Everything you need to know as MLB's 2020 season restart begins = 07/01/2020
It's here. Finally. Spring training 2.0. Or make that summer camp. Or is it summer training? In any case, Major League Baseball begins its strange 2020 odyssey on Wednesday in the strangest of ways -- but appropriate for the times: testing for a virus that didn't exist a year ago. If cleared, workouts will begin on Friday in major league ballparks across the country. Here's what you need to know.
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Trying to play through a pandemic | Testing regime
On-field impact, new rules | Injuries | Prospects in play
Free agents | Teams, players affected
Trying to play through a pandemic | Testing regime
On-field impact, new rules | Injuries | Prospects in play
Free agents | Teams, players affected
Trying to play through a pandemic
What does a typical day at spring training 2.0 look like?
The actual workouts won't look that different from a February or March day in Arizona or Florida except there will be only one diamond for use. That means some staggered practices, whether that's pitchers throwing bullpens followed by batting practice or vice versa. Pitchers eventually will throw to their own hitters as the latter group tries to find its timing without playing a lot of exhibition games. When everyone is ready, there will be intrasquad games in place of those exhibition contests.
Before any of it happens, of course, players will get their temperatures checked and be tested for COVID-19 starting on their arrival day at camp and continuing every other day. Any temperature above 100.4 and they'll be sent home.
More: ESPN Daily Podcast on MLB's plan to restart season
How often will players be tested?
Every other day unless their temperature exceeds 100.4. Then they'll be tested -- no matter the day -- and sent home. They also will be required to take their own temperatures before coming to the ballpark. Anyone with a fever will be told to stay away.
How many players are sitting out so far? Do we expect more in the days to come?
So far, Ian Desmond of the Rockies and Mike Leake of the Diamondbacks, along with Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the Nationals, have all decided to opt out of the 2020 season -- without pay. Each has his own reasons, which could include a family member who is high risk or a pregnant wife. Rumors persist that there will be more players who opt out. Stay tuned.
Are there exhibition games? Intrasquad?
Teams can play up to three exhibition games at the end of summer camp. That can be against a regional opponent -- like Mets vs. Yankees -- or against the team they will face in the opening series of the season. Until then, it's all intrasquad with MLB umpires overseeing them.
Are all 30 teams at their MLB stadium or are there exceptions?
With recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Florida and Arizona, it made the decision to hold summer camp at home cities that much easier.
How will teams address fans gathering outside the ballparks?
They'll discourage it. In some cities, that will be easy. In others, not so much. Players won't come near the fans so the hope is there will be no point in congregating after a while. But it's a concern.
How will umpires get ready for the season ahead?
A team of three umpires will embed themselves at each summer camp, working live bullpen sessions and intrasquad games. For the final couple of days of training, teams will play each other, bringing together six umpires for final prep before the regular season. Additionally, three minor league umpires will embed with each taxi squad and be ready in case a regular umpire is sick or injured.
How will baseball be played differently this year?
First, there are some significant rules changes, aside from the coronavirus protocols (such as no spitting or pitchers being allowed to carry a wet rag in their back pocket to use for moisture instead of licking their fingers):
• All National League games will include the designated hitter.
• In extra innings, each team will begin with a runner on second base. The runner will be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning's leadoff hitter (or a pinch runner).
• As previously planned, all relief pitchers must face a minimum of three batters (unless the inning ends).
• Opening Day rosters will feature 30 active players culled from each team's 60-man player pool. The active roster will be trimmed to 28 players on the 15th day of the season and then to 26 players on the 29th day. There will be no limitations on the number of pitchers (as previously required in a new rule change). Teams will be permitted to carry three players from their taxi squads on road trips, one of whom must be a catcher.
• The trade deadline is Aug. 31; Sept. 15 is the postseason eligibility deadline.
• The standard injured lists will be 10 and 45 days and there will be a separate COVID-19 injured list for players who test positive, have a confirmed exposure to COVID-19 or exhibit symptoms requiring self-isolation.
• The schedule will be regionally based, with teams playing 40 games within the division and 20 interleague games against the corresponding geographical division.
As for on-field strategies, some things we might see:
• Due to the short summer camp training session, starters will likely pitch fewer innings the first two or three times through the rotation. You could see things like tandem starters -- two starters throwing three innings in the same game -- and several teams have already announced they plan to go with a six-man rotation. The Braves are a perfect example of a team that could piggyback starters, with a deep rotation that includes Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, Cole Hamels, Max Fried, Felix Hernandez, Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright and Touki Toussaint.
• In general, with the expanded rosters for the first month, expect to see more bullpen usage (although the three-batter rule will eliminate some of the churn). The short season and importance of every game means managers may rely more heavily on their best relievers as they won't have to worry as much about having to keep them fresh for six months and then the playoffs. Look to see more four- and five-out saves from closers.
