no more than five players can work together at one time in one area.
Spitting, tobacco and sunflower seeds are banned in restricted areas, and high-fives, fist bumps and hugs “must be avoided” at club facilities.
Off the field, teams can stay in their own residences while at home or during spring training. On the road, players and personnel will be encouraged to shelter-in-place and can be visited only by family members.
MLB has previously proposed an 82-game schedule against its division and its counterpart in the other league in an effort to minimize travel. The Texas Rangers, for instance, would play their American League West rivals and also the five teams of the National League West.
The Rangers would finally get to play their home games at Globe Life Field.
The sticking points will be safety and player compensation, with team owners offering a 48% percent share of revenue. Players, meanwhile, believe the agreement they reached in March to be paid the prorated part of the salary remains valid.
Harper, one of the game’s highest-paid players, suggested on his Instagram page a 135-game schedule that runs from July 1 through mid-November. The two leagues would be split between east and west, like the NBA, and teams would play two weeks straight with off days every other Monday and seven-inning doubleheaders on Sunday.
The postseason would be a 10-team double-elimination style tournament at “the new Texas Stadium or whatever stadium/stadiums are best.” The last two teams would play a traditional best-of-7 World Series.
Then, as a way to get back on schedule, the 2021 season would begin on May 1, and the 2022 season would start on April 1.
“Beyond the health and safety which comes first for all players, staff, workers, fans, and families. Just an idea I have been thinking about,” Harper concluded.
