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Baseball is in limbo, as is a good portion of the country, and the world, waiting to see how the whole COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic develops. Major League Baseball encouraged players to head home from their respective Spring Training facilities, but so far it’s looking like a lot of teams will stay put and keep working to get ready for the start of the season.
When will it actually start? No one knows. And it’s hardly the most important consideration right now.
If you read some of the articles below, you’ll get the feeling that it might be a long time, and not just two weeks at the start of the season.
Go read your links ... and please wash your hands, cover your mouth if you cough, self-quarantine if you’re sick, etc. Stay safe and hopefully healthy, everyone:
NATS BEAT:
MLB players encouraged to head home from spring training after Opening Day delay - (WaPost)
"Those who discussed the matter with The Washington Post did so anonymously so as to speak freely about the situation. MLB announced these measures Friday evening in a news release."
The Nationals will still meet tomorrow morning to decide next steps, according to a person familiar with their plans. I’d imagine that’s when players are future briefed on their options from here and what the club expects as far as training, communication, etc.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) March 13, 2020
Though free to leave, many Nats plan to stay and work out - (MASN)
"Though Major League Baseball officially announced the immediate suspension of all spring training operations this evening, many Nationals players intend to remain here and conduct informal workouts during baseball’s coronavirus-induced hiatus."
Coronavirus not the first to change MLB season - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The league deciding to delay the start of the season is unprecedented. However, baseball stoppages are not."
An attempt to answer some pressing questions - (MASN)
"Let’s try to take a rational look at the challenges MLB - and the Nationals in particular - are now facing, and attempt to answer some of the most pressing questions you probably have at the moment ..."
The moment we learned MLB is apparently telling us all to go home. Thanks to @Buster_ESPN for the heads up! pic.twitter.com/qtQyD6x0PD
— Eireann Dolan (@EireannDolan) March 13, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
How Phillies might actually benefit from season’s being delayed by coronavirus - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Bryan Price has worked most of the last 35 years in professional baseball as a player, coach, and manager. But the Phillies pitching coach doesn’t have a roadmap for this."
This Mets' offseason just gets crazier and crazier - (NY Post)
"The Mets spent Friday in limbo, waiting to find out the next steps they would take after spring training was shuttered around the league."
Old Friends roundup: How did notable ex-Marlins do in Spring Training? - (Fish Stripes)
"Checking in with former Fish prospects like Jarlin García, JT Riddle and Austin Dean who’ve gone through a change of scenery."
No Braves with coronavirus, team will remain in Florida - (AJC.com)
"MLB canceled the remainder of spring training and will delay the start of the regular season by at least two weeks. The Braves’ current plan is to stay in Florida and work out."