The Lockout Diaries: Week 11

[Nick Nelson]

Dear journal,

It's been 77 days since darkness fell upon the world of baseball. There is no sign of any improvement in relations between the league and union, although apparently they're getting together again this weekend for more futile negotiations. 

I'm in Mexico right now, enjoying a vacation, so I have little to say about the current state of affairs. On Saturday, Twins Daily will celebrate its 10th anniversary. I've spent the past few weeks highlighting some of our most popular articles from each year, and we're also rolling out our 2022 top prospects series. (My writeup on #7, Jhoan Duran, went live earlier this morning.)

These diversions make it easier to ignore the reality of MLB's situation, but that reality is going to hit hard within a few weeks. We're already past the normal starting point of spring training, and soon, the lack of exhibition games will become noticeable. 

Are we really going to head into April with no baseball? Are the league and owners really that self-sabotaging? Instead of trying to generate an ounce of goodwill, every new headline seems to relate to their desire to eradicate the minor leagues. 

I don't believe these negotiations are entirely one-sided. I think the owners have a valid position, and a stance they feel is fair. But I hope they realize that for people like me, the optics are absolutely awful. Everything feels like a giant middle finger to the players and fans. 

But again, I'm on vacation. So I'm choosing not to let any of it rile me up for the moment. I'll save that for when I'm back in town.

 

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[roger]

When I read your headline, Nick, the first thought that came to mind was that nothing has happened this week.  They met for a short time last Saturday, then nothing.  Good to hear that they are meeting this weekend, but unless there is some major movement on both sides and a big change in attitude, we will know by Monday whether there is any chance of opening day happening as scheduled.

Hopefully, the minor league kids will get into camp and MiLB will begin as scheduled the first week of April.  Expect the Saints will be a much different team than we expect with lots of AA guys filling in until that dozen or so players on the 40-man are allowed to play.  

Enjoy your vacation!

[Whitey333]

This work stoppage is a big slap in the face to MLB fans.  It's disgraceful given these difficult times while people are dealing with pandemic and economic hardships.  I've been a fan for 60 years but am very close to giving up on the game.  The state of the game has become a joke as rule changes and over analytics has made the game unwatchable.  Now greedy owners and players are only concerned about how best to line their collective pockets.  The fans?  Well it's time we start realizing that they don't care about them; only how they can squeeze more money out of what has turned into a large video game:. Major League Baseball.

[gman]

The fans buy the tickets or watch the televised games. So ultimately the fans own the game. Obviously the fans also don't seem to have a lot to say in the matter.

BUT, as a fan I have decided not to buy a season ticket this year. The only thing I truly can do to show my disapproval of the situation.