MLB 2020: We're Playing, but We Can't Agree on Anything
- Thread starter RedOctober3829
- Start date
I'm no expert on this stuff
I don't t
I really can't see there being MLB this year. Out here in California, people are to stay home unless something essential needs to be done. What's going to happen where the government is going to be OK with tens of thousands of people gathering in one place. It seems only a vaccine will stop the madness.
I'm a Mariners season ticket holder. I have three choices for my unusable tickets and parking passes:
- Refund, processed the same way the initial payment was processed (for me, a check, which I've been warned will take some time to cut),
- Credit posted to my account, which I can used, I guess to rent a suite,
- Amount rolled over to 2021.
2 assumes there will be games at some point in 2020 that you might want to / be able to attend.
If you think there will be no games this year, then they are the same.
But yeah, 1 is the obvious way to go, unless you think they won't refund you before next season.
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Any idea how they're defining unusable tickets? I'm worried they could pull something like "your super awesome Saturday Yankees game that you spent a lot of money on is now valid for a mid weeknight in September against the Orioles" cause dates/times/opponents subject to change and all that fun. I vaguely remember the NHL doing something like this in the 90s, but this was early internet and I don't think there was much/any fallout.
I assume they mean for a game that won't be played on the day originally scheduled.
These options are being offered to "Season Ticket Members, Suite and Group buyers" according to my account rep. I have no idea how they're handling tickets sold for single games.
I have tickets to the April 11th game via Stubhub (not your tickets are they???). Stubhub has claimed they'll give back 100% if the game is cancelled. But the game isn't officially listed as "cancelled" yet. We only go to one game a year here in Seattle when the Sox are in town and we go all out and get 1st row tickets. Not going to happen this year. Hoping I can get my money back soon.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that Sox scout Rene Saggiadi of Bari, Italy (on Italy's boot heel), is locked down and trying to ride out the Corona virus. Rene's words are impactful, and ones we, especially those of use still cavalier in our social interactions, should heed. "If you don't want anybody to die because of you, you have to stay home".
"If this seems draconian, excessive, Saggiadi would love to show you a copy of the edition of a newspaper in Bergamo, a city of about 120,000 in the Lombardy region, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The standard obituary section runs one page. On March 14, it was 11 pages."
"'They're way beyond ICU capacity," Saggiadi said. "So they cannot take care of all the people that need care. And so a lot of people are dying -- what otherwise would be preventable deaths just because there's too many. When people, when scientists talk about flattening the curve..."
"'If you don't want anybody to die because of you, you have to stay home, even though you might be immune. And again, I want to stress the word might, because you might be immune or you might not. And you don't want to lose that lottery, because there's no coming back, especially with no vaccine. Yes, if you're young, the younger you are, you have a better chance at recovery. You have a better chance of getting it mildly or being asymptomatic completely. But it's only having a better chance. You're not immune to it. You might still get it. And even if you don't, what you could do is become a vehicle of contagion for weak people.'"
Many of the celebs and athletes catching the virus have spoken emphatically and eloquently about the community coming together by staying apart. Idris Elba's tweet was especially impactful I thought. I hope and pray you are all taking this seriously and recognizing the need to isolate for the sake of yourself, or your parents, or grandparents, or aunts & uncles.
"If this seems draconian, excessive, Saggiadi would love to show you a copy of the edition of a newspaper in Bergamo, a city of about 120,000 in the Lombardy region, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The standard obituary section runs one page. On March 14, it was 11 pages."
"'They're way beyond ICU capacity," Saggiadi said. "So they cannot take care of all the people that need care. And so a lot of people are dying -- what otherwise would be preventable deaths just because there's too many. When people, when scientists talk about flattening the curve..."
"'If you don't want anybody to die because of you, you have to stay home, even though you might be immune. And again, I want to stress the word might, because you might be immune or you might not. And you don't want to lose that lottery, because there's no coming back, especially with no vaccine. Yes, if you're young, the younger you are, you have a better chance at recovery. You have a better chance of getting it mildly or being asymptomatic completely. But it's only having a better chance. You're not immune to it. You might still get it. And even if you don't, what you could do is become a vehicle of contagion for weak people.'"
Many of the celebs and athletes catching the virus have spoken emphatically and eloquently about the community coming together by staying apart. Idris Elba's tweet was especially impactful I thought. I hope and pray you are all taking this seriously and recognizing the need to isolate for the sake of yourself, or your parents, or grandparents, or aunts & uncles.
