Wire Taps: MLBPA tells MLB players will report on July 1st for Spring Training 2.0; 2020 campaign set to start July 23rd-24th

“All remaining issues have been resolved and Players are reporting to training camps.” - That is the MLBPA’s statement from last night, shortly after an announcement that the players will report to Spring Training (wherever each team is holding it) on July 1st, with Spring Training 2.0 set to start on July 3rd with the hope that a 60-game 2020 MLB campaign will get going on July 23rd or 24th. That’s it. The news we’ve been waiting for... right? Baseball is back, but it might look a bit different than we’re used to.

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season in on the horizon,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement last night.

Meanwhile, out in Colorado:

That news on the Rockies’ star outfielder (and two others, whose names don’t warrant any mention apparently) comes hours after two more Philadelphia Phillies’ players (and two staff members) tested positive for coronavirus (see link below in NL East Updates section), giving the club a total of 12 people who have now tested positive. So, like, not to be a downer on a day that a lot of baseball fans have been waiting for, but pretending COVID-19 isn’t going to have a say in whether or not the play is foolish. But by all means, celebrate.

Within a month, we might just be watching Nationals baseball... in empty stadiums, with the godforsaken designated hitter in the National League and the possibility of a runner starting out on second if games go to extra innings, but yes, baseball is back or whatever.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

2020 MLB Season:

Why the MLB season is not guaranteed to be played, even after commissioner imposes it - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Players will be happy to move swiftly to start spring training in their home ballparks. However, the health parameters could become another sticking point."

MLB players will report to camp July 1 - (Washington Times)
"After nearly three months of grueling negotiations on how to restart baseball amid the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball finally has a plan in place."

MLB reportedly plans to use minor league rule in majors, anger from traditionalists ensues - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Baseball more than any other sport LOVES its tradition. If you ever want to set a baseball traditionalist off, just give them a rule change idea. Any kind really."

Was this bitter fight worth it? - (MASN)
"Oh, and no guarantees they’ll even be able to complete this abridged 2020 season as the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the world."

Other Nats Stories:

Self scouting report: Nationals' Jackson Cluff - (MLB.com)
"The professional journey for Jackson Cluff has already had a number of ups and downs just in the year since the 23-year-old shortstop was drafted by the Nationals in the sixth round."

Former Nationals star Gerardo Parra is a hit in Japan - (WTOP)
"The seats inside the Tokyo Dome were empty, but the Giants’ dugout was full of smiles when Gerardo Parra walked to the plate."

Nationals' all-time top GMs: Camerato's take - (MLB.com)
"Rizzo was the Lerner family's first hire in 2006, when he joined the organization as the Nationals assistant general manager and embarked on his pursuit of bringing a title to the team."

Nationals agree to terms with 6 Draft picks - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals' new wave of talent has joined the organization. The team announced on Tuesday it has agreed to terms with all six of its picks from the 2020 MLB Draft."

Looking ahead: Could Kris Bryant be the Nationals' next big free agent signing? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Bryant presents the most attractive option of this group because of his projectability and the expensive yet reasonable price it would take to sign him."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Baseball’s Plan: A 60-Game Sprint With Fingers Crossed - (The New York Times)
"Nothing about the season Major League Baseball has sketched out will feel normal. But at least every team has a shot."

Mansfield's Wiseman in Nationals' minor league limbo due to coronavirus - (thesunchronicle.com)
“'It’s huge being an older guy, this was going to be a huge year for me,' said Wiseman, who is in his fifth year with the Nationals’ farm system."

Baseball Is Coming Back! Probably! - (FiveThirtyEight)
"Next, we take a broader look at how sports are handling the coronavirus now that a wide array of activities are reopening."

Marlins cut former Phillies prospect traded for Justin Bour - (That Balls Outta Here)
"This week, however, the Miami Marlins made some subtractions, rather than additions, releasing a former Phillies prospect — southpaw pitcher McKenzie Mills."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phils say 2 more players, 2 staffers test positive; 12 total - (FOX Sports)
"The Philadelphia Phillies say two more players and two additional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, spiking the number of total members in the organization who have the virus to 12."

Billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben are exploring a bid to buy the Mets: report - (New York Daily News)
"The list of potential Mets bidders continues to swell beyond Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez’ growing team, with a new set of billionaires looking to join the fray."

Examining Marlins' top execs: Frisaro's take - (MLB.com)
"Hired by the Marlins on Sept. 18, 1991, Dombrowski became the youngest GM in the Majors at 35. He wasted no time making moves."

Braves sign all draftees, six undrafted free agents - (AJC.com)
"The Braves announced Tuesday that they signed their four draftees in addition to six undrafted free agents."