MLB COVID-19 Protocols Released: What Will We Notice?

This past weekend two big events happened. First, we started to hear about elements of MLB’s 67-page document outlining the proposal for the league to begin its season via The Athletic. Secondly, we also saw other sports leagues such as NASCAR and Bundesliga Soccer begin live action again. Joining the KBO and UFC as some of the first to do so amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

I did watch some of the soccer action that took place this weekend and was reminded of what an impossible task restarting sports must feel like for those leading the charge. Many of the recommendations put forth by organizations like the CDC are impossible to hold to in mid competition. Which is why I chuckled when announcers pointed out the six-foot distance being held at the coin flip between captains and the official, even though within moments those three would likely find themselves shoulder to shoulder to someone else for much of the next 90 minutes of soccer play.

As it was released to us what baseball will try to make work, my eye went to the provisions that would make the game look vastly different and the provisions that would seem difficult to keep up or implement.

**Disclaimer: At no point should any of my observations be considered as criticisms on whether or not these provisions should be put in place. Health of everyone is a serious matter. It is an observation on how baseball will look different or me wondering how exactly it will work.**

Gone is the Lineup Card Exchange

This really is a small thing in the grand scheme of the game. It really feels like more of a thing of tradition than anything at this point. As this proposal suggests doing, it could have long ago transitioned to a digital exchange. At the same time, it is still a change that will be noticed by some. It may be one of the easiest changes to implement.

I also guess this means that for 2020 the chance of this happening again goes to zero:

Social Distancing During Dead Ball Periods

Something else that is mentioned is an ask of players to retreat from one another when the ball is dead or no longer in play. Sounds like this must be trying to limit the proximity of players to each other especially when it comes to a first baseman holding a runner on the bag.

I just wonder how logistically this will work. Will it be easy to tell when the ball is live again? Maybe to me the non-player it sounds like it has more potential for confusion than it actually will, but I wonder.

A Big Loss of Camaraderie

While this is minor in the scheme of a pandemic, it seems that players will lose a lot of those throughout the season bonding moments. Locker Rooms will be spread out and maybe even split up. Not everyone will be able to be in the dugout, only active players. So no injured La Tortuga to joke with.

There was nothing in the outline that said this directly, but with all the changes to team meals it seems any dynamic of gathering around that time will be much different. Reading through what we have in front of us it seems most of the regular life, the extra lingering, “be together” moments will be discouraged.

This also will include practice groups of five or less and the potential of needing to use multiple practice facilities to accomplish that. I wonder what effect that has on the cohesion of a team throughout an 82-game season.

No Spitting, No High Fives

Maybe baseball players just have better self control than I do, but I don’t know how someone doesn’t spit after running around the bases. As I listened to some commentary on the subject of these plans while I was on a run I immediately had the urge to spit. And yes, I did. I know the KBO has this in place. Hopefully that shows us this can be done and that baseball players are able to refrain from what seems like a natural reaction once you hit the baseball diamond.

It will also just be strange to not see high fives and many other celebrations that normally occur. No more crazy sequences of hands slapping and bumping. Now my real question is, does the Twins outfield trio jumping into each other count? It isn’t technically a high five so we can keep that right?

All around, I think Rod Carew’s words in an interview with Dany Hayes does encompass how we ultimately feel about and safety protocols and baseball returning, “I’m more concerned about the players’ health and their families because that’s what’s important...If you don’t have them, you don’t have baseball. I hope they’re not just rushing into it.”

Weird and crazy times call for weird and crazy measures. That is where we find ourselves. So even if it feels strange, if this is how we keep players and others safe while letting them return to the field and in turn enjoy baseball again. Let's do it.

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