Sox introduce new temporary logo to encourage social distancing:
https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2020/03/coronavirus-boston-red-sox-debut-new-temporary-logo-to-promote-social-distancing.html
https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2020/03/coronavirus-boston-red-sox-debut-new-temporary-logo-to-promote-social-distancing.html
Just received an email from WGBH with a link to a "curated list of sports-related documentaries" that includes Ken Burns' Baseball, Ted Williams, Muhammad Ali:
https://www.wgbh.org/programs/2020/03/20/what-to-watch-now-sports-documentaries
https://www.wgbh.org/programs/2020/03/20/what-to-watch-now-sports-documentaries
In the event there is no season, MLB and MLBPA agreed to let all players receive the same service time they got the previous year so that means Mookie Betts will become a free agent. The Red Sox will have gotten a young major league player and 2 prospects in exchange for 0 games of Mookie Betts and David Price. Can you imagine if Mookie ends up signing back with the Red Sox in the "offseason"? It sure would be a strange way for things to all work out.
What alternative is there?
Can't roll back trades.
Can't suspend service time and have Mookie et al. still another year form free agency.
The Fingers trade was nullified three days after it happened. I get that it's a difference of degree, not kind, to roll back the Mookie deal (as you guys are suggesting), but the degree is SO different that it doesn't even seem like a reasonable comp. Because in that time frame since the deal, these teams have made a bunch of subsequent moves in light of that trade. They'd ALL have to be undone (trades and free agent signings), leaving all these guys in total limbo.
It's kind of a sticky mess.
It's kind of a sticky mess.
The circumstances under which the Rudi/Fingers trade was rolled back were very different than the Mookie trade. Apples and bricks.
If you are missing the Red Sox, read this article about an Out of the Park simulated 2020 season (subscription needed to The Athletic):
https://theathletic.com/1701194/2020/03/26/red-sox-simulated-2020-season/
If that is what we were in for, then delaying or canceling the season doesn't seem to painful. Yikes.
https://theathletic.com/1701194/2020/03/26/red-sox-simulated-2020-season/
If that is what we were in for, then delaying or canceling the season doesn't seem to painful. Yikes.
October 30:
"The Yankees just beat the Brewers in the World Series. Jackie Bradley Jr. still won’t talk about the extension John Henry wants, because Bradley’s still mad I wouldn’t give him the six years or $18.4 million per year that he wanted. Jeter Downs is hurt, so is Noah Song, Tanner Houck finished with a 7.34 ERA, and Xander Bogaerts is angry for the first time in his life."
"Devers was easily our best player at 6.4 WAR. He was followed by Verdugo, Bogaerts, Martinez and Bradley (no one else was worth even 1.5 WAR). After his potent start, Dalbec fell back to earth and finished with 18 home runs and a .188 average. Benintendi was a below-league-average hitter. Chavis was below replacement level."
"The team finished 66-96 — which would be the worst finish for the Red Sox since 1965. The Rays, Indians and Astros won the American League divisions; the Yankees and Angels are the two wild cards."
Here is the deal that MLB and MLBPA have agreed to for this season. All info per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
--MLB owners will advance players $170 million for April and May, sources tell ESPN. If there is no season, that money will be kept by the players.
--In the deal, MLB has the right to shorten the 2020 draft to five rounds, sources tell ESPN. Additionally, it can delay the start of the international signing period to as late as January 2021.
--MLB also can shorten the 2021 draft to 20 rounds, and push back the 2021-22 international signing period to January 2022 through December 2022, per sources.
--The most important thing for the players: In the doomsday scenario of no 2020 season, they will get full service time, meaning Mookie Betts, Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, J.T. Realmuto and others will be free agents in November regardless of whether games are played.
--Along these lines, an important -- if a bit wonky -- point: Because the season will clearly be shorter, the arbitration rules will be adjusted so players are not penalized for putting up counting stats that don't stack up to past comparables. Made lots of sense to do it this way.
--MLB owners will advance players $170 million for April and May, sources tell ESPN. If there is no season, that money will be kept by the players.
--In the deal, MLB has the right to shorten the 2020 draft to five rounds, sources tell ESPN. Additionally, it can delay the start of the international signing period to as late as January 2021.
