Only a little bit ago, I wrote about the NBA’s ongoing response to the increasing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and wondered to what extent we were going to see MLB begin its own responses (indeed, it could be that MLB would start responding to the NBA’s and NHL’s responses).
Unfortunately, it is indeed coming.
MLB held a conference call today to discuss the ongoing issues, and they apparently came to some near-term conclusions, and it’s kinda gonna suck for the working media (and, by extension, could suck for the fans):
After a conference call with owners Monday evening, MLB remains committed to playing the remainder of the slate of spring-training games as well as opening the regular season on time, sources tell ESPN. That plan, like so many, is contingent on how the coronavirus spreads.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 9, 2020
Regarding the media restrictions: Players will be available in press-conference settings as well as outside the clubhouse, though during interviews they will be asked to abide by the CDC suggestion that they keep a 6-foot distance from reporters, sources told ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 9, 2020
MLB reiterates that this will be a temporary ban, saying "only players and essential personnel'' will be permitted in #MLB clubhouses beginning Tuesday.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 9, 2020
Should significant pockets of the disease appear in various locations around Major League cities, it’s pretty hard to imagine the local health authorities not suggesting some kind of alternative arrangement (postponing, moving locations, or playing without fans). Hopefully, hopefully that doesn’t happen.
As for the media restrictions, man, I sure don’t love it. Yes, the media folks travel a lot and come into contact with a lot of people, but in a world where teams are always looking for more and more ways to diminish access, you wonder to what extent this will truly be a limited-time arrangement, or whether this is a bit of an opportunity for the league. Player safety is important. No question. I’m not sure there weren’t other ways to handle this, though.
I am not wise enough to know if restricting media from clubhouses is a good preventive measure against coronavirus. I do know daily coverage of teams will be worse for it. Good relationships and stories do not often come from press conferences and mixed zones.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 9, 2020
To be sure, it doesn’t impact me, personally – no clubhouse access for BN has ever been on the table anyway – it does have the potential to impact the kinds of interviews that frequently offer the most interesting and revealing information. That could hurt the fans at a time when getting that extra engagement with players (just look at the mic’d up stuff) seems so important. Hopefully the league is seriously considering how to make sure there isn’t an issue, despite the media restrictions, and hopefully this really is a short-term thing.
And also, hopefully the questions about playing games in empty stadiums never comes to fruition.