• The extra roster spots at the start of the season means we could see more pinch-running/defensive-replacement types used as bench players, a class of player that has largely disappeared in the past couple of decades. The extra-inning baserunner rule in particular means having a speed player on the bench would be of value.
• The bunt may not be dead! Sacrifice bunts from non-pitchers are rare these days and now pitchers won't be batting, but the extra-inning baserunner rule could lead to some sacrifice bunting.
What does a typical day at spring training 2.0 look like?
The actual workouts won't look that different from a February or March day in Arizona or Florida except there will be only one diamond for use. That means some staggered practices, whether that's pitchers throwing bullpens followed by batting practice or vice versa. Pitchers eventually will throw to their own hitters as the latter group tries to find its timing without playing a lot of exhibition games. When everyone is ready, there will be intrasquad games in place of those exhibition contests.
Before any of it happens, of course, players will get their temperatures checked and be tested for COVID-19 starting on their arrival day at camp and continuing every other day. Any temperature above 100.4 and they'll be sent home.
More: ESPN Daily Podcast on MLB's plan to restart season
How often will players be tested?
Every other day unless their temperature exceeds 100.4. Then they'll be tested -- no matter the day -- and sent home. They also will be required to take their own temperatures before coming to the ballpark. Anyone with a fever will be told to stay away.
How many players are sitting out so far? Do we expect more in the days to come?
So far, Ian Desmond of the Rockies and Mike Leake of the Diamondbacks, along with Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the Nationals, have all decided to opt out of the 2020 season -- without pay. Each has his own reasons, which could include a family member who is high risk or a pregnant wife. Rumors persist that there will be more players who opt out. Stay tuned.
Are there exhibition games? Intrasquad?
Teams can play up to three exhibition games at the end of summer camp. That can be against a regional opponent -- like Mets vs. Yankees -- or against the team they will face in the opening series of the season. Until then, it's all intrasquad with MLB umpires overseeing them.
Are all 30 teams at their MLB stadium or are there exceptions?
With recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Florida and Arizona, it made the decision to hold summer camp at home cities that much easier.
How will teams address fans gathering outside the ballparks?
They'll discourage it. In some cities, that will be easy. In others, not so much. Players won't come near the fans so the hope is there will be no point in congregating after a while. But it's a concern.
How will umpires get ready for the season ahead?
A team of three umpires will embed themselves at each summer camp, working live bullpen sessions and intrasquad games. For the final couple of days of training, teams will play each other, bringing together six umpires for final prep before the regular season. Additionally, three minor league umpires will embed with each taxi squad and be ready in case a regular umpire is sick or injured.
How will baseball be played differently this year?
First, there are some significant rules changes, aside from the coronavirus protocols (such as no spitting or pitchers being allowed to carry a wet rag in their back pocket to use for moisture instead of licking their fingers):
• All National League games will include the designated hitter.
• In extra innings, each team will begin with a runner on second base. The runner will be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning's leadoff hitter (or a pinch runner).
• As previously planned, all relief pitchers must face a minimum of three batters (unless the inning ends).
• Opening Day rosters will feature 30 active players culled from each team's 60-man player pool. The active roster will be trimmed to 28 players on the 15th day of the season and then to 26 players on the 29th day. There will be no limitations on the number of pitchers (as previously required in a new rule change). Teams will be permitted to carry three players from their taxi squads on road trips, one of whom must be a catcher.
• The trade deadline is Aug. 31; Sept. 15 is the postseason eligibility deadline.
• The standard injured lists will be 10 and 45 days and there will be a separate COVID-19 injured list for players who test positive, have a confirmed exposure to COVID-19 or exhibit symptoms requiring self-isolation.
• The schedule will be regionally based, with teams playing 40 games within the division and 20 interleague games against the corresponding geographical division.
As for on-field strategies, some things we might see:
• Due to the short summer camp training session, starters will likely pitch fewer innings the first two or three times through the rotation. You could see things like tandem starters -- two starters throwing three innings in the same game -- and several teams have already announced they plan to go with a six-man rotation. The Braves are a perfect example of a team that could piggyback starters, with a deep rotation that includes Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, Cole Hamels, Max Fried, Felix Hernandez, Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright and Touki Toussaint.
• In general, with the expanded rosters for the first month, expect to see more bullpen usage (although the three-batter rule will eliminate some of the churn). The short season and importance of every game means managers may rely more heavily on their best relievers as they won't have to worry as much about having to keep them fresh for six months and then the playoffs. Look to see more four- and five-out saves from closers.