--MLB also can shorten the 2021 draft to 20 rounds, and push back the 2021-22 international signing period to January 2022 through December 2022, per sources.
--The most important thing for the players: In the doomsday scenario of no 2020 season, they will get full service time, meaning Mookie Betts, Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, J.T. Realmuto and others will be free agents in November regardless of whether games are played.
--Along these lines, an important -- if a bit wonky -- point: Because the season will clearly be shorter, the arbitration rules will be adjusted so players are not penalized for putting up counting stats that don't stack up to past comparables. Made lots of sense to do it this way.
For those wondering if the Commish could really refuse to pay the players if the season was canceled, there's your answer.
Some of the ideas and suggestions making the rounds among writers and even Manfred lately just seem too extreme and outrageous. Expanded playoffs, tournaments, 7 inning doubleheader’s, World Series games in late November. Just reduce the season to 80 or so games, keep the playoff format the same, and play the postseason in October.
From an ESPN article: "The most important thing for the players: In the doomsday scenario of no 2020 season, they will get full service time, meaning Mookie Betts, Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, J.T. Realmuto and others will be free agents in November regardless of whether games are played."
Wouldn't that be unbelievable...Dodgers trade for Mookie and the season gets cancelled and they literally get nothing at all out of him. I think that's an entirely possible scenario at the moment.
Wouldn't that be unbelievable...Dodgers trade for Mookie and the season gets cancelled and they literally get nothing at all out of him. I think that's an entirely possible scenario at the moment.
The one thing you can rest assured of is that Manfred will do whatever is best for the owners' pockets, regardless of how it hurts the game in the short- or long-term.
Looks like the deal is agreed to and yes, is the season is cancelled, Mookie is still a FA (though we do lose a season of service time from Verdugo). What's not clear is what happens to the rookies would would have started the season in MLB. Will nobody accrue their first year of service time this year? That would make for a boring off season in 2025-26.
View: https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1243340184705544192
View: https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1243340184705544192
Baseball is trying its best to become irrelevant. This deal is horrible for the future of the game. 5 round draft this year? Any undrafted player's signing bonus is capped at $20,000 and can be spread over 3 years. Who is going to play for that? This article from The Ringer breaks it down well.
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2020/3/27/21196612/mlbpa-canceled-season-agreement-free-agency-mookie-betts-service-time
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2020/3/27/21196612/mlbpa-canceled-season-agreement-free-agency-mookie-betts-service-time
I don't get the point of this 5 round draft, at all. Why are you penalizing kids for no fault of their own? There are still going to be the same amount of players at the other end of the age spectrum.
Because the MLBPA only cares about its current players, not their future ones. This will also all but kill what remains of minor league teams. Which will lead to younger kids to not take up the game.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28962850/mlb-mlbpa-agree-stipulations-return-2020-season
I’m seeing the agreed upon conditions to restart the season and I don’t see any way they come back this year; barring a complete head in the sand, lie about the situation type approach.
A quick summary of the 3 conditions that must be met:
1. There are no bans on mass gatherings. Games will have to be in front of fans (although neutral sites may be okay)
2. There are no travel restrictions throughout the USA or Canada.
3. Medical experts determine there are no health threats to players, staff or fans.
Now call me pessimistic, but I think it’s going to be a while until we return to that kind of normalcy. At least to me, starting the 2021 season on time doesn’t even seem like a certainty if stadiums have to be full of fans with no risk of the disease being present and spreading.
I’m seeing the agreed upon conditions to restart the season and I don’t see any way they come back this year; barring a complete head in the sand, lie about the situation type approach.
A quick summary of the 3 conditions that must be met:
1. There are no bans on mass gatherings. Games will have to be in front of fans (although neutral sites may be okay)
2. There are no travel restrictions throughout the USA or Canada.
3. Medical experts determine there are no health threats to players, staff or fans.
Now call me pessimistic, but I think it’s going to be a while until we return to that kind of normalcy. At least to me, starting the 2021 season on time doesn’t even seem like a certainty if stadiums have to be full of fans with no risk of the disease being present and spreading.
Per Passan in follow up there is also a stipulation that there is the potential for games to played without fans in the stands, or in neutral sites, if deemed safe. The players have approval of the schedule if/when they try to come back.
