MLB is one of the sports most loyal to its traditions, but even they are considering drastic changes due to unique circumstances this year.
The league has thrown around ideas for multiple different plans for how to carry out its season, and one idea that reportedly is gaining popularity was shared by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Tuesday.
According to Nightengale, MLB is optimistic that the season will start in June but no later than early July. They would plan to play at least 100 games, all within a division. The plan would include three divisions based solely on geography, allowing teams to play in their home parks (without fans) and reducing travel.
The possible divisions would be:
EAST
New York Yankees and Mets, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins
WEST
Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners
CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers
Players might prefer this setup compared to the proposed Arizona-type plans because this would allow them to live at their homes when not traveling, rather than be away from their families for extended periods of time, which some star players opposed.
This plan sounds good, and truthfully, at least having a season is better than nothing at all. If the league, teams, owners, and players all are satisfied with it, it works for us.