• The extra roster spots at the start of the season means we could see more pinch-running/defensive-replacement types used as bench players, a class of player that has largely disappeared in the past couple of decades. The extra-inning baserunner rule in particular means having a speed player on the bench would be of value.
• The bunt may not be dead! Sacrifice bunts from non-pitchers are rare these days and now pitchers won't be batting, but the extra-inning baserunner rule could lead to some sacrifice bunting.
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NFLPA has not signed off on shortened preseason/ 07/01/2020
There has been no decision on the upcoming NFL preseason as some members of the NFL Players Association are in favor of playing no preseason games ahead of the 2020 NFL season, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday evening.
Previously, the expectation has been that the NFL would cut the four-game preseason schedule to just two games, however, the NFLPA has yet to sign off and there are some within union leadership who continue to question whether it's a smart move to play any preseason games at all, Garafolo and Pelissero added.
A board of representatives call on Thursday should shed further light upon the developing situation.
With training camp set to begin in late July, it follows a spring in which NFL players were largely away from team facilities and forced to work out in different ways due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The hope was a two-game slate would give players and teams a longer ramp-up period.
Among the concerns of a two-game slate from the perspective of players is the added exposure and risk for games that hold no consequence in the standings, Pelissero reported. Another concern is that some players would have just 23 days from their report date to their first preseason games, Pelissero said.
The union's perspective, via Garafolo, is that it wants "as much time as possible to get this thing under control and understand it as much as we possibly can."
Previously, the expectation has been that the NFL would cut the four-game preseason schedule to just two games, however, the NFLPA has yet to sign off and there are some within union leadership who continue to question whether it's a smart move to play any preseason games at all, Garafolo and Pelissero added.
A board of representatives call on Thursday should shed further light upon the developing situation.
With training camp set to begin in late July, it follows a spring in which NFL players were largely away from team facilities and forced to work out in different ways due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The hope was a two-game slate would give players and teams a longer ramp-up period.
Among the concerns of a two-game slate from the perspective of players is the added exposure and risk for games that hold no consequence in the standings, Pelissero reported. Another concern is that some players would have just 23 days from their report date to their first preseason games, Pelissero said.
The union's perspective, via Garafolo, is that it wants "as much time as possible to get this thing under control and understand it as much as we possibly can."
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Philadelphia 76ers Investigating Racism Allegations On Dance Team = 07/01/2020
A former Sixers dancer is making serious allegations against the team and its players.
A former Philadelphia 76ers dance team member is making serious allegations of bullying and racism from teammates and staff during her time on the squad.
Yahne Coleman, a Los-Angeles based model who used to perform with the Sixers Dancers, revealed some disturbing details about her tenure on the team in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday. In the post, Coleman describes being, “racially profiled, bullied, and threatened” and reporting the incidents to her coach and 76ers staff, who did nothing about it.
In addition to the allegations mentioned in the caption of the post, Coleman also attached videos where you can hear a former teammate taunting her with inappropriate and racist remarks. In the footage, the woman can be heard saying, "I will teach you how to use a tampon because your dirty-ass vagina probably smells like fish."
The woman also says, "I will find you in whatever home project you live in. I will slum it to the west side of Philly just to find your ass, beat the shit out of it, and then get you blacklisted from whatever club you think you can get in.”
A former Philadelphia 76ers dance team member is making serious allegations of bullying and racism from teammates and staff during her time on the squad.
Yahne Coleman, a Los-Angeles based model who used to perform with the Sixers Dancers, revealed some disturbing details about her tenure on the team in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday. In the post, Coleman describes being, “racially profiled, bullied, and threatened” and reporting the incidents to her coach and 76ers staff, who did nothing about it.
In addition to the allegations mentioned in the caption of the post, Coleman also attached videos where you can hear a former teammate taunting her with inappropriate and racist remarks. In the footage, the woman can be heard saying, "I will teach you how to use a tampon because your dirty-ass vagina probably smells like fish."
The woman also says, "I will find you in whatever home project you live in. I will slum it to the west side of Philly just to find your ass, beat the shit out of it, and then get you blacklisted from whatever club you think you can get in.”
The team issued a statement regarding the incident shortly after Coleman shared the video. "Tonight, we were made aware of social media posts involving former dance team members that contained insensitive, offensive and unacceptable remarks, as well as allegations of bullying and racist behavior,” the team said.
"The videos, which were filmed in 2016, featured derogatory comments from a former dance team member who left the organization in 2013."
The team continued, "We take this situation very seriously. We intend to investigate this matter immediately and remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and equality."
"The videos, which were filmed in 2016, featured derogatory comments from a former dance team member who left the organization in 2013."
The team continued, "We take this situation very seriously. We intend to investigate this matter immediately and remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and equality."
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