Will Gerrit Cole Get To Make His First Start For New York This Season After All?
Opening Day of the regular season for New York was supposed to be March 26, 2020 against Baltimore and the newest addition to the starting rotation was supposed to be making his debut for the team he grew up rooting for and the team that wears the pinstripes.
However, the Corona Virus that is affecting people in the Untied States and around the world forced all sports including the game on the diamond to be halted.
But could Gerrit Cole be making his debut for New York soon?
Major League Baseball expects to offer a return-to-play proposal to the MLB Players Association within a week, as teams have begun to encourage players to prepare for a "spring" training that could begin in mid-June and a season that could start in early July, sources familiar with the discussions told ESPN.Although a significant number of hurdles remain and some industry leaders believe June and July return dates are overly optimistic, ownership's approval of a plan and dialogue about specifics with the union would mark two vital steps toward baseball's return from a season so far delayed six weeks by the coronavirus pandemic. “according to an article by Jeff Passan on espn.com
General managers and managers from at least a dozen teams have reached out to players to suggest that they ramp up baseball activities, those familiar with the conversations -- including executives, players and agents -- told ESPN. Some teams have suggested that players prepare for a spring training that could begin as early as June 10 and a season that could begin July 1, dates first suggested publicly by former player Trevor Plouffe. Other teams, sources said, are being more general in their timetables, understanding the complications that hard dates can cause and wanting instead to nudge players toward being in game shape. Jeff Passan on espn.com
Already, dozens of players are working out at team facilities around the country, according to sources, and the possibility of holding a three- or four-week spring training at teams' home stadiums appeals to a number of stakeholders. After entertaining the ideas of quarantining all players in Arizona or using three- or five-city hubs to hold games, there is momentum toward the league trying to play games in home stadiums, sources said. Jeff Passan on espn.com
The complications could be manifold, whether due to a coronavirus breakout in a city or the risk added by traveling, but the logistical concerns aren't nearly as acute as they would be with the building of hubs. Three player representatives, who have been sending updates to the union's rank and file, believe the union would be more receptive to such a plan because players could spend half their games at home and with their families. Jeff Passan on espn.com
This does not mean the league's proposal to the players' association will be met with open arms. Owners have pushed the league to ask players to take a pay cut because of cratering revenues exacerbated by no fans being allowed in stadiums upon any return. In an agreement between the league and union, players agreed to be paid a prorated portion of their salaries based on games played, which the MLBPA argues covers any lessening of salary players should take. Jeff Passan on espn.com
The potential snags go well beyond money. Jeff Passan on espn.com
Returning to play in this environment poses a risk to players, one they hope is allayed as much as possible in the league's proposal. Multiple players have reached out to the union asking what would happen if they opted not to play in 2020 out of fear for their health or a desire to remain with their families during the pandemic, sources told ESPN. Further, a more direct question was asked by a player during a video call with Cleveland Indians players that was first reported by The Athletic: What happens if we come back, and a player tests positive? according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com
The league's answer to that question and others is eagerly anticipated by players whose sense of optimism has grown in the past week. At the same time, multiple officials and players have expressed reservation about negotiating an agreement as the country reopens, fearful that by the time the beginning of June rolls around, the climate for the game to return might not be as welcoming. according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com
The unknown, sources said, is part of the motivation to start the negotiation process within a week. Not only does MLB need approval from owners and players to start a season, but also officials from the White House and top health officials expect to be consulted and give the go-ahead, sources said. Already MLB has been in contact with federal and state officials, seeking guidance as it maneuvers toward a new Opening Day. . according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com
The look of the game and season will be determined in any agreement between the league and union. Multiple executives have suggested that as many as 50 players will be available for teams to use and that they'll have active rosters of up to 30 players each game. The length of the season, should it start in July, could be from 80 to 100 games. Jeff Passan on espn.com. according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com
Any agreement is likely to include contingency plans going forward, sources said. Some officials fear a so-called second wave of coronavirus cases that some health officials have forecast and believe that instead of planning to play into late November, with an expanded playoff system, MLB would be better suited playing a shorter season that gives the league a greater likelihood of avoiding potential complications. Jeff Passan on espn.com. according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com
The fallout from COVID-19 already has not only erased a large portion of the 2020 season but also left front offices fearful of the immediate and long-term future. Scouting directors are waiting on the official word but told ESPN that they expect the MLB draft in June to be five rounds instead of the standard 40. Further, though most teams have guaranteed employees pay through the end of May, the delay of baseball beyond July could precipitate a wave of furloughs and layoffs, according to sources.. according to an article Jeff Passan on espn.com