It’s important to note that there is no script as to what to do if something like this happens, so plans can change from day to day. I’m sure as the days progress we will get more and more information on how the league will handle the whole situation. We can only hope that good news follows as they continue to monitor it. We’ve learned as of yesterday that after a conference call with all 30 general managers, that the players would be given a few options on how they should proceed. They could return to their homes, back to the home of their Major League city, or stay at the spring training facilities.
I’m not sure how any other teams or players voted, but the Yankees as a team have decided that the best possible option for themselves would be to stay together in their spring training facilities. I’d assume if any player who wanted to go home and be with their family, would have every right to do so, even if it was just for a couple of days. The Yankees collectively felt it best to stay together within the Yankees world class facilities. The Yankee organization had two deep cleanings of their facilities to ensure the safety and health of all the personnel who wished to stay in Tampa. The players understand that this is a serious matter, but they will continue take it day by day and get their work in.
It becomes extremely difficult as a player, who was just about halfway through getting fully ramped up, to completely shut down for two weeks. The players know that the situation could change at a moments notice, but they want to be prepared as possible for when baseball resumes. For now the Yankees will be using a fluid practice agenda. These are most likely player driven practices where the hitters will take bp and get their fielding reps in, while the pitchers will continue to throw pens. There have been no scheduled scrimmage games as of now. The Yankee coaching staff has also elected to stay in Tampa to be there as resources for their players and guide them through this situation. Like I said earlier, things can change by the day, the players and staff are doing the best they can to not only stay safe, but to continue getting their work in. They understand that they are all pulling for a World Series title, so when the day comes that baseball comes back, they’ll be ready.
Meanwhile in Arizona, baseball hero Trevor Bauer is setting up a sandlot game for players who are still in camps and want to have some fun. Live streamed through Watch Moment, players will be mic’d up somewhere on a field in Arizona playing actual live baseball. Just a ragtag group of Major and Minor League players who miss the game and want to play. Not sure when or who will be playing, but we will have a live sports being played, hopefully very soon.Bauer announced late last night that this game is in fact happening, so be sure to follow him or Watch Momentum on Twitter for updates.
The Washed Up Athlete 