Tweet
"* The caveat agreed to by the players and league is that they will consider playing games at neutral sites instead of home ballparks -- and will consider the feasibility of playing in empty stadiums and just how proper a solution it may be for both sides and especially fans."
Tweet
"* The caveat agreed to by the players and league is that they will consider playing games at neutral sites instead of home ballparks -- and will consider the feasibility of playing in empty stadiums and just how proper a solution it may be for both sides and especially fans."
Per the draft, have to consider the fact that spring sports kids retain eligibility next spring...Hence, seniors can come back for another year and so forth. Will be interesting to see how many high school kids go, juniors in college go, JUCO kids go or seniors go...Guessing we won't see as many seniors being drafted just to fill short season rosters, but then again are they the type of kids that will go back for their final year of eligibility...Lots of moving parts here.
Edit: About a week or so ago the Brewers pitchers were told to stop throwing pens.
Edit: About a week or so ago the Brewers pitchers were told to stop throwing pens.
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Not sure Boras's idea will fly with the MLBPA, but I guess if the other option is not getting paid, maybe they'll go along with this. I'd think the NFL would have to consider something similar.
View: https://twitter.com/MikeSilvermanBB/status/1245467188976332800
View: https://twitter.com/MikeSilvermanBB/status/1245467188976332800
We are all going to have to make significant concessions to begin the journey to 'normal' - why should professional athletes be any different?
I agree concessions will have to be made to have any kind of season, but isn't it naive to think that the sequestering of team personnel would only be for 3-4 weeks of spring training? It would have to be for the length of whatever the season is, no? That's what strikes me as a bridge too far for the players.
If they are able to play in home stadiums, it obviously will not be an issue. On the other hand, if we are talking about neutral-site games, then we are all still in uncharted territory - just having the opportunity to play in meaningful games may well be enough to get players to go along with it, with the probable concession of a periodic (and highly structured, as in tests, etc.) visit from wives and children.
The Red Sox just announced their refund policy for season ticket holders. You can either have the first two months of the season refunded on your credit card, or let them keep the money to apply toward future tickets with a 10% bonus. I think you can bank on next year's tickets being exactly 10% more expensive than this year's.
They're going to be in for a rude awakening if they raise prices 10% next year.
This pretty much guarantees no Fenway games this year, right?
Just the first 2 months.
And I expect they won't raise ticket prices that much. Hope they let folks use the extra for concessions or additional tickets.
And I expect they won't raise ticket prices that much. Hope they let folks use the extra for concessions or additional tickets.
During these challenging and uncertain times, our main focus is on the health and safety of our community. This of course includes all of you in Red Sox Nation. We continue to think about you and hope your families and your friends are safe and healthy.
We also appreciate your patience and understanding over the past several weeks as MLB has worked through the implications of this pandemic on the 2020 schedule. While these games remain postponed, we are now in a position that allows us to offer ticket holders the opportunity for refunds and credits for impacted games. For the Red Sox, this includes the first 29 games at Fenway Park, from April 2-May 28.
With so much uncertainty, we want to ensure that you have flexibility and choices regarding the tickets you had purchased. To that end, we have three options available to you for the 29 impacted dates:
We also appreciate your patience and understanding over the past several weeks as MLB has worked through the implications of this pandemic on the 2020 schedule. While these games remain postponed, we are now in a position that allows us to offer ticket holders the opportunity for refunds and credits for impacted games. For the Red Sox, this includes the first 29 games at Fenway Park, from April 2-May 28.
With so much uncertainty, we want to ensure that you have flexibility and choices regarding the tickets you had purchased. To that end, we have three options available to you for the 29 impacted dates:
- Option #1 – Exchange for a future 2020 game
To exchange your tickets for a game later this season, visit My Tickets to proceed through the self-service exchange process. Login using your MLB.com username (email) and password and navigate to the My Tickets Inventory page to begin. All exchanges must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
- Option #2 – Receive a credit on your account
By selecting this option, a credit will be added to your account, equal to the value of the tickets from the impacted game(s). That credit can be redeemed at any time for a game during the 2020 or 2021 season by proceeding through the standard ticket online ticket purchase flow where the credit can be applied at checkout.
- Option #3 – Refund to the original form of payment
By selecting this option, a refund for the impacted game(s) will be issued to the form of payment that was used for your original purchase. We will begin the refund process on May 7, and expect refund checks for non-credit card payments will be issued within two weeks.